New York City is renowned for its culinary scene, with restaurants offering a wide range of classic Italian dishes to exotic international cuisine. But while most visitors flock to the city's famous restaurants and hot spots, there are plenty of hidden gems in unlikely places that serve delicious food. From small places with holes in the wall that can only be accessed by invitation to upscale restaurants that hide in plain sight, these hidden New York City restaurants offer incredible food in unique and intimate settings. One such secret spot is Burger Joint, located in Thompson Central Park, New York.
To find it, you need to go through the concierge desk, go through the curtains on the left and go down a corridor. You will be greeted by a small, humble dining room (and, during dinner, a long line), in addition to the smell of delicious grilled hamburgers. Order the cheeseburger and fries and remember that it's only in cash. Another great spot is La Esquina (“the corner”) in Soho. This crowded taco shop serves Latin food in its underground brasserie full of people who know.
Eat a jar of mango and a plate of fish tacos before going out at night. Gaonnuri is another great option for those looking for an excellent view. Located in Koreatown, on the 39th floor of an office building, it offers access to nearby Broadway shows and Madison Square Garden. It can be difficult to navigate the Korean menu with so many options, but you can't go wrong with the black cod gui or the ribs with Gaonnuri's signature soy sauce. Access Gaonnuri through the building's lobby, where a waiter will greet you and send you to the elevator on the right. Bohemian is a recommendations-only restaurant located in Noho, in a discreet building that was once the home of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
This hidden bar is one of the most exclusive semi-dark spaces in New York City, offering world-inspired Japanese cuisine such as a bowl of rice sprinkled with caviar, beef sashimi, washu, and creamy uni in a croquette. There's also macaroni and cheese if you want a true American classic. The Campbell Apartment is another hidden gem located in Grand Central. Look for a staircase labeled with a gold plaque that reads: “The Campbell Apartment”. On the top floor, you'll find a magnificent 1920s-style room with frescoed ceilings and stained glass behind the bar.
This former office and reception room of financier John W. Campbell now serves drinks and food to travelers and tourists alike. Le District's Michelin-starred restaurant offers an intimate and unique dining experience that will make you feel as if you were attending a dinner at a friend's house if that friend were a gourmet chef. Karasu is another great option for sushi lovers looking for something truly unique. Located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, this Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar can be accessed through the back door of Walter's Italian restaurant. Discover these secret restaurants in New York by looking for them behind unmarked doors, hidden inside other restaurants or in unique places such as supermarkets and loading docks.
The quintessential New York market is the perfect place to hide a small restaurant for adventurous diners.
