If you’re looking for the best places to eat in New York City in 2026 look no further than this local-approved list by Mywaymore Services guide to the city that never sleeps—and never stops eating!
From soul-stirring Caribbean flavors in Brooklyn to fresh seafood in Harlem, we’ve rounded up the 10 best places to eat right now. Check out our top picks to satisfy every craving.
The Simpson
1. The Simpson Restaurant & Bar (Brooklyn)
Located in the heart of Fort Greene, The Simpson is where Brooklyn meets the Caribbean. Led by celebrity Chef Wenford “Patrick” Simpson, this spot is famous for its vibrant energy and soulful dishes.
- Must-Try: The Oxtails. Seriously, if you go here, you have to try the oxtails—they are my absolute favorite and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Pair them with their 5-cheese Macaroni Pie for the ultimate meal.
- Vibe: Casual Elegant—perfect for a lively date night or birthday celebration.
- Action: Book a table at The Simpson.
Sea & Sea Fish Market
Sea & Sea is the ultimate “if you know, you know” spot in Harlem. It’s a classic, no-frills market where the seafood is as fresh as it gets. The best part? You pick exactly what you want from the ice, and they’ll steam or fry it for you right then and there. Whether you’re grabbing snapper, whiting, or some shrimp, the seasoning is always hitting. It’s simple, it’s authentic, and it’s easily the best way to get a real seafood fix without the uptown markup.
- Must-Try: Steamed crab legs or the signature fried blue fish sandwich.
- Vibe: Old-school, no-frills fish market with high-quality, affordable catches.
- Action: Order fresh seafood from Sea & Sea.
Mira Mediterranean & Hookah Lounge
If you know me, you know I’m always hunting for that perfect spot that can actually do it all—start with a killer dinner and end with a vibe that keeps going until 4:00 AM. I finally found it at Mira Mediterranean & Hookah Lounge.
Located right in Murray Hill, Mira feels like a total escape from the NYC pavement. The second you walk in, you get this warm, lush energy with all the greenery and wood accents. It’s upscale without being stuffy, which is exactly how I like to spend my weekends.
The Ultimate Date Night Spot
Honestly, if you’re looking to impress someone, this is the place. It’s a great place for a date night because the lighting is perfectly moody, and the booths are cozy enough to actually have a conversation before the party starts. It’s got that “hidden gem” feel that makes it look like you really know your way around the city’s best spots.
- Must-Try: Grilled Octopus and the Lamb Chops.
- Vibe: Sophisticated and cozy; a favorite for celebrities and night owls.
- Action: Make a reservation at Mira.
PB Brasserie
4. PB Brasserie (Harlem)
PB Brasserie If you haven’t made it uptown to
PB Brasserie Steak House yet, you are seriously missing out. Located right on the legendary 125th Street, this spot is bringing a level of “downtown” elegance to Harlem that feels both upscale and totally authentic.
It’s the kind of place that catches your eye with marquee lighting before you even step through the door, but once you’re inside, the vibe is all plush velvet, marble bars, and soulful R&B.
The Ultimate Date Night Spot
I’m calling it now—this is a great place for a date night. The lighting is moody and “sexy,” the seating is super comfortable, and the music is always on point. It’s the perfect backdrop if you want to dress up, share a few amazing cocktails, and actually hear each other talk while you vibe out.
- Must-Try: The “Brunch & Beats” menu for great food and live jazz.
- Vibe: Trendy and musical, capturing the true essence of Harlem’s culture.
- Action: Visit PB Brasserie.
Naxos Brooklyn
Naxos brings a sophisticated new pulse to the heart of Williamsburg. This isn’t just a restaurant; it is a cultural crossroads where the sun-drenched flavors of the Greek Cyclades meet the vibrant, rhythmic heritage of Latin America. Founded by a visionary team with Dominican and Colombian roots, Naxos was born from a desire to bridge two worlds. Under the expertise of Executive Chef Panayiotis Dalitsouris, the menu delivers a masterclass in fusion—pairing fresh Mediterranean ingredients with bold Caribbean techniques.
- Must-Try: Short Rib Stifado Crown jewel” of fusion. Slow-braised short ribs served with a rich Mole Cipollini over a unique risotto & beans base—a savory bridge between two cultures.
