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Best Casual Restaurants in Lower East Side

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472 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cafe Zaffri restaurant
1. Cafe Zaffri
4.3
Awesome(18)
Price: Expensive
• Middle Eastern • Union Square
Booked 42 times today
Cafe Zaffri, lovingly known as “Zaf’s”, is the third dining concept from the acclaimed team behind New York City mainstays Raf’s and The Musket Room. Located inside The Twenty Two New York, a hotel and private members club located in Union Square. The sprawling restaurant will be open to the public and serve modern interpretations on Levantine cuisine and its diaspora.
A photo of Gjelina - New York restaurant
2. Gjelina - New York
4.6
Exceptional(80)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • East Village
Booked 166 times today
Gjelina is a restaurant that serves locally-sourced, produce-forward food with menus guided by conversations and long-standing relationships with farmers, local ranchers, fishermen, and co-ops. Our first location Gjelina LA in Venice Beach opened in 2008 becoming a staple in the local community. We are currently open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner services.
A photo of Nami Nori West Village restaurant
3. Nami Nori West Village
4.8
Exceptional(108)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Greenwich Village
Booked 84 times today
Nami Nori is a casual, Japanese restaurant specializing in open-style temaki hand rolls, in the West Village. The menu features signature hand rolls, including crunchy varieties, as well as classic versions, and a special vegan section. Japanese-inspired snacks and desserts are also on offer. Beer, sake and wine are available both on tap and by the bottle.
A photo of Soothr restaurant
4. Soothr
4.7
Exceptional(209)
Price: Expensive
• Thai • East Village
Booked 244 times today
Soothr, properly pronounced “Sood” is the Thai word meaning “Recipe”. This East Village establishment is the vision of close friends who grew up in different regions of Thailand, hoping to share their experiences and recipes with the rest of the world. Raised in distinctive regional cities, each individual brings their own unique relationship with Thai cuisine, with a specific focus on the generational family recipes that have shaped their childhood and time growing up in Thailand. With a specialty in family noodle recipes from throughout Thailand, Soothr offers a culinary experience that is geared towards the comfort and warmth of dining at home. These traditional recipes have brought great comfort and a sense of home for generations, and Soothr at its core is an invitation to sit at the table and enjoy a classic, Thai family meal.
A photo of Bar Contra restaurant
5. Bar Contra
4.4
Awesome(268)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lower East Side
Booked 17 times today
A New York cocktail bar founded by Dave Arnold, Fabian von Hauske & Jeremiah Stone. We specialize in delicious drinks and tasty food. Your reservation will grant you 90 minutes in one of our tables.
A photo of Scarr's Pizza restaurant
6. Scarr's Pizza
4.7
Exceptional(41)
Price: Expensive
• Pizzeria • Chinatown
Booked 31 times today
First opened in 2016 and located on Orchard Street, where the LES, Chinatown and Dimes Square converge, Scarr's Pizza has been called, "The best slice in New York." With a focus on all-natural and organic ingredients, owner and 2024 James Beard Nominee (Best Chef NY State) Scarr Pimentel has crafted not only the best tasting slice in the city, but the healthiest too. Skip the line, book a table and come in for a pie. There is a full bar and the dine-in menu features the crowd favorite Hotboi and Clark Kent as well as exclusive items like the Calzones.
A photo of The Butcher's Daughter - Nolita restaurant
7. The Butcher's Daughter - Nolita
4.4
Awesome(70)
Price: Moderate
• American • NoLita
Booked 44 times today
At The Butcher's Daughter Nolita, we believe vegetables are extraordinary—and they deserve the spotlight in your everyday lifestyle. Nestled in one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods, our Nolita location offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that blends urban energy with a touch of rustic charm. Led by our Executive Chef Rae Kramer, we serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a rotating menu of nourishing dishes crafted from in-season ingredients, freshly baked breads and pastries, and organic cold-pressed juices. With many vegan and gluten-free options available, there’s something for everyone. Pair these with our locally roasted coffee, artisanal craft cocktails, and a curated selection of wine. As a proud multi-time winner of OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice award, we invite you to experience a celebration of flavor, wellness, and creativity at every meal, whether you dine with us or enjoy take-out and delivery.
