Updated April 10, 2025
Look no further for 21 tried-and-true best restaurants in the West Village!
When I first moved here, I slumbered (for weeks) at my beloved friend’s West Village apartment and I fell in love.
It’s still my go-to neighborhood for all things dating and having a thrilling catchup with friends.
Of course we hit all the best Italian spots, as well as the best restaurants for all occasions including quick vibes and more affordable options.
Without further ado, here are all my favorite best restaurants in the West Village from 3 years of living in and eating through New York City!
Best Restaurants in West Village NYC
Best For Date Night & Intimate Catchups
1. Via Carota: Incredible Award-Winning Italian
Via Carota has THE BEST Italian food in the city and I will die on that hill. Taylor Swift agrees (she’s been spotted here several times!).
It’s no wonder wife-and-wife team Rita Sodi and Jody Williams won the James Beard Award for NYC Best Chefs in 2019.
The seafood tomato pasta was one of the best pastas I’ve ever had, hands down! The cacio e pepe tonnarelli ($25) was simple, yet delicious.
While tables are available for walk-in, the wait can go hours at times (so definitely snag a reservation first!).
The West Village mainstay chefs’ other beloved restaurants are down tree-lined Grove Street, including sister restaurants I Sodi, Buvette, and Bar Pisellino.
📍51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
2. Don Angie: Iconic Pinwheel Lasagna
Don Angie’s lasagna for two ($68) aren’t your average rectangles; they’re in the form of rounded pinwheels.
As a result, the interior retains a soft gooeyness, while the outside crisps satisfyingly.
Top it off with the black cocoa tiramisu ($14), which has marsala caramel and crispy feuilletine in it.
📍103 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
3. Malatesta Trattoria: Peak Date Vibes Yet Affordable
Yes, I overheard multiple first dates at this romantic, quintessentially West Village Italian spot just a block from the Hudson River.
With the same romantic ambience, the pastas are affordable for Greenwich Village. The tagliatelle ragu ($18) was delicious and the portions were big (I’m a hungry girlie).
Successful date? Now muster the courage to hold your date’s hand and walk along the West Side Highway… 🤪
📍649 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
4. Bombay Bistros: Intimate Indian
This candle-lit, warm wooden furnishings and tufted sofas Indian restaurant invites good conversation.
The service is nice and the “hidden” monkey decorations add an unexpected touch.
The crunchy cauliflower ($17) is divine and you can’t go wrong with the curries, like the chicken tikka masala ($26) and the shrimp curry ($27).
📍31 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014
5. Mermaid Oyster Bar: Vibey Happy Hour with Outdoor Patio
The happy hour with $1.50 oysters and $10 cocktails make my heart (and my wallet) happy. It’s 4pm onward on Mondays and 4-6pm Tuesday-Sunday.
Like Shuka, the outdoor seating here is a vibe. There’s nothing like dressing cute and vibing the evening away here with the person you adore. It just gives 20s/dating in the West Village…
All the food is solid, but the vibes are the bigger draw, to be honest (it’s kinda expensive). So come during happy hour!
📍89 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
6. Bangkok Supper Club: Thai with a Modern Twist
That one summer I interned in Bangkok, I had a stomachache every day from all of the excruciatingly delicious food I pounded in daily.
Bangkok Supper Club’ creative dishes are inspired by the namesake city’s late-night food scene.
For our main course, we ordered the pork jowl ($25) over flavorful garlic rice and topped with pork cracklings.
You won’t find typical dishes like pad thai or green curry here, but the tastefully modern dishes you’ll find here, complete with a vibey venue, make it a fun date spot.
Bangkok Supper Club is also a great place for larger groups, like its sister restaurant Fish Cheeks.
📍641 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Best For Special Occasions
7. 4 Charles Prime Rib: Decadent Celebrations
4 Charles Prime Rib is one of the toughest reservations to get in NYC—their menu is full of unapologetic foods that will satisfy your carnivorous cravings.
