25 Best Restaurants on the Lower East Side, NYC in 2025
Narrowing down the most popular restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC might seem like an impossible task, but each culinary destination is worth the search. It’s no surprise that New York City is the place to be if you want an unparalleled variety of culinary adventures — but the many options can get overwhelming, even if you’re only looking at one area of the city.
Luckily, there's no need to worry about decision fatigue as we've done the hard work for you, ensuring you’ll make the most of every dining experience in the Big Apple. So, if you’re looking for the best food on the Lower East Side, NYC, let this guide be your first stop. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find a restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC that fits the bill!
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The 25 Best Lower East Side Restaurants
1. El Castillo de Jagua
If you're craving Caribbean cuisine with an emphasis on Dominican specialties, this tried-and-tested restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is worth a visit. It might take you some hunting to find this tiny, street-facing storefront, but as soon as you step inside El Castillo de Jagua, you'll know that the effort was worth it.
The Vibe
As mentioned, this one’s a little tricky to find and its interior is decidedly no-frills. It’s a casual, unpretentious restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC with warm service and a lively local vibe, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
What to Order
For a unique experience, pop into this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC for a traditional Dominican breakfast. Choose between eggs, fried Dominican cheese, Dominican salami or a combination of any of the three as tasty add-ons.
El Castillo de Jagua | Multiple Locations | $$
2. Cibao Restaurant
Since 1958 (with the current name coming into effect in 1978), Cibao Restaurant has been serving diverse, affordable and delicious Latin American cuisine. If you're in the mood for it, you'll find the best Dominican and Caribbean Creole cuisine at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC.
The Vibe
Homey and warm, Cibao Restaurant is a Lower East Side institution for a reason. There’s nothing fancy here — and in the case of this no-frills spot for hearty, comforting meals, that’s absolutely a compliment.
What to Order
A Cuban sandwich is always a solid choice. However, even if you decide to order something else at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC, make sure to get a side of cheddar cheese balls.
Cibao Restaurant | 72 Clinton St., New York, NY 10002 | $
3. Russ & Daughters Café
Dating all the way back to 1904, the roots of Russ & Daughters Café were formed when Polish immigrant Joel Russ started a food cart selling herrings. After several years, he moved to a permanent storefront and, what was once a quaint shop, is now a restaurant with several locations citywide, including a popular restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC.
The Vibe
Although it’s new to the Russ & Daughters lineup, this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC aims for retro charm and succeeds. It’s a cozy space with counter seating, perfect for a weekend breakfast or a quick pit stop in the middle of the workday.
What to Order
As this spot serves up some of the best bagels in NYC, ordering a few of these morning treats is a must. Notably, the classic bagel with Gaspe Nova smoked salmon is the no-brainer order. For a nod to the roots of this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC, also try the pickled herring with pumpernickel.
Russ & Daughters Café | 127 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002 | $$$
4. Kiki’s
Restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC represent just about every cuisine you can imagine, and if Greek food is what you’re after, Kiki’s is the place to get it. You’ll find good vibes, delicious traditional dishes and an expansive menu that’ll make it hard to choose just one item.
The Vibe
Set in an old printing factory, Kiki’s has the bare-walled, slightly-cavernous look of a Greek taverna, but friendly service will make you feel right at home. This restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is as warm and generous as the traditional Greek dishes it serves.
What to Order
Spanakopita, a classic Greek spinach-and-feta-cheese pie, is a reliable appetizer. Main courses that garner rave reviews from regulars include moussaka and grilled octopus.
Kiki's | 130 Division St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
5. Okiboru House of Tsukemen
Japanese noodles are so much more than regular ramen — that’s the picture the culinary artisans at Okiboru House of Tsukemen are trying to paint. The founders of Okiboru trained in Japan to be able to effectively introduce the concept of tsukemen (dipping ramen) to a wider, global audience.
The menu at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is limited, but with both warm and cold tsukemen, and a handful of sides, it offers something for all seasons and cravings.
