A List of Restaurants in Manhattan 2025

Manhattan boasts the highest concentration of eateries in New York City. As of 2025, roughly 6,418 restaurants operate in Manhattan, which is about 40% of all NYC dining establishments. This dense borough – only 23 square miles – packs in an estimated 270 restaurants per square mile, fueled by heavy foot traffic from residents, office workers, and tourists.

The sheer variety is immense: from white-tablecloth fine dining to corner slice shops and food carts, Manhattan’s food scene covers every format and cuisine. Below we break down the restaurants by category, followed by a comprehensive list of Manhattan restaurants across all types.

Breakdown by Category

These restaurants not only anchor Manhattan’s culinary identity but also drive much of its tourism, nightlife, and cultural cachet. Whether it’s a century-old steakhouse or a newly opened tasting menu concept, full-service dining remains the city’s most defining food experience.

Full-Service Restaurants (Sit-Down Dining)

Full-service restaurants are traditional dine-in establishments where patrons are seated and served by staff. They make up the largest segment of Manhattan’s dining scene. Citywide, over 12,000 restaurants are full-service, and Manhattan contains thousands of these – ranging from family-run eateries to Michelin-starred temples of haute cuisine.

In Manhattan, full-service places thrive in every neighborhood, offering cuisines from classic American and Italian to Thai, Ethiopian, and beyond. This category includes fine dining destinations (jacket-required venues, multi-course tasting menus) as well as casual bistros and neighborhood favorites.

Full-service spots typically employ waitstaff and offer a broader menu and beverage program; they also account for a large share of the hospitality jobs in the city. Manhattan’s reputation as a food capital is largely built on its full-service restaurants, which span every price point and culinary tradition.

Limited-Service Restaurants (Fast Food & Fast Casual)

Limited-service restaurants include fast food, fast casual, and takeout spots where counter ordering is the norm and table service is minimal or non-existent. Manhattan’s landscape has relatively fewer big-chain fast-food outlets compared to other U.S. cities – only a few hundred such chain locations citywide – but it has thousands of other quick eateries like pizzerias, delis, and grab-and-go cafes.

In fact, many of NYC’s “fast food” places are unique local spots: the slice pizza joints, bagel shops, taco stands, and food court stalls that offer speedy, affordable meals. Manhattan’s high rents mean fewer drive-thru chains, but plenty of fast-casual concepts (e.g. salad or bowl chains, upscale burger stands) thrive by catering to office workers and tourists.

These limited-service establishments typically emphasize convenience and volume – customers often order at a counter or via kiosk and either take out or find informal seating. While Manhattan does host the usual suspects like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Chipotle, those are vastly outnumbered by independent quick-serve spots and small chains.

In short, limited-service restaurants form the backbone of Manhattan’s everyday eating – from the famous dollar-slice pizza counters to trendy build-your-own salad shops.

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Cafes and coffee shops are abundant in Manhattan, reflecting New Yorkers’ love for coffee and casual eateries. Citywide there are roughly 1,744 coffee shops and 956 cafes (around 2,700 total) as of 2025, and Manhattan contains a large share of these.

This category includes branded chain outlets (like Starbucks and Dunkin’, which seem to occupy every other block in some areas) as well as independent coffee houses and European-style cafes. These establishments primarily focus on beverages – coffee, espresso, tea – often with light fare such as pastries, sandwiches, or desserts.

The line between “cafe” and “restaurant” can blur; for instance, many cafes offer brunch or small plates. In Manhattan, you’ll find everything from standing-room-only espresso bars to spacious cafes where people linger with laptops. Neighborhood bakeries, bubble tea shops, and dessert bars also fall into this category.

Overall, cafes and coffee shops make up roughly 10% of NYC’s dining venues, serving as important gathering spots (and caffeine sources) throughout Manhattan’s business districts and residential areas.

Bars and Pubs

Bars and pubs are integral to Manhattan’s nightlife and dining culture. Technically, many bars hold restaurant licenses (especially if they serve food), but in counts they can be considered separately.

