The Best Bistros 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.

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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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Estela is a cozy downtown bistro from Chef Ignacio Mattos, offering small shared plates made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Since opening in 2013, it has welcomed diners for both casual meals and drinks at the bar in a relaxed setting. The blend of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and natural wines has made it a favorite spot in New York.

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Junghyun Park

Chef

Well executed and thoughtful small dishes by Ignacio Mattos and great vibe in Nolita. Estela in Nolita has been open for almost 10 years, but it’s still one of my favorites on the New York dining scene. The kitchen, led by Ignacio Mattos, is doing amazing small dishes, kind of tapas style. It's well executed, thoughtful and looks very simple, but there's so many different flavors and textures going on in the same dish. And also a really good wine list, and the vibe is great. I would always order the endive salad and also the beef tartare with sunchokes is amazing.

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The Four Horsemen is a cozy spot in New York that people praise for its friendly atmosphere and evolving, straightforward menu. Guests often mention the warm service and a wine list that offers something for every taste. Its laid-back vibe makes many visitors want to come back again and again.

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Gísli Matt

Chef

My favorite restaurant - probably ever. Always amazing vibes, beautiful dishes, laid back but great service. Can’t recommend enough.

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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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Koloman blends French flair with Viennese roots in a lively NoMad setting. Its inviting atmosphere and high-quality ingredients have earned it a warm spot on New York’s dining radar. Led by Chef Markus Glocker, this newcomer has already sparked buzz among locals and visitors alike.

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Will Guidara

Restaurateur

The French Viennese restaurant Koloman is incredible. The chef is Markus Glocker, who was the chef at Batard, and it’s in the space that was formerly the Breslin by chef April Bloomfield. It is so freaking good, there's this cheese soufflé with cheddar and mushrooms, which is one of the most indulgent and delicious foods ever. And their Schnitzel is incredible, also the roasted duck. Among the top restaurants opened lately in NYC, this is definitely one of the more special. Photo: Nick Johnson

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Ci Siamo is a modern Italian restaurant in New York featuring wood-fired cooking, housemade pastas, and a lively atmosphere. With a robust wine list and occasional views of the Empire State Building, it’s a welcoming spot that draws on Italian traditions and seasonal ingredients.

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Jordan Mackay

Food/wine writer

Wonderful wood-fired Italian Bold flavors, quality ingredients, and a kiss of smoke make this airy west-side restaurant a fantastic option for lunch and dinner. Pastas are perfectly cooked and sauced for strong impact. The wine list is also first rate. Great service, to boot.

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The Noortwyck in New York’s West Village combines a refined feel with a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Its inviting interior, friendly team, and creative menu make it easy to settle in and enjoy your meal. The extensive wine list adds to the laid-back yet elegant vibe, letting you savor each moment without any stuffiness.

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Jordan Mackay

Food/wine writer

Exceptional food at this West Village gem: a place that gives the taste and touch of fine dining without the froof and pomp. The elegance is in the excellent food, expansive wine list, and charming service but the setting and vibe allow you to relax and be yourself.

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Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi sits in Lincoln Center and highlights bold Afro-Caribbean flavors drawn from the chef’s heritage. The menu is inspired by a tapestry of cultures, creating a memorable dining experience in a relaxed setting. This spot offers a welcoming atmosphere for anyone seeking a taste of creative cooking in New York.

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Phil Rosenthal

Host, Somebody Feed Phil

Exciting new Afro/Caribbean restaurant in Lincoln Center.Chef Kwame and his team are serving what is easily the most delicious and innovative cuisine to ever hit New York’s iconic center of the performing arts: Lincoln Center. To me, this is now the best show in NYC. Dont miss it.

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Balthazar is a bustling all-day brasserie in SoHo, open seven days a week. Its welcoming atmosphere and lively vibe have made it a local favorite for years. The classic brasserie feel and steady crowd reflect its timeless appeal without being overly formal.

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Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Iconic bistro of SoHoBaltazar has been my favourite in SoHo for almost 20 years, and in the full restaurant you may think everybody else thinks the same. It is always totally fully booked, A French bistro with an American twist, it is an extremely charming place. You can also sit outside but inside is the true charm of bubbling, almost noisy discussion. Famous for its oysters and typical French casual bistro menu. A classic institution - a must in SoHo. Book well in advance.

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Rezdôra is a rustic Italian restaurant in New York that honors the flavors and traditions of Emilia Romagna. Guests often praise its welcoming atmosphere and authentic approach. Its commitment to celebrating regional cuisine makes it a favorite for those seeking a taste of Italy in the city.

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Will Guidara

Restaurateur

Some of the best pasta in NYC. Truly one of the best.Some of the best pasta in NYC - simple, but incredibly well executed and absolutely delicious. And it has service and a wine list to match. Truly one of the best.

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Lilia is a casual Italian spot in Williamsburg that draws a lively, creative crowd. Its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it inviting whether you sit inside or out on the neighborhood’s charming main street. Because it’s always busy, planning ahead for reservations or grabbing a seat at the bar is a good idea.

Recommended by

Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie

Brooklyn’s most wanted. Modern Italian gem in Williamsburg.My New Yorker foodie friend says it’s the best Italian in the whole of New York. A lot said but anyways we love it. Fantastic innovative, casual cuisine. Organic, close produced. Expect good music, young hipsters and a creative crowd. Sit inside or outside on Williamsburg’s charming ”main street”. You will fall in love - unless you are very formal. They accept reservations 30 days in advance, and the place is always full. So reserve well in advance or pop by to try the bar table.

