From an elegant sushi spot from a MICHELIN-Starred brewery to an intimate European-style wine bar, these are the best restaurants in this iconic Manhattan neighborhood.
LessDon Angie is a critically acclaimed Italian American restaurant run by wife-and-husband team Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli. Named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in 2018, this buzzy spot is known for standout Italian American dishes like rolled lasagna, stuffed garlic flatbread, and buffalo milk caramelle Enjoy them in the cozy space accented with black-and-white checkered floors, marble countertops, and greenery.
SAPPE is where you go for nostalgic Thai street food favorites. The space channels a Thai train station, complete with vintage lamps, neon lights, dark wood furnishings, and dim lighting. Expect approachable dishes like bamboo skewers with grilled vegetables and barbecue, as well as plenty of dumplings, soups, and hot pot dishes. The restaurant also serves Isan-style dishes, based on sticky rice and bold spices.
This sophomore spot from the Don Angie team goes all in on modern takes on traditional coastal Italian American dishes—think a deep raw bar along with standouts like crab-and-mortadella dip with Ritz crackers and shrimp parm with sweet and sour arrabbiata. The cocktails—get the martini made with “garlic bread” vodka—are equally playful. The sexy space features rich leather banquettes and a striking curved bar.
Run by Wildair alums, Demo is a destination for modern European cuisine and top-notch wines. The menu combines creative seasonal dishes with popular mainstays such as lobster au poivre and lengua tonnata (beef tongue and tuna with capers). The small restaurant comprises an intimate dining space accented with dark wood and marble furnishings, ideal for lingering with a bottle from the compact but standout European-leaning wine list.
At neighborhood gem Zimmi’s, chef Maxime Pradié leans into his Franco-Italian heritage. The menu is filled with elegant French classics like foie gras and échine du porc (pork collar with hazelnut) as well as Franco-Italian dishes like pasta with pesto genovese and chicken ragout. The cozy dining room with checkered tablecloths, antiques, and carved wood furnishings is the ideal setting for an intimate date night or special occasion.
Run by chef Angie Mar, Le B. is one of only a few restaurants in NYC that have been awarded four stars by Forbes. The menu features refined, Continental standards—think le fried poulard, poached foie gras, seafood Wellington, and oysters Viennese. Don’t miss the top-tier selection of artisanal cheeses. The restaurant creates an intimate setting with dim lighting, jewel-toned and crystal accents, and a full bar.
Moody Tongue Sushi is the brainchild of Jared Rouben, the brewmaster behind the MICHELIN-Starred Moody Tongue Brewery. At this NYC spot, executive sushi chef Hiromi Iwakiri curates a blockbuster sushi menu paired with elegant beers. Choose from a selection of nigiri, crudo, maki, and some vegan options. For a special occasion (or just because), go all in on the 15-course omakase menu with beer pairings.
Little Ruby’s Cafe is a laid-back destination for Australian cafe favorites. Open seven days a week, the all-day spot is one of the best casual restaurants in the West Village and is located in a multi-level venue with light wood furnishings, large windows, and a large terrace. For brekkie, try Australian classics like Vegemite toast. Later in the day, choose from dishes like the signature burger with sweet chili and mayo on ciabatta bread, plus pastas, seafood, and grain bowls.
Cafe Cluny is where you go for refined French American dishes. The morning-to-night menu spans from breakfast hits like French omelettes and fresh donuts to brasserie-inspired dinner favorites like steak frites and chicken au jus. The sophisticated dining room has a classical feel, with large windows, embellished white walls, and vintage art.
Jeju Noodle Bar is a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant that focuses on Jeju Island cuisine, and is one of the best West Village restaurants for Korean food. The menu features Korean hits like gochujang bokum (beef ragu with seaweed), ramyun, Korean steaks, fried chicken, and grilled ocean trout. Enjoy them in the upscale space, complete with tiled floors and dark wood furnishings.