The best restaurants in SoHo do so much more than serve good food. The best restaurants in SoHo emulate the charm of the neighborhood, capture the diversity of its streets and have staff with welcoming smiles.

And if you’re only here for a few days, finding that restaurant can be quite the handful! That’s why I’ve spent my eight years living in New York City exploring this beloved neighborhood and savoring all the gems it holds. In fact, this is the exact list I send to my friends who are visiting town.

This list is oriented towards visitors who only have a few days in NYC and want to dine at one of the best restaurants in SoHo, without having to read a million posts to to find the one. There’s a variety of different options, from brunch to dinner, from American to Mediterranean. Why don’t we dive right into it!

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 (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

Best Restaurants in SoHo

#20. Omen Azen

Can I interest you in some Japanese food, my friend? If the answer is yes, beeline to Omen Azen, one the best restaurants in SoHo.

Having been in business for more than 40 years, I find it shocking how accessible the restaurant is. My wife and I often stop by on a whim with no reservation, and never have to wait long to be seated.

The place is cozy and dimly lit, making it not only one of the best date-night restaurants in SoHo, but in all of Manhattan. Furthermore, stepping inside feels like stepping into a restaurant in Kyoto!

My wife and I usually split the regular Sashimi platter, which comes with tuna, yellowtail and salmon, but on rainy days sometimes we go for the namesake dish, the Omen, which is a stew made with homemade udon noodles.

Something to note: Omen Azen ONLY accepts American Express (or American Express Apple Pay) and cash.

Address: 13 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

Omen Azen Restaurants in SoHo — Image Courtesy Omen Azen

#19. Au Cheval

You’ll find Au Cheval halfway down an unassuming alley where you wouldn’t expect to find one of the best restaurants in SoHo. The NYC location is sister to the original Au Cheval in Chicago that opened more than a decade ago.

The burger at Au Cheval has long been in the national spotlight and it only takes a single bite to understand why. Make sure to add the bacon and egg, and prepare yourself for fireworks.

The bacon is thick enough to be a meal itself, and the double patties are sandwiched between buttery buns creating a burger that practically melts in your mouth.

My wife considers this the best burger in New York City, so if I ever mess up bad enough..you know where to find me. Of course I’ll pick up something for myself too, since this is one of the best restaurants in SoHo(but don’t tell my wife). 😉

Address: 33 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013

Best Burger New York City Au Cheval
Best restaurants SoHo

#18. Flippers

Have you ever heard of Japanese-souffle style pancakes? They’re airy and spongy, and each bite is like taking a bite out of little heavenly clouds.

Flippers, one of the best restaurants in SoHo, opened in Japan in 2016 before making the jump to the U.S. in 2019. As one of the original purveyors of the Japenese souffle pancakes in NYC, they’ve grown quite a loyal fan-base.

There are both sweet and savory options, but my go-to is the caramel banana chocolate pancakes. They come with caramelized banana and chocolate ice cream, so what’s not to love?

And since the two-story restaurant is so bright and inviting, it’s become one of the premier brunch restaurants in SoHo. They don’t offer any reservations, so my suggestion is visiting early and on weekdays when possible.

Address: 337 W Broadway Unit A, New York, NY 10013

#17. Bowery Meat Company

Have you ever thought about why we use the saying, “the meat of the matter”? That’s because the meat is what matters most! In anything, the meat is the substance, the staple, the flavor.

And meat is the Bowery Meat Company’s (BMC) specialty. It comes as no surprise that this restaurant is one of the best restaurants in SoHo.

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 delicious concotion of flavors.

The burger is buttery thanks to the high quality wagyu beef that serves as its centerpiece pairs incredibly with the fluffy bun. It’s a high-quality, tender burger that’s more reminiscent of a pastry rather than run of the mill bar food.

Address: 9 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003

Best Burgers NYC Bowery Meat Company
Best restaurants in SoHo

#16. Pera SoHo

Pera SoHo is one of the best restaurants in SoHo if you want outdoor seating. The best part? It’s not limited to the summer months, in the winter it’s converted into a heated and covered terrace.

