There is certainly no shortage of great restaurants in the East Village. So much so that we were able to compile a list of nearly 70 great restaurants in the neighborhood!
However, we decided that 70 may be a bit much to digest, so we’ve cut it down to our top 12 current go-to’s. From fresh sushi to the comfort of chicken and waffles, here are SecretNYC’s favorite East Village restaurants at the moment, and each one is a must-try! We’ve even put together a map of them below so you can find them easily.
Cagen
Where: 414 E 9th St
What: Opened by the former executive chef at Nobu, Toshio Tomita, everything here is amazing. Sit at the bar and enjoy fresh omakase with a bit of delicious sake.
Edi & The Wolf
Where: 102 Avenue C
What: It’s worth heading to Avenue C for this Austrian restaurant. It’s a quaint spot serving up tasty schnitzel, Brussels sprouts and chorizo, and spätzle.
Empellón Al Pastor
Where: 132 St Marks Pl
What: Manhattan has several Empellón restaurants, but if you’re looking for a kickass taco this is where to go. Their cactus taco is our favorite, but their honestly all wins.
Huertas
Where: 107 1st Avenue
What: Our favorite spot for a good happy hour (5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays, and 3 p.m.-7 p.m. on weekends), this Basque-influenced restaurant is great for tapas and their house made vermouth.
Hunan Slurp
Where: 112 1st Avenue
What: Relatively new to the East Village restaurant scene, Hunan Slurp offers contemporary Chinese fare with a BYOB policy and generous portions.
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
Where: 103 2nd Avenue
What: If you’re looking for succulent barbecue dishes, this is the spot. I mean…look at this video! Need we say more?
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Where: 171 1st Avenue
What: Yes, there are plenty of great noodle places in the East Village, but if you’re looking for the original ramen and pork bun spot, this is it. Lines can get relatively long though, and there are no reservations, so be prepared to wait. (We’ve also heard great things about their new caviar and fried chicken option! If you’re in the mood to splurge.)
Pylos
Where: 128 E 7th St
What: This cool Greek spot has terra cotta planters lining the ceiling. Along with the fun ambiance of the restaurant, they also serve delicious food like their moussaka and pastitsio.
Root & Bone
Where: 200 E 3rd St
What: Root & Bone serves up Southern comfort food, and we can’t wait to cozy up to their mac and cheese, biscuits and gravy, and basket of fried chicken once those cold fall days hit.
Somtum Der
Where: 85 Avenue A
What: If you’re looking for amazing Thai food in the area, this is an absolutely must. Their ice cream with syrup is served as a massive tower, and the papaya salad along with the Khao Pad Goong with crab is our go-to.
Tuome
Where: 536 E 5th St
What: We’ll admit this one is a tad on the pricier side, but it’s a hidden gem that’s totally worth it. From the snow crab noodles to the chicken on porridge, anything you get will make your taste buds dance.
Veselka
Where: 144 2nd Avenue
What: This East Village staple is a must for borscht and pierogis.
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