Top 10 Most Highly Rated Restaurants by Locals in New York

Julio Neves
September 20, 2024

New York City is a global hub for food, offering a dizzying array of culinary experiences. While tourists often flock to the same iconic spots, locals have their own cherished dining havens that are must-tries. These restaurants capture the heart and palate of New Yorkers with their authenticity, quality, and consistency. From upscale dining to casual eateries, here’s a look at the top 10 most highly rated restaurants, as recommended by the people who call NYC home.

1. Lucali (Brooklyn)

Cuisine: Pizza

Nestled in the quiet Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, Lucali has a cult following, with New Yorkers swearing by its no-frills, brick-oven pizzas. What makes it special? The dough is hand-rolled, the sauce is rich and fresh, and the pizzas are topped with just the right balance of cheese and herbs. It’s a cozy, cash-only spot that doesn’t take reservations, so expect a line, but the wait is well worth it.

Local Tip: BYOB—bring your favorite bottle of wine for the perfect pairing.

2. Joe’s Shanghai (Chinatown)

Cuisine: Chinese

Famous for their soup dumplings, Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown is a go-to for anyone craving authentic Chinese cuisine. The bustling vibe, communal tables, and fast service make it a true New York experience. Locals rave about their crab and pork dumplings, but the scallion pancakes and crispy whole fish are also crowd favorites.

Local Tip: Go during off-peak hours to avoid the long wait and get a seat faster.

3. Balthazar (SoHo)

Cuisine: French Brasserie

Balthazar is a classic French brasserie where locals go to feel like they’re in Paris without leaving Manhattan. Its menu boasts all the French staples—steak frites, escargot, and onion soup. However, it’s the breakfast and brunch that truly shine, with fresh pastries and an elegant ambiance that’s hard to beat.

Local Tip: Try to book a table ahead of time, as this SoHo favorite can fill up quickly, especially for brunch.

4. Peter Luger Steak House (Williamsburg)

Cuisine: Steakhouse

New Yorkers have been raving about Peter Luger for over a century. This no-nonsense, old-school steakhouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a temple for beef lovers. Their dry-aged steaks are legendary, especially the porterhouse, which is the gold standard for many locals.

Local Tip: It’s a cash-only spot, so come prepared. The sides (like creamed spinach) are the perfect accompaniment.

5. Lilia (Williamsburg)

Cuisine: Italian

For a more modern take on Italian cuisine, head to Lilia. It’s where locals go for a refined yet relaxed meal with homemade pasta, wood-fired fish, and a standout Italian wine list. The rigatoni with spicy tomato sauce is a favorite, as is their sheep’s milk ricotta, served with warm bread for dipping.

Local Tip: Lilia is incredibly popular, so snagging a reservation weeks in advance is a must.

6. Russ & Daughters Café (Lower East Side)

Cuisine: Jewish Deli

Russ & Daughters is an iconic New York institution known for its Jewish deli specialties. From bagels with smoked salmon to caviar and latkes, it’s a place where generations of New Yorkers have gone for the perfect brunch. Their café on Orchard Street is a sit-down version of their famous shop, offering the same high-quality ingredients with an old-world charm.

Local Tip: For an authentic New York breakfast, order the lox and schmear on a bagel with a side of pickled herring.

7. L’Artusi (West Village)

Cuisine: Italian

Tucked away in the West Village, L’Artusi is beloved by locals for its elegant take on Italian fare. The restaurant balances a warm neighborhood feel with top-notch service and creative dishes. The ricotta gnocchi and roasted chicken are especially loved, but the olive oil cake is the hidden gem for dessert.

Local Tip: The bar area is first-come, first-serve, making it a great option if you don’t have a reservation.

8. Di Fara Pizza (Midwood, Brooklyn)

Cuisine: Pizza

Di Fara is a pilgrimage-worthy spot for New Yorkers who take their pizza seriously. The legendary pizza maker, Domenico DeMarco, personally hand-crafts each pizza with love. The pies are famous for their crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous toppings of fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.

Local Tip: Di Fara doesn’t do fast food—expect a wait as the pizzas are made to order, but the locals will tell you it’s worth every minute.

9. Raoul’s (SoHo)

Cuisine: French

Raoul’s is a SoHo mainstay, known for its romantic, dimly lit atmosphere and classic French fare with a New York twist. The burger, famously served only at the bar, has earned a reputation as one of the city’s best. For those seeking more traditional French dishes, the steak au poivre and escargot are highly recommended.

Local Tip: The burger is only available in limited quantities each day, so arrive early if that’s your target.

10. Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side)

Cuisine: Jewish Deli

No list of New York’s favorite eateries would be complete without Katz’s Deli. Famous for their towering pastrami sandwiches, this landmark has been serving New Yorkers since 1888. The tender, hand-sliced meat and the old-school deli vibe make it an enduring favorite.

Local Tip: Always go for the pastrami on rye with mustard—it’s the classic order that locals stick to.

Conclusion

New York City’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, and these restaurants are where the locals go for comfort, nostalgia, and some of the best food in the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy night out or a casual bite, these top-rated spots offer a true taste of what makes dining in NYC so special.