Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Kips Bay

Unique food spots

Food that offers a genuine departure from the standard menu without feeling like a forced gimmick.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated June 2026
01
Mira Mediterranean & Hookah Lounge image 1
Mira Mediterranean & Hookah Lounge image 2
Mira Mediterranean & Hookah Lounge image 3
View all
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with stunning decor and comfortable seating creates a thoughtfully designed atmosphere that balances chill and upscale vibes. The lounge features top-quality hookah with plush seating and mellow energy, attracting both solo visitors and groups. The environment stays clean and inviting, supporting a lively yet relaxed experience.

Food features Mediterranean flavors with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold spices. Dishes come with generous portions and pair well with the varied drink menu.

Food features unique presentation and cocktails come crafted to perfection. The hookah adds a distinctive touch to the overall experience.

People are saying

"The food here is really great."

"It's a great spot for a romantic date night."

"The hookah here is truly unmatched and adds a unique touch."

Good to know

1

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to every bill, regardless of party size.

2

The late night menu is limited, offering only snacks.

3

Happy hour offers good food and hookah at reduced prices.

02
Sam Sunny image 1
Korean restaurant

Restaurant features brutalist architecture and sleek modern decor with cozy booths and impressive sound system. Atmosphere balances intimate elegance with occasional noise from a central station, creating a lively yet comfortable vibe. Cocktails and Korean dishes stand out, attracting diners seeking a refined yet approachable experience.

Food here stands out for its phenomenal quality and perfect service. Every dish and drink delivers consistently great flavors and presentation.

A unique dish makes the tongue dance while distinctive drinks add to the experience. The spot offers a cozy vibe with a chill atmosphere and a menu that stands out.

People are saying

"The kimchi fried rice with chicken katsu is phenomenal."

"The food here is delicious and perfectly balanced."

"The food here is amazing and thoughtfully prepared."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended for larger groups.

2

The happy hour lasts until 7 PM and beers are available for five dollars.

3

The restaurant has a very fair price for lunch.

03
Omakase 33 image 1
Japanese restaurant

Sushi chef prepares dishes directly at an intimate bar, creating an engaging and authentic experience. Atmosphere combines calm music, natural light, and elegant decor for a relaxing yet refined vibe. Space feels airy and modern, inviting diners to focus on the fresh, inventive omakase offerings.

Incredible food offers a true food adventure with wonderful flavors. Attentive service keeps checking in to ensure everything is enjoyed.

Omakase dishes present unique flavors that build on each other. The miso soup stands out with a distinctive taste unlike typical versions.

People are saying

"This lunch spot offers an exceptional omakase experience for the price."

"The food here is really fresh and delicious."

"The omakase flavors here are truly unique and unlike anything I've experienced."

Good to know

1

The lunch omakase set costs $48 per person.

2

The meal consists of 17 courses for $88.

3

Reservations are seamless and can be made online.

04
Vatan image 1
Indian restaurant

Spacious restaurant recreates mini India with rustic mud walls, thatched roofs, and traditional serve ware. Atmosphere feels authentic and intimate, blending theatrical decor with cultural reverence. Seating accommodates mobility needs, and a live Pav bhaji counter adds interactive energy.

Authentic Indian food shines here with a focus on vegetarian Gujarati dishes. The food pairs with an outstanding atmosphere and service for a memorable dining experience.

Offers a unique and delicious vegetarian Indian cuisine with a focus on Gujarati and Rajasthani dishes. The setting feels inviting and distinctive, and staff accommodate special requests to enhance the experience.

People are saying

"I felt transported to an Indian village with the authentic decor."

"I found the food here to be amazing and outstanding."

"It's a unique experience, like being transported to an Indian village."

Good to know

1

There is a 20% mandatory gratuity for tables of 4 or more.

2

The pre fixe menu allows you to try every single item on the menu.

3

You can refill any items you like from the platter.

