New York is a city with endless food options. Seriously, endless. Every corner you turn, there are five new restaurants that look just as inviting and delicious as the next. It’s great, yes, but can also be overwhelming for visitors; the options are never ending and you’re afraid you're going to pick a not-so-good one, to end up missing out on something else instead.
“You know what’s better than food? Nothing.”
While I was in New York for a few days this summer, I found four restaurants I really enjoyed that I'll go through with you - two for brunch and two for dinner. Hopefully you’ll be enticed enough to try them on your next trip. They’re #BeautiesApproved so you don’t have to worry about making a wrong choice!
Brunch
Jack's wife Freda
Jack’s Wife Freda is an Instagram favourite among many. There’s often a line, as there was when we went, so be prepared to wait around half an hour at peak brunch times. The food is great, the staff are especially friendly, and the décor is delightful; they have pieces of art hung all around the restaurant, and you find yourself gazing onto them while eating. The menu is quite diverse, and includes many options for vegetarians. I'd recommend getting the 'Mediterranean Breakfast' as a light and fresh option. If you're looking for something a bit more filling, go for the delicious 'Madame Freda'.
PHOTO CREDIT: INSTAGRAM @JACKSWIFEFREDA
They have two locations, but the one I went to was the one on Carmine street. I’d recommend this one as it’s in Greenwich village, so you can walk around and enjoy while waiting for your table.
Link: http://jackswifefreda.com/
Simple
This adorable French-Algerian restaurant is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The atmosphere is quaint and welcoming, while the food is wonderful. They have a great brunch buffet that includes a range of eats, like croissants, French toast, quiches and much more. I personally had the croque madame, which I can recommend with a freshly squeezed orange juice, as a perfect food complement.
PHOTO CREDIT: INSTAGRAM @FACESBYGABRIELLA
Bonus: they also recently opened a “Simple Goods” shop, attached to the restaurant, where you can find beautiful French and local goods for you and your home.
Link: https://www.simplecafenyc.com/
Dinner
Boqueria
This restaurant was probably my favourite out of all the meals I had in New York. Boqueria is a Spanish tapas restaurant in Soho. We were a party of 3 and ordered 6 tapas plates, and we were more than pleased with our choices. More than that would have been too much.
PHOTO CREDIT: INSTAGRAM @FACESBYGABRIELLA
Each dish has rich flavors and was easy to share around the table. Paired with a pitcher of sangria… it couldn’t get better. I’d especially recommend two options: ‘Carne a la Plancha’, a grilled hanger steak dish, and the ‘Gambas al Ajillo’, shrimp in a delicious sauce.
Link: https://boqueriarestaurant.com/
Read : (french) Article about other amazing restaurants in New York City and Brooklyn by Léa!Etcetera Etcetera
My favourite cuisine is Italian, so I couldn’t leave New York without trying at least one Italian meal. Etcetera Etcetera is located in the center of the chaos- Hell’s Kitchen. The area of Hell’s Kitchen (around Times Square) is a local’s nightmare. It’s dirty, extremely crowded, and overly hyped. Though, on a quiet street among this mess is this special Italian restaurant. It has a very traditional atmosphere; it’s not a hipster, “Instagram-able” place, but a very classic, clean feel. The food is delicious. The Gnocchi in particular, which I find is a hard dish to pull off, is amazing. The eggplant parmesan and ravioli are also great, and the serving size of most dishes are substantial.
Link: http://etcetcnyc.com/
PHOTO CREDIT: INSTAGRAM @FORKTHROUGHNEWYORK
For however long you are in New York for, be sure to explore the culinary culture. There are plenty restaurants in every neighbourhood- it's truly a city for foodies.
Have you been to New York before? Are there any restaurant you recommend I visit on my next trip? Let me know in the comments!