The main dining room is filled with crystal chandeliers and leather seating, giving the restaurant an air of both opulence and coziness. My friend ordered the 10oz Double Wagyu Cheeseburger ($37.99) with an added egg ($3.99) and bacon ($8.99). She said the add-ons were definitely worth it, as it helped elevate the juicy patty with smoky and eggy flavors. She also said—and I quote—”this is unlike any burger I’ve ever had.”
We ended the night with a Lemon Meringue Pie ($18.99), which is a pretty steep price for just one slice. As much as I hate to say it though, it was a really delicious dessert. The lemon curd was the perfect blend of tart and sweet, while the meringue was light and fluffy.
Everyone I know that has been to 4 Charles has called it one of the best West Village restaurants. Some will argue that the best burger can be found at Minetta Tavern, but I’ll have to say that those people are wrong. This is a great place to indulge in some hearty American food for a special occasion—if you’re able to get in, that is.
📍4 Charles St #3004, New York, NY 10014
8. L’Accolade: Classy & Romantic French Restaurant
All the dishes at L’Accolade were amazing, from the cavatelli with sausage, watermelon salad, to the strawberry mille feuille.
The venue is romantic and the wines were incredible.
This is the type of place you catch up with your intimate girlfriends who are visiting town. Or to take out your loved one for a little Thursday getaway.
The service is attentive and personable.
While dining out was a vibe, given that it’s fancier (and a little spenny), I’d recommend booking an indoor table.
They have a bomb happy hour deal until 7pm Monday to Friday, with $14 wines, $10 martinis and $1.50 oysters.
📍302 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
9. Omakase Room by Maaser: Everything Hit!
The dishes were some of the best I’ve had at omakase! Everything was delicious, cut very well, and presented beautifully.
I’ve definitely had omakase experiences where I was like, “Okay, fancy and healthy-ish, but it’s not hitting…”
Not here! Everything hit 🙂
At $95 for 12 pieces, this place is a relative deal in NYC!
The hot sake ($21) is not to be missed.
The venue is simple and the service is just OK, but the sushi was totally worth it.
📍321 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
10. Sushi Nakazawa: It’s Splurge O’ Clock
Everyone knows that New York City has some of the best omakase you can get outside of Japan. Sushi Nakazawa serves a 20 piece Nigiri-sushi exclusive menu where the fish are sourced globally (but mostly from Japan).
Sushi Nakazawa is definitely one of the pricier options on this list (but reasonable for the NYC omakase experience!), going for $190 at the Sushi Counter and Lounge Counter and $160 at the Dining Room.
Their extensive wine list completes this celebratory experience.
📍23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014
Best With Friends & Family
11. Shuka: Healthy Nibbles with Outdoor Seating
On a warm summer evening, there’s nothing quite the same as grabbing an outdoor dining seat at Shuka and nibbling on a wholesome Eastern Mediterranean dish.
The vibes are impeccable; the indoors are suited to enjoy with a heart-fluttering love (lust?) interest.
The brunch here is fantastic as well. I love their shakshuka ($21) and the mediterranean plate is tasty and healthy too ($25).
The za’atar fries ($9) are crispy and seasoned so tastefully.
📍38 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
12. 12 Chairs Cafe: Hearty Israeli Food
Everything at this Israeli restaurant I’ve tried is amazing!
I love their Moroccan fish in tomato sauce ($28), schnitzel salad ($19), and hummus with falafel ($16).
There’s no reservations and it does get packed, but I’ve always managed to get a seat with a quick wait. It’s the perfect place to bring visiting family & a great brunch option as well.
📍56 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
13. Jeju Noodle Bar: Delightful Korean Noodles
Jeju Noodle Bar is one of the few noodle spots with a Michelin star. Their twists on Korean noodles make for a pleasantly unique experience, I can stand by that as a Korean!
The restaurant itself is a small space (I think there might be more tables downstairs, but I’m not too sure). My friend and I were seated at the bar. We decided to start with the hae mul ceviche ($23), which was actually delicious. I’m not a big fan of ceviche, but I enjoyed this bite!
