I’ve been eating my way around NYC for work and pleasure for the better part of a decade; these are the spots I’m loving at the moment. Check back monthly for updates. Photo: Nora Varcho
Less🕶️ Peak-Season Pick: The smoky aroma at Fette Sau is a beacon for barbecue lovers. This no-frills Williamsburg spot is serious about delivering meat-driven meals. Start with the brisket—perfectly smoked and melt-in-your-mouth tender—and don’t miss the juicy Berkshire pork belly and sides of burnt-end baked beans and tangy coleslaw. Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the lines and snag a prime spot in the picnic-style seating area.
🍕Peak-Season Pick: Prince Street Pizza is a must-visit for any pizza enthusiast in NYC. This iconic Nolita spot is famed for its spicy pepperoni square—a crispy, cheesy delight with perfectly charred edges and zesty pepperoni cups. The dough is just the right mix of chewy and crunchy, making every bite memorable. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice or indulging in a whole pie, the fast service makes it ideal for when you’re spending a summer Friday afternoon downtown.
🍷 Peak-Season Pick: Rhodora might just be one of the most coveted spots in Fort Greene. I find myself returning here repeatedly over the summer, not only for its prime location but also for the wonderful pop-ups hosted during the season, ranging from chicken dinners to diasporic narratives on a plate, always complemented by the eclectic wine list. The cozy, rustic ambience invites you to linger, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening with friends or a casual date night with no curfew.
🍣 Peak-Season Pick: On a hot summer day, all I crave is simple, peak-season freshness. This East Village standout offers just that: a refreshing take on sushi, highlighting local fish. Don’t sleep on the spicy avocado roll (trust me) or seasonal miso soup to start, then move on to the chef’s selection of nigiri and the fish burger. The intimate, minimalist setting is perfect for a date night or a solo dinner at the bar. Be sure to make a reservation as this spot fills up quickly.
🦐 Peak-Season Pick: Next to New York City, New Orleans is one of my favorite food destinations. This charming spot nods to the Crescent City via its menu and is quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. (Reservations are encouraged.) Consider the fried shrimp sandwich, BBQ shrimp, and seafood tower your Instagrammable holy trinity. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to snap a photo of their bright yellow bathroom: instant endorphin boost.
A&A, a Bed-Stuy institution, crafts the perfect doubles. This handheld delight features two pieces of flat, fried bread, curried chickpeas, and a flavorful blend of tamarind sauce and peppah sauce, a must-have condiment made with Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and chadon beni, a leafy herb native to the West Indies. Seating is limited, but doubles are a great grab-and-go experience.
I’m a new Crown Heights resident, and Agi’s Counter is my go-to café to kick off a midweek morning. Start your day with their dill-and-cheddar sandwich, a savory masterpiece featuring a perfect fried egg, mayo, and a shave of Alpine cheddar. Don’t miss the bakery counter, where you’ll find spanakopita babka—a marriage of the classic Greek spinach pie and the twisty, sweet layered bread. Agi’s is closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan a visit during the back half of the week.
Hotel restaurants can get a bad rap. But don’t fret. The all-day menu at this spot, located inside the Ace Hotel in Brooklyn, surprises with its playful, seasonal, and fresh offerings. Don’t pass on the breakfast fruit plate, which hides housemade jam underneath melon and Moon Drop grapes. Go for the hearty, plant-based Hippie Sandwich at lunch. And dinner? Black bass in puff pastry with scrumptious sorrel crème fraîche, the perfect dip for a side of french fries.
This all-day Mexican eatery is great for a casual lunch at the bar or catching up with friends for happy hour. The easygoing vibe doesn’t compromise on flavor. Here, I like to order for the table. Begin with the chicken soup, a broth balanced with fresh cilantro and mixed veggies. Tack on the cheese quesadilla and add mushrooms, then wrap up with the pork al pastor gringa, a fun, shareable entrée. What’s a Mexican meal without churros for dessert? You know what to do.
The M60 bus isn’t just for a trip to LaGuardia. It’s what I take from Harlem to venture to this Greek establishment in Astoria. My go-to order of lemon potatoes, gigantes—butter beans baked with parsley and tomato—and grilled octopus or a whole fish won’t steer you wrong. The large dining room is where residents gather for family dinners, after-church fellowship, and celebrations. As such, there are well-priced prix fixe options ideal for big groups. Otherwise, a walk-in will get you sorted.