The Vibe
Snag a seat at the counter that overlooks the kitchen to watch the staff prepare your meal. Attentive service and a cozy atmosphere make this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC a comfortable place to slurp up more noodles than you ever expected you could.
What to Order
We'd be remiss not to suggest any of the tsukemen dishes, with chicken, pork, fish or vegan options available. Adding some bao buns to the side or as an appetizer is highly recommended as well.
Okiboru House of Tsukemen | 117 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
6. Kisa
The word “diner” probably conjures up images of formica tabletops, pots of coffee and heaping portions of eggs and bacon, but at Kisa, you’ll find hearty Korean comfort food instead. From its roots in the 1980s, when it was fondly known as a restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC that proudly fueled taxi drivers, it’s since become a favorite spot for anyone who wants to enjoy delicious and affordable Korean meals.
The Vibe
With an unfussy interior, warm service and hearty portions, Kisa is the ideal family-friendly restaurant in NYC as well as a great place for a quick lunch or laid-back dinner with friends. The great value and time-tested Korean comfort food pay loving homage to vintage restaurants from Korea, making it feel like you're dining outside of NYC.
What to Order
If you’re new to Korean cuisine, bulgogi (thinly sliced beef marinated in sweet soy sauce) is a great starting point. It's savory, filling and not too spicy. Connoisseurs of Korean food should try the stir-fried squid, which packs a spicy punch.
Kisa | 205 Allen St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
7. Sullivan Street Bakery
With three locations across the city, Sullivan Street Bakery is making good on its mission to make great-quality bread accessible, affordable and widely available. That mission means that this Italian bakery and restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC uses natural ingredients, time-tested techniques and thoughtful attention to detail.
The Vibe
Since many diners simply take their bread and pastries to go, this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is fairly small and has a sidewalk café-like atmosphere. Expect the bustle of shoppers dropping in to pick up a loaf or a pastry as you eat.
What to Order
For breakfast, it’s hard to beat a crispy prosciutto and egg on caricolla. You’ll be hard-pressed not to come away with a pastry, no matter the time of day. Try a pane pugliese for a dark, crunchy crust that reveals a chewy caramel inside.
Sullivan Street Bakery | 154 E. Second St., New York, NY 10002 | $
8. Gazab
If you're in the mood for inventive Indian dishes in a trendy, contemporary space, Gazab is the place to be. The name of this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC means "fabulous," which is exactly what diners think of the scratch-made food at this local favorite spot.
The Vibe
The interior of this always-bustling restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC perfectly marries New York sensibilities with its Indian roots, seen in everything from the menu to the décor and music.
What to Order
The focus of the menu is on presenting Indian classics in new ways, so order a dish you know and love and expect to be blown away. Word on the street is that the Hyderabadi chicken dum biryani at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is a solid choice.
Gazab | 179 Essex St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
9. Katz’s Delicatessen
Few experiences are as closely associated with New York City as eating at Katz’s Delicatessen, and this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is the oldest in the entire city. This popular eatery has been a venerable purveyor of deli sandwiches since 1888, and while it gets all the hype that you’d expect to come with a reputation like that, the perpetual round-the-block line proves that it’s deserved.
The Vibe
“Bustling” falls short as a way of describing the frenetic energy of this wildly popular restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC. The good news? Katz’s Delicatessen has been like this for decades, meaning the staff is used to the crowds. Expect efficient service and a lively atmosphere where there’s never a dull moment.
What to Order
Far and away the most iconic item on the menu at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is the pastrami sandwich, said to be "legendary for a reason."
Katz’s Delicatessen | 205 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
10. Joey Bats Café
This Portuguese restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC might be best known for its pastries, especially pastéis de natas, but it’s far from a sweet shop. The proud owner of Joey Bats Café, Joey Batista, decided that the lack of Portuguese cuisine provided a gap in the market — and boy, has that gap been filled with three locations across the city that visitors adore.
The Vibe
Quick, counter-serve dining within Essex Market. While it’s not exactly a place for unforgettable ambiance, this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is perfect for a quick bite or (and?) an after-lunch pastry.
