The Best Ethnic Restaurants in Manhattan

The authentic Sichuan cuisine at Han Dynasty is sure to set your blood boiling. From dry pepper chicken wings to fish swimming in Sichuan chili oil to the fan-favorite Dan Dan noodles, the food here makes Han Dynasty the hottest spot in town. Tip: for those looking to beat the heat, stick to the lower end of the restaurant’s helpful 1–10 rating scale.

Various locations

All about these dan dan noodles tonight & every night. #EEEEEATS 📸: @indulgenteats

A post shared by The Infatuation (@infatuation) on Apr 19, 2016 at 8:16pm PDT

Great for groups, Drunken Dumpling is the city’s hottest haven for late-night noshers. Soup dumplings are the specialty here, where super-sized baos burst with crab, pork, and mixed seafood soups. With menu items such as red bean buns sweetened with local honey and potstickers packed with bacon, shrimp, and orange slices, this East Village eatery is a worthy destination any time of day.

Nothing better than dumps on #humpday 🐫😄 📸: @herroheatherr thanks for sharing this great gram! . . . . . #drunkendumpling #eeeeeats #eatingnyc #foodgasm #nycfood #foodporn #foodie #goodeats #nycrestaurants #farmtotable #nyceats #dumplings #nycdining #nycfoodie #f52grams #instafood #foodbeast #lowereastside #feedyoursoul #porkbuns #soupdumplings #foodislife #dumpling #potstickers #foodisart #dumplingconnoisseur #eatfamous #instafood #chinesefood

A post shared by Drunken Dumpling (@drunkendumpling) on Jul 26, 2017 at 11:16am PDT

The signature spiked horchatas may get you in the door, but it’s the playful Mexican fare at Horchata that will have you ordering seconds (and if no one’s looking, thirds). House-made spiced chorizo, tortilla omelettes, and flights of rare tequilas and mezcals are just a sampling of the spot’s mouthwatering menu items. Tip: don’t miss Horchata’s boozy brunch, where Latin libations are poured with panache.

Guac around the clock with us for #nationalspicyguacamoleday 💚

A post shared by HORCHATA (@horchatanewyork) on Nov 14, 2016 at 12:10pm PST

For a dinner-and-a-show date night, no spot in the city beats out Jules Bistro; for 24 years, this place has been serving French eats with a side of entertainment. In addition to charcuterie plates featuring house-made dishes, hand-cut beef tartare with French fries, and a popular moules frites plate, Jules offers live jazz performances seven days a week sans cover charge.

Diners will smell Tagine before they see it: the restaurant’s fragrant Moroccan cuisine and semolina bread (baked fresh daily) are the true stars of Manhattan’s Theatre District. Here, belly dancers and flavored hookah pipes pair perfectly with minced lamb in saffron sauce, cous cous with homemade sausage, slow-simmered garlic ribs, and, of course, plenty of tagines.

For more than 80 years, Manhattan’s most stylish set has chosen The Russian Tea Room as the place to sip and be seen. Elite eaters flock to this New York City institution for foie gras-filled dumplings, red wine-braised beef short ribs, vodka and caviar tastings, and more. The spot’s tamer Afternoon Tea menus (including one for tiny tea drinkers) make The Russian Tea Room an excellent pick for any appetite.

Colombian and Latin flavors find a home at this Upper East Side spot. Dulce Vida Latin Bistro will satisfy your craving for South American eats with classics such as arroz con pollo and ropa vieja as well as less commonly found dishes, including red bean and chicharron casserole and three meat-topped tostones.

Shrimp Ceviche at Dulce Vida Latin Bistro!!! #dulcevidalatinbistro #dulcevida #ceviche #shrimp #citrus #berry #brunch #sundayfunday #sunny☀️ #shrimp #foodie #nycfoodie #nycfood #ues #lexington #uppereastside #seafood #summer #delisious

A post shared by Dulce Vida Latin Bistro (@dulcevidalatinbistro) on Jul 8, 2017 at 10:11pm PDT

A taste of traditional Mexico is what’s on the menu at Oaxaca Taqueria. Taking inspiration from Oaxaca and ingredients from its own backyard, the restaurant reinvigorates Mexican street food classics, such as citrus-cured tilapia ceviche, homemade horchata, and crema-covered enchiladas.

Various locations

Let's give em somethin' to taco bout….

A post shared by Oaxaca Taqueria (@oaxacatacos) on Feb 7, 2017 at 10:09am PST

A 24-hour Ukrainian diner, Veselka is not your average food find, even by New York City standards. Clearly, New Yorkers agree, as this East Village eatery has now been serving Ukranian staples for more than 60 years. Like the city it calls home, Veselka, along with its award-winning borscht, crisped-to-perfection potato pancakes, and pierogi, has only gotten better with age.

"Condiments are like old friends — highly thought of, but often taken for granted." ~Marilyn Kaytor . > #veselkanyc . #latke . #vegetarianstuffedcabbage . #applesauce . #grilledonions . #sourcream . #eastvillagenyc

A post shared by Veselka (@veselkanyc) on Aug 13, 2017 at 8:20am PDT

After tasting the fusion fare at Lebanese-Armenian restaurant Almayass, you’ll understand how the restaurant has earned its global fan base. At its locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and, of course, New York, this elegant eatery invites daring diners to taste the world. Succulent Armenian pastrami, Mediterranean caviar canapés, and meat-stuffed dough boats smothered in spiced yogurt round out Almayass’ menu of genre-defying dishes.

Take advantage of our Bar Special and make your own sampler of our most popular spreads, 4 for just $14! Pictured here (clockwise) are: Moutabbal, Mouttabal Almayass, Labneh Toom and Hummus Almayass.

A post shared by Almayass Restaurant NYC (@almayassnewyork) on Mar 23, 2017 at 12:08pm PDT