05
Wolfnightsยฎ image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Minimalistic interior with brickwork and fiery-themed art creates an engaging atmosphere. Seating is limited indoors with outdoor sheds and stools by the window. The vibe suits quick lunches and relaxed dinners, featuring a unique iron wolf hot surface for cooking wraps.

Food features healthy, nutrient-dense ingredients with a focus on high quality and flavor. The Thai wrap combines succulent grilled chicken and zesty peanut sauce for a balanced taste and texture.

Wraps feature a unique flavor with fresh, protein-dominant ingredients and vegetarian options. Preparation happens right in front of you, adding to the distinctive dining experience.

People are saying

"I thought the wraps here were the best I had in the city."

"The wraps here are unique, with perfectly balanced flavors and great ingredients."

"Their wraps are delicious and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash if you have exact change.

2

Everything is made to order with generous portions.

3

They offer gluten-free options and many vegetarian-friendly wraps.

06
Medium Rare image 1
Steak house

Steak house offers a large interior with outdoor seating and a creative ordering system where orders are written on paper table covers. The atmosphere features classic rock music and a friendly, lively vibe. The layout can be chaotic, but the space is nicely decorated and energetic.

Food and wine pair well together here. Dining offers a consistently satisfying experience with well-prepared dishes.

A unique concept serves meat twice with fries and lets you write your order on the paper table cover. The menu includes custom-cooked meat, salad, warm bread with butter, and tasty sauce.

People are saying

"I found the steak frites to be delicious and tender."

"The food here is amazing, especially the steaks."

"The meat here is so tender, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended since the restaurant is very popular.

2

Brunch is bottomless, offering unlimited food and drink.

3

The price for the steak is $34.95 for the prefix menu.

07
Coletta Italian Vegan Restaurant image 1

Beautiful, intimate vegan Italian restaurant with cozy yet airy design and library-like wine walls. Atmosphere stays quiet enough for conversation with Italian music playing softly. Tables sit close together, creating a social but relaxed vibe.

Extraordinary vegan food stands out with perfect flavors and excellent service. This spot offers some of the best vegan cuisine available.

Dishes feature original flavor profiles that stand out. The vegan charcuterie board offers unique non-dairy cheeses, and the tiramisu has a layered taste and texture without being too rich.

People are saying

"I experienced the best vegan Italian food I had ever had."

"The food here is amazing, especially the vegan Italian dishes."

"The vegan food and drinks here are exquisite and unique."

Good to know

1

Reservations for dinner are recommended on busy nights, especially Sundays.

2

The restaurant offers a special chunk steak night each week.

3

The tasting menu is popular and well-received by guests.

08
Nonna Dora's 2nd Avenue image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with mostly high top tables and a long bar creates a cozy, friendly vibe. Atmosphere suits laid-back date nights and special occasions without feeling formal. Seating can be uncomfortable, but the overall energy stays intimate and welcoming.

Fresh pastas stand out with rich flavors like basil-pesto gnocchi and rabbit orchiette. Food consistently impresses with well executed dishes and amazing taste.

Handmade pasta defines the entrees, each one unique with spot-on flavors and texture contrasts creating a distinct meal.

People are saying

"I thought the handmade pasta was fresh and divine."

"The food here is outstanding and incredibly fresh."

"The handmade pastas here are truly unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Make sure to make a reservation, as they are hard to get.

2

They charge a $50 'no show' fee even if you show up on time.

3

Nonna Doraโ€™s offers a pre-fixed meal option for $55 per person.

09
Trader Joe's image 1
Grocery store

Underground grocery store with wide aisles and escalator access creates a unique shopping setup. Atmosphere feels chaotic and crowded, filled with a friendly, groovy vibe despite tight spaces. Regular shoppers navigate busy aisles where physical contact is common.

Offers a wide variety of organic and healthy food options with consistently delicious taste. The deli features a great selection of fresh cheese, meat, and vegetables, plus unique Thai and Indian food exclusives and a solid ice cream selection.