- Arni-Pita: A playful mash-up featuring puff pastry empanadas stuffed with succulent lamb roast and finished with a bright, zesty Mojo Verde.
La Grande Boucherie
6. La Grande Boucherie (Midtown)
If you want to feel like you’ve been teleported straight to a Parisian square without leaving Manhattan, you need to get to La Grande Boucherie. Located in the heart of Midtown, this isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a massive, breathtaking tribute to the Belle Époque era that stretches across an entire city block on 6½ Avenue of the Americas.
The Ultimate Spot for Major Moments
I’m putting this at the top of the list for anyone looking for a great place for a date night. Between the 40-foot glass ceilings, the heated outdoor gallery, and the ornamental Art Nouveau decor, the atmosphere is pure romance.
It’s also my absolute go-to when you need to celebrate a birthday or toast to an anniversary. There is something about the grand scale and the white-tablecloth service that makes any milestone feel like a huge deal. It manages to feel both legendary and intimate—perfect for when you want to dress up and really go all out
- Must-Try: Steak Frites or their world-class Steak Tartare.
- Vibe: Grand, elegant, and perfect for power lunches or romantic dinners.
7. Buddakan
If you want to feel like you’ve just stepped onto the set of a high-fashion movie (think Sex and the City vibes), Buddakan in Chelsea Market is the place. It’s grand, it’s moody, and it’s arguably one of the most stunning dining rooms in the entire city. The “wow” factor starts the second you walk down those stairs and see the giant chandeliers and the massive communal table.
The Ultimate Celebration Destination
Whether you’re planning the ultimate romantic evening or just looking to level up your weekend, this spot hits every mark. It’s got that rare, magnetic energy that makes it a top-tier choice for a date night, but honestly, it’s even better when you’re looking to go all out and celebrate a birthday or toast to a milestone anniversary. There’s a certain energy here—a mix of high-end fashion and dim lighting—that makes every occasion feel like a main event. If you want to feel like a VIP for a night, this is where you go. They mix Cape Cod flavors with Caribbean spices for a unique “island-time” experience in the middle of New York
- Must-Try: The seafood boil bags or the Johnny Cakes.
- Vibe: Bright, colorful, and fun.
8. Peter Luger Steak House (Brooklyn)
A true New York institution. If you want a classic, world-renowned steakhouse experience in 2026, Peter Luger in Williamsburg is still the king of dry-aged beef.
- Must-Try: The Porterhouse for two (and don’t forget the thick-cut bacon appetizer).
- Vibe: Old-world charm with a strictly professional, traditional service.
STK Steakhouse Midtown
9. STK Steakhouse Midtown
- Must-Try: The Lil’ BRGs: These are arguably the most famous sliders in Manhattan. Made with Wagyu beef, topped with a special sauce, and served on toasted brioche buns, they are the perfect high-end comfort food to start your night.
- The Dry-Aged Tomahawk: For the main event, this is the ultimate “showstopper” steak. It’s massive, perfectly marbled, and carved tableside, making it as much of a visual performance as it is a meal. Pro tip: pair it with their STK Bold sauce.
EKO Restaurant
If you’re craving a taste of West Africa that feels like a home-cooked meal served in a high-end gallery, you have to get to EKO Restaurant & Lounge in Brooklyn. This spot is a total standout in the 2026 food scene, bringing a level of sophistication to Nigerian cuisine that is honestly hard to find anywhere else.
The first thing you’ll notice is the aesthetic—it’s sleek, modern, and perfectly reflects the vibrant energy of Lagos. But as much as I love the decor, the food is the real reason EKO has a permanent spot on my list.
The Ultimate Spot for a Family Feast
Forget just a standard dinner; EKO is a fantastic place for a big family gathering or a celebration with your closest friends. The portions are generous, and the dishes are meant to be shared and discussed. It’s the kind of place where the table is crowded with colorful plates, the conversation is loud, and the flavors are even bolder. If you want to celebrate a birthday with a group that truly app
- Must-Try: Salmon Sliders: EKO puts a West African/Caribbean spin on them that sets them apart from a standard bistro slider.
- Goat Pepper Soup: Frequently mentioned as a favorite, this traditional West African broth is packed with tender goat meat and aromatic spices.
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