New York
20 Best Casual Restaurants in New York
Find the best casual restaurants in New York City, based on recommendations from top chefs, food writers and sommeliers.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
This guide is all you need to discover New York City's best casual restaurants, ideal for a relaxed setting accompanied by great food. From the charming streets of Manhattan to the bustling corners of Brooklyn, casual restaurants in New York offer a rich selection of cuisines, perfect for any palate. Featuring crowd favorites like Wildair, Atoboy, and Frenchette, this list aims to present you with the best casual food in New York City. Curated based on the recommendations of World of Mouth experts, including Junghyun Park, Robert Dentice, and Gaggan Anand, this article ensures that your dining choices are always a hit. Let us guide you through the must-visit spots for casual food in New York City, where a relaxed atmosphere meets unforgettable flavors.
Wildair
Wildair is a relaxed wine bar, known for its fun wines and inventive bar food, including notable dishes like the potato cake with uni and jalapeno relish. The establishment is an offshoot of Contra, offering a casual yet refined atmosphere perfect for those seeking a laid-back setting with high-quality food and drinks. With an emphasis on natural wines and creative small plates, Wildair has become a popular spot for those who appreciate simple, clever food paired with exciting wines.
Atoboy
Atoboy is a restaurant that reimagines traditional Korean family-style dining with a modern twist, serving innovative Korean-inspired cuisine crafted by Chef Junghyun Park. The menu features a variety of beautifully composed dishes that are ideal for sharing, with recommendations including the fried chicken. It's a lively spot that caters well to larger groups, offering a good selection of beers and wines alongside its creative food offerings.
Wu's Wonton King
"Wu's Wonton King" is a Cantonese cuisine restaurant known for its lively ambiance and the liberty of bringing your own bottle. The menu offers an array of dishes, from dumplings and noodles to BBQ meats and live seafood, making it a preferred spot for both large groups and solo diners. Not only does it cater to meat lovers with options like roast duck and whole suckling pig, but it also serves a variety of vegetable and tofu dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Frenchette
Frenchette is a contemporary French bistro known for its ever-evolving menu of rich dishes. The place, opened by Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson in 2018, is appreciated for its signature natural wine list curated by industry veteran, Jorge Riera, and European-inspired bistro classics. The restaurant also features an atmospheric art-deco design with separate spaces for the restaurant and bar, making it a popular spot for many.
Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's Delicatessen, a renowned NYC deli, is famed for its colossal pastrami on rye, often regarded as a city staple. This iconic establishment has been serving up quintessential Jewish comfort food for over a century, with a menu that includes a rich matzo ball soup and crunchy pickles. Despite the long wait, customers consistently recommend the Pastrami Reuben, describing it as an unforgettable sandwich experience.
King
King is a Mediterranean-style bistro that offers a daily-changing menu with a focus on seasonal, simple food inspired by Southern France and Italy. Known for its relaxed, elegant ambiance and white tablecloth service, it's a great spot for leisurely lunches. The restaurant's menu features a variety of dishes, from chargrilled onglet to salad with small delicious leaves, and their dessert offerings are not to be missed.
Crown Shy
Crown Shy is a destination for diverse cuisine inspired by global flavors, presenting a feast for all senses. The restaurant is helmed by James Kent, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, and serves remarkable new American dishes, including customer favorites like grilled quail, glazed farro, and maitake. The establishment features a trendy atmosphere, complete with an open kitchen, and is located in an art deco landmark tower in the financial district, making it a perfect spot for a fun night with friends.
Llama San
Llama San is a restaurant specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine, known for its flavorful dishes and particularly its ceviche, which is highly recommended by customers. It's a spot often underrated, yet consistently delivers on taste and quality. They are open for dinner seven days a week from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Thai Diner
Thai Diner is a casual eatery where Thai and American cuisines blend in an unexpected yet delightful manner. The restaurant offers a variety of inventive, playful, yet approachable dishes, with the egg sandwich with cheese, sai oua herbal sausage, and Thai basil wrapped in roti being a standout. While it respects Thai traditions, Thai Diner is known for its fun twists on classic Thai dishes, making it a must-visit for lunch.
