Where locals eat in New York

The neighborhood places residents go back to, with what to order at each.

12 places in New York City · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: viacarota.com

1. 1

   Via Carota

   Italian · West Village, Manhattan

   Get: the insalata verde and the cacio e pepe

   The West Village's neighborhood room.

   Critics: 82% liked it, from 4 reviews (2025). Read World's 50 Best (North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025) 2025, Michelin Guide, The Infatuation 2025, Time Out New York.

   The crowd: 4.3 of 5 on TripAdvisor (458 ratings).

   Also on the list: Where the famous eat in New York.

   51 Grove St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Lucali

   Pizza · Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

   Get: a plain pie with fresh basil and a calzone

   BYOB and cash only; get on the list early.

   Critics: 85% liked it, from 7 reviews (2025 to 2026). Read Michelin Guide (feature) 2025, The Infatuation 2026, Time Out New York – Best Pizza NYC 2025 2025, Time Out New York.

   The crowd: 4.2 of 5 on TripAdvisor (235 ratings).

   Also on these lists: Long lines in New York City, Where the famous eat in New York.

   575 Henry St, Brooklyn · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Raoul's

   French bistro · SoHo

   Get: the steak au poivre, or the burger au poivre at the bar

   A SoHo fixture since 1975.

   Critics: 76% liked it, from 4 reviews (2023). Read Michelin Guide, The Infatuation 2023, Time Out New York, Gayot.

   The crowd: 4.4 of 5 on TripAdvisor (446 ratings).

   180 Prince St., New York, NY 10012 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Frankies 457 Spuntino

   Italian · Carroll Gardens

   Get: the cavatelli with hot sausage and the meatballs

   A mostly local crowd.

   Critics: Read The Infatuation, Time Out New York.

   The crowd: 4.5 of 5 on Google (via Restaurant Guru) (1,484 ratings).

   457 Court St, 11231, Brooklyn, New York · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Rubirosa

   Italian-American pizza · NoLita

   Get: the vodka pie and a red-sauce pasta

   Easier to walk in at lunch.

   Critics: 78% liked it, from 8 reviews (2021 to 2026). Slipping: the recent write-ups are worse than the old ones. Read Michelin Guide (via Resy) 2022, Michelin Guide 2022, MICHELIN Guide 2021, Time Out New York 2026.

   The crowd: 4.4 of 5 on OpenTable (384 ratings).

   Also on the list: B/J New York List.

   235 Mulberry Street, 10012, New York · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Gus's Chop House

   Carroll Gardens

   Get: the hash brown with smoked trout roe and the Sunday roast

   A go-to for local families.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Walter's

   American, fried chicken · Fort Greene

   Get: the fried chicken and a martini

   The room by Fort Greene Park that locals ride to most.

   166 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Joseph Leonard

   American bistro · West Village

   Get: the burger at dinner or the brunch plates

   A small corner room with regulars at the bar.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Katz’s Delicatessen

   Jewish deli · Lower East Side

   Get: pastrami on rye with a pickle

   Open since 1888.

   Also on these lists: Breakfast and sandwiches in New York, New and hot in New York.

   205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Russ & Daughters

    Jewish appetizing · Lower East Side

    Get: nova on a bagel with cream cheese, and a slice of babka to go

    Also on these lists: Long lines in New York City, New York: what to eat and where, The best bagel with lox in New York.

    179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Rolo's

    American diner · Ridgewood

    Get: the wood-grilled meats and the focaccia, or the burger at lunch

    A Ridgewood favorite.

    Map · Add to Chef Amazing
12. 12

    Bernie's

    American diner · Greenpoint

    Get: the burger and the shrimp cocktail

    Hearty American comfort food by McCarren Park.

    Map · Add to Chef Amazing