Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in New York

This tiny Israeli restaurant serves some of the best falafel to be found in the city. Limited seating in the restaurant can be an issue, so when the weather is nice, take your food outside to the benches out front. The falafel platter is a favorite, and the sauces are sure to please. Wash it all down with some refreshing iced tea, fresh lemonade or a smoothie.

Paulie Gee's has made a name for itself for having some of the best pizzas at affordable prices in New York. Taste is the winner in all of the pizzas made crisp and light from fresh dough, with a dash of flavorful sauces. Another feature is the plenty of vegan options, including faux meat. Try the Delboy or ricotta da vita pizzas, or any of the well seasoned salads. They also serve coffee, wine and beer. The owner Paulie Gee is friendly and can often be seen interacting with customers and asking for their feedback.

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.

Garnering accolades left and right, Atera is a fine dining establishment located in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. Showcasing his technical mastery, executive chef Matthew Lightner offers an exquisite tasting menu with an astounding 28 courses for patrons. Just two seating times a night are available from Tuesday through Saturday. Each seating takes between two and three hours and has featured innovative creations such as a beer macaron with sturgeon caviar, cured swordfish belly and lamb tartare. Reservations are highly recommended.

Popular with all types of patrons, Benjamin's is another notch on New York's steakhouse bedpost. The steak is USDA approved and you can enjoy your ethically sourced beef in muted, Gothic style surroundings, the ceiling soaring high above you. The steaks are all dry-aged and carefully selected by the chef - for non-steak lovers, there is a reasonable selection of salads and seafood to choose from. The sides are good and there is a selection of desserts. Be sure to make reservations.

Although not advertized as a steakhouse, St. Anselm is a little neighborhood spot steak lovers absolutely must visit. The Butcher's Steak and Axe Handle Rib Eye are the highlights of the menu, although the rest of the offerings are good, too. In addition, St. Anselm also has a lot to offer seafood lovers. An excellent wine selection further enhances the dining experience.