Fulgurances
Fulgurances is a dynamic and innovative restaurant known for its original chef residency program, the first of its kind globally. It boasts a talented kitchen team complemented by a professional service and wine crew. The restaurant also provides a variety of magazines for its customers, ensuring an engaging dining experience.
Semma
Semma offers an authentic exploration of Southern Indian cuisine, offering dishes rarely seen outside of local homes and neighborhoods in the region. With Chef Vijay Kumar, a native of Tamil Nadu, at the helm, the menu is a showcase of precise and bold flavors, unusual ingredients, and stunningly delicious dishes. From casual comfort food to Michelin-level dishes, Semma brings the deeply personal and authentic moments of Southern Indian farm-life unapologetically to the plate.
L'Industrie Pizzeria
L'Industrie Pizzeria is a bustling spot in Williamsburg, known for serving some of the best pizza slices in NYC. The pizzeria stands out for its blend of classic and creative pies, with a special mention for its mastery in crafting paper-thin crusts using natural fermentation and high-hydration techniques. Don't miss out on their signature burrata slice, a delightful balance of cool burrata and tangy tomato sauce, which can be enjoyed at the bar or on their spacious sidewalk patio.
Pastrami Queen
Pastrami Queen is a low-key venue known for its top-notch pastrami sandwich. It's a favorite among die-hard pastrami enthusiasts, who appreciate its non-touristy vibe and the tender, juicy meat piled high on rye bread. The restaurant, which has been serving kosher food since 1956, prides itself on preparing meals from scratch every day using only the finest quality ingredients and kosher meats.
Zero Otto Nove
Zero Otto Nove is a restaurant specializing in Neapolitan wood-fired-oven pizza and housemade pasta, masterfully prepared by Chef Roberto Paciullo. The menu features a variety of dishes, from the classic Margherita pizza to unique creations such as “La Riccardo”, made with butternut squash puree, smoked mozzarella, spicy pancetta, and basil. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of pasta dishes, including the casserole-like pasta al forno, and the tenderized veal scaloppini with grilled zucchini ribbons and fontina.
Ba Xuyên
Ba Xuyên is a straightforward Brooklyn storefront specializing in Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. The restaurant is particularly known for its Bánh Mì Thịt Nguội, which features pork meat cooked in four different ways, accompanied by pickled carrot, cucumber, daikon, coriander, and jalapeño in a perfectly carved rice flour baguette. In addition to their savory sandwiches, Ba Xuyên offers a refreshing milk tea to complement your meal.
Tian Fu Cuisine
Tian Fu Cuisine is a go-to spot for cold Sichuan noodles. The noodles are generously garnished with chili oil, black vinegar, garlic, and a rich amount of Sichuan pepper. Nestled in a cozy basement beneath a grocery store, this restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Uma's
"Uma's" is a notable spot for those seeking the robust and hearty flavors of Uzbek cuisine. The restaurant's menu boasts popular items like Manti and Pelmeni, traditional dumplings that are a must-try for all food enthusiasts. Despite its low-key atmosphere, Uma's consistently delivers on taste and quality, making it a worthwhile destination for lovers of Russian and Uzbek dishes.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is a popular destination for Northern Chinese cuisine, particularly known for its dumplings. This Flushing-based restaurant has been recognized by Michelin for its Shanghainese food for nine consecutive years, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local Chinese immigrant seeking a taste of home or a Western diner eager to try recommended dishes, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao offers an authentic culinary experience.
Mama's TOO!
"Mama's TOO!" is renowned for its top-notch pizza pies, often considered among the best in New York. Customers highly recommend the Hot Soppressata with honey pizza, noting its almost caramelized, super crunchy texture, and abundant flavor. Visit "Mama's TOO!" for an unforgettable pizza experience, where each slice is crafted to perfection.
