Best Farm-To-Table Cuisine: ABC Kitchen
35 E. 18th St.
Helmed by Michelin star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, ABC Kitchen has been one of the most buzzed-about restaurants in the Flatiron since it opened in 2010.
The restaurant serves a menu that is "free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, antibiotics, hormones," and more. The menu changes but always features fresh, local, and organic ingredients.
Best Pizza: Trattoria Zero Otto Nove
15 W. 21st St.
With its faux stone facades and weathered Italian posters, dining at Zero Otto Nove feels like you're eating al fresco in an Italian city.
The restaurant serves specialties from the southern Italian town of Salerno, like Rigatoni Salernitana (baked rigatoni with meatballs, cheese, and tomato sauce) and Ragu Salernitano (meat slowly cooked in tomato sauce). But it's most renowned for its wood-fired pizzas, made with fresh ingredients and home-made tomato sauce that uses tomatoes from Italy's San Marzano Region.
Best Burger: Shake Shack
Madison Square Park
The original Shake Shack location still stands in Madison Park, with lines of people eagerly waiting to try the Shack Burger.
Before heading over to the burger joint, check the "shack cam" to see when the line is shortest.
Best Pastries: Maison Kayser
921 Broadway
The French bakery is world-renowned for its baguettes, croissants, and delicate pastries. But it also has a cafe that serves a full menu of sandwiches, salads, and entrees.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdBest Guacamole: ABC Cocina
33 E. 19th St.
It's not your typical guacamole, but the sweet pea guacamole at ABC Cocina rivals any traditional version.
Located inside ABC Carpet & Home, ABC Cocina serves upscale Mexican food in an elegant setting.
Best Happy Hour: The Cellar at Beecher's Handmade Cheese
900 Broadway
Located underneath Beecher's cheese shop, The Cellar at Beecher's has a great happy hour every day from 3 to 7pm, with drink and food specials. Taste great wine and local, handmade cheese at this cool bar, which feels like a well-kept secret.
Best Tapas: Boqueria
53 W. 19th St.
Boqueria features a selection of classic Spanish tapas, like tortilla Española, gambas al ajillo, and patatas bravas. It also serves authentic Spanish wines, cheeses, and meats.
Best Speakeasy: Milk & Honey
30 E 23rd St.
Only members can drink at this hidden speakeasy, which is wedged between a McDonald's and Subway.
When you enter through the slightly beat-up gray door, you'll find an oasis where you can order high-end cocktails made with quality ingredients.
Best Southeast Asian: Laut
15 E. 17th St.
Laut serves authentic dishes from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand that are hard to find in other restaurants in NYC. They specialize in iconic street food dishes, like curry laksa, roti canai, and chicken satay, but they also serve heartier stews, curries, and entrees.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdBest Panini: Eataly
200 Fifth Ave.
This mega market imports its goods and produce directly from Italy, but it also serves ready-to-eat meals in its specialty restaurants. There's a pizzeria, fish restaurant, fine dining restaurant, and even a rooftop beer garden, but one of the best things to get here is a hot panini made with top-quality Italian meats and fresh cheese.
Try the Calabrese panini, with spicy soppressata and fresh provolone cheese.
Best Upscale Indian: Junoon
27 W. 24th St.
Sure, "Curry Hill" is just a few blocks away, but there's no need to head over there when Junoon, a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, is right in the heart of the Flatiron. While Junoon serves classic Indian dishes from all over the country, each dish feels modern and upscale.
Best Russian Food: Mari Vanna
41 E. 20th St.
Popular with Russian debutantes and expats, Mari Vanna serves authentic Russian food in a twee setting that feels like the inside of a dollhouse. Try traditional Russian dishes like borscht, beef Stroganoff, and Olivier salad. At night, it turns into a hotspot.
Best Coffee Shop: Spoon & tbsp.
17 W. 20th St.
Spoon has a laid-back vibe, gourmet snacks, and organic coffee. Of course the caffeinated drinks are the big thing here, but the organic, local food—think salmon salad, house roasted turkey sandwiches, and fresh baked pastries—is also excellent.
Best Historic Bar: Old Town Bar
45 E. 18th St.
First opened in 1892, Old Town Bar has an interesting history: it was a speakeasy during Prohibition and was a German restaurant and bar for most of its existence. Today, it's a cool hangout that still maintains its old-fashioned vibe, with its 55-foot long marble and mahogany bar, tin ceilings, and beveled mirrors.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdBest Business Lunch: Gramercy Tavern
42 E. 20th St.
For over 20 years, Gramercy Tavern has been hailed as one of the best restaurants in New York City—and it still lives up to the hype. Hold business meetings over a delicious lunch in either the Tavern or the Dining Room.
Best Mezze: Ilili
236 5th Ave.
At Ilili, the mezze (appetizers) are plentiful and delicious: there's hummus, tabouleh, falafel, and kebab, plus dozens of other traditional Lebanese dishes that don't stop flowing. Opt for the price-fixed lunch ($25), which comes with an appetizer and entree.
Best Brunch: Barbounia
250 Park Ave. S.
Barbounia is especially popular for brunch, when groups come to take advantage of the great Mediterranean food (think falafel, Greek salad, lamb kebabs) and the brunch cocktail special, which includes unlimited champagne cocktails for just $18.
Best Persian Food: Taste of Persia
12 W. 18th St.
Taste of Persia may just be a single vendor in the front corner of a pizzeria, but don't underestimate the food, which is authentic and delicious. Every day, they serve a selection of fresh Persian dishes, like Ghormeh sabzi (an herb stew with beans and beef) and Ghaymeh (yellow split peas, beef, and eggplant).
Best BLT: Harding's
32 E. 21st St.
Decorated with shabby chic decor and a giant American flag, Harding's serves an upscale version of classic American dishes, including a BLT sandwich with applewood smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, mesclun greens, garlic aioli, and an optional fried egg.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdBest Sushi: Ennju
20 E. 17th St.
This self-service sushi joint has been around for over 10 years, and is still a favorite. Grab a box of pre-made sushi from the cafeteria line or order a fresh roll from the sushi chefs, who craft sushi rolls behind the counter.
Best Whiskey Bar: Rye House
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