What to Order
You can’t go to Joey Bats and not try the pastéis de natas, which are by all means the restaurant’s claim to fame. Whether it's a classic custard tart, a chocolate or passion fruit version or even a vegan option, the variety of this Portuguese staple will leave you feeling undecided, in the best of ways.
Joey Bats Café | 88 Essex St., Kiosk #36, New York, NY 10002 | $
11. Dirt Candy
There’s a restaurant for almost every type of cuisine in The Big Apple, so if you're looking for solid vegetarian food on the Lower East Side, NYC, you won’t have to look further than Dirt Candy. This one-of-a-kind restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC serves creative, jaw-droppingly beautiful vegetarian dishes that even meat eaters will want more of!
The Vibe
Minimalistic and stylish without being intimidating or fussy. This Michelin-starred restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC isn’t a boastful place, and it would be as picture-perfect a setting for a high-powered lunch meeting as it would be for an anniversary dinner.
What to Order
This celebrated eatery serves a seasonal tasting menu, so you’ll be served specialties at the chef’s discretion. While what you dine on when you visit will vary, past dishes have included a cucumber tart with seaweed caviar and a unique flourless chocolate cake with turnip and orange confit and a tahini sorbet.
Dirt Candy | 86 Allen St., New York, NY 10002 | $$$
12. Scarr’s Pizza
As one of the most iconic NYC foods, pizza is just about everywhere, making it hard to stand out as the cream of the crop; however, this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC has a fair shot at claiming to serve the best pizza in NYC. Shining with its crispy dough and all-natural ingredients, you’ll never find Scarr’s Pizza empty.
The Vibe
Scarr’s Pizza is as perpetually crowded as you’d expect one of the most beloved pizza restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC to be. You’ll have the option to choose between takeout or dine-in; choose the latter and you’ll eat in a retro, neon-lit space with arcade games to entertain you while you wait.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with a single one of the slices at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC, but diners rave about all of the three (cheese, pepperoni and Scarr's special) 'Grandma Choices.' If you want to spice up your slice and you can take a little kick, regulars can’t get enough of Mike's Hot Honey sauce.
Scarr’s Pizza | 35 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
13. Freemans Restaurant
2004 was the year that the magical Freemans Restaurant was born. What could be the makings of the perfect movie storyline, the founders came across a snug spot at an unused alley's end. They saw the potential to turn it into a beloved restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC with the cuisine and furnishings both taking inspiration from Old World traditions.
The Vibe
As far as warm and inviting restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC go, few are more cozy than this spot. The idea was to make it a "rugged clandestine colonial American tavern," so it's the ideal place to share laughs and chatter with family and friends.
What to Order
If you're popping in for brunch, try the homemade granola. One spoonful will offer a refreshing and crunchy combination of açaí berry yogurt, toasted coconut granola, berry compote and chia seeds.
Freemans Restaurant | Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002 | $$$
14. Café Katja
Austrian cuisine is pretty unsung on this side of the Atlantic; sure, you’ve heard of schnitzel and Sachertorte, but how often do you see them on a restaurant menu? If you’re searching for this cuisine, don't look any further than Café Katja. This restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC serves hearty Austrian classics in an elegant setting for a truly unique dining experience.
The Vibe
Cozy and rustic-charming, with the friendly service you’d imagine in such an intimate setting. With its easy blend of elegance and comfort, Café Katja would make a great choice for a birthday dinner in NYC.
What to Order
Start your introduction to Austrian cuisine with a choice of classics: the wiener schnitzel or beef goulash would both do nicely. And don’t miss out on trying the pretzels as a starter at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC.
Café Katja | 79 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
15. Saigon Social
For modern takes on Vietnamese classics, this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC has you covered. The breezy yet chic Saigon Social is the restaurant to visit for contemporary dishes, such as dumplings, spring rolls and curry.
The Vibe
Smart and stylish but casual enough to stop in on your lunch break. That said, this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC transitions well from day to night and would be great for a date, too.
