20 Best Casual Restaurants in New York

Wildair is an easygoing offshoot of Contra in New York, known for its relaxed atmosphere and thoughtful selection of natural wines. It offers inviting small plates in a cozy setting, making it a favorite for casual gatherings. The straightforward menu and friendly service both appeal to anyone looking for a laid-back dining experience.

Recommended by

Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

Perfect blend of casual and refined, with a good selection of natural wines and inventive bar food.Wildair is the perfect blend of casual and refined, with a good selection of natural wines and inventive bar food that will leave your taste buds singing. Owned and operated by the team behind Contra, this charming wine bar is recommended for those seeking great food and drinks in a laid-back setting. Don’t miss the potato cake with uni and jalapeño relish - it’s seriously delicious.

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Atoboy is the first restaurant from Chef Junghyun and Ellia Park, offering innovative Korean-inspired cuisine in New York. Their approach draws on the city’s energy to create a modern dining style that feels both approachable and fresh. It’s a comfortable spot for anyone looking to experience a new take on classic flavors.

Recommended by

Mitchell Davis

Voracious Eater

Korean-inspired bistro with beautifully composed dishes.Korean-inspired bistro with beautifully composed dishes in an urban environment. Fixed price menu with many selections to choose from. Worth adding the fried chicken.

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Wu’s Wonton King in New York is known for its vibrant atmosphere and classic Cantonese flair. It’s a welcoming spot whether you’re dining solo or coming with a group, and you can bring your own drinks to make it even more relaxed. Swing by if you’re looking for a reliably fun outing with straightforward, satisfying food.

Recommended by

Colin Wood

Chef

Down in the LES, a great spot for a larger table, sharing crab, dumplings, whole suckling pig and roast duck. BYO too.Popular and very reliable spot, especially with the hospitality industry for any group or smaller occasion and level of hunger. The go-to for orphans Christmas, and lots of messy fun. Whole roast duck buns, live seafood tanks with crabs and other delights, dumplings, noodles and BBQ meats or order ahead for whole roast suckling pig to share with your BYO wine and table.A great spot for a quick solo lunch or sprawling dinner with friends. Use your napkin.

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Frenchette is a contemporary French bistro in New York that offers a constantly changing menu, creating a fresh experience on each visit. It has a relaxed yet lively atmosphere that makes it a fun spot for people-watching. The natural wine list and art-deco design add to its welcoming charm without feeling stuffy or over-the-top.

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Gaggan Anand

Chef

I really like Frenchette in TriBeCa. It's like a home for me, with Jorge Riera and his team. Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson opened the place in 2018, and it’s still great.

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Katz's Delicatessen is a longtime New York institution known for its authentic deli experience and storied past. Open since 1888, it welcomes visitors with a lively atmosphere and a genuine taste of local history. Its classic charm and role in the city’s cultural fabric make it a memorable stop for both locals and travelers.

Recommended by

Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best.For over a century, this iconic restaurant has been serving up New York City’s quintessential Jewish comfort food. Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best. Tourist trap or not, this is a pretty damn good sandwich. Other items on the menu include the corned beef sandwich, a rich matzo ball soup, and crunchy pickles.

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King is a Mediterranean-style bistro in New York with a daily-changing menu inspired by Southern France and Italy. The space is simple yet welcoming, making it a comfortable spot for a lazy lunch or a relaxed evening out. It has a friendly neighborhood feel without losing the sense of a place that’s suited for a special occasion.

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Emma Leigh Macdonald

Chef & Writer

Generous, seasonal Italian at its best.The menu changes slightly every day, and it’s always a delight to see what the King kitchen is doing with seasonal updates to classic coastal Italian dishes (always inspiring my own menus in some way). Don’t leave without having dessert.

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Crown Shy is a modern American restaurant located on the ground floor of an Art Deco tower in New York’s Financial District. It has earned a Michelin star and offers a globally inspired approach to its menus. Guests can enjoy a lively, open setting where the kitchen is visible to everyone, creating an inviting atmosphere.

