This list of best East Village restaurants in New York City was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official NYC partner of Apple Maps). Glad you’re here!
If you consider yourself a foodie, the restaurants in the East Village are non-negotiable. The area serves as a safe haven for a dizzying display of global cuisines that spans the gamut. The biggest challenge? Weeding through the long list of restaurants. With that said, let’s cover the best restaurants in the East Village.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Restaurants in the East Village
Table of Contents: Where to Eat in the East Village
Table of Contents: Best Spots to Eat in the East Village
Sao Mai
Website: Sao Mai
Location: 203 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
You can’t list the best restaurants in the East Village without mentioning Sao Mai, a small Vietnamese restaurant that punches well above its weight (and price tag).
I’m not Vietnamese so I can’t speak on its authenticity but I will say it scratches the itch when a craving of pho arises (and it does for me often). My go-to order is the Phở Sao Mai because it comes with all the meat options of beef brisket, beef meatball, tripe and beef round.
Thursday Kitchen
Website: Thursday Kitchen
Location: 424 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
At Thursday Kitchen, which serves fusion Korean tapas, the menu is continuously changing, but one thing is for sure: you’re always going to be in for a treat. The combinations of flavors are intricate, unique and can’t be replicated. Stand outs are the truffle mac & cheese along with the truffle edamame dumplings.
This East Village restaurant will have you wanting to order everything off the menu. I recommend coming with friends since the plates are great for sharing and you can try a variety of the dishes. When it comes to cocktails, Thursday Kitchen is hard to beat. Tasty cocktails are presented in bags that resemble an adult version of Capri-Sun. Did I mention the pouches light up?
Something to note, Thursday Kitchen doesn’t take reservations. As one of the best restaurants the East Village has to offer, lines are to be expected but I promise it is well worth the wait. Try to arrive as soon as doors open!
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Website: Momofuku Noodle Bar
Location: 171 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
A true powerhouse in the culinary world Momofuku has variety of different restaurants under its umbrella. If you’re looking for one of the best ramen restaurants in the East Village, Momofuku Noodle Bar has you covered.
The open kitchen design gives the restaurant a living room feel, making it easy to stay for a few rounds of drinks. Plus the ramen will make it hard to want to leave, especially on a chilly day. Although Momofuku’s ramen is among the best in the city, the pork buns are the must-try item when you visit.
Bar Primi
Website: Bar Primi
Location: 325 Bowery, New York, NY 10003
I’m convinced if “pasta” was a language I’d be highly fluent in it. They say carbs are a girls best friend and I can attest to the validity of that statement thanks to Bar Primi.
The corner pasta shop has been around since 2014, exuding a charming rustic-Italian vibe. Inside, it welcomes you with ample light and a cozy ambiance, providing plenty of seating. However, it’s the delicious food that ensures you become a repeat customer.
This East Village restaurant uses fresh pasta made the traditional way and serves all the Italian classics. It’s hard not to fill up on starters with options like ricotta crostini’s and Brussel spouts with pepperoni and cheese. That may sound strange, but trust me and give it a shot. Any of the main dishes will blow your mind, but if you need help narrowing down what to order, my go-to is the penne bolognese with ricotta.
Cafe Mogador
Website: Cafe Mogador
Location: 101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Established in 1983, Cafe Mogador has grown to be a mainstay in the NYC culinary scene, luring residents in with its charming appearance and ensuring they’ll leave with hot dishes of delectable Moroccan cuisine.
It’s widely recognized as one of the best restaurants in the East Village thanks to its brunch (weekends until 4PM). You’ll find an array of breakfast classics like eggs Benedict and Middle Eastern staples like malawach (Yemeni flatbread, egg, grated tomato, Yemeni hotsauce, & labne).
Or you can visit in the evenings, which is my favorite, for casual appetizers and drinks. Mezzes are under $10 and the falafel and tahini are worth the trek alone – as a matter of fact I’m putting on my shoes now.
Hearth
Website: Hearth
Location: 403 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009
Warm and homey, Chef Marco Canora curates a market driven menu that ensures optimal freshness and high quality meats. Just try the beef and ricotta meatballs and you’ll understand why Hearth is considered a favorite neighborhood hangout.
If I wasn’t already married Hearth would make for one of the best restaurants in the East Village for a first date. Luckily, my husband and I both adore it so we’re able to pop in on a more casual basis.