I ordered the vegetable neng-myun ($25) as my main. I believe this was seasonal, but it was a chilled chili-tomato broth. The broth was refreshing and unlike anything I’ve had before, and when paired with the cold noodles, it was the perfect thing to beat the summer heat. Not to mention, the tomato added acidity that helped brighten the entire dish.
Jeju Noodle Bar is definitely the place to go for a unique take on Korean noodles!
📍679 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10014
14. Buvette: Someone Say Brunch In The West Village?!
This is THE French brunch spot. Chefs Sodi and Williams are also behind Buvette, which means you know it’s going to be delicious. I actually heard about this place from one of my previous managers, who said that this was a good restaurant for brunch food.
I ordered the pain perdu ($18)—brioche bread with berries and creme anglaise. The soft brioche, crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside, was bathed in the creme anglaise, which brought a creaminess that complemented the already lightly sweetened brioche. It was a nice departure from the usual sickly sweet syrups that accompany French toast. It was an indulgent dish to have at 10am, but it was sooo worth it. My only gripe is that I wish it came with more than just one slice of toast because I could’ve eaten like 4 more pieces.
I’ve heard people comparing Buvette and Boucherie West Village quite often and although both are great French options, my vote would have to go to Buvette. Try and name a better place to get French-style food in the heart of West Village…
📍42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
15. Semma: Michelin South Indian
Chef Vijay Kumar is the mastermind behind Semma, a restaurant bringing South Indian flavors to NYC. Semma was awarded a Michelin star back in 2022 and it’s currently the only Indian restaurant in the city with a star.
We ordered the gunpowder dosa ($21), which is an Indian crepe made with rice and lentils filled with potato masala and served with a side of sambar (vegetable stew). It also came with mint and tomato chutneys as dips. I love the crispness and airiness of the dosa. It’s especially delicious when eaten together with the soft, spice-packed potato filling. The best bite is definitely the one with dosa dipped in the sambar and chutney (I’m partial to the tomato one).
They serve meats that you don’t usually see in Indian cuisine like goat and snails. I’ve heard that the dindigul biryani ($36), which is made with goat, is one of the more popular dishes here; it’s a little too adventurous for me though!
If you’re in the mood for some Indian food, come here and get the Gunpowder Dosa. It’s absolutely worth trying!
📍60 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011
16. Nami Nori: Hand-Roll Sushi
After a stroll in Washington Square Park, what better way to treat yourself than to get some fresh hand rolls at Nami Nori? Nami Nori calls itself a “casual temaki bar specializing in open-style sushi hand rolls.”
They have sets that you can order that each come with 5 different rolls or you can choose to create your own set. I ordered the vegan set ($24). I loved that Nami Nori offered vegan options; raw seafood is not my favorite, so it was exciting to be able to get the sushi dining experience while eating things outside of just avocado and cucumber rolls. The temaki that the Vegan Set came with were: avocado “toast”, eggplant, tofu chimichurri, sweet potato tempura, and cucumber black sesame.
Everything was so fresh and delish! My favorite was surprisingly the cucumber black sesame. The crunch of the cucumber, when paired with the earthiness of the black sesame, was delightful. Each roll had a little plastic wrapping that prevented the seaweed from getting soggy, which I thought was ingenious.
Once the weather gets warmer, I already have plans to grab some hand rolls to-go for a picnic!
📍33 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
17. Song’ E Napule: Tasty Pizza with a Welcoming Atmosphere
Their Neapolitan pizza fresh out of the brick oven hits every single time. Pretty much any pizza will do.
The service is friendly and warm.
Dare I say… the venue is charmingly, nostalgically kitschy. UV light is cast upon Maradona memorabilia and all-caps catchphrases in Italian.
It’s a lovely place to chatter the night away with a friend and forget about work stress for a second. It’s family-friendly too, from the cuisine to the atmosphere.
