Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in SoHo
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in SoHo
1. Balthazar
The archetypal SoHo brasserie hums from breakfast to late night with mirrored walls, red banquettes, and heaping seafood platters. It’s where locals, creatives, and travelers converge over steak frites, onion soup, and baskets of warm bread.
✓ Why Go:
For an only-in-SoHo, old-world Parisian vibe paired with consistently satisfying French comfort classics and a buzzy scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday breakfast for a calmer start or late evening after 9 pm when the room turns lively without the peak crush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the fruits de mer to share and ask for a corner banquette for prime people-watching.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Widely praised as a quintessential NYC dining experience—crowded but worth it for ambiance, service, and brasserie staples.
2. Dominique Ansel Bakery
Home of the Cronut and other whimsical pastries, this petite bakery fuels SoHo strolls with flaky, imaginative creations—from DKAs to seasonal soft serve.
✓ Why Go:
To taste boundary-pushing desserts from a world-famous pastry chef right where the craze began.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings before 10 am to avoid the longest lines and secure limited items.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the monthly Cronut flavor ahead of your visit and arrive early; grab a DKA if Cronuts sell out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about inventive pastries and efficient lines; expect a wait during peak hours, but most say it moves quickly.
3. Sadelle's
A glam bagel-and-smoked-fish temple where towers of salmon, capers, and warm bagels meet vintage New York charm and a lively brunch atmosphere.
✓ Why Go:
For an elevated, photogenic take on the city’s classic bagel spread in the heart of SoHo.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekday mornings or late afternoons; weekend brunch is festive but comes with long waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re in a hurry, use the bakery counter for takeaway bagels and pastries without committing to a full sit-down.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Celebrated for its bagel towers and smoked fish quality; some find it pricey, but most feel the experience delivers.
4. Raoul's
A candlelit, bohemian-era bistro that has anchored SoHo since the ’70s, known for peppercorn steak, classic French plates, and art-lined walls.
✓ Why Go:
To channel SoHo’s artsy past over soulful French cooking and a spirited late-night scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening for the full vibe; earlier in the week for easier reservations.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the bar at opening if you’re hoping to snag the limited, cult-favorite burger.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for its timeless atmosphere and standout steak; service can be brisk when it’s packed.
5. Blue Ribbon Brasserie
A beloved SoHo standby with a late-night heartbeat, offering everything from oysters and bone marrow to crispy fried chicken in a convivial room.
✓ Why Go:
For a broad, indulgent menu and the city’s classic late-night dining energy under one roof.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After 9 pm for the signature late-night groove; earlier for a more relaxed meal.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the matzo-meal fried chicken with honey—perfect with a half-bottle of bubbly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars praise the kitchen’s consistency and breadth; can be loud and energetic at peak hours.
6. Blue Ribbon Sushi
An intimate sushi den where pristine fish and precise technique keep it a downtown favorite for purists and date nights alike.
✓ Why Go:
For high-quality sushi and sashimi in a serene, understated setting steps from SoHo’s bustle.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner or lunch for shorter waits; prime times are limited in this cozy space.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a counter seat and inquire about the day’s most limited cuts or an omakase-style selection.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently lauded for freshness and knife work; small room means reservations or patience.
7. Lure Fishbar
A sleek, yacht-like dining room below street level serving a strong raw bar, sushi, and polished seafood classics—very SoHo scene, very fun.
✓ Why Go:
For top-notch oysters and seafood in a stylish setting that’s equally good for lunch deals or lively dinners.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch for an easier table; evenings for a buzzy, celebratory feel.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a bar seat and ask about oyster specials; the off-menu burger at lunch has a loyal following.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Applauded for professional service and consistently fresh seafood; noise level rises at prime time.
8. Fanelli Cafe
One of NYC’s oldest taverns sits right in SoHo, pouring pints and serving unfussy burgers, sandwiches, and fries beneath its iconic neon.
✓ Why Go:
For a slice of living history and a laid-back meal that pairs perfectly with people-watching on Prince Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner for the best shot at a table; evenings are packed.
✓ Insider Tip:
Solo diners move fastest at the bar; the burger and grilled chicken sandwich are the go-tos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cherished as authentic, no-frills, and welcoming—expect a wait during peak shopping hours.
9. Ladurée SoHo
A pastel-hued patisserie with a hidden garden, offering delicate macarons, viennoiserie, and light French fare amid cinematic SoHo charm.
✓ Why Go:
To linger over tea and pastries in one of the neighborhood’s prettiest courtyards or grab gift-worthy macarons to go.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring through early fall for garden seating; weekday mornings to avoid lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request the back garden and build a macaron box with seasonal flavors you won’t find year-round.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for its atmosphere and sweets; crowds and wait times spike on weekends.
10. The Dutch
A lively, modern American restaurant with a raw bar, seasonal plates, and excellent pies—ideal for everything from a casual lunch to a celebratory dinner.
✓ Why Go:
For a neighborhood-defining spot that nails oysters, pastas, and mains while keeping the SoHo energy front and center.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday dinner or late-night bar snacks; weekend brunch is popular and busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk in for bar seating, start with a half-dozen oysters, and save room for a slice of house-made pie.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for vibrant flavors and friendly service; tables are close, contributing to a high-energy room.