What to Order
The spicy chicken sandwich is sure to hit the spot if you're a fan of fiery foods. Alternatively, the lemongrass chicken thigh combined with spicy lime leaf aioli, jalapeño, pickles and cilantro is the ultimate marriage for a flavorsome and peppery kick.
Saigon Social | 172 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
16. LENA
French food tends to conjure up one of two images: fussy white-tablecloth fine dining featuring choosy meals with a four-figure price tag or a croissant at a comfy Parisian sidewalk café. If you're looking to skip the exclusivity and instead opt for a relaxed meal, LENA is a restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC that evokes the latter.
The Vibe
This pure New York City and unapologetically French restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is set in an intimate space with both indoor and patio seating, café-style.
What to Order
The real star of the show at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is not a main course, but the vanilla crème brûlée. Have what you will for dinner, but don’t even think about skipping dessert.
LENA | 135 Eldridge St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
17. Dhamaka
Many restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC and beyond use the word "authentic" as a leading descriptor, but few reach beyond the borders of pride into "unapologetic" — that's how the owners of Dhamaka describe it. This powerhouse eatery that's been listed among America's best restaurants by multiple leading publications aims to serve delicious food from the forgotten side of India.
The Vibe
The colorful panels on the outside of the restaurant are an eye-catching treat for those passing by. Step inside, and you'll get to marvel at an impressive display of glass décor beneath high ceilings before sitting down to enjoy a lively atmosphere and fantastic eats.
What to Order
Get ready to indulge in a culinary work of art when ordering the nalli biryani at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC. This dish comprises slow-braised lamb shank and basmati rice, resulting in the perfect combination of tender and filling.
Dhamaka | 119 Delancey St., New York, NY 10002
18. Congee Village
Since 1996, New York residents and visitors from all over have been treated to Cantonese (and other Chinese) specialties at Congee Village. Modern interior touches have been married with traditional furnishings in the newly renovated location to make this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC perfect for all occasions, from loud karaoke parties to peaceful business dinners.
The Vibe
Wooden pieces, bamboo décor, exposed brick and marble floors house a well-lit restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC that can accommodate many cheery visitors.
What to Order
The menu options are endless, featuring everything from seafood soups to vegetable stir-fries. The sautéed beef fillet with Chinese broccoli is a standout dish worth tucking into over and over again.
Congee Village | 100 Allen St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
19. Sami & Susu
While many restaurants sadly had to close shop during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amir Nathan and Jordan Anderson made the brave decision to open a new one. Enter Sami & Susu, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC that serves a seasonal menu of large and small plates that boast delicious Mediterranean flavors.
The Vibe
While this quaint, unassuming spot may not stand out for flashy décor, the impressive menu and wine list do all the talking. A homely, bustling atmosphere does well to add to its status as one of the best restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC.
What to Order
What not to order at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC — you might find yourself asking that question instead. As far as meat dishes go, the harissa chicken with tzatziki, Castelvetrano olives and pine nuts has been one of the favorites from seasonal menus gone by.
Sami & Susu | 190 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002 | $$$
20. Sammy’s Roumanian Steakhouse
The original Sammy’s Roumanian Steakhouse, a decades-old eatery known for Romanian-Jewish cuisine and a raucous atmosphere, closed down in 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2024, to the delight of fans who loved its slightly rowdy charm, this beloved restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC reopened in a new location.
The Vibe
Much of the old Sammy’s charm came from its party atmosphere, and frankly, the exact brand of jovial kitsch that made the original spot so beloved is impossible to describe. Just expect a restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC that is unpretentious, lively, not-quite-elegant and full of delightful surprises.
What to Order
This is one of the best restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC to order a rib-eye steak; it's the stuff of legend and loved by meat fanatics all over.
Sammy’s Roumanian Steakhouse | 112 Stanton St., New York, NY 10002 | $$$
21. Clinton St. Baking Company
When you hear the words “baking company,” you probably imagine bread or pastries. While this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC does offer these in plentiful varieties, Clinton St. Baking Company is a favorite brunch spot that offers so much more, including pancakes, waffles and sandwiches.
