by Adam Guy
According to IBISWorld, there are 28,090 Restaurants in New York City. That’s heaps of choices. Deciding on a place to try can be a project unto itself.
I’ve culled a list of 9 eateries representing food from 9 countries in various Manhattan neighborhoods. These are all places where I’ve eaten, enjoyed the food, and frequently recommend to guests. It’s kind of my global gluttony list with links included. They are all middle-tier restaurants price-wise. Nothing too fancy, but also nothing too grab-and-go. Happy eating!
Chama Mama (Georgia)
We ordered something called Adjaruli Khachapuri, which is this delicious cheese bread. The server brings over a steaming hot loaf, cracks an egg into the open, cheese-filled top, and stirs. The egg cooks right inside the cheese as they’re whipping it into a gooey cheese dip. It was phenomenal.
CHELSEA - 149 W 14th Street near 7th Avenue
Singapura (Singapore)
We went with friends who had lived in Singapore, and they said it was some of the best and most authentic Singaporean food they’d ever had. Be sure to try the Singapore-Style Char Kway Teow, a yummy noodle dish, or their signature Rendang Beef. Be mindful of the spice levels. This place can bring the heat!
FLATIRON DISTRICT - 31 E 21st Street near Broadway
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill (Thailand)
Some Thai places just know how to get sauces right and Thai food is all about sauces. These are perfection. I went with friends, and we just kept passing dishes around the table. The groans of delight made up half the conversation that night.
UPPER EAST SIDE - 1611 2nd Avenue at E 84th Street
This colorful market filled with several Spanish restaurants and markets has authentic flavors, rich smells, and loads of variety. You may even see a bit of flamenco dancing while you dine.
HUDSON YARDS - 10 Hudson Yards at W 30th Street
SVETA (Ukraine)
It's like walking into a TikTok video. Interesting floral ambience, eclectic drinks in eclectic cups, and yummy dishes highlight this quaint West Village restaurant. The Beef Stroganoff was scrumptious. So was the Roasted Chicken "Tabaka." They have fancy cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic that are thoughtful, tasyy, and fun to drink. If only I had gotten the one where you drink out of a smoking treasure chest...
WEST VILLAGE - 64 Carmine Street near Bedford Street
Souvlaki GR (Greece)
It’s like stepping into Mykonos. I had the Spanakopita. My wife had the Moussaka. We shared the Baklava. We left very full and with smiles on our faces. They have a few locations beyond Midtown if you need an alternative spot. Check their website.
MIDTOWN - 162 W 56th Street near 7th Avenue
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Italy)
This is the same restaurant that Julia Roberts ate at in Naples in the movie “Eat Pray Love.” They opened a second restaurant right here in Greenwich Village. I had their delicious meatballs as an appetizer and seriously splurged on their $65 Truffle Pizza. It was SO good and worth every penny. (I did split it.)
GREENWICH VILLAGE - 2 Bank Street at Greenwich Avenue
Pio Pio 8 (Peru)
Their "Pollo ala Brasa" Rotisserie Chicken is to die for. A close second is the Paella. And wow can they make sangria!! Don't let the simple outside fool you. The atmosphere inside is festive and the food is phenomenal!
HELL'S KITCHEN - 604 10th Avenue at W 44th Street
The Kunjip (Korea)
This authentic Korean BBQ restaurant was delicious! I went with my friend Larry who knew what to order. We got one of the BBQ grill combos and some Bibimbap to share. Larry, who fknows good Korean food, said Kunjip was the best he'd eaten in the city. I'll take his word for it. My full belly wasn't in a position to disagree.
KOREATOWN - 32 West 32nd Street between 5th Ave and Broadway
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I’m always happy to offer restaurant recommendations to tour guests. My general advice, though, is to always eat somewhere local and to not be afraid of trying random places. Sometimes they are the best ones.
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© All photos by Adam Guy