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Junghyun Park

Chef

Amazing new American cuisine by James Kent, in the Financial District.At Crown Shy chef James Kent, who used to work at Eleven Madison Park, is cooking some amazing new American cuisine. It’s located on the ground floor of an art deco landmark tower in the Financial district. On the 63rd floor is restaurant Saga, also by James Kent, which is a restaurant more into fine dining.

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Llama San is a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in New York that many call one of the city’s underrated spots. People praise its bold approach to fusion and say it has big taste despite its smaller size. It’s a welcoming place if you’re looking for something fresh and different.

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Mimi Lan

Chef/ Consultant/ Foodie

This little place has big taste! Peruvian fusion dishes done well.

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Thai Diner blends Thai and American influences in a warm, laid-back setting in New York’s Lower East Side. It has a lively, welcoming vibe, with friendly bartenders and plenty of seating both indoors and out. You’ll find it respectful of Thai traditions while still offering a playful spin on familiar favorites.

Recommended by

Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

Thai and American cuisine come together in a deliciously unexpected way at Thai DinerThai and American cuisine come together in a deliciously unexpected way at Thai Diner. With a menu full of inventive and playful dishes that are still approachable, this casual eatery is a standout in the crowded New York City food scene. Don’t miss out on the heavenly egg sandwich with cheese, sai oua herbal sausage and Thai basil wrapped in roti. One of my favorite brunch items in town!

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Fulgurances in Paris stands out for its innovative approach, hosting an original chef residency program that brings in fresh talent. The team focuses on professional service and a knowledgeable wine selection, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. It offers a unique way to experience new perspectives in dining without feeling stuffy or overly formal.

Recommended by

Aaron Rosenthal

Chef, Consultant, Teacher

One of the most dynamic, and innovative restaurant concepts. The original chef residency program in the world. The Fulgurances team are able to source some serious talent in the kitchen with a wonderful professional service and wine team

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Semma in New York brings bold Southern Indian flavors inspired by home-style cooking that you don’t often find elsewhere. Chef Vijay Kumar draws on his roots in Tamil Nadu, blending carefully layered spices with top-quality ingredients. It’s a welcoming spot to explore regional dishes in a comfortable, laid-back setting.

Recommended by

Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

Michelin level Southern Indian Cuisine Stunningly precise and delicious flavors from Chef Vijay Kumar. Casual comfort food utilizing fantastic ingredients and skillful technique.

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L’Industrie Pizzeria is a bustling spot in Williamsburg known for some of the best pizza slices in New York. Their paper-thin crusts, made with natural fermentation and high-hydration techniques, keep regulars coming back. Grab a seat at the bar or enjoy the lively sidewalk patio for a relaxed, neighborhood vibe.

Recommended by

Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

This renowned pizza joint delivers a delightful blend of classic and creative pies.When it comes to pizza in New York City, L’Industrie reigns supreme. Nestled in the vibrant Williamsburg area, this renowned joint delivers a delightful blend of classic and creative pies. What sets them apart is their mastery in crafting paper-thin crusts using natural fermentation and high-hydration techniques.Don't miss out on the burrata slice. A beautiful interplay of temperatures as the cool burrata perfectly balances the tangy tomato sauce. If you're not able to score a seat at the bar, you can enjoy your slice in the bustling ambiance of the spacious sidewalk patio.

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Pastrami Queen has been around since 1956 and offers a relaxed, homey atmosphere that makes it feel like a neighborhood mainstay. They pride themselves on preparing everything from scratch daily and using quality ingredients. With a loyal following from locals and visitors alike, this spot brings a classic deli vibe to New York without feeling crowded or touristy.

Recommended by

Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

My Favorite Pastrami SandwichI love Pastrami Queen and it is not a touristy place. Hard core pastrami lovers will agree that it is excellent. They are located uptown.