You might come here for the cute aesthetic, but the mouthwatering dishes are going to keep you coming back for more. Pera offers brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner and each meal is worth a visit.

Pera SoHo is named after a region in Istanbul, Turkey which is home to a diverse population. Thus, the culinary practices blended a variety of different Mediterranean cuisines.

My personal favorite is the chicken sashlik (Marinated sliced chicken, baby arugula, tomato, artichoke, red onion, lemon, bulghur rice and pita bread). It’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu, since this is one of the best restaurants in SoHo.

Address: 54 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

#15. Charlie Bird

Charlie Bird is one of the restaurants in SoHo and a spot I frequent with friends who are visiting. The interior is charming and we never have to wait long to be seated. Matter of fact, reservations are usually available a day or two in advance.

Although a lot of restaurants offer caccio e pepe, the one at Charlie Bird just might be my favorite. The cooks have perfected the dish, cooking it al dente and masterfully seasoned.

Plus, with a great wine list everything tastes a little bit better. Whether it’s for date night or celebrating a business success, this is one of the best restaurants in SoHo.

We’re Italian influenced, American executed and entirely New York.
Charlie Bird via their website

Address: 5 King St, New York, NY 10012

#14. Citizens of SoHo

If you’re looking for the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants in SoHo stop by Citizens. Opened in 2016, this Australian-based cafe prides itself on community and building a safe space to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

Co-founders Justin Giuffrida and Andrew Geisel bonded over their Australian upbringing while working at a cafe together prior to opening Citizens Coffee. They quickly realized how important relationships were and wanted to create a space where people would remember each others names and find comfort in familiar faces.

And they did exactly that. Whenever I swing by Citizens coffee I am always greeted by an eager staff member who goes above and beyond. Thanks to the kind staff, beautiful setting and some of the best brunch in NYC, I consider it one of the best restaurants in SoHo.

The interior is vibrant and bright, filled with green plants and fun tiled floors. Citizens coffee hit the nail on the head when it comes to a welcoming environment.

I highly recommend the Smashing Avocado (avocado toast). Served on multigrain toast, Citizens Coffee adds pickled onion, feta and a beetroot hummus creating not only a delicious meal but a memorable one.

Address: 201 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

#13. NoMo Kitchen

Located inside the NoMo Hotel is the (shocker shocker) NoMo Kitchen. The entrance is down an archway covered in live plants and strung up lights, which makes for one of the most inviting restaurants in SoHo.

The restaurant is reminscent of a greenhouse, plus a few elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. It’s the perfect rustic setting, with enough upscale touches to make it feel sophisticated and classy.

If you’re contemplating the best time to visit, might I suggest brunch — NoMo Kitchen shines brightest then. Everything I’ve tried has been amazing, especially the lemon-ricotta pancakes that I’d sell a kidney for.

But fair-warning, during the weekends brunch can get really busy, so book reservations in advance.

Address: 9 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013

NoMo Kitchen
Best restaurants SoHo — Image Courtesy NoMo Kitchen

#12. Lola Taverna

If you’re searching for one of the cutest restaurants in SoHo for your next date-night, run, don’t walk, to Lola Taverna. The outside dining is next level thanks to the copious amount of flowers and lights strung all around.

Even the food is pretty at Lola Taverna, it’s impossible not to be impressed. This is one of the best Greek restaurants in SoHo and the menu reflects it.

Order aperol spritzs along with the saganaki fondue and prepare yourself because your date will fall in love with you in… 3, 2, 1.

Address: 210 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014

#11. Veranda

Veranda just might be one of the most beautiful restaurants in SoHo. The setting is upscale, bright and inviting and there are multiple seating areas including the main dining room that boasts a retractable roof.

But the restaurant itself isn’t the only pretty thing here, chef George Mendes really knows what he’s doing. After closing Aldea, his previous restaurant (which had earned a Michelin rating), he’s continued putting out delectable Portuguese-inspired dishes.

Brunch and dinner drinks are par for the course thanks to a complete bar. And as far as food goes, everything is fair-game, but the Bitoque steak and fried egg are next-level.

