The 10 Best Restaurants In The Flatiron District New York City

When deciding where to eat in New York City, the Flatiron district may not immediately come to mind. However, with a balanced mix of high and low end options, as well as an impressive variety of cuisines represented, the neighborhood proves to be a surprising culinary hotspot. From hole-in-the-wall soup shops to trendy Korean bars, here are 10 picks for you foodies in Flatiron.

ABC Cocina

Restaurant, Mexican, Spanish

For creative cuisine with a Latin flair, visit ABC Cocina, sister to renowned culinary hotspot ABC Kitchen. At this foreign restaurant, diners can sample Latin-inspired dishes such as sweet pea guacamole and charred octopus in an elegant yet playful atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking a classic arroz con pollodinner or an inventive dessert of seasonally flavored popsicles, this cocinahas got you covered.

Taste of Persia

Restaurant, American, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian

Giving new meaning to the phrase ‘small business,’ this no-frills Persian operation shares its venue with an unrelated pizzeria. What Taste of Persia lacks in space, however, it more than makes up for in complex flavors and remarkable service. Serving up filling platters and hearty stews (including the popular ash eh reshteh,a rich vegetable concoction topped with dried mint and yogurt), Taste of Persia is a small spot bursting with big flavor.

Terri

Restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian, American

Vegan fast food has officially arrived with the establishment of Terri, a ‘quick service restaurant’ serving tasty and organic on-the-go options. From indulgent smoothies to super sized sandwiches loaded with fresh, flavorful ingredients, Terri provides fast and filling meals anyone can enjoy. Be sure to save room for dessert, and snag one of the shop’s popular vegan cookies or decadent milkshakes – the perfect end to a guilt-free lunch. Blue Smoke | Image courtesy of Blue Smoke

Blue Smoke

Restaurant, BBQ

Striking a harmonious balance between Southern tradition and playful innovation, Blue Smoke marks an exciting departure from the standardized barbecue joints typically found in the city. With a menu featuring traditional staples like buttermilk biscuits and savory pulled pork alongside more inventive interpretations such as cornbread madeleines and roasted oysters, this American restaurant is sure to please traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.

Barn Joo

Bar, Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Korean

This trendy restaurant and bar gets packed during happy hour, but serves an enticing selection of Korean-inspired dishes and drinks all day long. Barn Joo’s unique menu items such as the raw tuna burrito and pulled duck sliders attract adventurous appetites, while its affordable lunch and happy hour specials draw in deal seeking diners. Also boasting an extremely well stocked bar featuring Korean beer and spirits, Barn Joo is sure to satisfy at every turn.

TAPPO Thin Crust Pizza

Restaurant, Italian, American

TAPPO Thin Crust Pizza serves up truly unique pies, an impressive feat for any New York pizza joint. Locals flock to the shop’s spacious outdoor seating area to sample personal and family-sized pies made with wholesome ingredients and a crispy wafer thin crust. Its casual atmosphere and affordable prices – TAPPO boasts some of the best happy hour deals around – make this unassuming spot a premier neighborhood destination.

Bombay Sandwich Co.

Restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian, Indian

The husband and wife team behind Bombay Sandwich Co. opens their kitchen to anyone with a craving for Indian home cooking. At its brick and mortar outpost, the Smorgasburg favorite delivers traditional Indian flavors in unexpected sandwich and salad forms, incorporating homemade chutneys, fresh spices, and plenty of wholesome fruits and veggies.

Basta Pasta

Restaurant, Italian

An Italian restaurant with Japanese-influenced fare, Basta Pasta delivers an unexpected take on fusion cuisine. Combining homemade pasta with ingredients such as sea urchin, octopus, and tobiko, the daring menu at this unique restaurant makes it a popular destination for local foodies. Also incorporating Japanese-style table service, the restaurant allows diners a peek at the preparation process as waiters toss fresh pasta in hollowed cheese wheels right at your table.

Melt Shop

Restaurant, Sandwich Shop, American

At Melt Shop, a classic American dish gets revamped, yielding refreshingly foreign twists on the familiar. The grilled cheese-centric menu at this popular late night spot features elevated ingredients such as buttermilk fried chicken, grilled portobello mushrooms, and truffle oil. Extending its innovative streak across its menu, the shop also serves homemade cheese sauce, nutella milkshakes, and the fan favorite sweet potato tater tots.

Almayass

Hotel Restaurant, Middle Eastern

Specializing in Lebanese-Armenian cuisine, Almayass dedicates itself to authenticity and quality, delivering superbly executed ethnic staples. The menu of Middle Eastern offerings features classic dishes such as hummus and mouhammara, as well as a variety of kebabs and meats. Its warm interior, extraordinary service, and consistently great food make Almayass an unmissable destination for culture-craving locals.

About the author

Julia Goicochea

Splitting her time between Miami and New York, Julia is a writer currently based in Brooklyn. She enjoys foreign films, 70s cookbooks, and bad detective novels.