By Esther Estrada
In a city that has almost everything you think of within the five boroughs, trying to figure out what you want to eat can be difficult and overwhelming with all the options at your fingertips. Usually, when you think about a place to eat a couple things come into play, such as the occasion, affordability and the quality of the food.
But don’t worry, there’s no need to stress about it anymore. Here is a list of the top five restaurants you must visit whenever you’re in New York City that will leave your taste buds satisfied as well as your wallet happy.
Olive Garden is a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine. Many people are drawn to the restaurant because of its renowned unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks special and the many other flavorful dishes like the Tour of Italy and the Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. The Times Square location of the restaurant is the most popular because you can enjoy your delicious pasta with the view of the Big Apple.
Check out their menu.
Address: 2 Times Square, New York, NY 10036
Hours : Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – midnight
Friday – Saturday – 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
2. Benihana
Benihana is a sushi and Japanese steakhouse restaurant located in the heart of the city in Manhattan. Their team promises to give you a dining experience like no other. Customers are seated at a table with a personal chef where they perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki, which is a style of cooking in Japan that utilizes an iron plate to cook foods. During this performance, your food is cooked right in front of you. You can still get this experience even if you order something that doesn’t need grilling, like sushi. Guests looking to celebrate a special occasion can dine in our elegant private dining rooms. They are here for you for a special occasion or even grabbing dinner with an old friend. Genesis Burgo, a 20-year-old from New York, is a fan of the Teppanyaki dining experience, “This is my favorite restaurant to go to. Whenever I struggle to pick a place I tend to go here because I know I will also have a great experience and have it worth my money.”
Check out their menu.
Address : 47 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Hours : Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
This Japanese BBQ restaurant gives you a dining experience inspired by laughter, conversation and a great time. You have your own personal grill installed at every table where you’re the chef. The staff of course will help you throughout your dining experience by giving you instructions on how to cook everything. The items you chose come already prepared and seasoned; you just need to cook it on the grill. The only thing that you cook yourself would be your choice of protein. They have a bunch of great deals to offer for everyone. Their most popular deal is the “All You Can Eat.” This is a perfect place for families and friends. They have locations all over Manhattan, Queens and White Plains. Jordan Alba, a Bronx native, is a fan of the Japanese BBQ dinning experience, “I love me some steak and this is hands down a great place to visit for all occasions. The food is amazing, and I love the fact I’m able to put my cooking skills to the test. I even bring my close friends here and it’s always a hit. Everyone loves the restaurant and can agree they have great quality food.”
Address : Find a location near you
Hours : Sunday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday – 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
If you’re in the mood for some delicious Spanish food, this is the place for you. Santiago Beer Garden offers finger food and Dominican style dishes. The restaurant is decorated in a beautiful tropical outdoor style. They are located in Harlem.
Address : 2337 1st Ave., New York, NY 10035
Hours : Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – midnight
Friday – Saturday – 11 a.m – 11 p.m
This isn’t like your normal restaurant, but I promise the food is amazing. This taco truck has four items on their menu that will all leave you full after a couple bites. These four items are Tacos, Tostadas, Mulita Cheese Quesadilla and Consomme. The prices are affordable from a range of $3 to highest $6. Their popular Birra tacos usually generate a line that wraps around blocks. Due to this they opened up two new locations to be accessible to everyone. They have locations in Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn. Alba said, “when my sister took me here I loved it. I had got four tacos and had to go back to get six more because they were so good and worth the drive to Queens I’m happy they opened a new location closer to me.”
Address :
Queens – 77-99 Roosevelt Ave, Queens, NY 11372
Bronx – Grand Concourse & E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10468
Brooklyn – Metropolitan Ave & Meeker Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211
Hours : Depends on locations
Try these restaurants next time you’re in New York City, you wont regret it and will go back for more.
APN 