13 Amazingly Unique Restaurants in New York City: Fun Places to Eat

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New York City is packed with amazing eats. In fact, having visited 66 countries around the world, I can confidently say that NYC is home to the world’s best foodie experiences. From cozy diners to innovative restaurants, this city never fails to surprise. Let’s dive into some of the most unique restaurants in New York City, where every meal is an exciting story of flavor and fun.

I’ve explored the streets and savored the flavors, and I’m excited to share the city’s most unique eateries. Each restaurant offers something special, reflecting New York’s diverse and vibrant character. Here are 13 of the most unique restaurants in NYC for food lovers.

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this Little Italy and Chinatown tour in NYC. They bring you to the best foodie spots in the city, tasting over 8 must-try dishes from roasted duck and Italian meats and cheeses to Chinese dumplings and sponge cake. This tour is an absolute must-do on a NYC itinerary in my opinion.

Unique Restaurants in New York City

Are you ready to discover amazing places to eat in New York City? I’ve visited this city many times over the years, and let me tell you… NYC truly offers an incredible variety of places to eat that cater to every taste. Keep reading to find out where to eat in this vibrant metropolis.

Whether you’re in the mood for world-renowned pizza slices on a lively street corner or eager to experience innovative dishes that redefine dining, New York City has something special for you. Here’s your in-depth guide to the most unique restaurants in NYC, a city that never fails to amaze with its culinary offerings.

1. Ellen’s Stardust Diner

• 📍 Location: Midtown / Theater District
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Diner Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Singing waitstaff, retro 50s diner theme, lively atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Musical theatre lovers, fun family meals, tourist experiences, and classic diner food.

Get ready for dinner and a show at Ellen’s Stardust Diner! It’s a full-blown musical extravaganza where talented, aspiring Broadway performers belt out show tunes while serving classic diner grub. Your burger comes with a ballad!

Soak in the high-energy performances. Enjoy comforting diner classics like thick milkshakes (chocolate or vanilla are popular). Juicy burgers, like the “Stardust Burger,” or hearty meatloaf with mashed potatoes, are also great choices. It’s pure Times Square energy.

2. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

• 📍 Location: Times Square
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Seafood / Forrest Gump Themed
• 🔥 Standout Features: Forrest Gump movie decor, seafood (especially shrimp!), family-friendly vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Forrest Gump movie lovers, families visiting Times Square, and seafood dinners

Run, Forrest, run… straight to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.! This Times Square hotspot brings the beloved movie to life with fun memorabilia, trivia, and of course, shrimp served every which way imaginable. Life is like a box of… shrimp!

Dive into buckets of “Shrimper’s Heaven” (a variety of fried and coconut shrimp). Munch on crispy coconut shrimp with a Cajun marmalade, or try “Forrest’s Seafood Feast” with fish, shrimp, and hushpuppies. The atmosphere is casual and fun.

3. The Cauldron

• 📍 Location: Financial District / Stone Street
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Drinks/Light Bites); Potion Making extra.
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Magical Themed Bar / Pub Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Interactive “potion making” cocktails (use wands!), fantasy/wizarding theme, magical decor, themed food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Harry Potter universe fans, unique bar experiences, interactive cocktail making, and fun group outings.

Mix up some magic at The Cauldron! This enchanting pub lets you step into a world of fantasy, where you can don a robe, wield a working magic wand, and brew your own bubbling, smoking, color-changing cocktails. Expecto Patronum… and Patron!

Book a Potion Making Experience. You might concoct the bubbling “Transfiguration Tonic” or the shimmering “Elixir of Life.” They also offer themed pub grub like “Dragon’s Breath” chili cheese fries or “Wizard’s Cheeseboard.”

4. Refinery Rooftop

• 📍 Location: Midtown (Refinery Hotel)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40+ per drink/small plate
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Rooftop Bar / Modern American Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Empire State Building views, retractable glass roof, industrial decor, craft cocktails.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Rooftop bar lovers, skyline view seekers, and after-work drinks

Drink in that view at Refinery Rooftop! Perched atop the Refinery Hotel, this year-round rooftop bar boasts jaw-dropping, up-close views of the Empire State Building. With its retractable glass roof and cozy industrial-chic decor, it’s perfect regardless of weather.