Many unique products come from the store's own brand. The beer and cider selection offers many distinct flavors. Plenty of unique food items fill the shelves.

People are saying

"I found this grocery store to be the best market I visited."

"I found the food here to be affordable and high quality."

"The staff's friendliness and helpfulness make the experience truly unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Avoid going to the store on Sunday afternoons because it gets very crowded.

2

Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a better experience.

3

There is no street parking available near the shop.

10
Norma image 1
Italian restaurant

Brick walls and wood-fired pizza ovens create an authentic Italian kitchen feel. Heated outdoor seating with ceiling fans offers a cozy patio atmosphere. The space feels lively and full, with close seating that can make conversations loud.

Authentic Sicilian foods shine here, with dishes like goat cheese lamb spaghetti and lasagna standing out. The food pairs well with excellent Italian wine in a cozy setting.

Dishes feature unique shapes like Busiate al pesto Trapanese and include a vegan pesto. The menu blends classic Italian flavors with distinctive touches across all courses.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is delicious."

"The food here is delicious and super fresh."

"The handmade Italian food here is unique and truly dazzles the taste buds."

Good to know

1

Norma's does not take reservations.

2

Come early to avoid waiting.

3

If you are coming in with a group of 3+ people during peak times, you probably will have to wait to get a table.

11
Leonetta image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant features boho modern decor with upscale yet cozy atmosphere and a stunning downstairs lounge complete with fireplace and DJ. The space attracts a crowd looking for an elevated dining and cocktail experience with creative drinks and expertly crafted dishes.

Food here is creative and very flavorful with excellent quality. It pairs well with genuine, heartfelt service for a satisfying dining experience.

Drink options include several unique choices that stand out. Dishes showcase freshness and creativity with flavors that feel both perfectly balanced and original.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is bold, vibrant, and fearlessly flavored."

"The Mediterranean food here is creative, colorful, and fearless in flavor."

"The unique drink options were definitely enjoyed."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The bar downstairs opens at 7 p.m. on select nights for cocktails.

3

Expect to spend around $8 for a regular coke.

12
Mori Coffee image 1

Cozy cafe with vintage minimalist interior and a spacious backyard patio featuring covered and uncovered seating. Atmosphere balances productive energy with a community-focused vibe, attracting many laptop users and fostering connection. Plenty of outlets and comfortable seating support work and relaxation alike.

Food includes some enjoyable options alongside a welcoming environment and friendly people. Extra charges apply for cruelty-free milk alternatives and bakery choices lack inclusivity.

Coffee making shows great care and attention, creating a warm and distinctive environment. The interior feels plain with bricks, basic plants, and stark white walls.

People are saying

"The cafe's coffee and matcha were amazing."

"The food and coffee here are lovely."

"The staff here are so friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

Most cafes accept travel mugs, and some offer discounts for reusable containers.

2

Charging $5 for ice water with a tea bag is not appropriate.

3

To make cold tea properly, loose tea needs to diffuse for 24 hours in cold filtered water.

13
Freehand New York image 1

Hotel combines vintage architecture with glossy tiles and deep turquoise walls in public spaces. Multiple bars, including a lively rooftop bar with city views, create a vibrant atmosphere. Rooms are small and clean, with minimal amenities and cozy design.

Dining offers delicious food and great drinks with a terrific atmosphere. Options suit late-night hangouts and come at moderate prices.

Rooms feature unique freehand designs and artistic paintings on the walls, each different from the others. Bunk bed rooms provide a budget-friendly and distinctive stay option with excellent views.

People are saying

"The beds and rooms are surprisingly comfortable."

"The food here was good and the staff were super friendly."

"The interiors are unique, with vibrant artwork and quirky decor."

Good to know

1

Expect loud music from nightclubs until 3am on weekends.

2

The hotel charges an additional $40 a day in resort fees upon check-in.

3

Rooms are not soundproof, making it hard to sleep.

Discover more

Kips Bay, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...