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in SoHo to celebrate, whether it’s an anniversary or success in business Veranda would be at the top of my list.

Address: 23 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

Veranda best brunch NYC
Best restaurants SoHo — Image Courtesy Michelin Guide

#10. Emporio

Emporio is one of my go-to restaurants in SoHo for pizza. The kitchen uses a wood-fired oven that’s visible from the dining room and maybe it’s just placebo, but I swear it makes the place more cozy.

The margherita pizza is chef’s kiss, perfectly crispy and with a sauce that hold its own against the biggest pizzerias in the city. Emporio also makes their pasta in house, so expect a hearty, home-style meal.

The back room has an enormous skylight that sun-soaks the rustic seating area, making Emporio one of the most charming restaurants in SoHo. This is a great spot to get some Instagram pics here!

Address: 231 Mott St, New York, NY 10012

#9. Sadelle’s

Every time I visit Sadelle’s I can’t help but feel like I’m in a movie. The vintage vibe at the entrance gives way to brick walls and leather booths, and on the weekend when it’s packed it feels like the place to be.

Sometimes I visit just for a bagel and coffee at the counter. For those wondering, yes, the house salmon is worth going out of your way for. In fact, I’d argue this is one of the best restaurants in SoHo for smoked fish!

If you do have time to hangout though, you won’t regret it. This is one of the best brunch restaurants in SoHo, and thanks to Sadelle’s mastery of fish, your eggs benedict just went to a whole new level.

Plus, Sadelle’s has also gotten their french toast recipe down to a science. After the smoked fish, it’s got to be the most popular dish.

Address: 463 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012

Sadelle's Best Restaurants in SoHo — Image Courtesy The New York Times

#8. Lure Fishbar

Continuing on the run of fishy restaurants in SoHo we have Lure Fishbar. Whereas Sadelle’s is cozy and casual, Lure Fishbar is sophisticated and elegant (the interior makes you feel like you’re in a yacht).

Expect high quality seafood, including a rotating oyster selection and world-class sushi. Bring a friend and order one of the many shellfish plateauxs, so you can try a little bit of it all (and split the steep price tag).

And even if you’re not into seafood, there’s a few options on the menu you might enjoy. Consider the the burger, a salad or a steak and enjoy the company of your friends as they dine on their seafood at one of the best restaurants in SoHo.

Address: 142 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012

#7. 12 Chairs

Starting of as a small cafe more than a decade ago, 12 Chairs has become one of the most beloved restaurants in SoHo.

It’s not hard to see why either, they source ingredients from local markets and make every dish to order. No matter when you visit, your meal will be exceptional and fresh — thus keep you coming back!

12 Chairs intertwines both Middle Eastern and Eastern European flavors and has a constant rotation of specials. Currently, the SoHo restaurant is offering a Yemeni pastry called a Jachnun, which consists of dough cooked overnight, a hardboiled egg and tomatoes.

And don’t be afraid to ask the servers for recommendations. This is one of the friendliest restaurants in SoHo, and you might be surprised as to how good the food can be.

Address: 56 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

#6. Balzem

Out of all the delicious Mediterranean restaurants in SoHo, Balzem just might be the best. The wine bar is perfect for a romantic night out.

Expect a quaint but lively candlelit dinner, that can be a quick bite or an hour-long chat. I always find I have great conversations at Balzem, no matter who I’m with (I blame the wine).

It doesn’t help that the food is incredible either. I struggle deciding whether I want to wolf my meal down or savor every bite like it’s my last.

For those who have always wanted to try octopus, try it at Balzem. It may be the best in the city and is my favorite dish. And if you rather play it safe that’s okay too, there’s plenty to try since this is one of the best restaurants in SoHo.

Address: 202 Mott St, New York, NY 10012

#5. Ruby’s Cafe

If there was ever such thing as a quintessential brunch spot, it’d be Little Ruby’s Cafe. The place is one of the best restaurants in SoHo since opening in 2002 and with a continuously growing cult-following I don’t suspect it’ll be going anywhere soon.