In 2025, about 1,897 bars and pubs were listed citywide, and Manhattan hosts a significant number of them – from historic taverns to sleek cocktail lounges. These range from Irish pubs and dive bars to craft cocktail speakeasies and wine bars.

Areas like the East Village, Lower East Side, and Hell’s Kitchen are especially dense with bars. Some establishments blur the line, functioning as gastropubs or bar-restaurants that offer substantial food menus, while others are primarily drinking venues with maybe just snacks.

For the purposes of this list, we include notable stand-alone bars, pubs, and lounges (even if they also serve food). Bars and pubs comprise roughly 8–10% of NYC’s food & drink venues. In Manhattan, they contribute greatly to the social scene – whether it’s a centuries-old watering hole or a rooftop bar with skyline views.

Food Trucks and Street Vendors

Not all of Manhattan’s “restaurants” have four walls – a huge part of the culinary scene is mobile. Food trucks, carts, and street vendors offer everything from hot dogs and pretzels to gourmet tacos on the go. New York City licenses about 4,000 mobile food vendors citywide, and Manhattan’s busy streets host many of them, especially at lunchtime and late at night.

These are typically not included in the 6,418 restaurant count (since that mainly covers brick-and-mortar establishments), but they are essential to mention. In Midtown office districts you’ll find clusters of food trucks serving workday crowds; in tourist areas, classic hot dog and ice cream carts dot the sidewalks.

Some famous Manhattan street food icons – like the halal carts on 53rd Street – have even spawned brick-and-mortar restaurants. Food trucks and carts operate under their own permitting system, and their locations can rotate, offering a dynamic, ever-changing array of options.

From summer street fairs to daily parked trucks, street vendors dramatically expand the number of food options in Manhattan beyond the static restaurant listings.

Pop-Up Restaurants

Pop-up restaurants are temporary dining establishments that appear for a limited time, often as special events. Manhattan’s dining scene in 2025 frequently features pop-ups – for example, a celebrity chef hosting a 3-month pop-up in a vacant space, or a themed eatery that operates for a season.

Because they are transient, pop-ups usually aren’t counted in official business listings. They often operate under temporary permits or within existing venues (e.g. a bar might host a weekend-only food pop-up). At any given time, there might be dozens of pop-ups active in NYC, especially around the holidays or during food festivals.

In Manhattan, you might encounter a pop-up ramen shop running for a week, or a dessert museum-cafe open for the summer. While hard to quantify, pop-ups add excitement and novelty to the food scene – they allow experimentation and buzz (but by nature, they come and go).

In the list below, we will note examples of pop-up dining events and venues that have recently operated in Manhattan.

Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Restaurants

In recent years, ghost kitchens (also known as cloud kitchens) have emerged as a new category. These are commercial kitchen facilities without dine-in space, used to prepare food for delivery-only brands. Counting ghost kitchens in Manhattan is challenging – the city’s restaurant count (6,418) mostly includes public-facing venues, so many ghost kitchen operations are excluded.

Ghost kitchens typically have permits as food facilities, but a single physical kitchen might host multiple online restaurant brands that exist only on delivery apps. New York City, being a major market, has seen significant ghost kitchen growth; one report estimated about 1,500 ghost kitchens in the U.S. in 2024, with NYC claiming a notable share.

Companies like CloudKitchens, Kitchen United, and local startups (e.g. Zuul) run multi-kitchen complexes in Manhattan and other boroughs. For example, CloudKitchens has at least 5 NYC facilities with over 120 kitchen units collectively.

Each unit might churn out several virtual brands (pizza, wings, bowls, etc.) listed on UberEats or Grubhub. While invisible to passersby, ghost kitchens have become an important part of Manhattan’s food ecosystem by 2025 – enabling dozens of new “restaurants” to operate digitally without storefronts.

In our list, we’ll include known ghost kitchen hubs and some popular virtual-only brands available in Manhattan.

