Great NYC Restaurants You Might Not Hear About

There are so many “hyped” restaurants in New York. And many of them deserve it. But there are some awesome spots that are doing awesome meals for great evenings that don’t need fanfare. I lovingly refer to these as “cool but not fussy” and I mean that as the highest compliment.

Balaboosta (West Village)

Really impeccable Mediterranean and Israeli food in a low-key almost Cali atmosphere. It’s perfect for almost any occassion.

Malatesta Trattoria (West Village)

Cash only, no fuss, dependable Italian food with outdoor seating. The bruschetta, spinach gnocchi and a solid bottle of wine with no fuss.

Cervo's (Lower East Side)

Seafood-heavy menu is a really understated cool spot in the spot where Lower East Side and Chinatown meet. Some real standout bars nearby.

Meme (West Village)

A big menu, leans Mediterranean in a high ceilinged spot in a beautiful part of West Village. Everything here is just great with no pretension.

Wayla (Lower East Side)

A newer entrant with an upscale look at Thai street food. A great outdoor patio but even indoor seats has an understaated cool vibe.

Ernesto’s (Lower East Side)

By the same guy who did Frenchette. A new take on Basque cuisine in a unique interior. Iberico ham is a must.

Golden Diner (Chinatown)

It feels like a diner and the food tastes like it but with really interesting Asian influences.

Ruby's Cafe (Nolita)

Australian cafe with solid food on a cool street in Nolita. Especially fun for brunch.

Saigon Shack (Greenwich Village)

Vietnamese Pho spot with a cult following, no fuss but really really good.

Veselka (East Village)

Ukrainian food on a bustling corner of the East Village. Pierogi’s anytime you go.

Virginia's (East Village)

Great brunch, a great burger. Tucked into the East Village but it’s been a low key favorite for years.