The Top 10 Must-Visit Restaurants in New York City for Summer 2023
Summer in New York City means vibrant food and great dining experiences. The Otter team has been exploring the city's culinary scene from Bed-Stuy to the East Village, and we’ve handpicked the top 10 must-visit restaurants for summer 2023. From unique menus to unforgettable ambiance, these NYC hotspots have it all.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, a connoisseur, or a hungry explorer, these restaurants will cater to your palate. Let's explore the top NYC eateries shaping this year’s summer food trends. Dig in!
1. Claud, Noho
Just last summer, an unexpected gem named Claud emerged on NYC’s local dining scene. Disguised as a simple wine bar, it rapidly became an online sensation. Diners rave about the mouth-watering shrimp simmering in its own juices and succulent chicken drenched in luxurious foie gras sauce. The restaurant’s large, heavenly slices of devil’s food cake are a hit, too! Fan favorites like these are still up for grabs alongside exciting new flavors that constantly shake up the menu.
📍Address: 90 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003
☎️ Phone: (917) 261-6791
🌐 Website: claudnyc.com
2. Bo Ky, Chinatown
Next time you’re in Chinatown, make a beeline for Bo Ky. Since 1986, this gem has been serving cuisine from the Chaoshan region, vibrantly blending Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Cantonese influences. From tempting noodles to tantalizing braised duck, Bo Ky promises an unforgettable food journey.
But dining at Bo Ky is about more than just food. It's a chance to stand with a local business navigating significant challenges. As reported recently, Bo Ky, alongside other Chinatown restaurants, was a direct casualty of the city’s proposed jail expansion plan. This comes as Chinatown, already hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic, continues to fight its way back to success.
Even amidst these obstacles, Bo Ky stands as a testament to the community's resilience. Dining at Bo Ky means getting a great meal and supporting the exceptional culinary scene of Chinatown’s local businesses. Plus, you’ll have a never-ending noodle menu to explore!
📍 Address: 80 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
☎️ Phone: (212) 406-2292
🌐 Website: bo-ky-nyc.com
3. Raoul’s, Soho
For over 45 years, Raoul's has been a Soho gem. A French bistro with a distinct New York spirit, the restaurant was founded by two brothers from Alsace, France. Raoul’s heart and soul can be found in its decor, a fusion of Parisian elegance and New York charm, and in its iconic steak au poivre. As one actor allegedly confessed, “I think the steak au poivre sauce has some kind of LSD effect on people, and they have to have it. They crave it.” Raoul's might be on the pricier side, but it delivers an authentic, immersive dining experience that's worth every penny.
📍 Address: 180 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
☎️ Phone: (212) 966-3518
🌐 Website: raouls.com
4. Dinner Party, Fort Greene
If you're in Brooklyn, don't miss the chance to visit Dinner Party. This unique restaurant, established in 2021 by six spirited women, captures the essence of a real-life dinner party. As their website aptly puts it, the restaurant “...aims to feel that way: like you’re dining among instant friends, laughing as much as you’re eating." With a communal dining setup and a homey prix fixe menu, Dinner Party promises a joyful, friendly experience. Check out the restaurant’s Instagram below to get a sense of their warm, inviting atmosphere.
📍 Address: 86 South Portland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
☎️ Phone: (347) 463-9173
🌐 Website: dinnerpartybk.com
📷 Instagram: @dinnerpartybk
📅 Reservation: Resy
5. Bonnie's, Williamsburg
Positioned in the heart of Brooklyn, Bonnie's presents a unique, personal culinary adventure, marrying tradition and innovation to celebrate Cantonese-American cuisine. The brainchild of Brooklyn native Calvin Eng, Bonnie's emerges from a deeply personal journey of cultural rediscovery and self-acceptance.
In his words, Eng was "born and raised in Brooklyn, and grew up trying to be as American as possible. It took a while, but I’m finally embracing the culture I once rejected growing up as a Chinese-American kid." This exploration of identity has blossomed into Bonnie's, a dedication to his mother and his Chinese heritage. The restaurant also serves as a testament to Eng’s new embrace of his cultural roots. This Brooklyn hot-spot’s delicious food, outdoor patio, and elevated cocktails makes Bonnie’s a must-visit this summer.