Comprehensive Listing of Manhattan Restaurants (2025)

Below is a numbered list of restaurants in Manhattan as of 2025, encompassing all categories described above. This list is organized by category for clarity. (Chain restaurants with multiple locations are generally listed once by name.)

Note that with over 6,000 establishments, this reference highlights many notable and representative restaurants but is not absolutely exhaustive – the Manhattan dining scene is vast and ever-changing.

All entries listed are currently operational (open as of 2025) and reflect the breadth of Manhattan’s food offerings, from high-end dining rooms to street food carts.

Full-Service Restaurants (Table-Service Dining)

1. Le Bernardin – Upscale French seafood restaurant (Michelin 3⭐), consistently ranked among the world’s top dining destinations (Midtown West).
2. Eleven Madison Park – Innovative fine dining with a plant-based tasting menu (Michelin 3⭐); renowned for its sophisticated service and cuisine (Flatiron District).
3. Masa – Exclusive Japanese sushi omakase restaurant (Michelin 3⭐), among the priciest dining experiences in the city (Columbus Circle).
4. Per Se – Chef Thomas Keller’s New American/French restaurant (Michelin 3⭐) offering elegant tasting menus with Central Park views (Columbus Circle).
5. Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare – Intimate chef’s counter serving a high-end multi-course tasting (Michelin 3⭐, despite the name it is located in Manhattan) (Midtown West).
6. Daniel – Refined French cuisine in an elegant setting (Michelin 2⭐) by Chef Daniel Boulud, known for top-notch service (Upper East Side).
7. Jean-Georges – Flagship French-New American restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Michelin 2⭐), featuring seasonal, global flavors (Upper West Side).
8. Momofuku Ko – Avant-garde American-Asian tasting menu restaurant by David Chang (Michelin 2⭐), with a counter seating experience (East Village).
9. Gabriel Kreuther – Contemporary French restaurant (Michelin 2⭐) blending Alsatian influences in a chic dining room (Midtown).
10. The Modern – Elegant American restaurant inside MoMA (Michelin 2⭐), offering tasting menus and museum garden views (Midtown).
11. Carbone – Trendy Italian-American hotspot famed for its theatrical old-school ambience and spicy rigatoni vodka (Greenwich Village).
12. Gramercy Tavern – Popular farm-to-table New American restaurant (Michelin 1⭐) with a formal dining room and a lively tavern space (Flatiron/Gramercy).
13. Balthazar – Lively French brasserie known for its bustling atmosphere, raw bar, and timeless bistro fare (SoHo).
14. Katz’s Delicatessen – Iconic Jewish deli (since 1888) known for gigantic pastrami sandwiches and the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene (Lower East Side).
15. Russ & Daughters Cafe – Sit-down cafe offshoot of the historic appetizing shop, serving smoked fish platters, bagels, and egg creams in a retro setting (Lower East Side).
16. Tavern on the Green – Historic restaurant in Central Park, offering classic American cuisine in a whimsical, lantern-lit setting (Central Park West).
17. Keens Steakhouse – Legendary 19th-century steakhouse known for mutton chops and a ceiling decorated with old smoking pipes (Herald Square).
18. Union Square Cafe – Danny Meyer’s beloved New American restaurant with market-fresh dishes, a pioneer of the farm-to-table ethos (Union Square).
19. Sylvia’s Restaurant – The “Queen of Soul Food,” serving fried chicken, waffles, BBQ ribs, and more since 1962 (Harlem).
20. Nobu Fifty Seven – Upscale Japanese-Peruvian restaurant (part of Nobu chain) known for its black cod miso, sushi, and celebrity sightings (Midtown).
21. Lombardi’s Pizza – Historic pizzeria (established 1905, often cited as America’s first pizzeria) serving coal-fired New York-style pizzas (Little Italy).
22. Joe’s Shanghai – Famous for soup dumplings and Shanghai-style Chinese cuisine; a Chinatown staple that draws locals and tourists alike (Chinatown).
23. Buddakan – Dramatic, cavernous restaurant serving modern Asian fusion banquets in a stylish setting (Meatpacking District).
24. Pastis – Iconic French bistro reborn in the Meatpacking District, known for steak frites, brunch, and a fashionable crowd (Meatpacking District).
25. Sardi’s – Theater District institution filled with Broadway caricatures, offering pre- and post-show American fare (Times Square).
26. Il Mulino – Acclaimed upscale Italian restaurant known for its traditional Abruzzese cuisine and lavish service (Greenwich Village).
27. Delmonico’s – Historic steakhouse (originating in 19th century) famous for dishes like Delmonico steak and Baked Alaska (Financial District). (Reopened in 2023 after renovations.)
28. Blue Ribbon Brasserie – Late-night friendly restaurant with eclectic menu (from raw oysters to fried chicken), beloved by chefs and industry folks (SoHo).
29. Flor de Mayo – Long-running casual restaurant blending Chinese and Latin American (Cuban/Peruvian) cuisine, known for roast chicken and pork fried rice (Upper West Side).
30. J.G. Melon – Classic no-frills burger joint with table service, celebrated for one of NYC’s best burgers and old-New York feel (Upper East Side).