📍132 W Houston Street, New York, NY 10012
18. Boucherie West Village: Classy and Tasty
Boucherie’s lofted space is the perfect for sprawling out. This 320-person venue used to house the Circle Repertory Theater. It fills with light during the day, with arched French windows, white subway tiles and matching wooden chairs.
I devoured my wagyu burger ($42). It was juicy and actually prepared medium-rare as I requested. I couldn’t resist the savory fries.
This is the perfect place to come with large parties.
It does get loud, but that’s hard to avoid in the West Village!
📍99 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Quick & Fun
19. Raku: Comfort Udon
The wait is long af here (def book a table!), but somehow I find myself craving a bowl of udon specifically from Raku. I know I’m not the only one, because I’ve been faced with 30 min-1.5h wait times before.
The venue is simple but classy. It’s the perfect cozy fill-me-up after shopping around with a friend in the West Village on a Saturday, or a quick post-work pick-me-up.
📍48 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
20. Corner Bistro: I Need That Burger Right Now
Y’all, I cannot resist a good burger. I’m the girl who disappears (for 30 min) after 2 beers cuz I got the drunchies…
Corner Bistro’s burgers come with lots of fresh, flavorful veggies and satiating fries. Pair it with a glass of beer and a good friend for a wholesome early Friday getaway!
It’s a cheap quick bite, though my burger was basically as fancy as it gets: the cheese burger with bacon ($13.75 + $3).
It’s no wonder they’ve been around for decades in this now crazy-expensive neighborhood!
📍331 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014
21. L’Industrie Pizzeria: Some of the Best NYC Pizza
Nothing can top the feeling of having a slice of L’Industrie pizza in hand when there’s good weather in the city. L’Industrie Pizzeria is notorious for its wrap-around-the-block lines at its original location in Brooklyn. If there’s one sure thing New Yorkers don’t mind doing, it seems to be waiting in line…
I got the burrata slice ($5.50) that was topped with fresh basil, tomato sauce, and burrata cheese. The pizza crust is made with their in-house fermented sourdough, which adds a slight tang and chewiness that other pizzas are lacking. Not to mention, the thinness of the crust—a key characteristic of a good New York slice—gives it that slight crunch and crisp. The burrata was super fresh and creamy, making it richer than the traditional mozzarella that’s melted on top.
The pizza here is so good that it can even attract the Italian tourists! L’Industrie has mastered the New York slice and added its own unique twist to it. Next time, I’ll be back to see how their gelato stacks up against Caffe Panna’s.
📍104 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014
Best Restaurants in West Village NYC
Any of these places would be great for a date night or a filling dinner before hitting the comedy clubs.
I would recommend trying to get a reservation at some of these best restaurants in West Village NYC beforehand unless you’re willing to wait!
- Via Carota: Incredible Award-Winning Italian
- Don Angie: Iconic Pinwheel Lasagna
- Malatesta Trattoria: Peak Date Vibes Yet Affordable
- Bombay Bistros: Intimate Indian
- Mermaid Oyster Bar: Vibey Happy Hour with Outdoor Patio
- Bangkok Supper Club: Thai With a Modern Twist
- 4 Charles Prime Rib: Decadent Celebrations
- L’Accolade: Classy & Romantic French Restaurant
- Omakase Room by Maaser: Everything Hit!
- Sushi Nakazawa: It’s Splurge O’ Clock
- Shuka: Healthy Nibbles with Outdoor Seating
- 12 Chairs Cafe: Hearty Israeli Food
- Jeju Noodle Bar: Delightful Korean Noodles
- Buvette: Someone Say Brunch In The West Village?!
- Semma: Michelin South Indian
- Nami Nori: Hand-Roll Sushi
- Song’ E Napule: Tasty Pizza with a Welcoming Atmosphere
- Boucherie West Village: Classy and Tasty
- Raku: Comfort Udon
- Corner Bistro: I Need That Burger Right Now
- L’Industrie Pizzeria: Some of the Best NYC Pizza
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