SoHo is one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in New York City, which makes it a restaurant hotspot. From old school institutions like Balthazar and Raoul’s, cool restaurants like Charlie Bird and La Esquina, and hidden neighbourhood gems like Little Prince, this guide includes the best restaurants in SoHo, whether you’re planning a date, dinner with friends, a power lunch or are visiting New York City for the weekend.
I was lucky enough to live right by SoHo (in Nolita) for nearly two years, and loved dining in this neighbourhood, from no frills diners to the best of the best.
Read More: SoHo Neighbourhood Guide
Iconic Restaurants in SoHo
SoHo is home to some of New York City’s best known, and most beloved restaurants. Make sure you make a reservation in advance to secure your table!
Balthazar
Balthazar is the best restaurant in SoHo for visitors. Balthazar is the most iconic restaurant in SoHo, perpetually packed with New Yorkers and visitors alike. It’s Keith McNally’s most famous New York City restaurant, and has stood the test of time delivering Paris-meets-New York brasserie vibes. Book for lunch, dinner or brunch! Don’t miss Balthazar Bakery next door, one of the best bakeries in SoHo.
Charlie Bird
Charlie Bird is the coolest restaurant in SoHo, and regarded as one of the best spots in downtown Manhattan for excellent food & wine in a casual setting. The American menu has an Italian influence, and you can’t go past their famous farro salad for lunch – I’ve been recreating it at home ever since we moved away!
La Esquina
La Esquina is a hidden hotspot, located under a taqueria in Nolita. Go for cheap (ish) & cheerful tacos, or make a reservation for the upscale Mexican restaurant downstairs (the main attraction).
Raoul’s
Raoul’s is a New York City institution, and one of SoHo’s best power lunches. This is an old school French restaurant with bucketloads of charisma, that can only come with the patina of age.
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Not all of the best restaurants in SoHo are household names! Some of the most charming restaurants in SoHo are these neighbourhood gems, which are a little off the tourist trail.
Little Prince
Little Prince is one of my favourite neighbourhood restaurants in SoHo. It’s a playful Parisian bistro, with fresh dishes like little gem & endive salad, ratatouille, tuna tartare and bistro chicken with mushroom lyonnaise.
Antique Garage
Antique Garage is a vibey neighbourhood restaurant in SoHo, that blends the flavours of the Aegean with a New York City sensibility. Open for brunch & dinner.
St Ambroeus
Direct from Milan, St Ambroeus is one of New York City’s chicest Italian restaurants. St Ambroeus offers indoor and patio dining, and has brunch, lunch & dinner menus, alongside a lunchtime panini menu. A great spot for people watching, especially from the patio!
Diners in SoHo NYC
Diners are a dying breed in New York City, but in SoHo you can still find two diners: one old school, no frills institution and its polar opposite, in the sleek, new SoHo Diner.
SoHo Diner
Located on the floor of the stylish SoHo Grand Hotel, SoHo Diner is a new, glam diner with a nostalgic vibe and retro flair. It’s a fun, fresh and fashion spin on the classic diner concept, with the price tags to match. It’s one of the best spots in SoHo for brunch, too.
Landmark Coffee Shop & Pancake House
For a proper old school diner, swing by Landmark Coffee Shop & Pancake House, a genuine, no-frills New York City diner. The prices are low and the food is simple, with a menu full of diner classics like grilled cheese, corned has and chocolate chip pancakes.
Read More: The Best Brunch, Coffee & Bakeries in SoHo NYC
Bars near SoHo
While SoHo is one of the most fashionable neighbourhoods in New York City, there’s not many great bars in SoHo, unless you’re looking to step back in time at one of the city’s old bars & taverns, like Fanelli Cafe or Toad Hall. The standout is Compagnie sur Vins Surnaturels, a wine bar with an extensive list and extremely knowledgeable staff.
For more upscale bar options, the bars of West Village, Nolita and Tribeca are just a short stroll away. I recommend Mother’s Ruin in Nolita, Dante or Bar Pisellino in West Village or Grand Banks (on a boat!) in Tribeca, when it’s sunny.
Further Reading
For the best of New York City, check out these guides:
- SoHo Neighbourhood Guide: Where to Eat, Drink & Shop
- The Best Cafes, Coffee & Bakeries in SoHo
- West Village Neighbourhood Guide
- The 10 Best Bars in New York City
- Itinerary: 5 Days in New York City for First Time Visitors
Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived in New York City and now live back in Australia, in Melbourne.
I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.
My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!
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