Must-see restaurants in New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania

  • Southgate

    Philadelphia

    If you're not familiar with Korean cuisine this casual spot is a good place to start. Highly recommended is their bibimbap, a rice dish that comes in a…

  • Peacefood Cafe

    Upper West Side & Central Park

    This bright and airy vegan haven dishes up a popular fried seitan panini (served on homemade focaccia and topped with cashew cheese, arugula, tomatoes and…

  • Caffe Reggio

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    This arty, ever-popular cafe is a visual treat with Renaissance paintings and marble-topped tables. Serving fresh pastries, panini, cakes, Italian…

  • Lot 2

    New York City

    This rustic, intimate spot serves high-end comfort food in Greenwood Heights, south of Park Slope. The menu is small but big on flavors. Try the grilled…

  • Terrapin

    Hudson Valley

    Set in an old wood-shingled church, popular Terrapin has a wide-ranging menu with locally sourced ingredients, with everything from pasta and salads to…

  • Tapas on Main

    Pennsylvania

    We don't necessarily think of the Lehigh Valley as ground zero for good Spanish food, but Tapas on Main has a surprisingly deep and tasty menu of Spanish…

  • PS & Co

    Philadelphia

    Not only is this pleasant cafe vegan and gluten-free, it's also kosher to boot. Breakfast dishes are served all day, and they have tempting options such…

  • Café Cluny

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    Café Cluny brings the charm of Paris to the West Village, with woven bistro-style bar chairs, light wooden upholstery and a selection of joie-de-vivre…

  • Prince Street Pizza

    SoHo & Chinatown

    It's a miracle the oven door hasn't come off at this classic standing-room-only slice joint, its brick walls hung with shots of celebrity fans like Rebel…

  • Hideaway

    Long Island

    True to its name, this festive Mexican cantina is hidden away from the Montauk hubbub at Diamond Cove Marina, which means it's a local favorite…

  • Millstone Cafe

    Pennsylvania

    The on-site restaurant at the Brandywine River Museum of Art is a great find, and not just as museum restaurants go. The menu trucks in sun-kissed, farm…

  • Carmi Soul Food

    Pittsburgh

    Much loved and seemingly always packed, Carmi is justifiably famed for its menu of soul-food favorites, including fried catfish, stuffed pork chops and…

  • Insa

    New York City

    Kimchi dumplings, spicy ribs and tofu bibimbap (stone bowl of veggies and rice) are highlights at tucked-away Insa, though it's most fun to barbecue squid…

  • Roots

    New York City

    Family-run Roots specializes in marvelous coffee and coarse, cheesy grits – soupy cornmeal, made ever more nourishing by additions of avocado, vegan…

  • Gene McCarthy's

    Buffalo

    One of the best places to try Buffalo's famous chicken wings, this dive-y spot in the First Ward has been slinging specialties like Beef on Weck to hungry…

  • American Bounty Restaurant

    Hudson Valley

    This CIA student–run restaurant focuses on seasonal, Hudson Valley produce and modern interpretations of regional American cuisine. Reservations are…

  • Pork & Beans

    Pittsburgh

    To be frank, no one is coming to the Western Alleghenies for Texas-style barbecue, but Pork & Beans argues, "Why not?" They've got juicy brisket with…

  • MISC

    New York City

    Classic Thai dishes are given flavorful expression at casual, brick-lined MISC, but the chefs also flirt with Chinese, Indian, Japanese and other flavors …

  • Golden Steamer

    SoHo & Chinatown

    Squeeze into this hole-in-the-wall for some of the fluffiest, tastiest bao (steamed buns) in Chinatown. Made on-site by bellowing Chinese cooks, fillings…

  • Saigon Shack

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    Steaming bowls of pho (noodle soup), tangy banh mi (baguette) sandwiches and crunchy spring rolls await at this bustling wood-lined eatery just a few…