Sip on expertly crafted signature cocktails like the “Cucumber Collins” or a “Refinery Margarita.” Share sophisticated small plates such as truffle fries, sliders, or flatbreads while gazing at one of NYC’s most iconic landmarks. It’s pure Midtown magic.

Read also: Coolest Restaurants in Midtown East, NY

5. Koneko

• 📍 Location: Lower East Side
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person (Cafe); Cat lounge entry separate fee.
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Cat Cafe / Pastries & Drinks
• 🔥 Standout Features: Adoptable rescue cats, separate cat lounge/cafe areas, Japanese-inspired snacks/drinks.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cat lovers, supporting animal rescue, and relaxing with feline friends.

Get your caffeine fix and cat cuddles at Koneko! This charming Lower East Side spot is America’s first authentic Japanese-style cat cafe, offering a serene space to interact with adoptable rescue cats while enjoying Japanese-inspired treats.

Grab a matcha latte or a hojicha tea. Japanese pastries like dorayaki or mochi, or simple onigiri (rice balls), are also popular. Then head into the multi-level cat lounge (booking recommended) to hang out with adorable felines.

6. Dirt Candy

• 📍 Location: Lower East Side
• 💲 Price range: $90 – $120+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Innovative Vegetarian / Vegan Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: All-vegetarian fine dining, creative vegetable dishes, no-tipping policy.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous vegetarians/vegans, fine dining explorers, and special occasions.

Prepare to rethink everything about vegetables at Dirt Candy! This Lower East Side trailblazer offers stunningly creative, entirely vegetarian (with vegan options) tasting menus that elevate veggies to rockstar status. Vegetables never tasted so mind-blowing!

Chef Amanda Cohen transforms humble produce. Expect dishes like the famous portobello mousse with truffle toast. Other inventive creations might include Korean fried broccoli or unique celeriac preparations. It’s innovative, surprising, and utterly delicious.

7. Le Coucou

• 📍 Location: SoHo (Howard Street)
• 💲 Price range: $80 – $150+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic French Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Romantic setting, classic French haute cuisine
• 🎯 Perfect For: Classic French food lovers, romantic dinners, special occasions, luxurious dining.

Experience timeless French elegance in SoHo at Le Coucou. This stunning restaurant delivers classic French haute cuisine executed with precision and grace in a beautifully romantic setting. Prepare to be seduced by butter and charm! Ooh la la, indeed!

Indulge in perfectly prepared French masterpieces. Start with delicate escargots in garlic butter. Savor the rich duck breast à l’orange, or delight in the whole roasted chicken for two (Tout le Lapin). Their quenelle de brochet is also a standout.

8. Max Brenner New York

• 📍 Location: Union Square Area
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Chocolate Bar & Restaurant / American Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chocolate-centric menu, whimsical decor, fun for all ages.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Chocolate addicts, fun family outings, and unique desserts

Calling all chocoholics! Max Brenner near Union Square is your ultimate chocolate fantasy come true. This place celebrates chocolate in every conceivable form, from drinks and desserts to even savory dishes infused with cocoa. Warning: may induce extreme chocolate euphoria!

Dive headfirst into their famous chocolate fondue with various dippers. Sip on a thick Italian hot chocolate or try their popular chocolate pizza. Surprisingly tasty savory items like cocoa-dusted fries also feature. The whimsical decor makes it fun.

9. Please Don’t Tell (PDT)

• 📍 Location: East Village (Hidden inside Crif Dogs)
• 💲 Price range: $18 – $25 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Cocktail Speakeasy
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden entrance via phone booth, modern speakeasy, craft cocktails, intimate setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Speakeasy hunters and craft cocktail connoisseurs.

Shhh… can you keep a secret? Find the vintage phone booth inside Crif Dogs hot dog joint, pick up the receiver, and gain entry to Please Don’t Tell (PDT), one of NYC’s most iconic modern speakeasies. Dial 1 for delicious, clandestine cocktails!

Once inside the intimate, taxidermy-adorned space, prepare for seriously impressive craft cocktails. Sip on legendary creations like the bacon-infused Benton’s Old Fashioned. Their perfectly balanced Daiquiri or a unique seasonal creation are also excellent.

10. Estela

• 📍 Location: Nolita / Downtown
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean-Inspired American Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Buzzy atmosphere, excellent wine list
• 🎯 Perfect For: Small plate sharing, downtown dinners, wine lovers, Michelin-starred experience

Experience culinary fireworks in a buzzing downtown setting at Estela. This Michelin-starred gem serves incredibly flavourful and refined Mediterranean-inspired small plates designed for sharing. Get ready for small plates packing a huge punch! The energy is high.