Hanoi House
Website: Hanoi House
Location: 119 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Hanoi House is a Vietnamese restaurant that has perfected a hot bowl of pho. The pho is served with bone marrow — and if you’ve never had pho with bone marrow, you’re missing out. Owner Sara Leveen spent months in Vietnam immersed in the culture to perfect recipes and bring them back to NYC. And the proof is in the pudding pho at this East Village restaurant.
Admittedly, Hanoi House is more on the spendy side, but the quality is top-tier and worth the stop. I recommend making reservations in advance to avoid any long wait times.
Noreetuh
Website: Noreetuh
Location: 128 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
Admittedly, it’s hard to compare New York City to the relaxing island life, but that doesn’t stop the folks are Noreetuh from trying. Focusing on Hawaiian dishes, Noreetuh is great for poke, musubi and drinks, specifically wine.
On top of the (already) impressive menu you’ll also find an award-winning selection of wine. That’s right, not only is Noreetuh one of the best restaurants in the East Village it’s one of the best neighborhood spots for a drink. The restaurant has won “Awards of Excellence” from Wine Spectator five years in a row!
Málà Project
Website: Málà Project
Location: 122 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
When it comes to dry pot, Málà Project is arguably the best restaurant in the East Village. For those who don’t know what dry pot is, allow me to fill you in. The dish is similar to hot pot, which is a broth based dish served in a big metal pot where you cook your ingredients by simmering them in the broth.
Dry pot is essentially the same thing, only minus the broth. The traditional Chinese dish can be made up numerous ways but you’ll typically find a variation of meats, veggies and spices. The biggest difference between dry pot and hot pot is that dry pot is served with ingredients already cooked and ready to go, whereas hot pot you’re left to your own devices for cook times.
Málà Project is a great East Village restaurant for groups looking to enjoy a delicious dinner. The interior is clean, modern and inviting and the dishes are memorable. Standouts are the dan dan noodles and spicy dry pot!
Electric Burrito
Website: Electric Burrito
Location: 81 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
Growing up on the West Coast, California-style burritos were not a want but a need. Moving to New York City I quickly discovered there was a lack of options and my cravings were left unsatisfied. That was until a friend of mine recommended I tried Electric Burrito.
What makes a California-style burrito so different from the classic is that beans and rice are left out and instead replaced with fries and are typically bigger than your mouth can even open.
Packed with flavor and all the fillings you can think of, Electric Burrito was exactly what the doctor ordered! The burrito is the size of your head (which makes it perfecting for sharing) and the house-made sauce is non-negotiable.
Raku
Website: Raku
Location: 342 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003
Popular for serving authentic udon, Raku continues to be a neighborhood staple and one of the best restaurants in the East Village for a hearty bowl of udon. The broth is packed with flavor and the noodles are thick and chewy. If this is your first time visiting you have to order the Nike Udon with a poached egg, so good!
The recognition and hype behind this Japanese restaurant is well deserved and the inevitable long lines are further proof that Raku is one of the best East Village restaurants.
Locals Tip: Since Raku is a small restaurant getting a table can be tricky. Show up right at opening or try joining the Yelp waitlist for a table.
Taverna Kyclades
Website:Taverna Kyclades
Location: 228 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
A longtime staple in Queens, the popular Greek restaurant opened a second restaurant in the East Village, to much fanfare from locals. Folks are drawn in by fresh fish dishes, crab-stuffed clams and hearty octopus appetizers served in a casual and relaxed setting. What’s not to love?
Little Ruby’s Cafe
Website: Little Ruby’s Cafe
Location: 198 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003
One of the East Village’s most charming restaurants undoubtedly is Little Ruby’s Cafe. Established in 2002, this New York City staple combines traditional breakfast offerings with an Australian touch, courtesy of its Australian owners. Standout menu items include the beloved avo toast and the flavorful spicy sausage breakfast sandwich
Take note: Ruby’s is first-come, first served only. Reservations are not accepted, visit during weekdays to avoid long lines.
Bowery Meat Company
Website: Bowery Meat Company
Location: 9 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003
Ever wondered about the origin of the expression “the meat of the matter”? It’s because, in many cases, the meat is what truly matters, and Bowery Meat Company (BMC) exemplifies this perfectly.