The Vibe
Think of it as a minimalist take on the classic American diner. With few frills and smart, sleek décor, this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC pares down that well-worn aesthetic to create an airy, modern brunch spot. The line of locals out the door on weekend mornings will tell you all you need to know.
What to Order
The grilled chicken sandwich is a popular choice — bite into a delightful amalgamation of avocado, bacon, chipotle mayonnaise, Romaine lettuce and beefsteak tomato, all between grilled sourdough.
Clinton St. Baking Company | 4 Clinton St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
22. Shu Jiao Fu Zhou
Being located right next to Chinatown, there are minimal choices for Chinese restaurants within the actual Lower East Side area. However, there are a couple of great options, with discerning diners recommending Shu Jiao Fu Zhou which serves handmade dumplings, soups and noodles at winning prices.
The Vibe
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou is laid out so that you can watch the staff hand-make dumplings while you wait for your food. This restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is intimate and homey, with all the emphasis on the food.
What to Order
Dumplings bar none — any flavor, any style. If you just can’t decide, the pork and chive flavor is particularly delicious. If you’re in more of a noodle mood, the wheat noodles with peanut butter sauce are a fan favorite.
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou | 295 Grand St., New York, NY 10002 | $
23. Dirty French
When it comes to unmatched elegance and a fun, satisfying dining experience, Dirty French stands out among restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC. Created by the founders of Carbone, that alone tells you how exceptional your dining experience will be here.
The Vibe
Cozy but colorful and elegant all at once make it one of the most popular fun restaurants in NYC. This stylish restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC takes its cues from French brasseries in both its menu and its cozy, eclectic aesthetic.
What to Order
For a reflection of the posh-but-playful vibe at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC, try the French dip sandwich. The combination of Montreal spices, Emmental cheese and au jus is exactly the right thing to try at a place that walks the line between fun and fancy so well.
Dirty French | 180 Ludlow St., New York, NY 10002 | $$$
24. Ankara #3
Wander the streets of New York City and you’ll find more kebab shops, carts and stalls than you’ll even know what to do with. But even in the hyper-competitive market of kebab restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC, former Turkish nightclub-turned-kebab shop Ankara #3 shines. And yes, if you were wondering, there is indeed an Ankara #1 and an Ankara #2!
The Vibe
As casual as it gets, just how you want it when you’re wolfing down more of the delicious roasted meat than is wise or advisable. Though there’s not much to the interior of this beloved restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC, the staff is warm and welcoming, and you’ll leave with a positive impression of more than just the kebabs.
What to Order
For an on-the-go workday lunch, you can’t beat the loaded lamb gyro. Regulars swear by the meat at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC, so even if you go for the chicken option instead, it's bound to satisfy.
Ankara #3 | 183 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
25. Les Enfants de Bohème
Longing for a luxurious European lunch break on a New York City schedule? Look no further than LES Enfants de Bohème, which takes its cues from the corner cafés of Paris — both in its style and menu.
The Vibe
Inspired by a Parisian bistro, this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC combines its French inspiration with a cheeky, dimly-lit charm and a distinctly New York City sensibility.
What to Order
If you can make it to the highly recommended Sunday brunch at this restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC, the egg dishes make for perfect choices. If you’re not in at breakfast, try the saumon Canadien for an appetizing combo of pan-roasted salmon with stewed green lentils, baby carrots and leeks.
Les Enfants de Bohème | 177 Henry St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
Other Foodie Experiences in NYC
You’re never going to get bored of the restaurants on the Lower East Side of NYC, but if you don’t feel like a night on the town, you’re not out of options yet. Why not learn to make your favorite night-out dishes for yourself? The best way to do that is through Cooking classes in NYC, guided by experienced chefs who can facilitate both learning and fun.
Or maybe you'd still like to experience a restaurant meal but with the help of an expert guide. In that case, try a food tour in NYC, where you’ll get to discover the area's best eateries without a single Google search.
If you’re looking for a restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC, you’re in for a treat no matter where you go. The wealth of options at your disposal makes sure of that. So, which of the popular culinary institutions covered on this list will you be going to next?
For even more ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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