Full-service category continues with countless others: Italian trattorias, sushi bars, Thai restaurants, Indian curry houses, French bistros, etc. Manhattan’s full-service restaurant list is extensive, and the above is a representative selection of notable or long-standing establishments.

Limited-Service & Fast-Casual Restaurants (Counter Service)

1. McDonald’s – Major fast-food burger chain; dozens of Manhattan locations serve Big Macs and fries to on-the-go customers (various neighborhoods citywide).
2. Burger King – Whopper-serving fast-food chain with multiple outlets in Manhattan (often found in commercial areas and near transit hubs).
3. Wendy’s – National burger and sandwich chain, operating a handful of Manhattan restaurants (featuring square burgers and Frosty desserts).
4. Shake Shack – Homegrown NYC burger stand turned global chain, known for 100% Angus beef burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard shakes (flagship kiosk in Madison Square Park plus several storefronts across Manhattan).
5. Chick-fil-A – Popular fast-food chain specializing in chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, which has opened several busy Manhattan locations (Midtown, FiDi, etc.).
6. Subway – Ubiquitous sandwich shop chain for subs and salads, with many Manhattan branches (often near office areas and tourist zones).
7. Chipotle Mexican Grill – Fast-casual burrito and taco bowl chain offering customizable Mexican-inspired fare, with locations throughout Manhattan.
8. Sweetgreen – Fast-casual salad bowl chain emphasizing organic ingredients; numerous outlets serve custom salads and grain bowls to the health-conscious lunchtime crowd (multiple Midtown/downtown spots).
9. Five Guys – Burger chain known for its made-to-order burgers and free peanuts; operates several Manhattan locations (e.g. Downtown, Midtown).
10. Gray’s Papaya – Famous 24-hour hot dog stand (with two Manhattan locations, Upper West Side and Greenwich Village) beloved for its inexpensive hot dogs and papaya juice.
11. The Halal Guys – Originally a sidewalk halal cart, now also a fast-casual chain; their brick-and-mortar shops in Manhattan serve the same chicken-and-gyro over rice with white sauce that made the cart a legend (Multiple locations, original cart at 53rd & 6th).
12. Joe’s Pizza – Classic New York pizza slice shop, known for thin, foldable cheese slices. The original Greenwich Village location and its spinoffs serve locals, tourists, and late-night crowds daily.
13. John’s of Bleecker Street – Old-school pizzeria (coal-fired oven) where only whole pies are sold – no slices. A Greenwich Village institution known for its charred crust and historic vibe.
14. Xi’an Famous Foods – Local mini-chain offering spicy Xi’an-style Chinese street foods (hand-pulled noodles, “burgers” on flatbread). Began in Queens; now with multiple Manhattan shops (Chinatown, Midtown, etc.).
15. Mamoun’s Falafel – One of NYC’s oldest falafel shops (since 1971). The original Macdougal Street location (Greenwich Village) and a Midtown East outpost serve affordable, delicious falafel, shawarma, and hummus.
16. Pret A Manger – Grab-and-go cafe chain (originally from the UK) with numerous Manhattan locations; offers pre-made sandwiches, salads, coffee, and pastries catering to the workday lunch rush.
17. Dig (Dig Inn) – Fast-casual farm-to-table chain born in NYC, where customers build plates from seasonal proteins and sides; popular for work lunches (multiple locations across Manhattan).
18. Sweetgreen – (See #8) – included again as it epitomizes the fast-casual trend (fresh salads/bowls) dominating Manhattan’s quick lunch scene.
19. Dos Toros Taqueria – Local fast-casual chain serving Cali-style burritos and tacos, with a few Manhattan locations (similar to Chipotle but NYC-founded).
20. Prince Street Pizza – Tiny takeout pizzeria famed for its pepperoni Sicilian squares with spicy pepperoni cups (SoHo). Often a line out the door for these iconic slice pies.
21. Los Tacos No. 1 – Hugely popular counter-serve taqueria in Chelsea Market (and Times Square), known for authentic Mexico City–style tacos al pastor, carne asada, and fresh tortillas made on-site.
22. Levain Bakery – While primarily a bakery, its small Upper West Side shop (and other locations) function as quick-stop eateries for their famous gooey jumbo cookies and coffee (Upper West Side, NoHo, etc.).

