Simply Elegant

View Original

New York City Restaurants - Quick and Delicious

Even though my two month internship in New York City has come to an end, I still have a long list of things to share from my summer. What was one of my favorite things about New York you ask? Without a doubt the food options did not disappoint. Following up on my post on My Favorite Coffee Shops in New York City, I thought I would share some of my go-to places to find a quick and delicious meal in Manhattan. 

Taim

West Village, 222 Waverly Place, between Perry Street and West 11th. 

If your are craving a falafel, this is the spot to go! Taim is tucked away on Waverly Place in the West Village (they also now have a Nolita location.) Don't let the small, standing room only, space worry you, their food is amazing! A perfect spot for lunch or an early dinner. I would suggest going here on a beautiful day so you can sit outside to eat. My go to: Green Falafel Sandwich and French Fries (the aoli that it comes with is major!) Also, their smoothies are delicious! One of the girls I worked with compares this Banana Date Smoothie to a vanilla milk shake! 


Mimi Cheng's 

East Village, 179 Second Avenue between 11th Street & 12th Street 

I love everything about this spot, from the food to the design of the space. There is nothing not to love. I am not usual a huge fan of asian food, it is never my first pick of cuisine, but I would go here non stop if I could. The simple menu consists of just a few dumpling flavors and a few sides. They keep it simple and delicious. My go to: a set of 8 dumplings (4 of the classic and 4 of the veggie) and a vegetable side. And then be sure to dip your dumplings in their famous 'secret sauce.'


image via

Westville 

Four locations within the city. West Village, East Village, Chelsea & Hudson St. 

A cult favorite in New York! I think countless people recommend Westville to me for a yummy and quick meal. The West Village location was just down the street from where I was working so Westville became one of my go-to spots for lunch. I think I ordered from them at least once a week! My go to: Watercress and Arugula Salad with Pairs (substitute the watercress for all arugula and add breaded chicken. Don't order without asking about the specials, as they are always made with the freshest ingredients! 


By Chloe 

Noho - 185 Bleeker Street 

I went here my last week in the city as it just opened the last week of July and it was so yummy. By Chloe is one of the many reasons I wish that I had been in New York City longer so I could go back. My friend Maddie picked it, I hadn't heard of it previously, and it was so yummy (and healthy!) Get ready for this: the menu is all vegan! I am the first one to admit that I don't think I could ever be a vegetarian, a good steak is my kind of meal, so being a vegan is probably never in my future. But that doesn't mean that I won't happily eat a vegetarian meal. The chef, Chloe, reached fame for her vegan recipes that don't sacrifice the flavor and taste that we find in other food. My go to: The Guac Burger or the Quinoa Taco Salad, Sweet Potato Fries and Basil Lemonade. 


Motorino 

East Village, 349 East 12th Street 

Consider to be some of the best pizza in the city. It is always packed, so expect a bit of a wait, but it will be well worth it. Not much more that you need to know than that it is simple, delicious, classic italian pizza. Originally located in Brooklyn, Motorino also has a location in the East Village. They are known for their unique Brussel Sprout pizza, but my go to: is the classic Margarita. 

 

- all images taken by Nan for Simply Elegant, unless otherwise noted -