Don’t miss iconic dishes like the unique endive salad with walnuts, anchovy, and Ubriaco Rosso cheese. The sublime ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino sardo, or their beef tartare with sunchoke, are also fantastic. The wine list is excellent.

11. Veselka

• 📍 Location: East Village
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ukrainian / Eastern European Diner
• 🔥 Standout Features: 24/7 Ukrainian diner, classic dishes,hearty comfort food.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Late-night eats and Ukrainian food lovers.

Find comfort around the clock at Veselka, the legendary 24/7 Ukrainian diner in the East Village. This beloved institution has been serving hearty, homestyle Eastern European classics for generations. Your pierogi paradise awaits, anytime!

Ordering their famous pierogi (dumplings) – potato, cheese, or meat, boiled or fried – is essential. A soul-warming bowl of bright pink borscht (beet soup), or their delicate cheese blintzes with fruit topping, are also fantastic. It’s unpretentious and satisfying.

12. Katz’s Delicatessen

• 📍 Location: Lower East Side
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic New York Jewish Deli
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic NYC deli, massive pastrami/corned beef sandwiches, ticket system ordering, bustling historic atmosphere
• 🎯 Perfect For: Pastrami sandwich lovers, history buffs, “When Harry Met Sally” fans.

I’ll have what she’s having! Step into a true New York icon at Katz’s Delicatessen. This legendary Lower East Side deli has been hand-carving epic sandwiches since 1888, maintaining its bustling, chaotic charm and serving arguably the city’s best pastrami.

Grab a ticket and order the legendary pastrami on rye, piled impossibly high. The equally amazing corned beef sandwich or a classic matzo ball soup are also must-tries. Enjoy a crunchy kosher pickle on the side. It’s an essential NYC experience.

13. Sylvia’s

• 📍 Location: Harlem
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Soul Food / Southern Comfort Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Soul food, Southern comfort dishes, welcoming atmosphere, Harlem cultural landmark.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Soul food lovers, experiencing Harlem culture, classic Southern cooking, and hearty comfort food.

Feed your soul with legendary comfort food at Sylvia’s, the undisputed Queen of Soul Food in Harlem! This iconic restaurant has been serving authentic, down-home Southern classics with warmth and love for decades. Get ready for food that hugs you back!

Dive into world-famous dishes. Crispy, juicy fried chicken is a must. Flavourful collard greens, creamy macaroni and cheese, or fall-off-the-bone bar-b-que ribs are also fantastic. The atmosphere is welcoming and steeped in history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in New York City

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in New York City? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about New York City’s best restaurants.

What is New York’s most fancy restaurant?

When it comes to fine dining in New York City, there are several contenders for the title of the most fancy restaurant. One standout is Le Coucou, known for its exquisite French cuisine and elegant ambiance. This restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with meticulously prepared dishes and an impressive wine list. It’s a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated and upscale dining experience in the heart of the city.

What foods must you try in NYC?

Here are some must-try foods when you’re in NYC:

1. Pizza: New York-style pizza is famous worldwide. Grab a slice from one of the city’s many pizzerias – whether it’s a classic cheese or a more gourmet option.
2. Bagels: Another NYC staple, bagels in the city are known for their perfect chewy texture. Enjoy them with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or any number of toppings.
3. Pastrami on Rye: A classic New York deli sandwich. The best pastrami is thickly cut, juicy, and served on rye bread with mustard.
4. Hot Dogs: Street vendors sell hot dogs all over the city. For a truly iconic experience, visit Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island.
5. Cheesecake: New York-style cheesecake is rich, creamy, and a must-try dessert.
6. Street Food: From halal carts serving chicken and rice to tacos and empanadas, NYC’s street food scene is diverse and delicious.
7. Chinese Food: Head to Chinatown for authentic dim sum, Peking duck, and other Chinese specialties.
8. Italian Food: NYC has a rich Italian heritage. This is reflected in its excellent Italian restaurants. Don’t miss trying pasta dishes, cannoli, and gelato.
9. Deli Sandwiches: Beyond pastrami, NYC delis offer a variety of sandwiches. These include corned beef, turkey, and classic Reuben sandwiches.
10. Bagel and Lox: A New York bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and sometimes tomato.
11. Cronut: A croissant-doughnut pastry invented by New York City pastry chef Dominique Ansel.