Limited-service category encompasses innumerable other spots: countless independent pizza counters, bagel shops (Ess-a-Bagel, H&H Bagels, etc.), bakeries, juice bars, and fast-casual eateries of every cuisine. Manhattan’s quick-bite options are too many to list in full, but the above includes many prominent names.

Cafes, Coffee Shops, and Dessert Spots

1. Starbucks Coffee – The omnipresent coffeehouse chain. Manhattan hosts hundreds of Starbucks locations, from Midtown corners to neighborhood storefronts – offering espresso drinks, teas, and light bites in every quarter of the city.
2. Dunkin’ – Ubiquitous donut and coffee chain (rebranded as just “Dunkin’”), with dozens of Manhattan shops fueling commuters with coffee, doughnuts, and breakfast sandwiches (especially near subways and offices).
3. Blue Bottle Coffee – Specialty coffee roaster with sleek cafes in Manhattan (locations include Bryant Park, Chelsea, etc.), known for single-origin pour-overs, cold brew, and minimalistic vibe.
4. Joe Coffee Company – Local NYC artisan coffee mini-chain. Their Manhattan cafés (such as in Grand Central, the Upper West Side) serve high-quality drip and espresso drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
5. Gregorys Coffee – New York-born coffee chain with a focus on quick service and quality brews. Multiple locations in Midtown and downtown offer espresso, draft cold brew, and pastries (signature slogan: “See you soon”).
6. Café Grumpy – Independent coffee shop chain (featured on Girls TV show), with a couple of Manhattan locations (Chelsea, Grand Central). Beloved for its house-roasted coffee and no-frills, laptop-free environment.
7. La Colombe – Philadelphia-based coffee roaster with several Manhattan cafes (SoHo, FiDi, Hudson Yards), known for draft lattes on tap and a mix of classic and innovative coffee beverages.
8. Ess-a-Bagel – Legendary bagel bakery (with café seating) known for massive hand-rolled bagels. Locations in Gramercy and Midtown East serve breakfast and lunch crowds with bagels, schmears, and sandwiches.
9. Sarabeth’s – Upscale café and bakery famous for its brunch and jams. Multiple Manhattan locations (Upper West, Park Avenue, etc.) serve pastries, hearty egg dishes, and afternoon tea in a refined setting.
10. Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffé – Historic Italian bakery and cafe (since 1894) in the East Village. Offers classic pastries (cannoli, tiramisu) and espresso in an old-world setting, with table service for desserts and coffee.
11. Dominique Ansel Bakery – Home of the cronut (croissant-donut hybrid) craze. This Soho bakery-café features creative French-inspired pastries and a quaint courtyard; patrons line up for innovative desserts and good coffee.
12. Angelina Paris NYC – Elegant Parisian tearoom and patisserie near Bryant Park, famous for its rich l’Africain hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc pastries. Offers a full cafe menu in an ornate, salon-like space (Midtown).
13. Alice’s Tea Cup – Whimsical tea shop and cafe with locations on the Upper West & East Sides. Beloved for afternoon tea service with tiers of scones, sandwiches, and sweets in a cozy, fairy-tale atmosphere (kid-friendly).
14. Magnolia Bakery – Famed for its cupcakes (a la Sex and the City), this bakery has several Manhattan locations (West Village, Rockefeller Center). Mostly takeout, but some have seating to enjoy cupcakes, banana pudding and coffee on-site.
15. Spot Dessert Bar – A dessert-focused cafe in St. Marks Place (East Village) known for inventive plated desserts with Asian twists (like green tea lava cake), as well as bubble teas and coffee – a haven for those with a sweet tooth.
