Make no mistake, there’s no shortage of great places to eat in Greenwich Village. In fact, the best restaurants in Greenwich Village often rank as the best in NYC overall.

Greenwich Village is arguably the most charming neighborhood in the Big Apple, which is why locals and tourists alike gravitate to this zip code. Aimlessly wandering the winding streets and popping into the quaint restaurants is at the top of many visitor’s lists.

Between the cobblestone streets, old brick townhouses, ivy covered buildings and the most endearing corner cafes and restaurants you’ll ever see, you can’t help but feel like you’re in a movie set. Allow me to keep your hunger at bay by sharing my personal list of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village.

Best Restaurants Greenwich Village

Minetta Tavern

Dating back to 1937, Minetta Tavern has served the likes of many famous names — Ernest Hemingway and E.E. Cummings, to name a few. But we all know that history alone doesn’t qualify it as one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village. Far from it, we all know that resting on laurels is the beginning of the end.

But Minetta Tavern adapts with the times. The restaurant was acquired in 2009 by the mastermind behind Balthazar, Keith McNally. Incapable of accepting anything but excellence, he took traditional American dishes churned out of the kitchen to the next level.

The star of the show is the heart-stopping Minetta burger, often considered one of the best burgers in New York City.

As for ambience, Minetta Tavern is one of those places in New York that feels as old-school and charming as it gets. Leather booths, cozy wood panels and waiters in waistcoats that roll up their sleeves while serving some of the best grub in NYC.

You’ll need to make reservations, as walk-ins are very limited. Once booked, finding this beloved Greenwich Village restaurant shouldn’t be too hard. Just look for the iconic neon sign. If you’re bold enough to put a flashy neon sign in front of your spot, you better be damn good. Luckily for us, Minetta Tavern lives up to the hype.

Address: 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Buvette

Stepping into Buvette feels like stepping foot into an authentic Parisian cafe. Which is precisely why this is one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village for Francophiles.

The interior of the restaurant is as cozy as can be and the food is equally delicious. The escargot is worth a shout-out and seasonal menu items are guaranteed to delight.

Swing by for a quick bite or if you need to rest your legs. Make sure to linger over a warm coffee drink or glass of wine — it makes people watching all the better.

But bear in mind that many folks consider Buvette one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village, so reservations are hard to get and the wait time is notoriously long. Show up at an odd hour or prepare to wait. But trust me, after your meal you’ll see why this West Village restaurant is so popular.

Address: 42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

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Tartine

My introduction to Tartine occurred innocently enough. I was grabbing drinks in the neighborhood and noticed the striped awning (I’m a sucker for striped awnings) and happy diners chatting away.

Intrigued, I decided to pop in. I wish I could tell you the story had a happy ending but it didn’t — the wait was over an hour long so I made a note to return another day.

I’m not one for breaking promises, so I came back the next day 10 minutes before opening. I’ll be damned if someone eats a steak in front of me at this charming restaurant in Greenwich Village while I walk by again!

My wife and I were seated in the lovely sun-soaked corner seat by a kind team member and perused the menu. We quickly noticed that this Greenwich Village restaurant had a “bring your own bottle” policy, so I quickly ran to a corner wine shop and picked up a bottle while my wife placed our order.

We landed on the escargot, mussels, burger and steak (hey, we were making up for the meal we missed at this restaurant yesterday!). Besides, we wanted to try a little bit of everything to see what all the fuss is about.

Well, my friends, I was not prepared for the flavor trip I was about to embark on. I had no idea this corner bistro is considered one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village! Between the ambiance, inviting staff and delicious fare, it’s not wonder this place boasts such long lines!

Heck, I’m slightly reluctant to mention Tartine on this list because I want to keep it to myself, but I’d be doing you a disservice. My wife and I have made a meal here our Friday tradition.

Address: 253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014

best restaurants west village
Tartine NYC

Little Owl

For over 15 years Little Owl has been providing locals with a friendly neighborhood dining experiences. A great setting for celebrations and anniversaries, this is one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village when you want to be properly wined and dined.

