The Best Restaurants in the Bronx, New York City

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Nano Billiard Café is not about looks. It’s on the ground floor of a residential building, and it’s technically a billiard hall serving lunch specials in the afternoon. At night it can get a bit rowdy, but during the day their $3.50 lunch specials – like stewed goat, pork with rice, stewed meats with olives, or whatever is on the menu that day – are nothing short of fantastic.

Even self-proclaimed Manhattan lifers leave the island when an S&S Cheesecake craving strikes. With their fluffy sponge crust and browned edges, these all-cream cheesecakes are worth the trip to this residential area of the Bronx. Tip: you can also snag an S&S slice (or two) at local restaurants including Peter Luger.

Local barflies would be hard-pressed to find any beer that’s fresher than those available at Gun Hill Brewing Company. The first brewery to thrive in the Bronx since the 1960s, this industrial-style indoor-outdoor bar has earned a following for its unfiltered, handcrafted brews, such as the Home Brew Hero Key Lime Gose and the award-winning Barrel Aged Void of Light.

You may recognize 188 Bakery Cuchifritos from its appearance on the popular food show, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (for the record, Bourdain was a fan). Follow in the chef’s footsteps, and check out this neighborhood gem for garlicky mashed plantains served with fried salami, cheese, or eggs, authentic flan, and, of course, cuchifritos, the Spanish word for just about anything bite-sized and fried. This luncheonette is far from being a luxurious brunch spot, but it is serving up some of the best food you’ll have anywhere in New York’s five boroughs.

Made by locals, for locals—the traditional Dominican fare at Leche Y Miel Restaurant will leave you feeling full and ready to give the Bronx’s restaurant scene a second look. Caramel bread pudding, shredded skirt steak, and an array of authentic Spanish juices have earned the spot cult-favorite status amongst its neighbors.

Organic, allergy-friendly, and completely kosher, the Moss Café stands out in the Bronx as an unexpected yet welcome local gem. On any given day, find Bronx residents enjoying Moss’ drinks from Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Bellocq Artisan Teas, avocado toast, and steamy paninis bursting with fresh veggies. Between the shop’s emphasis on fresh, whole foods and its inviting interior, every morning is a good one at Moss Café.

Located in a neighborhood known as Bronx’s Little Italy, Prince Coffee House brings a modern flair to one of the borough’s more old-school areas. Striking a perfect balance of classic and contemporary, Prince’s menu features familiar iced coffees and croissants alongside adventurous picks like Turkish coffee, ginger- and orange-spiced cocoa, and poppy seed cake. Locals particularly love the spot’s thoughtful food and drink presentations as well as the downstairs quiet zone, an ideal work space for students from the nearby Fordham University.