16. Cha Cha Matcha – Trendy cafe chain centered on matcha green tea beverages and treats. Locations in Nolita and NoMad draw Instagram enthusiasts for colorful matcha lattes, soft serve, and a tropical atmosphere.
17. Cafe Habana – A casual cafe in Nolita known for its Cuban coffee, grilled corn, and Cuban sandwiches. Combines a coffee shop vibe with a quick-serve restaurant (often packed for brunch).
18. Milk Bar – Dessert bakery chain by Christina Tosi (an offshoot of Momofuku). Manhattan Milk Bar locations (East Village “Dessert Club”, Midtown, etc.) offer creative confections like Cereal Milk soft serve and Compost Cookies; small seating areas, mostly grab-and-go.

Bars and Pubs (Drinking Establishments)

1. McSorley’s Old Ale House – NYC’s oldest continuously operated saloon (est. 1854), serving just two kinds of ale (light or dark) in mugs. A historic East Village bar with sawdust floors and memorabilia-filled walls (East Village).
2. White Horse Tavern – Historic pub in the West Village (since 1880) famed for its literary clientele (Dylan Thomas, Jack Kerouac) and classic New York tavern charm.
3. Ear Inn – A landmark bar in a circa-1817 building (one of Manhattan’s oldest structures). Unpretentious vibe, drinks, and pub food, with a storied past (SoHo/West Village border).
4. The Dead Rabbit – Award-winning bar in the Financial District styled as an Irish pub. Known for its innovative cocktails (world’s best bar accolades) and a cozy taproom for pints and whiskey (Lower Manhattan).
5. Employees Only – Trendy Prohibition-style speakeasy bar in the West Village, renowned for top-tier cocktails and a late-night scene (West Village).
6. Please Don’t Tell (PDT) – A hidden speakeasy accessed through a phone booth inside a hot dog shop (Crif Dogs). Offers inventive cocktails and gourmet hot dogs in a secretive setting (East Village).
7. Attaboy – Highly rated minimalist cocktail bar on the Lower East Side (in the space of the original Milk & Honey). No menu – bartenders craft bespoke drinks to your taste, making for a unique cocktail experience (Lower East Side).
8. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – Expansive rooftop bar/lounge offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline (notably the Empire State Building). Known for its winter igloos and vibrant brunch scene (Flatiron District).
9. The Campbell (Apartment) Bar – A swanky cocktail bar set in a restored historic office (once John W. Campbell’s private salon) inside Grand Central Terminal. Features Jazz Age decor, craft cocktails, and a genteel atmosphere (Midtown).
10. Bemelmans Bar – Elegant piano bar at the Carlyle Hotel, named for illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans (murals line the walls). Known for classic cocktails, live jazz, and an upscale, old-New York ambiance (Upper East Side).
11. Pete’s Tavern – One of NYC’s oldest bars (since 1864) in Gramercy Park, known for its connection to writer O. Henry. Serves classic pub fare and drinks in a Victorian-era tavern setting (Gramercy).
12. Stonewall Inn – The historic gay bar where the 1969 Stonewall uprising occurred, sparking the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Now a National Historic Landmark and popular nightspot in the Village (Greenwich Village).
13. Fraunces Tavern – Revolutionary War-era tavern museum and restaurant (dating to 1762) where George Washington once bid farewell to his officers. Now serves craft beers, whiskey, and pub fare amid period decor (Financial District).
14. Jimmy’s Corner – Tiny, famed dive bar filled with boxing memorabilia, known for cheap drinks and a friendly vibe (Times Square area).
15. Cafe Wha? – Legendary bar/club in Greenwich Village where many famous musicians (Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix) performed early in their careers. Offers live music in an intimate, historic setting (Greenwich Village).

