This Girl Boss Shares Her Favorite NY Restsaurants

Food can bring about such experiences, that’s why when traveling knowing what restaurants to eat before had is crucial for every traveling-foodie.

I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. I moved to the states when I was 13 and spent a short period of time in California before I moved to the east coast. I went to FIT for college and now Brooklyn is my base. I’ve been living in New York (NY) for more than 10 years now. New York is able to keep me around because it’s diverse enough. You meet people from around the world every day. Authentic restaurants and cuisine make life in New York exciting and interesting. Still, I travel when I can, let it be short weekend trips or 16-hour flights across the ocean. Travel is my life; I find comfort when I am in transit because I know I am about to learn and experience something new.

1. Westville

81 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (map, website)

Farmer’s market sides! With multiple locations throughout NY, Westville is highly recommended if you are a big vegetable fan! They don’t overcomplicate the way they prep the dishes so you can actually taste the vegetables.

2. Cafe Mogador

133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 (map, website)

Moroccan flavors! You don’t need to travel all the way to Morocco to have some delicious Moroccan cuisine. Cafe Mogador is a great Brunch spot! Be warned that a 10-15 minute wait time for a table is almost always the case.

3. Lil Frankie’s

19 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003 (map, website)

Oven-baked pizza anyone? I love everything on their menu here at Lil Frankie’s! Pizza, salad and pasta, everything is delicious! You won’t be disappointed! Oh, and don’t miss the steamed mussels! It is a great starter dish!

4. Kiki’s

130 Division St, New York, NY 10002 (map, website)

Kiki’s is as authentic as you can get! They serve Greek salad without lettuce – how it’s supposed to be – and amazing grilled octopus that is an absolute must-try!

5. Nam Son

245 Grand St #1, New York, NY 10002 (map, website)

Nam Son is the place I go to when I want a big bowl of PHO! Especially in the cold weather, I find comfort in this old spot, and it’s been around for a long, long time. You can always count on Nam Son for some delicious pho!

Article written by KAREN HSIEH.