📍 Address: 398 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
☎️ Phone: (914) 875-3709
🌐 Website: bonniesbrooklyn.com
6. Lucien, East Village
Open for over 25 years, Lucien is a trendy treasure of the East Village. It has become a favorite among the art crowd, attracting celebrities like Bella Hadid and Chloe Sevigny. You’ll find renowned New York artists Jonas Mekas and Dash Snow dining here, as well. With its Parisian-style decor and exquisite menu, Lucien transports you to Europe and makes you feel like a celebrity. Indulge in specialties like duck, steak frites, roast chicken, and escargot, but be prepared for a higher price point. Experience the charm of Lucien, where timeless French bistro cuisine meets a chic atmosphere.
📍 Address: 14 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
☎️ Phone: (212) 260-6481
🌐 Website: luciennyc.com
📜 Menu: places.singleplatform.com
7. Ursula, Bedford-Stuyvesant
Ursula, the beloved eatery known for its legendary breakfast burritos, is making waves in the food scene once again. This time, they're taking their culinary prowess to new heights as they embark on an exciting journey in Bed-Stuy. With a fresh location and a bigger space, Ursula is ready to wow their customers with delicious New Mexican cuisine.
As a leader in New York’s queer food scene, Ursula also provides a remarkable bar experience. The restaurant proudly partners with LGBTQ+-owned distilleries and breweries to serve the best beverages in NYC.
The buzz surrounding Ursula's exciting venture is palpable, and it's an experience you won't want to miss. Don't hesitate to immerse yourself in their renowned flavors and undeniable charm.
📍 Address: 387A Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216
☎️ Phone: (347) 3654-905
🌐 Website: ursulabk.com
8. Lips Cafe, East Flatbush
Lips Cafe, a charming mother-and-son-owned cafe is a must-visit Brooklyn destination. Recently praised by Vogue as "Brooklyn's best-kept secret," this Black-owned establishment offers more than just coffee and pastries. As a hub for local talent, Lips Cafe hosts art shows, open mic nights, and fundraising events that showcase emerging artists and performers. While enjoying their signature cocktails and authentic Caribbean menu, you can get inspired by the eatery’s hub of collaborative creativity.
In the summer months, Lips Cafe becomes an even more enchanting spot with its inviting outdoor seating area. The cafe’s unique ethos is captured in their bio: “We've become the place to start and end your day with. A place for your morning espresso and your old-fashioned. A place to meet a new creative or one of your neighbors.”
Feel inspired yet? Give Lips Cafe a visit.
📍 Address: 1412 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11226
☎️ Phone: (212) 260-6481
🌐 Website: lipscafe.com
9. Via Carota, Greenwich Village
If you're in the mood for a romantic date night, consider Via Carota. This renowned Italian restaurant was established over a decade ago by real-life chef couple Jody Williams and Rita Sodi. The passion they’ve poured into their food is clear, considering the impressive list of accolades they've amassed. This year, The New York Times recently ranked Via Carota fourth in their "100 Best Restaurants in New York City". Perhaps more impressively, Taylor Swift regards this eatery as an integral part of "her New York." Despite its status as a Greenwich Village hotspot and celebrity haunt, it's accessible to anyone looking to indulge.
Via Carota is a fine choice for anyone wanting to celebrate a special occasion or simply treat themselves to an exquisite meal. From hand-chopped, grass-fed steak to pappardelle with wild boar ragu, you're assured a dining experience that's worth every penny.
📍 Address: 51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
✉️ Email: ciao@viacarota.com
🌐 Website: viacarota.com
10. Iris, Midtown
Last but not least, we have Iris, one of New York City’s top-ranked Mediterranean restaurants. Located at Broadway & 55th, Iris made it into the NY Time’s top ten new restaurant list in 2021 with its unique Greek-Turkish cuisine. Perfect for theatergoers, locals, or city visitors, Iris provides delightful ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating for summer nights.
The menu, carefully curated by Chef John Fraser, is a journey through the best of Aegean cuisine. Standout dishes include dolmas, mezze, tzatziki, oil-brushed pitas, and eggplant. Each meal also provides an opportunity to indulge in unique desserts, like pistachio baklava and strawberry sorbet.
📍 Address: 1740 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
☎️ Phone: (212) 970-1740
🌐 Website: irisrestaurant.nyc
Enjoy 2023's best restaurants in New York City!
Now that we've whet your appetite, all that's left is for you to embark on your foodie dreams in NYC. Go ahead, make your reservations, and enjoy the best that New York City's food scene has to offer this summer. Bon appétit!