Manhattan contains hundreds of bars beyond those listed, from Irish pubs to modern mixology bars. The above highlights some of the most iconic or notable pubs, cocktail lounges, and bar-restaurants.

Food Trucks, Carts, and Street Food Vendors

1. The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th Cart) – Perhaps NYC’s most famous food cart, stationed at West 53rd St and 6th Ave. Known for platters of chicken or gyro over rice with addictively creamy white sauce and hot sauce; a must-try Midtown street food institution (Midtown West).
2. Wafels & Dinges – Bright yellow Belgian waffle trucks dispensing freshly made liege waffles with toppings (“dinges”) like speculoos spread, Nutella, and whipped cream. Trucks roam various Manhattan spots; also has a Bryant Park kiosk.
3. NY Dosas (Washington Square Park) – A beloved vegan South Indian food cart run by “Dosa Man” Thiru Kumar. Serves crispy dosas (lentil crepes) filled with spiced potatoes, samosas, and other vegetarian delights to lines of loyal fans (Greenwich Village).
4. Calexico Cart – Award-winning food cart (originated in Soho) serving Cal-Mex cuisine like burritos, tacos, and quesadillas with a cult following. Calexico now also operates brick-and-mortar restaurants, but their street carts (e.g. Prince & Wooster) still draw crowds (SoHo).
5. Korilla BBQ – A popular Korean BBQ fusion food truck. Known for bulgogi tacos and rice bowls mixing Korean flavors with Mexican format. Often found at vending lots or rotating through Midtown and downtown lunchtime spots.
6. Big Gay Ice Cream Truck – What started as a whimsical ice cream truck now also has storefronts, but the original truck still makes appearances. Serves soft-serve ice cream with quirky toppings (like the “Salty Pimp” – vanilla with dulce de leche, sea salt, and chocolate dip) (Various locations/events).
7. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck – Artisanal ice cream maker that began as a truck in NYC. Their trucks (and now many shops) offer gourmet ice cream including vegan flavors, using high-quality ingredients (Trucks often in Soho, Flatiron; multiple brick shops citywide).
8. Mr. Softee Ice Cream – A New York summertime staple: these white and blue ice cream trucks jingle their tune on nearly every Manhattan block when it’s warm. Offers soft-serve cones, sundaes, shakes – a nostalgic street treat available citywide (Various neighborhoods).
9. Sabrett Hot Dog Carts – Ubiquitous pushcarts on Manhattan sidewalks selling classic New York hot dogs and pretzels. Found outside museums, parks, and street corners, these vendor carts (with the iconic blue-and-yellow umbrellas) let you grab a “dirty water dog” with mustard and sauerkraut any time (Citywide).
10. Street Fair Food Stalls – Manhattan’s numerous street fairs and outdoor markets bring additional vendors: e.g. summertime street festivals feature stands offering mozzarelas, grilled corn, funnel cakes; seasonal markets like the Bryant Park Winter Village or Union Square Holiday Market host pop-up food booths with hot cider, artisanal snacks, and international eats (Various locations, seasonally).

Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Restaurant Brands

1. CloudKitchens (Manhattan Facilities) – Operates multi-kitchen ghost facilities in Manhattan (for example, a facility on West 38th Street) where dozens of delivery-only restaurant brands cook behind-the-scenes. These kitchens have no dine-in area; they fulfill online orders for various cuisines (burgers, wings, Indian, etc.) that exist only on apps.
2. Kitchen United MIX (Midtown East) – A ghost kitchen center on East 39th Street (Midtown) housing around 10-15 restaurant concepts in one location. Customers can order from multiple virtual menus (or even mix items in one order) for pickup or delivery. It hosts local outposts of fast-casual brands and virtual-only brands under one roof.
3. Zuul Kitchens (SoHo) – A ghost kitchen startup location in SoHo (on Vandam Street) that rents kitchen space to delivery-only food brands. Dozens of virtual restaurants – from pizza and poke to vegan salads – operate here, dispatching meals via couriers.
4. Virtual Dining Brands – MrBeast Burger (a famous YouTube personality’s burger brand) is available in Manhattan exclusively via delivery apps, cooked out of ghost kitchen partners. Other examples include virtual brands like Wing Squad (delivery wings), TenderFix (celebrity-backed chicken brand), and various dessert concepts – none have physical storefronts, but Manhattan diners can order from them online. These phantom brands come and go, riding trends; they utilize existing kitchens (sometimes even within real restaurants during off-hours) to reach customers digitally.
5. Restaurant-Branded Virtual Extensions – Many established Manhattan restaurants have launched delivery-only offshoot menus through ghost kitchens. For instance, a well-known diner might run a separate “burger and wings” virtual brand, or a bakery might have a ghost kitchen making only cupcakes for delivery. These augmentations allow eateries to tap into new markets without crowding their on-site menu. (Such offerings change frequently and aren’t always public-facing, but they form a growing subset of Manhattan’s food delivery options in 2025.)

Pop-Up Restaurants and Temporary Dining Experiences

1. Seasonal Market Food Stalls – Manhattan’s seasonal markets bring pop-up eateries that operate for a limited run. Examples: the Winter Village at Bryant Park hosts pop-up food stalls (like chocolate shops, crêpe stands, specialty grilled cheese, etc.) from November through January; the Hester Street Fair and Smorgasburg (which expanded to a weekly pop-up in downtown Manhattan) feature rotating vendors selling unique foods on weekends. These temporary booths and stands are only open during the event or season, offering exclusive treats (from truffle burgers to Taiwanese street snacks) for their short duration.
2. Chef Pop-Up Residencies – It’s become common for renowned chefs or rising culinary stars to do limited-time pop-ups in Manhattan. For instance, a vacant restaurant space or a hotel might host a guest chef series for a month, or a famous international restaurant might do a 2-week NYC pop-up. In 2025, examples included a Noma pop-up dinner series in Brooklyn (with special Manhattan one-night events), and a Tokyo ramen shop doing a summer residency in the East Village. These pop-ups typically require reservations and generate buzz, then disappear once their run is over.
3. Themed Pop-Up Cafes/Bars – Novelty themed pop-ups have appeared in Manhattan, offering an immersive experience for a short time. Recent instances: a “Friends” Central Perk Café recreation opened for a month to celebrate the TV show’s anniversary (complete with couch and props), and a Mario Bros. pop-up bar operated in the Lower East Side with game-inspired cocktails for a summer. While not permanent, such pop-ups draw crowds while they last. Other pop-up concepts have included holiday-themed bars (e.g. Christmas or Halloween pop-up bars in vacant storefronts) and art installation eateries (where art meets food). These venues serve food/drinks under a fun theme, then close or transition after their limited engagement.