Specializing in all things meat, BMC has not only made a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in the East Village, but has also managed to set the bar high when it comes to meat quality standards. The dimly lit restaurant sets the vibe for an ideal romantic date night. And the food and service that follow are going to be the talk of the night.
I can confidentially say that the hype revolving around this East Village restaurant is valid and ordering the burger is non-negotiable. The BMC American wagyu burger comes topped with aged Vermont cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and tomato aioli that all melt into each other creating a delectable sauce.
Supper
Website: Supper
Location: 156 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10009
Anyone in the mood for a cozy Italian dinner should head straight to Supper. Largely thanks to the simple menu focusing on traditional dishes. The brainchild of Frank Prisinzano, the same owner of Lil Frankie’s (an iconic NYC pizza joint in the Lower East Side), Supper is perfect for pasta enthusiasts.
Something to note: Like every other Frank Prisinzano establishment, this East Village restaurant is no different and is cash only!
Soothr
Website: Soothr
Location: 204 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003
First things first, it’s pronounced “sood” which loosely translates to “recipe” in Thai.
Soothr is a Thai-noodle restaurant that probably needs no introduction. Having been featured on the Michelin Guide, this East Village restaurant offers a modern twist on Thai cuisine that’s hard to ignore.
The homey vibe is meant to remind guests of the busy streets of Bangkok. The tempting menu offers top-notch appetizers alongside tantalizing main courses, order whatever piques your curiosity as long as you don’t skip out on the noodles. I’m partial to the duck and dry crab noodles.
John’s of 12th St.
Website: John’s of 12th St.
Location: 302 E 12th St New York, NY 10003
John’s of 12th St. is a classic Italian restaurant that’s been serving the East Village since 1908. Something that set’s John’s apart is the fact that they offer a separate vegan menu full of old-school Italian recipes.
The food is authentic and stepping foot into John’s feels like stepping foot onto a movie set. If at all helpful, I suggest ordering the veal meatballs and chicken parm (with a side of garlic bread, of course!). John’s is one of those NYC establishments where over the years nothing’s changed and you can expect good old fashioned Italian meals that always hit the spot.
For any history buffs out there, John’s of 12th St. has a ton of mafia history. Visiting this East Village restaurant is one of the more fascinating things to do in the neighborhood because of the stories you hear. Oh did I mention the Sopranos filmed here?
Ferns
Website: Ferns NYC
Location: 166 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009
Ferns is a rustic oasis serving as one of the best brunch restaurants in the East Village. The wood paneled ceilings and brick walls are adorned with string lights and plants, giving the spot a warm, and cozy feeling.
Once inside it’s hard not to feel like you’re in somebody’s living room and the staff is some of the friendliest you’ll find when enjoying this charming East Village restaurant. The menu at Ferns is tantalizing to say the least, you’re going to want to order everything. If you need a suggestion, I say you can’t leave without ordering the fried chicken biscuit (the hot honey + ranch combo is heavenly).
Best East Village Restaurants (Post Summary)
- Soothr
- Ferns
- John’s of 12th St.
- Supper
- Ukranian East Village Restaurant
- Bowery Meat Company
- Ruby’s
- Taverna Kyclades
- Westville East
- Raku
- Electric Burrito
- Mala Project
- Noreetuh
- Hanoi House
- Hearth
- Cafe Mogador
- Bar Primi
- Momofuku Noodle Bar
- Thursday Kitchen
- Sao Mai
Further Reading for the East Village
Things to Do in the East Village: 15 Iconic East Village Activities (Local’s Bucket List)
Happy Hours in the East Village: 12 Epic Happy Hours in the East Village (You Can’t Help But Love)
East Village Bakeries: 10 Top-Notch Bakeries in the East Village
Best Bars in the East Village: 15 Exciting Bars in the East Village (You Won’t Soon Forget)
Iconic Spots in NYC Everyone Needs to Try
Best Pizza in NYC: 15 Best Pizza Joints in New York City
Iconic Restaurants in NYC: 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
Mouthwatering Bagels in NYC: 15 BEST Bagels in New York City
Unbelievable Brunch Spots in NYC: 18 Prime Brunch Spots in New York City Worth the (Inevitable) Wait
Map of the Best Restaurants in the East Village
And there it is, the best restaurants in the East Village according to yours truly. I hope you enjoyed the post. Let me know if you think I missed a spot.
Cheers!
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