A photo of ONE Dine at One World Observatory restaurant
8. ONE Dine at One World Observatory
4.4
Awesome(4863)
Price: Expensive
• American • Financial District
Booked 19 times today
Enjoy elevated American cuisine and sprawling views from the highest point in the city at ONE Dine! 🔷For a la carte reservations, tickets to One World Observatory are required to access the restaurant. Take advantage of an exclusive ticket offer here: https://bit.ly/owo-a-la-carte. 🔷 One World Observatory is a cashless operation. Onsite reverse ATM’s are available for cash conversions. The Observatory accepts all major Credit/Debit Cards.If purchasing a dining experience package, tickets to the observatory are included! Your tickets can be picked up at the Guest Services desk in the lower lobby of One World Observatory. For all patrons, we recommend arriving at least 45 minutes prior to your set reservation time to truly enjoy your dual access to ONE Dine and One World Observatory! Reservations will be held for up to 15 minutes after set reservation times. Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 12 pm - 10 pm*Parties of 8 or more contact: GROUPDINING@ONEWORLDOBSERVATORY.COM.
A photo of Legasea Bar & Grill restaurant
9. Legasea Bar & Grill
4.3
Awesome(1813)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Midtown West
Booked 79 times today
Known for the best Ribeye deals in Midtown! Legasea Bar & Grill is a fresh take on bar and grill classics with a fun-casual atmosphere for an entertaining dining experience. Open for lunch, happy hour and dinner, enjoy a lively bar scene and inviting dining room that provides guests with an unforgettable evening full of good food and good company. Menu highlights include American bar & grill favorites. Experience our $49 Unlimited Ribeye, Fries & Salad (available Sundays & Mondays only) and with purchase, pair with a $6 Rosé or $6 American Lager. Or, enjoy our new $39 Ribeye special available daily. Plus, enjoy Happy Hour every Mon - Fri from 3PM - 6:30PM including $2 Oysters, $4 Fries, $6 Beer, $8 Wine and $10 Martinis. Available at the bar only. Walk-ins welcome. Located in the heart of Midtown, the restaurant is a neighborhood staple just blocks from New York City’s most popular destinations, including Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Theater District, and Times Square.
A photo of The Dutch restaurant
10. The Dutch
4.6
Exceptional(3141)
Price: Expensive
• American • SoHo
Booked 25 times today
The Dutch is an American restaurant, bar and oyster room inspired by local cafes, country inns, corner taverns, neighborhood bistros, seaside shacks, roadside joints and the same mix of cultural influences that make New York City great. Award-winning Chef Andrew Carmellini's roots-inspired American menu features fresh fish and shellfish, choice meats, local produce and the best of what's around.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Thais
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Favorite restaurant in nyc! The food and service was absolutely perfect! Josias was the best person in the restaurant
    More info
    Nami Nori West VillagePrice: Expensive• Japanese• Greenwich Village
    •
    4.8
  • Rhea
    Toronto / Ontario •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    loved all the drinks!!! madeline was so sweet : ) def coming back to try the food
    More info
    Bar ContraPrice: Moderate• American• Lower East Side
    •
    4.4
  • kimberley
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We came to this place under the premise that the food was outstanding based on the Michelin rating and social media touting that the food was comparably to that in Thailand…..this was the reason we booked. The service was lovely, everyone friendly and attentive which is always appreciated. The shrimp pancake appetizer was an interactive delicious experience. The rose quartz drink I had done virgin and enjoyed. The shrimp pad Thai was delicious, noodles done well, very tasty. The Wagyu pho was recommended and underwhelming honestly. We enjoyed both of the desserts we ordered, the crème brûlée and mango ice cream served with sticky rice….this was a highlight for us. Would I say Value….Probably Not.
    More info
    SoothrPrice: Expensive• Thai• East Village
    •
    4.7
  • brendan
    New York City •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The restaurant is exquisite and the service was fabulous. I highly recommend the breads & spreads, jibineh cheese, mushrooms, beets and eggplant to start. The octopus & steak skewers, the shish barak, the chicken and spaghetti. We had the cheesecake, baklava, and tiramisu. All ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    More info
    Cafe ZaffriPrice: Expensive• Middle Eastern• Union Square
    •
    4.3
  • Naomi
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Very accommodating. We changed from 2 to 4 people without a problem. Food was amazing. Some of the best pasta ever!
    More info
    Gjelina - New YorkPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• East Village
    •
    4.6

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