Lots of publications do year-end best-of lists of restaurants, songs and all kinds of other things. What can we say? We at NYC Tourism are getting in on the act. Our Creative/Content team has come up with our 11 favorite meals and dishes that we enjoyed in 2023, including a Turkish feast in Park Slope, a classic Ukrainian sampler in the East Village, an irresistible ice cream on a cool Williamsburg rooftop and, yes, one lone, out-of-the-ordinary beer. What’s that? There’s no pizza on the menu? Go to our list of recent staff pizzeria picks for those suggestions. Meanwhile, read on and add these items to your must-eat list.
Turkish Brunch, Rana Fifteen
209 4th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn
When I came here for Rana’s fundraiser to support earthquake relief efforts in Turkey, I had no idea what deliciousness awaited. Their brunch works like this: you pick one main egg dish and then the table gets filled—till there is no room left—with sweet and savory side dishes (a total of 15 items in all, hence the name; the general structure is the same at dinner if you go for the Rana’s Table option). It was all amazing, but one jam mystified us. The owner heard us talking about it and asked us to guess what kind it was. Our ideas were wildly wrong—it was eggplant, and it’s a must-try. —Rachel Kahn Taylor
Combination Plate. Courtesy, Veselka
Combination Plate, Veselka
144 Second Ave., East Village, Manhattan
Veselka’s a perennial brunch and late-night favorite among downtown New Yorkers—or anyone who spends time between Houston and 14th Streets. It’s known for Ukrainian and Eastern European favorites like pierogi, latkes, stuffed cabbage and borscht. I usually alternate between their beef stroganoff or their excellent cheeseburger (with bacon), but I recently refamiliarized myself with their fare through the Combination Plate, which should probably be the move for first timers anyway. There are meat and vegetarian versions, served with soup or salad, but you’re making a mistake if you don’t opt for the borscht. Смачного! (“Tasty!”) —Adam Kuban
Two Sheet Lasagna Verde, Rolo’s
853 Onderdonk Ave., Ridgewood, Queens
TimeOut recently ranked Ridgewood as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world—no doubt influenced by relatively recent arrivals like Rolo’s. Hop on the L or M train and come hungry. Once there, order this lasagna, which will blow thin-pasta lovers away. The creamy, meaty dish, which takes over the entire plate, has crisp burnt edges and pairs well with the radicchio Caesar salad. You’ll need to make a reservation for a table, though the bar is always first come first served—if you like, put your name on the bar’s waitlist and explore the neighborhood while building up an appetite. —Jen Davis
The whole seafood menu, Sabry’s
2425 Steinway St., Astoria, Queens
On weekend nights, Steinway Street in Astoria is a lively place to wander. Once you duck inside cozy Sabry’s Seafood, things are more chill—especially for the fresh fish and seafood on ice that will soon be your dinner. Everything is tasty and perfectly prepared—including the fried calamari, no sauce nor lemon necessary (neither is given anyway), and large grilled shrimp—but pride of place goes to the majestic Egyptian-baked whole branzino, blackened and stuffed with herbs. The eggplant and tomato salad is a winner of a side. Bonus: the no-alcohol policy keeps the reasonable cost even more reasonable. —Andrew Rosenberg
Vegetarian Egg Breakfast Burrito Ahogado. Courtesy, Ursula Brooklyn
Vegetarian Egg or Vegan Bean Breakfast Burrito Ahogado, Ursula
387A Nostrand Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
The breakfast burritos are big and delicious at this New Mexico–inspired spot; make sure to get them ahogado, or covered with red or green chile sauce and cheddar cheese (plus lettuce and tomato). Ursula also serves up chilaquiles with Oaxacan cheese and great baked goods, especially the doughnuts. The chef-owner, friendly staff and restaurant itself are helping lead the queer food scene in New York City. —Jordana Bermúdez
Spicy Fried Chicken. Courtesy, Moono
Spicy Fried Chicken, Moono
29 E. 32nd St., Koreatown, Manhattan
Set inside the former Grolier Club, Moono has high ceilings and classical Romanesque arches plus artistic flourishes reminiscent of traditional Korean royal palaces. In this elegant landmark space, chef Hoyoung Kim serves a Korean menu with plates made for sharing. Some of the creative dishes may be polarizing, such as the unusual burdock root dessert (I’m a fan), but it’s the spicy Korean fried chicken that’s my favorite—from the crisp crunch of the first bite to the succulent chicken that follows. Of all the Korean fried chicken places I’ve tried, and there are many, this is the best in New York City. —Vivian Xie
House of the Red Pearl. Courtesy, Tin Building
Jade Scorpion Green Peppercorn Pilsner, House of the Red Pearl
95 South St., The Seaport, Manhattan
There’s plenty to recommend this speakeasy-style Chinese restaurant from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The food is typically excellent—don’t deny yourself the black bean spareribs—and the elegance of the decor is at levels hitherto unseen outside of Wong Kar-Wai films. But this green peppercorn pilsner is among the location’s most startling features. A Hong Kong import, the Jade Scorpion is crisp, citrusy and has a slight, peppery bite. It pairs well with the restaurant’s fare—and the theme-iness of its ornamentation. —Jonathan Durbin
Chicken Lemonese, Henry’s End
72 Henry St., Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
The 50-year-old Henry’s End, known for its yearly wild-game festival, has some tricks up its sleeve. This dish is off-piste: they list veal lemonese on the menu but will happily substitute chicken. Either version will arrive lightly breaded, exceedingly tender and floating on a cloud of lemon cream sauce. It’s heavenly. —Elizabeth Daggar
Bone Marrow. Courtesy, Tán
Bone Marrow with Octopus, Black Garlic, Salsa Verde and Corn Tortillas, Tán New York
209 E. 49th St., Midtown East, Manhattan
At first, the Tulum-inspired ambiance seemed perfect for enjoying a bright ceviche, but once I saw this dish on the menu, all other options became secondary. The roasted bones were topped with octopus and black garlic, and came with a side of corn tortillas and salsa verde; I made tacos and paired them with the spicy Margarita Jungle cocktail, which includes chili pepper and basil syrup. —Emma Diab
Chicken Curry Katsu, Katsu-Hama
11 E. 47th St., Midtown East, Manhattan
I always go back to this when asked for personal favorites. The dish: warm, velvety Japanese gravy on one side of the plate, sticky sushi rice with a jammy lotus-root relish on the other, brought together by a perfectly fried panko-crusted chicken breast. Best. Cold-Weather Meal. Ever. —Elan Cole
Soft serve ice cream. Courtesy, Laser Wolf
Brown Sugar Soft Serve, Laser Wolf
97 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn
No matter how full I am after two courses, I will always have room in my stomach (and my heart) for dessert. On the top floor of The Hoxton, Laser Wolf features panoramic views; salatim, or array of flavorful spreads, dips and pickled dishes; some must-try small plates; skewers of grilled meat and vegetables; and perhaps the City’s best fries. But the pièce de résistance is the dessert included at the end—a light brown-butter soft serve ice cream topped with sour cherries, tiny round crispies, black sesame seeds and a sesame sauce that hardens to a delicate shell (or, on the current menu, topped with grape molasses and peanut butter puffs). No offense, but Mister Softee could never! —Angelica Castillo
