32 most favorite restaurants in Lower East Side New York City

Discover the vibrant culinary scene of restaurants in Lower East Side, a beloved New York City neighborhood known for its rich history and cultural diversity. From trendy eateries to time-honored institutions, the restaurants in Lower East Side showcase a delectable range of international flavors and locally sourced ingredients, creating a memorable dining experience for all to savor. Dive into the world of restaurants in Lower East Side and find your new favorite dish today!

1. Essex

Essex features a unique combination of Southern and Jewish comfort food.

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Happy Hours
  • Downtown Spots

2. Russ & Daughters Cafe

Classic Jewish comfort food with a modern twist

TOPICS

  • Downtown Spots
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Cheap Eats
  • Italian Cuisine

3. Katz's Delicatessen

Open 24 hours, serving classic deli food since 1888

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Breakfast
  • Downtown Spots

4. Pig and Khao

Offers vegetarian and vegan options, Unique and flavorful dipping sauces

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • American Cuisine
  • Dinner
  • Weekend Dining

5. Wildair

Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Michelin-starred restaurant

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Social Gatherings
  • Mid-Range

6. Freemans

Located in a hidden alley, offers a speakeasy vibe

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots

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7. Dudley's

Stylish and airy space with a relaxed vibe

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Kosher Options

8. Dirt Candy

Exclusively vegetable-centric restaurant with artistically crafted dishes

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range

9. Kiki's

Located in a quiet street in the heart of Chinatown, featuring a lively open kitchen, and using only the freshest ingredients.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range

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10. Scarr's Pizza

Handmade pizza with organic and locally sourced ingredients.

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Social Gatherings

11. La Contenta

Handmade tortillas, Extensive mezcal list

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

12. Beauty & Essex

Located in a pawn shop;Upscale dining in a speakeasy-style setting

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Happy Hours

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13. Wolfnights - The Gourmet Wrap

Choose from 20+ ingredient options to create a personalized wrap.

TOPICS

  • Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options

14. Clinton St. Baking Company

Homemade breads and pastries, brunch spot

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Mid-Range
  • Lunch

15. Balvanera

Sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Cultural heritage decor

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Happy Hours

16. Le French Diner

Authentic French cuisine, charming ambiance, popular brunch spot

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Vegetarian Options

17. Rebel

Offers a unique fusion of Southern and Asian cuisine.

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Downtown Spots
  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Late Night

18. Empanada Mama LES

Voted as one of the 21 best food stops in NYC

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Downtown Spots

19. Cheeky Sandwiches

Utilizes a traditional New Orleans French bread recipe

TOPICS

  • Cheap Eats
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Downtown Spots

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20. Factory Tamal

Handmade tamales with authentic Mexican flavors

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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21. Cervo's

Mediterranean-inspired seafood, raw bar selection

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Affordable Nightlife

22. Yopparai

Offers an Izakaya-style dining experience, focusing on small plates and drinks.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • High-End
  • Downtown Spots

23. Spicy Village

Small, casual restaurant with a bustling atmosphere and flavorful dishes.

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots

24. Saigon Social

Speakeasy-style entrance, vintage decor, and creative cocktails.

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

25. Mr. Taka Ramen

Authentic Japanese ramen, hand-made noodles, sustainable practices

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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26. Wu's Wonton King

Hand-made noodles and wontons, authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine

TOPICS

  • Chinese Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots
  • Lunch

27. Ernesto's

Handmade tortillas, homemade hot sauce

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • High-End

28. Kopitiam

Authentic Malaysian cuisine in the heart of New York

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options
  • Cheap Eats
  • Lunch

29. Serafina Ludlow

Known for its truffle dishes and extensive wine list

TOPICS

  • Italian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

30. Cibao

Offers live music on weekends

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

31. Dhamaka

Spicy and flavorful dishes with a focus on traditional cooking techniques

TOPICS

  • Indian Cuisine
  • Affordable Nightlife
  • Hidden Gems

32. Sauce Restaurant

Vintage decor, homemade pasta, extensive wine list

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Mid-Range