For all the foodies out there, the East Village is one of NYC's top destinations for food and continues to rank as one of the most popular neighborhoods to dine.
With no shortage of reputable eateries and hidden gems serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, the East Village never fails to satisfy our cravings. Our favorite part? The best spots are all within walking distance of StuyTown.
Check out StuyTown's East Village restaurant guide below.
- Balade
208 1st Ave. (between 12th and 13th streets)
https://www.baladerestaurants.com
Mediterranean, Lebanese, Halal
$$
Yelp score: 4/5, The Infatuation score: 7.7/10
Balade is an authentic Lebanese restaurant that serves dishes like lamb kebab and even creative updates, like pita pizza. House specialties include the mujaddara crush—a platter of lentils and rice topped with crispy fried onions. The restaurant was voted Best Middle East Restaurant in NYC 2015-2016 by Zagat. - Café Mogador
101 St. Marks Pl. #1 (between 1st Ave. and Avenue A)
http://www.cafemogador.com
Moroccan, Middle Eastern, Brunch
$$
Yelp score: 4/5, The Infatuation score: not yet rated
Known for its expansive mezze menu and large plates like lamb shank couscous and chicken tagines, Café Mogador also does a busy brunch service: Diners rave about the Turkish coffee and the Moroccan eggs. - Emmy Squared
83 1st Ave. (near 5th St.)
https://www.emmysquared.com
Pizza, Sandwiches
$$
Yelp score: 4/5, The Infatuation score: not yet rated
Detroit-style pizza? Don't knock it 'til you've tried it, New Yorkers. The square pies come in creative combinations like Hot Chicken (Nashville hot chicken, 'Bama white sauce, and chopped pickles), and Big Ang (housemade vodka sauce, ricotta, double pecorino, meatball, and banana peppers). - Frank
88 2nd Ave. (between 5th and 6th streets)
https://www.frankrestaurant.com/
Italian
$$
Yelp score: 3.5/5, The Infatuation score: 7.4/10
This cash-only classic red-sauce joint serves up all the Italian-American New York City classics. Look out for raved-about specials like the burrata, the pappardelle with lamb ragu, and the black linguini with frutti de mare. - Giano
126 E. 7th St. (between 1st Ave. and Avenue A)
https://www.gianonyc.com
Italian
$$
Yelp score: 4/5, The Infatuation score: not yet listed or rated
A cozy atmosphere, stylish interior, and great wine selection make Giano a local go-to for hearty Italian fare. Diners' favorites include the burrata and the tiramisu. - Hasaki
210 E 9th St. (between 2nd and 3rd avenues)
https://www.hasakinyc.com
Sushi bars, Japanese
$$$
Yelp score: 3.5/5, The Infatuation score: not yet rated
Open since 1984, Hasaki specializes in fresh sushi prepared in the classic style, complete with multiple bento box options for lunch. - Hearth
403 E. 12th St. (near 1st Ave.)
https://www.restauranthearth.com
New American, Italian, Brunch
$$$
Yelp score: 4/5,The Infatuation score: 7.9/10
Hearth is an upscale Tuscan-American restaurant with an open kitchen and a large wine list. The restaurant employs locally-sourced ingredients and includes menu items like braised octopus, beef & ricotta meatballs, and roasted pork chop. - Ippudo
65 4th Ave. (between 9th and 10th streets)
https://www.ippudony.com
Ramen
$$
Yelp score: 4/5, The Infatuation score: not yet rated
Ippudo is worth the wait (and there is a wait because Ippudo doesn't take reservations). Ippudo is considered by many to be the go-to ramen joint in New York City—but it also serves buns, savory vegetable dishes, dessert, and more. - John's of 12th Street
302 E. 12th St. (between 1st and 2nd avenues)
https://www.johnsof12thstreet.com
Italian
$$
Yelp score: 3.5/5, The Infatuation score: not yet rated
John's, operating in the Village since 1908, is a classic New York City Italian-American restaurant—think white cloths on the tables, red sauce on the pasta, and black bowties on the waiters. In addition to its traditional menu, John's also boasts a vegan menu, including dishes like seitan scaloppini and dairy-free cannoli. - Madame Vo
212 E. 10th St. (between 1st and 2nd avenues)
https://www.madamevo.com
Vietnamese
$$
Yelp score: 4/5, The Infatuation score: not yet reviewed or rated
Madame Vo prides itself on homestyle Vietnamese dishes based on the owners' family recipes, including pho, rice noodles, summer rolls, and more, with vegetarian options available. - Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 1st Ave. (between 10th and 11th streets)
https://www.momofuku.com
Ramen, New American
$$
Yelp score: 3.5/5, The Infatuation score: 8.6/10
The main attraction at Momofuku Noodle Bar is, of course, the noodles—a variety of ramen that includes spicy beef, ginger scallion, smoked pork, and more—but don't miss the rotating menu of meat and vegetable small plates. - Motorino
349 E. 12th St. (between 1st and 2nd avenues)
https://www.motorinopizza.com
Pizza, Italian
$$
Yelp score: 3.5/5, The Infatuation score: 8.0/10
The secret's out about Motorino, so the wait can be long—but for Motorino's perfectly charred crusts, flavorful toppings, and fresh ingredients, it's well worth it. - Somtum Der
85 Avenue A (between 5th and 6th streets)
http://somtumdernewyork.mybistro.online/
Thai
$$
Yelp score: 4/5, The Infatuation score: 7.6/10
Somtum Der specializes in authentic Northeastern Thai Isan cuisine, like the Somtum (papaya salad) it's named for, along with sticky rice and hot soups packed with spicy flavor - Tarallucci e Vino
163 First Ave. (between 10th and 11th streets)
https://www.taralluccievino.net
Italian
$$
Yelp score: 4/5
Enjoy Italian coffee, housemade pastries, fresh pasta, and New York Greenmarket-inspired dishes at this lively all-day Italian bistro and wine bar. - Westville East
173 Avenue A (at 11th St.)
https://www.westvillenyc.com
Traditional American
$$
Yelp score: 4/5, The Infatuation score: 7.7/10
Known for top-notch burgers and outdoor seating, Westville East features a rotating menu of farm-to-table and vegetable-oriented dishes. The restaurant takes a spin on American "diner food" by emphasizing market-fresh veggies that are a vegetarian's dream.
Written by Amber James