The question was posed on Facebook this week: “What do you think is the best value restaurant meal in NYC? I would love to finish a meal and think wow that was good value” – and there were some sensational responses! So good I thought I might expand on those!
First off, thanks so much to Adam L. for posing the question.
Good value in New York City comes in many forms. So many forms in fact that my first question for Adam was:
“As in… everything from dollar pizza to fancy?”
He made it clear that he was looking for “meals, not fast food” and my instinctive first answer was Manhatta. Three courses for $94 (and there's no tipping at Manhatta). Perched sixty stories above Lower Manhattan, the views are magical, and it's the perfect place (in my opinion) to take someone out who is visiting or go on a bit of a fancy date.
30 of the best value meals in New York City
So from here, we saw LOTS of fantastic responses from all over this city.
I thought I'd make a list and categorize them a bit into a top list of the best value meals in New York City!
Some were a bit more casual
“any bodega egg and cheese” – Lucy D.
“China Town is cheap” – Monica H.
“Halal food, mate” – Chris S.
The Halal Guys (“is great if you like middle eastern street food. They have kebabs and platters. Really filling.” – Benjamin J.) – Offshoot of a famed food cart offering gyros, chicken & rice platters & other Middle Eastern eats.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor – Vintage dim sum parlor dating back to 1920 with a drink menu that includes tea, beer & wine.
San Marzano – Italian spot offering different shapes of pasta to pair with many sauces, plus apps, panini & wine.
Corner Bistro in the West Village – Easygoing pub with a well-known West Village sibling dishing up brews & big burgers on paper plates.
Shanghai Dumpling (“… on Mott Street. Amazing prices on full meals and beer, big portions” – Tim P.) – Easygoing, a cash-only eatery featuring signature soup dumplings & other Chinese favorites.
B&H Dairy (“… East Village so cheap, great portions and great food. Super old school.” – Emma C.) – There's borscht, blintzes & matzo ball soup on the menu of this old-school, circa-1940 kosher diner.
Klong (“amazing Thai restaurant with awesome atmosphere and soooo cheap!” – Sally F.) – Spicy noodles and curries draw locals to this intimate Thai eatery with Asian-themed decor.
Some were a little bit nicer
BZ GRILL (“in Astoria is amazing aswell… I can recommend their chicken gyros” – Benjamin J.) – Greek fast food, including gyros, souvlaki & more, in a no-frills atmosphere.
Carmines – Bustling restaurant with enormous portions of traditional Italian dishes served family-style.
Boqueria in SoHo (“The set menu is ~$45 and has many tapas courses. Great value” – Byron K.) – Creative Barcelona-style tapas made with market-fresh ingredients in a warm, modern space.
Cafeteria – (“24 hour and great quality” – Anisha J.) – A swanky take on a diner attracting people-watchers all day & post-clubbers late nights.
Seamore's (“is so great. All sustainable seafood, so fresh, so reasonably priced, casual with great cocktails!!! Very casual easy atmosphere!” – Anne H.) – Beachy, relaxed eatery serving sustainable seafood plus beer, wine & cocktails in light-filled digs.
Kiki's – Straightforward Greek cuisine such as seafood & lamb served in warm digs with exposed-wood beams.
Rudy's (“buy a drink get a free hot dog” – Bek H.) – A neighborhood staple since 1933, this tavern is known for its no-frills atmosphere & free hot dogs.
Cacio E Vino (“The BEST” – Justine M.) – Pasta, wood-fired pizza & other Sicilian dishes in a cozy, rustic space.
And some were downright fancy
Le Bernardin (“lunch menu is brilliant.” – Mark L.) – Elite French restaurant offers chef Eric Ripert's refined seafood, expert service & luxurious decor. Others agreed:
“$57 3 course City Harvest prix-fixe. Brilliant.” – Mark L.
Buddakan (“If you do the banquet” – Sal) – Huge, lavishly decorated restaurant offering a menu of Asian dishes & cocktails.
Crown Shy (“such a good restaurant and if you go with a group and do share plates, you walk away feeling very happy with what you spent v what you got.” – Kristy J.) – Polished, a new American restaurant with global influences inside a spacious room with high ceilings.
Sugarfish (“Top-quality sushi, set price, no tipping” – Emily G.) – Celebrated local sushi chain serving traditional rolls & sake in a chic, intimate space.
Did we miss any? Feel free to add yours in the comments below!
