Let’s be real: in a city with so many restaurants, how do you find the actual hidden gems? You could scroll endless review sites, fall down a TikTok rabbit hole… or you could just ask a local. That’s where the Secret Club comes in!
The Secret Club is our amazing, clued-up community of readers who are out there every night pounding the pavement and finding the best stuff. They’ve been swapping their latest faves in our members-only group, and we’ve collected the absolute best. You also unlock exclusive perks and benefits to use across NYC – so join the conversation and sign up to the Secret Club, today!
Without further ado, here are 10 incredible restaurants in NYC recommended by our Secret Club members:
1. Sing
When you’re craving authentic Chinese food, be sure to try out the beloved Hong Kong kitchen Sing in the West Village, recommended by Balaji at the Secret Club.
Balaji said, “Their pork belly slippery eggs over rice was amazing! And the prices were unbeatable—so much food for $15!”
A tip this specific—down to the must-order dish—is what the Secret NYC Club is all about. Share your own recs or unlock even more foodie favourites by joining the club–who knows? Maybe you’ll be featured next time!
📍 You’ll find Sing at 182 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012. Visit their IG, here.
2. Fernando’s Hideaway
You’d never guess this sultry, speakeasy-style tapas bar is hiding in plain sight in Midtown, so thanks to Angelene S. from the Secret Club who brought it to our attention!
She told the club, “They offer a Girls Dinner that is 90 minutes of unlimited select cocktails with the purchase of two tapas per person. We got about 5 rounds of the Rum Runner Punch and were super buzzed. They even gave us a complimentary green tea shot with our check!”
📍 You’ll find Fernando’s Hideaway at 160 W 54th St fl 2, New York, NY 10019. Visit their website, here.
3. Sullaluna
This one is a truly unique gem, so of course it came from the Secret Club! Sillaluna is part-bookstore, part-bistro, and it’s 100% delicious. Progga R. found it for us and she had a lot to say about.
Progga said, “Great dishes made with fresh Italian ingredients and Italian wines served in a cosy, intimate space against a backdrop of Italian and English children’s books. It’s a great place to enjoy a nice coffee or glass of wine as you get some work done.”
Check out the full review by joining the Secret Club today, along with more recommendations from like-minded locals, along with the Secret NYC team!
📍 You’ll find Sullaluna at 41 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014. Visit their website, here.
4. Los Tacos N°1
Although a local chain, this place definetly brings the flavour and it’s officially Secret-Club-approved thanks to Alejandra H! With locations across NYC, Los Tacos N°1 is a quintessential taqueria in the city, famed for its tantalising menu of addictive tacos.
She told the Secret Club, “I’m from the northwest of México, and this is exactly how we do tacos back home. These really hit home. The hype? 100% deserved.”
She even shared a secret menu item that’s too good to miss–but we can’t give away everything–so join the Secret Club and unlock more ways to enjoy the city! For more information, click here.
📍 There are several Los Tacos N°1 locations across NYC. Visit their website, here.
5. Prime Thyme
For anyone with dietary restrictions, finding a cool spot where you can eat everything feels like hitting the lottery. Luckily for New Yorkers, we are in a prime spot for inclusive eating, solidified by this fire Secret Club recommendation from Dori T.
Dori said, “Prime Thyme is a fantastic restaurant and bar on the Upper West Side. Their Happy Hour has a good selection of drinks and appetizers. Happy Hour is Mon-Thurs from 4-6pm but its only bar seating.”
📍 You’ll find Prime Thyme at 476 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024. Visit their website here.
6. Chelsea Market
Although not a restaurant, there are plenty of eats located inside Chelsea Market, and it is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the area! From Mexican flavours to Asian feasts, you can find everything and anything at this foodie favorite.
Jessica T. told the club, “One of the recent places I stopped in with a friend is Chelsea Market. Part of what I love about this place is the vibe – it used to be the National Biscuit Company factory and while the space has been repurposed it still has an industrial feel.”
Do you know a spot inside Chelsea Market that’s worth the visit? Join the Secret Club and recommend it by clicking here.
📍You’ll find Chelsea Market at 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011. Visit their website, here.
7. The Alligator Lounge
This next tip from Angelene S. is a true NYC rite of passage, and it’s extremely drool-worthy too! The Alligator Lounge is a dive bar hotspot that serves up some of the best pizza pies in NYC, beloved by our Secret Club too.
Angelene said, “They have several drink specials like $10-14 beer and shot combos. And that’s not even the best part! Every drink purchase comes with a free personal pizza!! That’s a bang for your buck!”
📍You’ll find The Alligator Lounge at 600 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211. Visit their website, here.
8. Yoko Cho
Sometimes you just want to feel like you’ve been transported via the tastebuds, and that’s exactly what Yoko Cho does. Serving up some drool-worthy Japanese delicacies, keep this spot in mind for the next time you’re in the Union Square area.
Balaji told the club, “Tried a new Japanese restaurant in the East Village called Yoko Cho! Loved their noodle-stuffed omelette.”
Do you roll the rooster in Brooklyn, or are you a King or Queen of the Upper East Side? Join the Secret Club to share your recommendations and unlock a plethora of perks to use across NYC!
📍You’ll find Yoko Cho at 137 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003. Visit their website, here.
9. The Smith
Is it loud? Yes. Is it always packed? Yes. Is it a classic for a reason? Absoltuely. Now boasting several locations across NYC, The Smith has become a go-to spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner!
Maria from the club said, “Cute bar with a delicious Branzino served on curry basmati rice. The music was pretty good and the waitress was delightful.”
📍There are several The Smith locations across NYC. Visit their website, here.
10. Seppe Pizza Bar
With a million pizza places, it takes a lot to stand out. But Anita T. thinks she’s found the next big thing, located over on Staten Island of all places!
She shared with the club, “I know Staten Island is basically on the other side of the world for most New Yorkers, but sometimes it’s worth a boat ride. Seppe Pizza Bar is one of those instances. Great food, drinks and staff all converge for an enjoyable experience.”
Where do you get your slice of the action when it comes to pizza? Tell us all about it by leaving a recommendation at the Secret Club. Maybe you’ll make the next round-up!
📍 You’ll find Seppe Pizza Bar at 3 Navy Pier Ct, Staten Island, NY 10304. Visit their website, here.
Impressed? That’s just scratching the surface. The Secret NYC Club is our non-stop hub for sharing the city’s best-kept secrets—we’re talking way more than just food. It’s where you get the real, passionate recommendations from people who love this city and know it inside-out.
Beyond that, you’ll be unlock exclusive perks and benefits to use across NYC, including fabulous discounts, unmissable giveaways, and beyond!