Ruby’s serves traditional breakfast fare with Australian culinary influences attributed to it’s founders being from the land down under. Local favorites include the avo toast and the spicy sausage breakfast sandwich.

I do have to let you know though, Ruby’s doesn’t take any reservations and is served on a first come first served basis. If at all possible, come on early on a weekday to avoid the lines since this is one of the most popular restaurants in SoHo.

Address: 3 locations in New York City

Ruby's Best Brunch NYC
best restaurants in SoHo — Image Courtesy Wish You Were Here Group

#4. Jack’s Wife Freda

You might recognize Jack’s Wife Freda from Instagram. It’s one of the most photographed restaurants in SoHo thanks to the floral arrangement that that adorns the entrance. Paired with a forest green paint job and a neon sign it’s hard for folks not to snap a quick pic.

What you may not know however is that Jack’s Wife Freda also serves the best brunch in New York City. In particular the Madame Freda has a hold on me unlike any other dish.

It’s a pressed sandwich that’s served warm and soft, and cuts relatively easily with a fork. The duck prosciutto added a nice contrast to this cheesy delight. Overall it’s a beautiful meal that you will be dreaming about for days.

The staff is kind and amiable, and among the best at any of the other restaurants in SoHo. Our server made for pleasant small talk while taking our order and checking in on us.

At the end of our meal our server told us we can’t leave Jack’s Wife Freda without having Naom’s Malva Pudding, which is a small African sponge cake doused in a sweet caramel pudding with a side of whipped cream.

It was incredible. The recommendation alone vaults their service to the top of my list, and cements Jack’s Wife Freda as one of the best restaurants in SoHo .

Address: 4 locations across New York City

#3. Rubirosa Pizza

Rubirosa is one of the classic restaurants in SoHo beloved by locals and tourists alike, for good reason. They have perfected the art of marinara sauce, so much so that I’d eat it by the spoonful if it were on the menu.

Where to start with the pizza? It’s perfect by all standards. The crust is perfectly charred and thin, the sauce is on the light side and the generous globs of cheese are as chewy as they should be.

All of these factors, when executed with this level of precision, result in a pizza you won’t soon forget — a true masterpiece. It’s no surprise I consider Rubirosa one of the best restaurants in SoHo!

And the reason I think Rubirosa is the BEST pizza in New York City is simple — I am ~~satisfied~~ excited by the simplest pizza known to man.

How can a combination of crust, marinara sauce and cheese be so memorable? I’m guessing the secret is in the quality ingredients. This is one of my favorite restaurants in SoHo and I would eat here every day if I could.

Address: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

#2. Shuka

Shuka is charming and inviting, and one of the many restaurants in SoHo that seem to have a gravitational pull on people walking by.

The joint feels like a friends house, and I don’t know if it’s the kind staff or the laid back setting but I am loving every second I’m there. And let me tell you — this friend knows their way around the kitchen.

I have yet to have a meat dish at Shuka that wasn’t grilled to perfection, I never have to worry about a dry or overcooked kebab, and I’m so grateful for it.

If you come with a group of friends consider the Shuka Feast. For $57 a person (the whole table must participate) you get a plethora of shareable dishes like hummus, kebab and vegetables. It’s a meal fit for royalty and one of the best shareable meals you’ll find at any of the restaurants in SoHo.

Address: 38 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

#1. Balthazar

And here we are, we made our way down the list chatting about the best restaurants in SoHo and have reached the pinnacle. There’s no doubt in my mind Balthazar deserves the crown.

New York restaurateur Keith McNally opened Balthazar in 1997 and it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most iconic restaurants in SoHo. Specializing in French-fare, the interior is charmingly Parisian.

Not to mention, during the holiday season the restaurant is decked out in Christmas lights and garlands. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants to visit in SoHo during the winter months.

If you can’t get in for brunch, I learned a trick – visit the bakery next door! They make the BEST chocolate donuts I’ve ever had – perfectly dense and chocolatey. Oh, and the chai latte from this joint can’t be missed.

Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012