Below are some of the fantastic restaurants I've been to and actually enjoyed while living and visiting here.
1) TOY
A restaurant in the Gansevoort, delicious food and decor!
2) Mr. Chow
Mr. Chow was one of the first restaurants I ate at after first moving to New York, actually about 3 weeks after I moved. My good friend Nanc Pants and her mom took me there. I am OBSESSED with the curry dumplings and I tell Nancy this every time we go out to eat and I remember Mr. Chow. However, keep in mind that this place is very expensive which is why I haven't been able to go back lol. Lots of celebrities and well-known people frequent the place.
3) Tao
Tao was amazing. My cousins came up for Miami and we had a nice late night dinner. We just happened to be sitting next to the President of Interscope Records I believe, and his entourage. The food was delicious. The price of the wine and Moet bottles are reasonable. The staff is extremely friendly. The atmosphere is sexy. There were so many good things about this place.
4) Summer Garden & Bar
PERFECT place to eat in the summertime! Watch how they convert the ice-skating ring into a summertime fantasy perfect for a foodie!
5) Sugarcane
Favorite restaurant in BK.
6) Peep
I've been to Peep a couple times and the food is relatively cheap, and good, my favorite combo lol. There is a cool bathroom in there where you can see everyone outside but they can't see you. For a second you think they can see you lol. Those were some cool as mirrors.
7) Negril Villiage
Located in in the city, Negril Villiage draws lots of international people. I was on a date when I went here so I didn't get to take any pics lol, but the food was nothing short of excelente!
8) Olive Garden - Times Square
I HATED the Olive Garden I went to in Boston, but the food here was good enough for me to post up. I needed to after that terrible experience! One more point for Olive Garden!
9) Rock Center Cafe
Great for dining after ice-skating!
10) Footprints
Located in Brooklyn, similar to Negril and Sugarcane, there's a Reggae atmosphere. Lots of couples, friends, having many conversations, so the talking plus the background music gives it a very entertaining environment. I always order jerk chicken and plantain at any restaurant, so I know those are good. But by the looks of what I saw, the food is great.
11) Philippe Chow
I've been here for both brunch and dinner. I remember everybody eating everybody's food when I went out with my in-laws. The food was too good.
12) Carmine's
Unforgettable steak!
13) Brasserie 8 1/2
I hated trying foods at this point in life (21st birthday) but everything I tried was good. I'm still getting acquainted with French, I didn't have the best experiences while living in France. However, I absolutely cannot forget my first Cosmopolitan here. Sex & The City cast shot a scene for one of their movies here, it was only right!
14) Miss Lily's
I'm addicted to this restaurant more than I am to the curry chicken patties at the Jamrock Restaurant in Rome. They have the best jerk chicken dinner I have ever tasted in my life. The rice and peas, the raw veggies, the chutney, I'm cringing thinking about it. Not to mention their employees, entire decor and record store next door makes it one of the coolest spots in the Soho area instantaneously. It's a fave for Kanye and Chelsea Handler too!
15) The Yard at 160
My friend worked here at the time so we got awesome discounts. I want to make sure that's not the reason I say the food was bomb lol but it honestly wasn't. The food was really fulfilling. I remember what I had, General Tso!
16) Niles
My best friend and I enjoyed a great time here. Located in the hustle & bustle area of MSG, it still manages to provide a sound and unique atmosphere.
17) Lunella's Ristorante
First time eating in Little Italy and it was everything I felt it was going to be. Very homey and comforting, the food and service.
18) Lindenwood Diner
My mom-in-law's and I favorite spot when we have the munchies after drinking lol! The 24-hour spot is clearly a favorite for everybody in Canarsie, Brooklyn!
19) Beauty & Essex
New favorite restaurant in NYC. The vibes -- I have never been to a restaurant where it turns into a party in the same space. I came here for my birthday and I can't stop talking about it. BEST.
20) Mezzogiorno
Delicious pasta and friendly staff!
21) Fish Eye Bar
Another great find in Canarsie! The vibes and food go hand in hand!
22) Max Brenner
SURREAL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND BREAKFAST! Their peppermint tea is extremely good.
23) Sammy's - City Island
Their seafood is BOMB! Well-seasoned. And this is a popular spot for seafood lovers!
24) IHOP
When do they ever go wrong (with breakfast)?
25) Benihana
The food is prepared in front of you and it's great. The food is superb. I fell in love with hibachi.
26) Buddakan
Best restaurant I've been to in NYC. I know I say this all the time but you know it's UP THERE.
27) Nobu
I've recently been delving into new foods (finally) and their sushi was worth mentioning, especially as a novice. It's had to get used to eating raw foods as raised under a Jamaican roof, but the avocado taste was too memorable lol. My friend Nicole assisted in the chopsticks management! I learned in Paris and still haven't full caught on.
28) Joe's Crab Shack
I recently became a pescetarian and it was not that hard to find an option suited for my new preference. Excellent seafood options. I personally had the salmon with a mango pico de gallo (I love mango anything). Mango is always a hit bruh.
29) New York Sports Grill
Often hopping all planes, I actually do look for something more quality than fast food in an airport sometimes, especially when I have long layovers. I recall this tasty salmon because of the unique combination with the sweet berry-like syrup. Good enough to make me go back and try a new dish.
30) The Standard Grille
The Standard Grille sets the standard. I caught up with an old friend over a pulsating ambiance. The creativity put into the decor is evident with every strip of the floor covered with pennies. Their veggie burger was delicious and very fulfilling. Their bathroom is not-one-to-forget. And their photo booth makes it convenient to relish over the memories.
31) Hotel Chantelle
I wasn't sure what to expect when I got to the front of the restaurant, it looks like a hole in the wall. But as I opened the door and ascended up to the rooftop, I was surprised. On the rooftop, you'll find a very cozy, cute dining area with kind staff awaiting. As a veg, I went for their signature salad which was great. I love a mix of fruits in my salad. My friend got one of the most interesting plates I've ever seen: chicken and waffles wrapped with cotton candy. She said it was great. Would recommend!
Brooklyn Moon Cafe is a small, in-the-cut, lively restaurant in Brooklyn with good sweet plantain. Lindy's in the city is alright. Di Fara Pizza is awesome and world-renowned for a reason. Iguana's in Queens is great for drinks and snack food, conveniently located by St. John's University to relieve post-final stress.
I've never been in a city where there are so many classy Jamaican restaurants. If you're a big fan of Jamaican food, New York City is the place to be!
I'm sure there are hundreds of restaurants in the Big Apple that I haven't been to. Quite honestly, I don't know if I'll ever get the time to to attend all of them, is that even possible? I hope you were enticed by this post to go try out a few of these snazzy restaurants. Send me recommendations everyone! I need to know of more places to go to and try out. I love food!