Indeed, this popular Greenwich Village restaurant achieves something most restaurants strive for: it offers an air of sophistication yet manages to feel inviting.

Chef Joey Campanaro excels at adding a home-style taste to traditional dishes, a skill he learned from his grandmother. The lamb shank is among the best you’ll find in the city.

At times, fish from the chef’s personal fishing trips make an appearance on the menu, and passing that up is nothing short of a crime. It’s clear that Campanaro’s dedication to his craft helps make Little Owl one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village.

Address: 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014

P.S. Does this building may look familiar to some of you? The exterior of the building was used as the apartment on the iconic tv show Friends. It’s no Central Perk, but Little Owl does serve some of the best Mediterranean food in New York City.

Best Restaurant Greenwich Village
Little Owl

Petite Boucherie

Petite Boucherie is yet another French restaurant in Greenwich Village, similar to Buvette. But while Buvette is great for casual occasions, Petite Boucherie makes you feel like a million bucks.

Tucked away on the cutest corner of Gay and Christopher Streets, this cozy Greenwich Village restaurant is my go-to spot when I’m trying to impress out-of-town guests.

The food is top notch and the romantic ambiance is worth getting dressed up for. You’ll feel like you were teleported to Paris! So whenever you’re feeling a hankering for a touch of Paris, make reservations for Petite Boucherie and enjoy a glass at one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village.

Address: 14 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

Best Restaurants Greenwich Village
Petite Boucherie

Via Carota

Via Carota is the brainchild of the two chefs behind Buvette and I Sodi, respectively — Jody Williams and Rita Sodi. When this restaurant opened in 2014 it was deemed an instant success — quickly rising to the top of any proper “best restaurants in Greenwich Village” list.

The restaurant is unapologetically Italian, and the authentic menu boasts traditional Italian dishes prepared to perfection. Aside from the pasta, I’d argue that the Polipo (grilled octopus) is a must-order whenever offered on the menu.

Like many other New Yorkers, I often get asked about the restaurants first time visitors can’t afford to miss. Well, I’m spilling the beans because Via Carota is on my short list of restaurants I recommend to my own family and friends.

And based on the impossible reservations, I know for a fact I am not the only one who considers this one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village. A walk in is your best shot at being seated, however expect a very long wait.

In the way that a writer can be deemed a “writer’s writer,” you might say that Via Carota is a restaurant person’s restaurant.
Hannah Goldfield via the New Yorker

Rosemary’s

The first time I stepped foot into Rosemary’s I knew it would end up making my list of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village. It’s kind of similar to how you “just know” when you find the right one (yes, my wife does proof-read these posts).

Named after the restaurateur’s mother, the ambition was to share quality dishes with the same passion his mother reserved for her own children.

The quality is uncompromising. Heck, the restaurant even has its own rooftop vegetable garden that helps yield the produce they serve their guests.

In an effort to create the most fresh and delicious meals they use produce grown by their own hands. A lot of the dishes are seasonally inspired to maximize freshness. As you may have guessed, it’s their unwavering dedication to quality makes them one of the best restaurants Greenwich Village has to offer.

In terms of drinks, the cocktail menu never fails to impress, especially the Garden Martini. The freshness was unmistakable — did I just accidentally order a glass of (spiked) pressed cucumber juice? It was incredibly refreshing, which is why I highly recommend it.

Address: 18 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011

Best Restaurants Greenwich Village
Rosemary's interior

Best Restaurants Greenwich Village
Rosemary's cocktails

Palma

My sister in law recently asked me about my favorite restaurant in NYC and without hesitation, Palma came to mind. So yeah, there’s no way I could pass an opportunity to share this gem as one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village.

Palma offers the perfect Italian escape for anyone craving a vacation but lacking the (vacation days, sky-miles, funds, etc) to do so. Ask to be seated outside since they have an incredible back patio covered in vines and oozing an irresistible Italian charm.

My wife and I spent a few minutes poring over the menu before deciding on our order. The problem? Just as everything was finalized and the waiter took our order, my wife caught a whiff of the salad approaching the neighboring table.

“Scratch that, may I please have whatever they’re having?”

