The 10 Best Restaurants In Alphabet City New York City

The true beauty of Alphabet City is that it offers a smorgasbord of fantastic cultural cuisine in one area. These must-try restaurants featuring the flavors of Argentina, Serbia, Greece, and Austria.

Zum Schneider

Restaurant, Bar, German

Zum Schneider is a ‘Bavarian Bierhaus’ and German restaurant that’s as fun and delicious as it sounds. With authentic German food and beer alongside live shows and events, this is a great spot to hit with friends. They have killer specials, like a cheap ‘Bier ‘n’ Brat’, so be sure to get there early.

Esperanto

This eclectic restaurant specializes in Latin fusion cuisine so authentic you would swear you were south of the border. Esperanto takes classic Brazilian flavors and adds a spin to each dish. Enjoy your meal with a fresh fruit cocktail made from cold-pressed juices. They also have live music, so this is a great place for a celebratory meal out.

Esperanto, 145 Avenue C, New York, NY, USA, +1 212 505 6559

Lavagna

Restaurant, Italian

An Alphabet City staple since 1999, this candle-lit wine bar is the perfect place to lose yourself for a night. Lavagna offers traditional and delicious Italian trattoria fare at affordable prices in an intimate atmosphere. The open kitchen, brick oven, exposed brick wall, and atmospheric candles are sure to impress anyone. Their menu includes homemade pastas, roast pork chops, lamb, and much more.

Hearth

Hearth is a neighborhood gem that offers ‘Italian-inflected’ cooking. Opening its doors in 2003, chef and owner Marco Canora uses locally sourced produce to concoct memorable dishes. Do you prefer to eat organic foods? They only use meat from ‘healthy, happy animals’ and as many vegetables as possible.

Hearth, 403 East 12th Street, New York, NY, USA, +1 646 602 1300

The Redhead

Bar, American

This funky bar serves up Southern soul food and delicious cocktails for a bargain. The Redhead is perhaps best-known for their bacon peanut brittle. Other fun menu items include chips and dip, Redhead buttermilk-fried chicken, and chickpea-kale fries. Yehaw!

Westville East

Restaurant, American

Proudly boasting four locations, Westville East can be found in Alphabet City. To them, life is simple, where the food is fresh and affordable. This is the perfect place for the classics; their menu includes crabcakes, chicken tenders, steak sandwiches, and so much more.

Edi & The Wolf

Bar, Restaurant, Austrian

Upon entrance to Edi & The Wolf, guests are encouraged to experience gemütlichkeit: a state of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. This restaurant serves up authentic Austrian cuisine, including one of our favorites, spätzle. The atmosphere is nothing short of impressive, the decor features a 40-foot rope from an old church that is now covered in lights and used as a chandelier.

Pylos

Restaurant, Greek

Explore the best of Greek cuisine without leaving Manhattan. Pylos is like dinner at your Yia-Yia’s house. They pride themselves on their rustic, Greek home cooking. Indulge in some moussaka or garides ouzo (large shrimp cooked in a light ouzo and tomato cream sauce). Don’t forget about dessert.

Buenos Aires

Restaurant, Argentina

Named after the capital of Argentina, it comes as no surprise that Buenos Aires serves up delicious Argentinian food. This spot is the place to grab authentic Argentinian meat-based dishes from within a warm and inviting atmosphere; this is the perfect restaurant to explore with friends or out-of-towners looking for something new. Try their burrata con tomates cherry or their empanadas Argentinas.

Kafana

A Yugoslavian venue, Kafana is a restaurant that you don’t want to miss. Serbian cuisine has never been so inviting, as the dining room is warmly lit and happily hosted. Find all of your Eastern European favorites here, or try something new. Enjoy their kobasice (sausages) and zeljanica (spinach pie).

Kafana, 116 Avenue C, New York, NY, USA, +1 212 353 8000

About the author

Taylor Haacke

Taylor is currently a Director of Culture for The Culture Trip's New York City Hub. When she's not busy working, you can find her reading in her Brooklyn apartment or hanging out with her pet fish. Be sure to follow The Culture Trip on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!