There are certain restaurants that perennially make the ‘Best of NYC’ lists, and there are those that, inexplicably, never seem to get a mention, despite their worthiness. To do our small part in righting the wrong, we reached out to some of our favorite New York-based travel professionals to find out where they love to eat. These “neighborhood joints” are simultaneously flying under the radar and changing the dining game.

 

Liza Wenger, Owner of Shop Dialogue:

Fancy Nancy | Bed-Stuy

“Upon first glance, Fancy Nancy in Bed-Stuy looks like mere Instagram porn, with its colorful setting, beautiful people and perfectly Quirky bar. but it’s intimate, unpretentious vibe, friendly staff, stellar cocktails, and great food make this one of my favorite places in the neighborhood for date night or dinner with friends.”

1038 Bedford Avenue | Brooklyn, NY 11205 | www.fancynancybk.com

 

Jessica D’Amico, Owner of Lady J Jewelry:

LaRina | Fort Greene

“I love Larina in Fort Greene and here’s why: the space is bright and airy, with high-high ceilings that transform me to another place. Their version of an Aperol Spritz is excellent. And the pasta is fresh and cooked to perfection. I come from an Italian family and if it’s not al dente, it’s just not pasta. My favorite is the handmade smoked spaghetti.”

387 Myrtle Avenue | Brooklyn, NY 11205 | www.larinabk.com

 

Sean Patrick Flynn, New York Based Travel Writer

Fiat Cafe | Nolita

“Fiat Cafe in Nolita is hands down my favorite restaurant in the city. A traditional Italian cafe with affordable dishes and a European vibe.”

203 Mott Street | New York, NY 10012 | www.fiatcafenyc.com

 

Alex Knowlton, Director of Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater:

The Double Windsor | Park Slope

“At the risk of creating more competition for precious barstools, my favorite burger in town is at The Double Windsor. The beef patty is juicy and generously-sized, surrounded by a thick bun with just enough give. It comes topped with perfectly tart pickles, fresh tomatoes, onions, lettuce and your choice of cheeses and/or a savory bacon addition. The salty and crispy fries are the best in town, a close tie with with Joe’s Pub of course, and the impressive rotation of sours, IPAs and nitro stouts on tap is as friendly and welcoming as the incredible roster of bartenders.”

210 Prospect Park West| Brooklyn, NY 11215 | www.doublewindsorbklyn.com

 

Christabel Lobo, Founder of Where’s Bel:

Heidi’s House | Upper East Side

“I absolutely love Heidi’s House — By the Side of the Road. It’s on East 78th St and is truly a neighborhood hidden gem. While their menu is seasonal and always changing, they do offer a couple of comfort food staples, my favorite being their mac & cheese made with organic rice pasta. They have a few variations of it but I always go for the one with mushroom and white truffle oil.”

308 East 78th Street | New York, NY 10075 | www.heidishouse.net

 

Sarah Stodola, Founder of Flung Magazine:

Bati | Fort Greene

“Bati in Fort Greene is an Ethiopian restaurant and my comfort food go-to, in a cozy space that doesn’t put on any unnecessary airs. The tell that this place is legit? On any given night, you’ll be seated among Ethiopians who know a good Injera when they taste one. The vegan platter is consistently one of my favorite things in life.”

747 Fulton Avenue | Brooklyn, NY 11217 | www.batikitchen.com

 

Callie Baker, Editorial Assistant of Flung Magazine:

Ops | Bushwick

“We take pizza very seriously here in New York City, and Ops in Bushwick is my favorite place for a perfect pie. The booths are cozy, the open kitchen is sexy, the staff is delightful, and the sourdough crust is unlike any other. My favorite pizza at Ops is the square pie–a play on the Sicilian grandma style classic topped with tons of fresh basil and kalamata olives. The crust crisps to perfection while remaining chewy throughout.”

346 Himrod Street | Brooklyn, NY 11237 | www.opsbk.com

 

Stevie Van Horn, Sustainability Activist:

Jajaja Mexicana | Lower East Side

“I choose Jajaja Mexican restaurant. I love this place because it is plant based yet not exclusive to vegans. It has an incredibly inviting feel and their menu is so delicious, fresh, and innovative. They also have a plethora of gluten free options and alternatives to fit the celiac or the gluten intolerant folks such as myself. Their drinks are colorful and vibrant and after dinner, it is incredibly hard to pass up their incredible desserts.”

162 East Broadway | New York, NY 10002 | www.jajajamexicana.com

 

Tracy Kaler, Lifestyle and Travel Writer:

Lavagna | East Village

“The food at Lavagna is exquisite–simple, fresh, and flavorful with not a lot of ingredients–just the way I like to eat Italian cuisine. But the candlelit atmosphere is spot-on too, and feels like it’s hours by plane from Manhattan. I’ve eaten there many times, including special occasions, and it never disappoints. It’s definitely a gem in a city of mediocre Italian restaurants.”

545 E 5th St. | New York, NY 10009 | www.lavagnanyc.com