Di An Di
Di An Di is a lively neighborhood restaurant that specializes in contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. The food, atmosphere, and service are highly recommended by guests, who particularly enjoy the friendly service and the fun environment. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, with options to cater to various dietary requirements, ensuring a welcoming dining experience for everyone.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
New York
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
This guide is all you need to discover New York City's best casual restaurants, ideal for a relaxed setting accompanied by great food. From the charming streets of Manhattan to the bustling corners of Brooklyn, casual restaurants in New York offer a rich selection of cuisines, perfect for any palate. Featuring crowd favorites like Wildair, Atoboy, and Frenchette, this list aims to present you with the best casual food in New York City. Curated based on the recommendations of World of Mouth experts, including Junghyun Park, Robert Dentice, and Gaggan Anand, this article ensures that your dining choices are always a hit. Let us guide you through the must-visit spots for casual food in New York City, where a relaxed atmosphere meets unforgettable flavors.
Wildair
Wildair is a relaxed wine bar, known for its fun wines and inventive bar food, including notable dishes like the potato cake with uni and jalapeno relish. The establishment is an offshoot of Contra, offering a casual yet refined atmosphere perfect for those seeking a laid-back setting with high-quality food and drinks. With an emphasis on natural wines and creative small plates, Wildair has become a popular spot for those who appreciate simple, clever food paired with exciting wines.
Atoboy
Atoboy is a restaurant that reimagines traditional Korean family-style dining with a modern twist, serving innovative Korean-inspired cuisine crafted by Chef Junghyun Park. The menu features a variety of beautifully composed dishes that are ideal for sharing, with recommendations including the fried chicken. It's a lively spot that caters well to larger groups, offering a good selection of beers and wines alongside its creative food offerings.
Wu's Wonton King
"Wu's Wonton King" is a Cantonese cuisine restaurant known for its lively ambiance and the liberty of bringing your own bottle. The menu offers an array of dishes, from dumplings and noodles to BBQ meats and live seafood, making it a preferred spot for both large groups and solo diners. Not only does it cater to meat lovers with options like roast duck and whole suckling pig, but it also serves a variety of vegetable and tofu dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Frenchette
Frenchette is a contemporary French bistro known for its ever-evolving menu of rich dishes. The place, opened by Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson in 2018, is appreciated for its signature natural wine list curated by industry veteran, Jorge Riera, and European-inspired bistro classics. The restaurant also features an atmospheric art-deco design with separate spaces for the restaurant and bar, making it a popular spot for many.
Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's Delicatessen, a renowned NYC deli, is famed for its colossal pastrami on rye, often regarded as a city staple. This iconic establishment has been serving up quintessential Jewish comfort food for over a century, with a menu that includes a rich matzo ball soup and crunchy pickles. Despite the long wait, customers consistently recommend the Pastrami Reuben, describing it as an unforgettable sandwich experience.
King
King is a Mediterranean-style bistro that offers a daily-changing menu with a focus on seasonal, simple food inspired by Southern France and Italy. Known for its relaxed, elegant ambiance and white tablecloth service, it's a great spot for leisurely lunches. The restaurant's menu features a variety of dishes, from chargrilled onglet to salad with small delicious leaves, and their dessert offerings are not to be missed.
Crown Shy
Crown Shy is a destination for diverse cuisine inspired by global flavors, presenting a feast for all senses. The restaurant is helmed by James Kent, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, and serves remarkable new American dishes, including customer favorites like grilled quail, glazed farro, and maitake. The establishment features a trendy atmosphere, complete with an open kitchen, and is located in an art deco landmark tower in the financial district, making it a perfect spot for a fun night with friends.
Llama San
Llama San is a restaurant specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine, known for its flavorful dishes and particularly its ceviche, which is highly recommended by customers. It's a spot often underrated, yet consistently delivers on taste and quality. They are open for dinner seven days a week from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Thai Diner
Thai Diner is a casual eatery where Thai and American cuisines blend in an unexpected yet delightful manner. The restaurant offers a variety of inventive, playful, yet approachable dishes, with the egg sandwich with cheese, sai oua herbal sausage, and Thai basil wrapped in roti being a standout. While it respects Thai traditions, Thai Diner is known for its fun twists on classic Thai dishes, making it a must-visit for lunch.
