Finding the perfect spot for a sit-down meal in NYC can be tough, especially on a budget, but what these restaurants lack in price they make up for in flavor! Whether you’re craving a juicy burger from Bar Sardine or soup dumplings from Noodle Village, here are our top picks for great sit down meals under $50.
Joe & Pats
Located in Staten Island and now the East Village, Joe & Pats has been serving amazing thin crust pizza since 1960 (and are the same people behind Rubirosa). Brothers Giuseppe and Pasquale Pappalardo are from Naples and serve delicious traditional Italian fare from beef meatballs to chicken parm and shrimp scampi. Not to mention, their thin crust pizza is some of the best in the city.
886
This Taiwanese restaurant in the East Village is brought to us by Taiwan natives Eric Sze and Andy Chuang. Upon walking into 886, you’ll notice their neon decor from floor to ceiling and you’ll also notice the amazing smell of dishes like their spicy fried chicken sandwich and the Lo Ba Beng: rice, pork belly and bamboo shoots.
Bar Sardine
Eat well and feel good about not breaking the bank at Bar Sardine, an American gastropub in the West Village that’s home to one of our favorite burgers. The Fedora Burger is smothered in a bbq mayo sauce with smoked cheddar, thin crispy potatoes, thin onions and cucumbers and it is absolutely perfect!
12 Chairs
For authentic Israeli food that won’t break the bank, come to 12 Chairs for a true Middle Eastern dining experience. With locations in both Soho and Williamsburg, there is something for everyone including a tender lamb burger, fluffy couscous, and of course hummus. One of our recent favorites is the Egg Siniya, like Shakshuka, but a tahini base served with warm pita bread.
Bocaphe
PC: @noleftoversBocaphe is a Vietnamese fusion restaurant located in Nolita. We love all the options they have to offer here like Vermicelli Noodle bowls: rice noodles, veggies, lettuce and wok-fried protein. You also can’t go wrong with their delicious Pho or one of their rice bowls complete with jasmine rice tandoori, turmeric and sauteed veggies – all under $20!
Golden Diner
Golder Diner is a modern take on the diner brought to us by Samuel Yoo of Momofuku. Here, you’ll find modern twists on diner classics like eggs any way and matzah ball soup, but also the Chicken Katsu Club sandwich or an Italian Veggie Hero with marinated yuba, green and a spicy red pepper sauce. Make sure to end your meal here with an order of the matcha crumb cake.
Niche
Chef Shigetoshi Nakamura is the owner of Nakamura on the LES and recently opened Niche as one of NYC’s first spots exclusively devoted to mazeman, a style of ramen without broth. Even without the broth, this dish is packed with flavor including toppings like ribeye steak, Maine uni, house-smoked salmon and double-smoked bacon. Best part? Each bowl is around $15 a pop!
Noodle Village
Noodle Village is a Chinatown gem with traditional Cantonese-style dishes. The wonton soup is a must here and one of the best in the city. Other must-tries here include the soup dumplings, and the steam rice roll. Your wallet and stomach will thank you later!
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