  • Wm Mulherin's Sons

    Philadelphia

    Gourmet pizzas – with toppings such as speck and eggs, and lamb and artichoke – take center stage at this appealing restaurant and bar in a creatively…

  • Pier i Café

    Upper West Side & Central Park

    A casual cafe along the Hudson River esplanade, Pier i Café is a perfect pit stop for hungry cyclists and runners, or anyone who wants to fuel up and…

  • Fezz's Diner

    Pennsylvania

    This diner doesn't seem to have changed much since it was shipped here lock, stock and barrel from Bethlehem, PA, in the mid-1950s. It would be retro…

  • Village Tavern Restaurant & Inn

    Finger Lakes

    Located next to the attractive village square and specializing in fresh fish and seafood, this popular restaurant is known for its award-winning wine list…

  • Mah Ze Dahr

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    Tangy, creamy cheesecakes and spongy brioche doughnuts are on offer at this bakery opened by former financial advisor Umber Ahmad, who was discovered when…

  • Pies 'n' Thighs

    Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Greenpoint & Bushwick

    The Southern-inspired menu here seems designed to soak up booze: fried chicken and a mean mac ’n' cheese, pulled pork and slaw, plus marvelous doughnuts…

  • Daily Grind

    The Adirondacks

    Take the pulse of Albany's bohemian Lark St at this laid-back coffee roasters and cafe. Apart from decent cups of coffee, the cafe serves great breakfasts…

  • Fish & Game

    Hudson Valley

    This James Beard Award–winning restaurant and bar has New York gourmets going all light-headed over rustic-yet-elegant modern American dishes. Chef Zakary…

  • Tubby Robot

    Philadelphia

    The staff at this cute store make the traditional ice-cream flavors (such vanilla, chocolate and butter pecan) with the best fresh ingredients. There are…

  • Waterwheel Cafe

    Pennsylvania

    A scrumptious stop next to the river for a bite, with decent coffee and pastries that run a little sweet. It stays open for dinner Thursday to Saturday…

  • PJ Clarke's

    Upper West Side & Central Park

    Across the street from Lincoln Center, this spot has red-checked tablecloths, a buttoned-down crowd, friendly bartenders and a solid menu. If you’re in a…

  • Cotenna

    West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

    Tucked away on a picturesque corner of the Village, this intimate, attractively designed eatery is a favorite on date night. It has a small menu of…

  • Twin Peaks Coffee & Donuts

    Catskills

    Twin Peaks is a large coffee shop with a friendly owner and a small menu of well-made sandwiches and basic breakfast items. Its claim-to-fame are the made…

  • Taco Project

    Hudson Valley

    If you're hankering for some no-frills, high-quality tacos, stop in at this chic spot on Tarrytown's Main St. The dining area is small and it's popular at…

  • Dos Toros

    Union Square, Flatiron District & Gramercy

    Skip the national Mexican-food chains in favor of this citywide favorite that promises high-quality meats and veg tucked safely in a sea of thick…

  • Apollo Grill

    Pennsylvania

    If you like the sound of a sports-bar-type atmosphere with chichi menu options such as phyllo-wrapped asparagus and prosciutto or baked Brie, then this is…

  • Tauk at Trail's End

    Long Island

    The original roadhouse bar is still here, as is a urinal from Grand Central Station circa 1916 (thankfully inside the men's room). Some Montaukers have…

  • Peace, Love & Little Donuts

    Pittsburgh

    This groovy donutteria doesn't have peace or love on the menu, but it sure lives up to the 'little donuts' part: these mini-sized donuts are topped with…

  • Baba's Pierogies

    New York City

    Granny's recipes have been passed down to these Brooklyn purveyors of plump pierogi (Polish dumplings), whose soft dough is stuffed with cheese and potato…

  • Source

    Finger Lakes

    This Market St bistro boasts a rotating menu of simple dishes from locally sourced ingredients. There's a casual dining room that triples as a coffee shop…