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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in the LES

American and Italian food

Sometimes the evening calls for a classic American plate, and other times only a bowl of pasta will settle the hunger.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
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New American restaurant

New American restaurant offers an intimate, elegant space with a calm, romantic atmosphere that suits both casual nights and special occasions. The vibe balances stylish and welcoming with a warm glow that sets a cozy mood. Cocktails stand out as creative and perfectly balanced, complementing the overall inviting energy.

Bacon and shrimp with cheese grits offers a crispy outside and fluffy inside texture packed with flavor. Tiger prawn linguine blends Thai and Cajun seafood boil influences for a unique twist.

Menus feature tiger prawn risotto, chicken steak, and steak three ways. Mushroom soup pairs well with mushroom raviolis and Mac n cheese. The panna cotta reveals layered flavors, starting creamy and finishing with butter crumble.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the bacon & shrimp with cheese grits; it's southern style."

"The bacon & shrimp with cheese grits is a must-order."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Gluten-free options are available and clearly labeled on the menu.

02
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Restaurant

Stunning light fixtures cast a warm glow over a cozy, intimate space with big windows and a beautiful pizza oven. Loud music fills the main area, creating lively energy, while a dimly lit private dining space offers quiet comfort. The atmosphere blends charming, well-designed details with a friendly, dinner club vibe.

Chicken wings come crispy, juicy, and flavorful, especially the Green Goddess variety. Half grilled chicken pairs with cactus-shaped cornbread and bean dip, offering tender meat and a fun presentation.

Mortadella tartine stands out with rich flavor. The menu also features shrimp toast and a creamy lobster pot pie that draw attention.

People are saying

"You have to try their signature caviar dip; it's a must-order."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and pizza, was awesome."

"The seven-layer caviar dip is their star dish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour features half-price appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

03
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Rustic deli with tight seating and a nostalgic 70s decor creates a crowded, lively atmosphere. Meat carvers serve as a focal point, offering tastings that engage diners. Walls display celebrity portraits, adding to the historic vibe.

Brisket and pastrami stand out with rich, tender flavors. Corned beef sandwiches and chicken noodle soup also feature prominently, alongside a classic hot dog.

Salami sandwiches stand out with a flavor similar to mortadella. Options like pastrami, turkey, and frankfurter also appear alongside roast beef and coleslaw in hearty sandwiches.

People are saying

"The pastrami sandwich here is piled high and melt-in-your-mouth tender."

"The historical sites here are piled high and ridiculously good."

"The pastrami and brisket here are tender, moist, and flavorful American food."

Good to know

1

The wait for the Katz Pastrami Sandwich can be an hour long.

2

You can only pay with cash at the front of the restaurant.

3

Do not lose your tickets even if you haven't used them to order anything.

04
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Restaurant

Entrance through a pawn shop leads to a hidden speakeasy with gorgeous chandeliers and a grand staircase. The interior divides into smaller rooms, each with its own dimly lit ambiance and stylish decor. Music stays at a comfortable volume, creating a sleek, social vibe suited for evening gatherings.

Grilled cheese tomato soup dumplings stand out as a unique and flavorful dish. The menu also features truffle mac and cheese, lamb chops, lobster rolls, and perfectly cooked fish tacos.

Lemon Ricotta Ravioli offers a very lemony and unique flavor. Mushroom-stuffed ravioli and other dishes like chicken parmigiana and sea scallops come with strong, distinct tastes.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The American Food, especially the grilled cheese soup dumplings, is amazing."

"The wild mushroom ravioli here is fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a table.

2

Parking costs $90, which is quite high.

3

The entrance to the restaurant is through a pawn shop.

05
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American restaurant

Small space with spacious indoor area and cramped tables creates an intimate setting. Music plays a central role, often curated by guests, adding to the chill, neighborhood vibe. Locals gather in a welcoming, lively atmosphere that balances warmth with a bit of noise.

Mac and cheese stands out as a popular choice, often described as very tasty and satisfying. Other notable items include brisket burgers, risotto balls, and a mint wine-based drink.

Rich and creamy carbonara stands out with its crispy bacon and perfectly coated pasta from a runny egg yolk. The menu also features truffle Mac and risotto balls that add variety to the Italian offerings.

People are saying

"I found their coffee to be really good and yummy."

"The American Food here, especially the club sandwich, is so tasty."

"The Italian food's carbonara sauce is rich, creamy, and spectacular."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers half-price wine bottles midweek.

2

The outside patio has a $20 bottle of wine on happy hour every day.

3

Happy hour runs daily with great deals.

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Steak house

Massive space with roomy seating and lively atmosphere suits large groups and animated brunches. Outdoor seating offers a luxury dining experience with pleasant ambiance. Music adds a fun, cool vibe throughout the venue.

Shrimp and grits stand out with rich flavor and consistent praise. The steak and eggs offer a hearty, satisfying meal. The Manchego mac and cheese features a toasted top and a generous cheese blend.

Lamb ragu and oxtail ravioli stand out among the dishes. Starters like White Bean soup and Artisanal Burrata impress, while desserts include panna cotta with Greek yogurt and tahini butternut flavors.

People are saying

"Our server Helena made our brunch amazing and full of libations."

"The bottomless brunch drinks were continuously refilled."

"The Italian food, especially the duck meatballs, was so light and tender."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at Helena Brunch on weekends due to its popularity.

2

The bottomless brunch is available from 11am to 4pm on weekends.

3

Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

07
Double Chicken Please image 1

Small, Japan-inspired bar splits into two distinct rooms: dark, refined backroom with craft cocktails and lively front room offering draft drinks and casual bites. Atmosphere feels chic and sexy, with innovative cocktails and standout chicken dishes drawing a dedicated crowd despite long waits.

Fried chicken sandwiches come crispy and flavorful. The grilled cheese chicken sandwich stands out as phenomenal and delicious. A key lime pie cocktail adds a unique twist to the menu.

Bolognese grilled cheese stands out with rich, savory flavors. The menu also features a hot honey chicken sandwich and unique items like mochi donut and chicken liver mousse.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and unlike anything I've tried."

"The cocktails here are inventive, tasting like a full meal."

"The Italian Food drinks were creative, fun, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are definitely needed, as they sell out quickly.

2

Be prepared to wait outside for at least an hour on weekends.

3

The wait time for the coop side can be 3-4 hours.

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Restaurant

Bar planted in the center anchors a stylish space with exposed bricks, wooden beams, and indoor orange trees. Atmosphere shifts from lively and warm with an Aussie twist to occasionally loud music that challenges conversation. Outdoor seating offers comfortable shade and fans, attracting brunch crowds who often wait for entry.

Cheeseburger chicken sandwich and salmon eggs benedict stand out on the menu. Pasta and small hamburgers also offer solid options for American food.

Pasta dishes stand out with shrimp linguine and truffle pasta cooked very well, scoring at least 9 out of 10. Bruschetta with bufala and pear adds a unique touch to the Italian food offerings.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the crispy bacon."

"The American food, especially the cheeseburgers and Eggs Benedict, is really good."

"The ricotta hotcakes are delicious and moist."

Good to know

1

Expect about an hour wait on Saturday mornings.

2

Reservations are not accepted for Sunday brunch.

3

Happy hour runs from 4:30 PM to 7 PM on weekdays with discounted cocktails.

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Lower East Side, New York

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