How right she was (remember, she proof reads these!). The Insalata di Stagione was fresh and perfectly dressed. Safe to say it satiated our FOMO (do “the kids” still say that?) and we’ve returned to this beloved Greenwich Village restaurant many times since.

Address: 28 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014

I Sodi

I Sodi is the creation of renowned chef Rita Sodi, who co-owns Via Carota (mentioned earlier on this list). Often considered one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village, I Sodi is a magnet for locals and visitors alike.

Sodi grew up on a farm near Florence, Italy before embarking into the world of fashion. Her passion for clothes took her all over the world, exposing her to new cultures. It was all so exciting, until it wasn’t. Soon Sodi began to crave her mother’s meals, which in turn made her appreciate the simplicity of traditional Italian cuisine.

I Sodi opened in 2008 and has been a New York City staple ever since. The devotion to tradition shows through in the Tuscan dishes being served, most notably the Cotoletta Alla Milanese and Ravioli Burro e Salvia.

Like the other Greenwich Village restaurants mentioned on this list, reservations are difficult but worthwhile.

Address: 105 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

Carbone

A list of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village isn’t complete without mention of Carbone. This upscale Italian eatery is incredibly popular for good reason. You’ll find exceptional traditional Italian dishes prepared with diligent and measured hands. The pasta dishes make perfect companions for the seemingly never-ending list of wines.

In their own words, they “pay homage to the essence of the great Italian-American restaurants of mid-20th century in New York, where delicious, exceptionally well-prepared food was served in settings that were simultaneously elegant, comfortable and unpretentious.”

I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but reservations are seemingly impossible to get at this popular restaurant in Greenwich Village. Either keep an eye on Resy, or stop by and be prepared to camp out for a while. Once you’re seated and enjoying your dinner you’ll be glad you did.

Address: 181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

Best Restaurants Greenwich Village
Carbone NYC

Don Angie

One thing I’ve learned about the best restaurants in Greenwich Village is that they’re all interconnected in some way. Don Angie was created by power couple Angie Rita and Scott Tacinelli, acclaimed restaurateurs leaving their mark all over NYC.

Boasting a Michelin Star, it’s no wonder why Don Angie is considered one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village. Famed for pasta, their lasagna stole my heart. Perfectly balanced, this was nothing like the sloppy stuff I grew up eating. The lasagna was creamy, almost airy, and boasts enough cheese to end world hunger.

My wife don’t consider a meal complete without something sweet. Typically this entails embarking to a dessert shop where sweet treats are the specialty, but not so with Don Angie!

This popular restaurant in Greenwich Village is a one-stop shop in every sense of the word. The tiramisu gives every bakery in NYC a run for their money!

Address: 103 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014

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Sevilla

Opened in 1936, Sevilla has been serving New Yorkers for more than 86 years! Many argue that the quality has yet to waver, which is why a lot of locals consider this one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village.

The menu is full of traditional Spanish-inspired dishes like tapas and paella. The Empanadillas (meat filled turnover) are great starters and help set the mood for the evening. Paella (Spanish rice with meat and vegetables) can be ordered any number of ways, my favorite being a la Marinera because it comes with lobster and chock-full of seafood.

Sevilla is definitely one of the best restaurants is Greenwich Village, and is as charming as the Village itself. Wood panels line the wall, and there are candles lit creating an alluring ambience perfect for a romantic evening with your special someone.

Address: 62 Charles St, New York, NY 10014

Ristorante Rafele

Ristorante Rafele aims to shine a light on Neapolitan cuisine (the owners are from Naples, Italy). On days I crave carbs I know to make a beeline for this Greenwich Village restaurant. The pasta is as good as you’re going to find anywhere in New York City.

The Fritto Misto (fried calamari, shrimp, zucchini and fennel) is top notch and nothing something you’re likely to find elsewhere. Regardless of what you’re after, you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy.

There’s ample outdoor seating, and the restaurant staff is welcoming and inviting. Therefore you’re in for a great time any time you visit to Ristorante Rafele, one of the best restaurants in Greenwich Village.

Address: 29 A 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014