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Zero Otto Nove is a neighborhood spot on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, known for its Neapolitan wood-fired pizza and housemade pasta by Chef Roberto Paciullo. It offers a laid-back setting in the heart of what many call New York’s real Little Italy. The friendly vibe makes it a comfortable place for both locals and visitors.

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Pauliina Siniauer

Journalist

The true Little Italy of New York is in the Bronx. Take a stroll down Arthur Ave, visit over 100 years old Madonia Bakery, have pizza in Zero Otto Nove, shop grocery in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market and have a beer in the Bronx Beer Hall that is located inside. Cin Cin!

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Ba Xuyên is a simple storefront in Brooklyn known for its authentic Vietnamese fare. Its laid-back setting and quick service make it a welcoming spot for a satisfying meal. Visitors appreciate the straightforward approach and consistent quality at this easygoing neighborhood favorite.

Recommended by

Maria Nilsson

Foodie, Stockholm

Bánh Mì in Sunset Park with pork meat cooked in four different ways.Bánh Mì Thịt Nguội at Ba Xuyen in Sunset Park. Pork meat cooked in four different ways, pickled carrot, cucumber and daikon, coriander and jalapeño in a perfectly carved rice flour baguette. And milk tea.

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Tian Fu Cuisine is a cozy spot tucked away in a basement under a grocery on Flushing Main Street in New York. It’s known for its bold, spicy Sichuan flavors that draw people in. The laid-back setting and authentic tastes make it a favorite among locals looking for something a little different.

Recommended by

Maria Nilsson

Foodie, Stockholm

Additive cold Sichuan noodlesAdditive cold Sichuan noodles with chili oil, black vinegar, garlic and a lot of Sichuan pepper of course. In a small Basement under a grocery on Flushing Main Street.

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Uma's is a cozy spot in Rockaway Beach, New York, featuring the rich and hearty flavors of Uzbek cuisine. It has a laid-back vibe that invites you to enjoy a casual meal. It’s worth a try if you appreciate straightforward, satisfying cooking.

Recommended by

Eric Gutierrez

F&B Broker/Foodie/NYC

Uma's serves awesome low key Russian/Uzbek food in New York. Different dumplings that are popular items here called Manti and Pelmeni. Worth a try!

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Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings – Flushing is a well-known spot in Flushing’s bustling Chinatown, offering authentic Northern Chinese flavors. It once caught the attention of Anthony Bourdain, and today continues to draw steady crowds. The relaxed setting and consistent reputation make it a go-to choice for those exploring Queens.

Recommended by

Pauliina Siniauer

Journalist

The largest Chinatown of New York City is in Flushing, Queens. Totally worth of the culinary trip. Be sure to visit New World Mall’s food court. For the dumplings, head to the Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao. Anthony Bourdain was here too, that explains the lines.

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Mama’s TOO! on the Upper West Side serves up crisp, flavorful pies that many say are among the best in the city. The relaxed setting and steady quality have made it a favorite stop for pizza lovers in New York.

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David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney

This was the best slice of pizza we've ever had (of that style of pizza, we don't want to offend any Italians!)Almost caramelized, super crunchy, lots of flavor!This one was a Hot Soppressata with honey pizza.

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Di An Di is a vibrant neighborhood spot in New York featuring contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, a fun atmosphere, and friendly service. Even during busy times, the welcoming staff helps everyone feel comfortable. It’s a relaxed place to enjoy good food in a lively setting.

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Mimi Lan

Chef/ Consultant/ Foodie

Very good Vietnamese food, fun atmosphere, and friendly service. This place was so happening for a reason. The food is very good, the atmosphere fun, and the service is friendly. We enjoyed it thoroughly even though we didn’t have a reservation so they sat us in the waiting area with some low stools while we decided to order some apps and ended up eating the whole dinner there in the cramped space. But their friendliness made it enjoyable.

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