Crazy In Love: My Go-To Restaurants in NYC

Today, I’m continuing my Beyoncé-themed roundup of my favorite places to eat in New York City! Initially, I intended to highlight just my top 10 favorites, but after combing through all the places I’ve dined, there were simply too many gems to keep to myself.

So, let’s dive into today’s list: “Crazy In Love.” While these restaurants may not have cracked my top 10, they hold a special place in my heart as cherished go-tos that I revisit time and time again.

Soundtrack: “Crazy In Love” – Beyoncé

PICKLER & CO
Sandwiches (Midtown East)
216 E. 45th Street, Manhattan 

This grab-and-go sandwich shop sits conveniently around the corner from my office – and I’m pretty sure it’s unanimously everyone at the company’s top choice for lunch! Lunch options are pretty bleak in Midtown East, but this one is always a winner.

Reservations: Grab and go

Favorite Dishes:

• The Rachel
• The Avocado (add on turkey pastrami)

ARRIBA ARRIBA 
Mexican (Hell’s Kitchen)
762 9th Ave, Manhattan 

When I lived in Hell’s Kitchen, this was my go-to Mexican spot for strong margaritas and delicious food. I’m not sure if they still do this, but their lunch special was a deal: a main and a margarita for $12.95.

Reservations: Does not accept

Favorite Dishes:

• Taco Salad
• Chimichanga 

PINCH CHINESE 
Chinese (Soho)
177 Prince Street, Manhattan

The chaos of Soho is a place I rarely venture these days, but when I do, it’s usually to indulge in Pinch Chinese. Every dish we’ve tried has been exceptional, and they offer inventive twists on classics, such as Bacon Egg and Cheese Dumplings and Sesame Oil Martinis.

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Crispy Pork Belly
• Salt & Pepper Calamari
• Mapo Tofu
• Bacon Egg & Cheese Dumplings
• Eggplant

PALMA
Italian (West Village)
28 Cornelia Street, Manhattan

I don’t consider myself a Swiftie, but I do know the she has a song about her apartment on Cornelia Street. And while I refuse to verify, I’m sure she mentioned this phenomenal Italian eatery across the street from her place.

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Arancini
• Polpettine
• Fettuccine Al Funghi
• Olive Oil Gelato

TAMPOPO RAMEN
Japanese (Washington Heights)
1 Bennett Ave, Manhattan

When I live in Washington Heights small little hole-in-the-wall was my home away from home on a cold winter day.

Reservations: Not available

Favorite Dishes:

• Spicy Miso Ramen 

WENWEN 
Taiwanese (Green Point)
1025 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn 

WenWen is known for their full fried chicken which I’ve unfortunately never had (they only make 5 a night), but every other dish is outstanding. The Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken is a must!

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Numbing Celtuce Salad
• Sacha Hot Honey Popcorn Chicken
• Lily Flemming Fried Rice with Pork Paigu
• Lo Ba Beng
• Taiwanese Old Fashioned 

FONDA 
Mexican (Chelsea)
189 9th Ave, Manhattan 

This is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood as the food is delicious and you can almost always get in even without a reservation. And the 3 margarita brunch is a deal! 

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Enchiladas Suizas 
• Burrito Texano

ZIZI’S
Mediterranean (Chelsea)
182 8th Ave, Manhattan

When we’re indecisive and looking for a little bite of everything, we come here order a bunch of dips and the shawarma to share. It’s always satisfying!

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Crazy Baba
• Frenah
• Shawarma

ATOBOY
Korean (NoMad)
43 E. 28th Street, Manhattan

I’ve been here three times and the tasting menu is always phenomenal. I recommend coming with several people and each getting different dishes – a great way to try the entire menu.

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Menu changes regularly 

ELEA 
Greek (Upper West Side)
217 W 85th Street, Manhattan

My team happened upon this Greek eatery after an offsite planning meeting and it instantly became the go-to place for our dinners and lunches. It has a great private space for parties as well. 

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Elea Salad
• Melitzanosalata
• Lamb Chops 

EL PAISA
Mexican (Washington Heights)
1548 St. Nicholas Ave, Manhattan 

If there is one restaurant I miss in my old neighborhood it’s El Paisa. A tiny little Mexican restaurant serving up some of my favorite tacos, nachos and guac. They don’t have a lot of seating so I’d recommend grab and go.

Reservations: Grab and go

Favorite Dishes:

• Tacos de Birria
• Tacos de Barbacoa 

More Favorite New York City restaurants here.