Remember, part of the fun of NYC’s food scene is exploring and finding hidden gems. Don’t be afraid to try something new or off the beaten path!

Where do locals eat in New York City?

Locals in New York City enjoy a diverse range of dining options. For classic New York deli sandwiches, many head to Katz’s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side. For a taste of authentic soul food, Sylvia’s in Harlem is a popular choice. And for those craving late-night Ukrainian comfort food, Veselka in the East Village is a beloved spot. These are just a few examples of hidden gem restaurants in New York City where locals love to dine.

Is New York food expensive?

The cost of food in New York City varies widely. While there are certainly high-end, expensive dining options, the city also offers a plethora of cheap eats in New York City. From street food vendors serving up delicious bites to cozy diners offering hearty meals at reasonable prices, there’s something for every budget. Places like Dirt Candy offer innovative vegetarian dishes at mid-range prices, proving that great food in New York doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.

What do New Yorkers have for breakfast?

Here are some common breakfast choices among New Yorkers:

1. Bagels: A classic New York staple, often enjoyed with cream cheese, lox (smoked salmon), capers, onions, and tomatoes. Bagel shops are found throughout the city.
2. Breakfast Sandwiches: The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on a roll or bagel is a quintessential New York breakfast. It’s commonly found at bodegas (corner stores) and delis.
3. Coffee: Coffee is essential for many New Yorkers. From simple deli coffee to artisanal brews from local coffee shops, it’s a key part of the morning routine.
4. Pastries and Baked Goods: Croissants, muffins, scones, and other pastries are popular. They’re often grabbed on the go from local bakeries or coffee shops.
5. Oatmeal or Granola: Health-conscious New Yorkers might opt for oatmeal or granola, sometimes with fresh fruit, yogurt, or honey.
6. Smoothies and Juices: For a quick and healthy option, smoothies and fresh juices are popular, especially at health food stores and specialized juice bars.
7. Diner Breakfasts: Classic American breakfasts with eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausages, and toast are common in New York diners.
8. Street Food: Breakfast carts and trucks offer quick items like egg sandwiches, bagels, and pastries, particularly in business districts and near transit hubs.
9. Brunch: On weekends, brunch becomes a popular meal, with many restaurants offering special menus. Dishes might include eggs benedict, avocado toast, French toast, and mimosas.

Why is pizza so popular in New York?

Pizza is incredibly popular in New York City due to its delicious taste, convenience, and affordability. New York-style pizza, known for its thin, foldable crust, originated in the city and has become a staple of New York’s culinary scene. The city’s diverse population and the influence of Italian immigrants have also contributed to the popularity and variety of pizza available. It’s a go-to meal for New Yorkers and visitors alike, embodying the fast-paced and diverse nature of the city.

Final Thoughts: Unique Restaurants in New York City

Exploring New York City’s best restaurants is an adventure in itself. Each spot on our list offers something beyond the ordinary, from the theatrical flair of Ellen’s Stardust Diner to the hidden speakeasy vibes of Please Don’t Tell. These establishments aren’t just about food. They’re about experiences that linger in your memory long after the meal is over, offering a gateway to the diverse array of things to do in New York City.

In a city brimming with culinary diversity, these unique dining destinations stand out for their individuality. Whether it’s the innovative vegetarian dishes at Dirt Candy, the soulful flavors of Sylvia’s, or the nostalgic charm of Katz’s Delicatessen, each restaurant brings its own flavor to the city’s vast food landscape. They cater to all, from those seeking luxury at Le Coucou to the chocolate lovers at Max Brenner New York.

If I had to pick one must-visit restaurant, it would be Sylvia’s. The warmth and authenticity of its soul food, combined with the vibrant atmosphere of Harlem, make it a standout experience.

Remember, New York City’s dining scene is always evolving, with new and exciting places to discover. So, keep your taste buds ready for whatever culinary adventures the city might serve up next!

Looking for more incredible NYC restaurants? Read also:

• Best Restaurants on the Upper East Side
• Coolest Restaurants in Manhattan
• Epic Restaurants in Midtown East NY
• Awesome Restaurants in Brooklyn
• Amazing Restaurants on the East Coast