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Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria is an all-day Italian restaurant, bakery, and market in NoHo that centers on fresh, high-quality products. They craft items in-house and stock local and imported artisan goods, creating a relaxed spot for anyone seeking straightforward, flavorful dining.

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Joshua David Stein

Writer

A casual, charming NoHo standby with inventive Italiante cuisineChef Justin Smilie helms this all-day (and into the night) Italian restaurant which emphasizes fresh ingredients imaginatively prepared with a long Umbria-heavy winelist and all-day bakery.

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Libertine is a French restaurant in New York known for its cozy atmosphere and classic, comforting fare. Its old-school approach focuses on simple, flavorful cooking that gives diners a satisfying experience. Generous portions and a welcoming vibe make it an easy choice for gathering with friends.

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Peter Atzen

Copenhagen Foodie

To me a lot of New York restaurants are about comfort. Libertine perfects comfort if you ask me. They serve classic French food in a very cool authentic vibe. In this sence its important to clarify that classic doesn’t mean boring at all. Its just means that it is old school very tasty French food with lots of proteins. Its simple delicious food that put a smile on my face. I know I could eat that chicken every day and I love that they put a sausage with mashpotatoes on the menu. I mean talk about comfort food that is pleasing to the heart. The plates are hearty and big so I recommend going in a group so you can order more dishes.

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Bar Contra in New York has a redesigned space that balances a serious feel with a warm, relaxed vibe. The cocktails stand out and pair well with the food, and a lively playlist adds to the friendly atmosphere. It’s an inviting spot for anyone looking to enjoy refreshing drinks and tasty bites.

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Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

Contra is back as the reinvented Bar Contra. The space has been redesigned to be more serious, but yet it is more casual and comfortable. The food is unsurprisingly excellent. Inventive, whimsical, creative and just damn delicious. The cocktails are the stars and pair well with the food leading to a convivial overall experience. Extra credit for the fantastic playlist created by multi-talented Chef Jeremiah Stone. The most exciting opening of 2024!

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St Jardim is a Parisian-inspired wine bar and restaurant in New York, started by someone who previously worked at The Four Horsemen. It draws a stylish crowd, plays great music, and showcases a thoughtful list of natural wines. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, making it a welcoming spot for wine lovers.

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Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

Wonderful Parisian like wine bar from a former The Four Horsemen vet. Stylish crowd. Great music and vibe. Excellent natural wine list,

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Smithereens, in New York’s East Village, showcases Chef Nick Tamburo’s background at top local spots through a menu inspired by New England seafood. The relaxed setting and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere. Wine director Nikita Jarred curates a thoughtful list that pairs nicely with the dishes, making it an inviting place to settle in for a comfortable meal.

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Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

Welcome Smithereens to the East Village my hood and the greatest food neighborhood in NY! Outstanding debut from Chef Nick Tamburo (ex Blanca | Ko | Claud) and wine director Nikita Jarred (ex Ko)). Wonderfully composed, creative dishes inspired by New England sea food executed at a very high level. You can see Chef is having fun but also using his skills obtained at some of NY’s top restaurants. The Buckwheat pancake with Blue fish is a briilant dish. The fried collar was decadent but also delicious. And the wine list is a dream come true for me, mostly white and German! The wine list pairs perfect with the food! Excellent hospitality from the warm welcoming staff. Love everything about Smithereens.

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Zaytinya by Chef José Andrés, located in The Ritz-Carlton in NoMad, brings together Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese influences through a variety of meze-style offerings. The bright, open interior creates a relaxed space for guests to explore Mediterranean flavors in the heart of New York.

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Margherita Bentivogli

Foodie

A breath of the Mediterranean taste in New York city inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Nomad, a restaurant that I really liked, the Zaytinya by chef Jose Andres: it offers innovative andare delicious Meze (small courses that precede the actual meal) inspired by Greek, Turkish and Lebanese cuisines and presented in a refined way in a spacious, bright and original interior.

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Tolo is a Chinese restaurant in New York’s Dimes Square, led by Chef Ron Yan, who has spent the past decade refining his craft in the city. It’s a stylish spot with vintage furniture and an open kitchen, creating a laid-back atmosphere for guests. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list curated by Parcelle, showcasing both natural producers and traditional selections.

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Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

A stunningly delicious Chinese restaurant with wine friendly vibrant food with an extensive, well priced wine list in a stylish room in Manhattans coolest neighborhood, Dimes Square. Add in a great playlist and Zalto glasses and boom a perfect restaurant for me!

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Cafe Kestrel is a small, welcoming restaurant in Red Hook that draws in people who really appreciate creative cooking. It fits right in with the neighborhood’s friendly vibe and has a cozy setting that makes guests feel at home. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it a popular spot for anyone exploring New York’s dining scene.

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Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

There is a reason tiny, charming Red Hook restaurant Cafe Kestrel is filled up with Chefs, restaurant industry people and serious in the know foodies - great, creative food that has a unique angle to its compositions. The restaurant itself is lovely and fits well with its Red Hook neighborhood. With the Red Hook Tavern closeby Red Hook could easily become one of NYC’s hottest food hoods. Oh and check one of my favorite record stores 360.

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Orsay is a Parisian-style brasserie in New York that offers generous, satisfying meals in an upmarket setting. The staff is welcoming to everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime regular. The lively atmosphere and classic feel make it an inviting spot for a relaxed dining experience.

Recommended by

Alisdair Aird

Guide Editor

Delicious rendering of classic upmarket Parisian brasserie, good generous food from oysters up, brisk staff friendly to newcomers and longtime habitués alike

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