Fulgurances
Fulgurances is a dynamic and innovative restaurant known for its original chef residency program, the first of its kind globally. It boasts a talented kitchen team complemented by a professional service and wine crew. The restaurant also provides a variety of magazines for its customers, ensuring an engaging dining experience.
Semma
Semma offers an authentic exploration of Southern Indian cuisine, offering dishes rarely seen outside of local homes and neighborhoods in the region. With Chef Vijay Kumar, a native of Tamil Nadu, at the helm, the menu is a showcase of precise and bold flavors, unusual ingredients, and stunningly delicious dishes. From casual comfort food to Michelin-level dishes, Semma brings the deeply personal and authentic moments of Southern Indian farm-life unapologetically to the plate.
L'Industrie Pizzeria
L'Industrie Pizzeria is a bustling spot in Williamsburg, known for serving some of the best pizza slices in NYC. The pizzeria stands out for its blend of classic and creative pies, with a special mention for its mastery in crafting paper-thin crusts using natural fermentation and high-hydration techniques. Don't miss out on their signature burrata slice, a delightful balance of cool burrata and tangy tomato sauce, which can be enjoyed at the bar or on their spacious sidewalk patio.
Pastrami Queen
Pastrami Queen is a low-key venue known for its top-notch pastrami sandwich. It's a favorite among die-hard pastrami enthusiasts, who appreciate its non-touristy vibe and the tender, juicy meat piled high on rye bread. The restaurant, which has been serving kosher food since 1956, prides itself on preparing meals from scratch every day using only the finest quality ingredients and kosher meats.
Zero Otto Nove
Zero Otto Nove is a restaurant specializing in Neapolitan wood-fired-oven pizza and housemade pasta, masterfully prepared by Chef Roberto Paciullo. The menu features a variety of dishes, from the classic Margherita pizza to unique creations such as “La Riccardo”, made with butternut squash puree, smoked mozzarella, spicy pancetta, and basil. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of pasta dishes, including the casserole-like pasta al forno, and the tenderized veal scaloppini with grilled zucchini ribbons and fontina.
Ba Xuyên
Ba Xuyên is a straightforward Brooklyn storefront specializing in Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. The restaurant is particularly known for its Bánh Mì Thịt Nguội, which features pork meat cooked in four different ways, accompanied by pickled carrot, cucumber, daikon, coriander, and jalapeño in a perfectly carved rice flour baguette. In addition to their savory sandwiches, Ba Xuyên offers a refreshing milk tea to complement your meal.
Tian Fu Cuisine
Tian Fu Cuisine is a go-to spot for cold Sichuan noodles. The noodles are generously garnished with chili oil, black vinegar, garlic, and a rich amount of Sichuan pepper. Nestled in a cozy basement beneath a grocery store, this restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Uma's
"Uma's" is a notable spot for those seeking the robust and hearty flavors of Uzbek cuisine. The restaurant's menu boasts popular items like Manti and Pelmeni, traditional dumplings that are a must-try for all food enthusiasts. Despite its low-key atmosphere, Uma's consistently delivers on taste and quality, making it a worthwhile destination for lovers of Russian and Uzbek dishes.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is a popular destination for Northern Chinese cuisine, particularly known for its dumplings. This Flushing-based restaurant has been recognized by Michelin for its Shanghainese food for nine consecutive years, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local Chinese immigrant seeking a taste of home or a Western diner eager to try recommended dishes, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao offers an authentic culinary experience.
Mama's TOO!
"Mama's TOO!" is renowned for its top-notch pizza pies, often considered among the best in New York. Customers highly recommend the Hot Soppressata with honey pizza, noting its almost caramelized, super crunchy texture, and abundant flavor. Visit "Mama's TOO!" for an unforgettable pizza experience, where each slice is crafted to perfection.
Di An Di
Di An Di is a lively neighborhood restaurant that specializes in contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. The food, atmosphere, and service are highly recommended by guests, who particularly enjoy the friendly service and the fun environment. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, with options to cater to various dietary requirements, ensuring a welcoming dining experience for everyone.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
New York
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over
2,200
destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
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