Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in New York

The name of this restaurant comes from the founder Brian Shebairo trying to say the name of his friend and co-founder Chris, while eating a hotdog. An absolute must for those who love franks, Crif Dogs has upped the ante with its handmade, naturally smoked wieners. They also serve some amazing burgers and shakes, but most come for the dogs. Try the Spicy Redneck, a bacon wrapped masterpiece topped with cole slaw and jalapenos.

Since 1896, the Rao family has served traditional Neapolitan dishes to diners in the area of East Harlem. Its tucked cozily on the corner of Pleasant Avenue and 114th St., pegged right against the East River and Jefferson Park, but even if you made the trip up here, it wouldn't be worth it because once you arrive your chances of getting a table are miniscule to none. That's because Rao's has the reputation of being one of the most difficult places to get a table in the entire city. In fact, there are only about 8 to 10 tables here and you practically have to know somebody like Bill Clinton, Billy Crystal, Woody Allen or Anthony Salerno to eat here. Nonetheless, the fam has another location in Las Vegas, where it's much easier to get in. They sell homemade sauces, oils and vinegar here to go along with your recipes, for which they have also uploaded a page full of recipes that can be prepared at home just by using the ingredients from the store. Some of their prominent dishes are broccoli rabe, lemon chicken and baked clams.

Sushi has quite captured the imagination of the average American, hence the popularity of Japanese cuisine in the city. With a myriad of eclectic combinations, there have been lots of twists added to the original flavor of the cuisine, to suit the American palate, such that it is a rarity to find the traditional preparation. Tanoshi Sushi and Sake Bar, however, endeavors to fill in the void and provide the most delectable, authentically cooked Japanese fare consisting of sashimi, sushi and other exotic seafood. Chef Toshio is a master of his art and works up delightful flavors to challenge the palate. The service is impeccable and the staff is friendly.

Henry's End restaurant in Brooklyn Heights offers interesting dishes, outstanding service and a warm welcome. Jazz is piped in to relax patrons as they dine on the much-loved duckling with raspberry sauce. Try the West Indian barbecued shrimp or the barbecued ribs done "Ozark-style." Crab cakes, game in season, unusual salads, seafood dishes and a blackened shell steak coated with 15 spices and served with chutney are some other popular entrees. There is a health menu and the wine list features a good selection.

This little deli serves up some of the area's best prepared foods and sandwiches. This unassuming storefront hides within it a treasure trove of delicious flavors and quality ingredients. Brancaccio's even produces what has been called one of NYC's best sandwiches in "The Complex Mag" sandwich filled with eggplant caponata, ricotta cheese, broccoli rabe and eggs. This is just one example of the kinds of incredible sandwiches Brancaccio's makes, not to mention the selection of other foods like roast chicken or pasta bolognese.

If you're on the lookout for something a little more special and unique than the usual sweet treat, head to Patiserrie Tomoko. Here, you will find a perfectly balanced fusion of traditional French baking with the simplicity, ingredients and tasteful restraint of Japanese cuisine. It is divided into two sections, a more casual, take-out pastry and dessert counter and a sit-down section where diners can enjoy sophisticated dessert and drink and wine pairings from the full bar, both sections with their own respective offerings. Menu items known to have grace the kitchen at Tomoko include Mochi, green tea cheese tarts, and classic French macarons, as well as the special, daily changing offerings on the dine-in dessert menu.