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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Hillcrest

Salad dinner spots

Made for those who want a crisp, fresh dinner that leaves them feeling satisfied but not weighed down.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 1
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 2
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 3
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Greek restaurant

Mysterious blue lights and vintage decor create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with a family diner vibe. The space feels unpretentious and welcoming, focusing on hearty, authentic Greek food at affordable prices. Generous portions and a no-frills setting make it a rare gem for casual dining.

Salads come super fresh and incredibly delicious here, often served alongside soup and main dishes. Greek salad appears regularly as a side with meals like chicken kabob and pita sandwich combos.

Dinner options include a Greek dinner with gyro, fresh salad, soup, and fries. Affordable dinner plate combos offer good value around $9 to $10 with tax.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and affordable."

"The dinner spots here serve genuine Greek cuisine, hitting the gyro and souvlaki cravings."

"I found the salad to be super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials make meals affordable, typically around $10-11.

2

Happy hour offers excellent deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

Dinner specials include a cup of soup, salad, and an entrรฉe for $12.

02
Parma Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian restaurant with intimate seating and a warm, family-friendly vibe. Small indoor space complements a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Staff create a welcoming atmosphere with authentic Italian charm.

Salads feature fresh, ripe tomatoes and tender burrata with balanced seasoning. The octopus salad offers bright, fresh flavors and tender texture.

Dinner features Gnocchi 4 Formaggi and Pappardelle Special with rich flavors. Shared meals often include friendly company enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"The pasta here is amazing, truly the best I've ever had."

"The pasta dishes at these dinner spots were delicious."

"I found the Italian food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours to secure a table.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy 30% off a bottle of wine with dinner.

3

The Tuesday date night menu offers great value for couples.

03
Jo's Diner image 1

Cozy diner with a friendly atmosphere and soft music creating a comfortable vibe. Seating includes cushioned banquettes and a back area accommodating reactive dogs. Walls feature artwork and celebrity signatures, adding a unique touch to the space.

Salads come with fresh, crisp greens and a superb vinaigrette dressing that is light and not overpowering. Side spring salads are generous in size and complement sandwiches well.

Cozy little spot serves dinner with options like Lumpia, French Onion Soup, and Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf. Breakfast is available all day, making it easy to enjoy breakfast for dinner.

People are saying

"The American Food here is great, and the service is fantastic."

"This lunch spot's fries are great and not overly seasoned."

"I found the salads to be crisp and very fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the building.

2

There is metered parking on the street and a small lot behind the restaurant.

3

They serve breakfast all day.

04
Frenchy's Hideout image 1

Restaurant offers cozy, intimate atmosphere with live music and an upbeat vibe. Decor includes visible kitchen and playful signs, creating a special feel. Wine selection features top-notch French and Italian varieties, enhancing the dining experience.

Beet salad and tuna crudo stand out as fresh, flavorful starters. Salads often come as part of a prix fixe menu or alongside dishes like duck confit and salmon.

Dinner here offers a memorable experience with a team that makes occasions like birthdays feel special. The atmosphere suits celebratory dinners well, creating a warm and inviting setting.

People are saying

"The French food here is delicious, especially the steak frites."

"The tableside Crรจme Brรปlรฉe is elegant yet complex."

"The food here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

The happy hour offers $10 glasses of Sancerre and Caymus.

3

Parking in Hillcrest requires circling around for street parking.

05
Cluck N' Sip image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and about eight tables inside, plus limited outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels friendly and inviting with Mandarin music playing softly. Known for juicy, well-seasoned chicken and affordable prices, it offers a clean, casual place to enjoy simple meals.

Salads here include a glazed salad and a szechuan salad that feels refreshing. The house salad comes with a vinaigrette that cleanses the palate well.

Spicy chicken sandwich serves as a cheap dinner option. Fried chicken dinners come with mixed reviews and may not satisfy everyone.

People are saying

"This chicken sandwich is so juicy and crispy."

"The glazed salad here is amazing with the fried chicken."

"I loved the spicy chicken sandwich for dinner."

Good to know

1

They offer a lunch deal every day for $7.99, including two chicken tenders, a side, and a drink.

2

Happy hour specials are available at Cluck N' Sip.

3

The restaurant is halal certified, making it a good option for halal diners.

06
NOLA on 5th image 1
American restaurant

Older building with New Orleans vibe and tiny interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Loud music and bar energy fill the space, especially near the bar area. Outdoor dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed spot for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

Salads feature beet and Caesar options with solid flavors. Blackened shrimp adds protein to one salad, and vegetarian choices are limited to two salads priced at $14 each.

Fried catfish stands out as a popular dinner choice. The spot offers a pleasant atmosphere for family dinners and pairs well with enjoyable drinks.

People are saying

"The jambalaya and poboy here are top notch."

"The dinner here is flavorful, especially the Cajun shrimp pasta."

"The Caesar salad with added shrimp was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

07
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with wood style design feels cozy but can get crowded quickly. Atmosphere stays calming and intimate, attracting those who appreciate quiet dining. Seating is limited and uncomfortable, contributing to a packed yet popular vibe.

No wait on weeknights makes it easy to grab dinner. The spot works well for pre-show dinners and hanging out with friends.

People are saying

"The Tonkotsu Ramen broth is rich, silky, and well-balanced."

"The vegan ramen and gyoza here are flavorful and satisfying."

"I loved the rich and creamy broth."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

08
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Quaint bistro with authentic Mexican decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classic Mexican music plays, adding to the vibrant yet cozy vibe. Outdoor seating and a separate upstairs area offer varied spaces for dining and meetings.

Salads come fresh and tasty with options like a guacamole salad made at the table and a classic Caesar's Salad. They pair well with drinks like an IPA cerveza.

Dinner features lobster tail, steak, and chicken pippian with attentive service that notices details like drink orders during business dinners.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the fresh tortillas and flavorful tacos."

"The dinner spots here have excellent service."

"The salads here are fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes unlimited mimosas at a great price.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 6pm.

3

Parking can be a challenge in the area.

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