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As much as I love going out to eat, there’s nothing cozier than turning on the TV, curling up on my couch, and slurping my favorite spicy sesame noodles from Kings Co Imperial. Ordering in is always a good idea, and luckily for me, many of New York’s best restaurants think so, too. When the options are spots as iconic as Katz’s Deli and Magnolia Bakery, ordering delivery never feels like a backup, no matter what I’m in the mood to eat. The next time you’re craving Via Carota’s cacio e pepe but don’t want to wait hours in line for a table, order it in! If you can’t seem to snag a reservation at COTE but are dying to taste their juicy Wagyu, order it in. Since the options for delivery are endless, I’ve curated my favorites here. Read on for the 40 best places to order from across New York City.
Shuka
Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja can do no wrong — just look at the constant crowds at her SoHo restaurant. Her incredible dips anchor the menu, changing every so often to reflect what’s in season. In the winter you might see butternut squash bessara with crispy chickpeas, while the summer menu might offer labne with strawberries. The kebabs are excellent, too, and they travel well in takeout containers.
Daily Provisions
In 2017, Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group opened Daily Provisions, a tiny all day café spot next to its flagship restaurant, Union Square Cafe. Since then, Daily Provisions has grown to five locations throughout the city — and each one is as busy as the original. Whether you’re ordering in Cobble Hill or the West Village, you can expect killer breakfast sandwiches (like a fried egg and American cheese on a poppy seed roll), quick to-go lunch options such as tomato soup, and dinner in the form of roast chicken with mashed potatoes. Add a side of wake-up sauce to any order for a spicy kick, and don’t forget a maple cruller if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Kings Co Imperial
There’s so much to love about the food at King’s Co, which has locations in both Williamsburg and the Lower East Side. From kung po sweet potatoes to spicy sesame noodles, it’s impossible to choose one or two items here, which is what makes it such a great spot for a group. Try large-format dishes like General Tso’s chicken and mapo tofu, or dim sum such as pork-stuffed dumplings and housemade vegetarian egg rolls.
Katz's Delicatessen
Nothing says New York quite like Katz’s Deli. The Lower East Side institution, which first opened in 1888, always has a line down the block. Avoid the lines (and the tourists) by ordering in Katz’s most-loved dishes, like the sky-high pastrami sandwich and a big bowl of matzo ball soup.
Win Son Bakery
This Taiwanese American café was founded by two fine-dining chefs, Trigg Brown and Danielle Spencer, alongside co-owner Josh Ku. Here you’ll find a turnip cake made with Benton’s ham and a doughnut iced with fermented red rice glaze. The food here crosses borders and breaks traditions, and is sure to leave you (and your tastebuds) deliriously happy.
Magnolia Bakery
Known for homestyle cakes as well as that famous banana pudding, Magnolia Bakery is a must-eat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The iconic bakery, which has been featured in movies like The Devil Wears Prada and shows such as Sex and the City, has nine locations. Whether you’re in Long Island City or on the Upper West Side, get your sugar fix with the classic chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, or try the hummingbird cake, layers of banana cake that’s studded with pecans and pineapple then covered in tangy cream cheese frosting.
Silver Rice
Everything longtime friends Hideki Kato and Sonny Mizukawa make turns to sushi gold. At their restaurant Silver Rice, which has locations in Crown Heights and Lefferts Gardens, the duo from Nagoya, Japan, offers pristine takes on favorites like spicy salmon rolls and avocado-cucumber rolls. It’s the answer to the occasional (or perennial) craving for solid sushi that doesn’t break the bank.
Fausto
At this neighborhood Italian spot in Park Slope, chef Erin Shambura and sommelier Joe Campanale craft house-made pastas and cocktails that are perfect for a cozy-yet-elegant night in. Pair the Fausto Negroni with whole-wheat chitarra threaded with three kinds of mushrooms and thyme butter, a side of rosemary focaccia, and a slice of olive oil cake.
Westville
When you want something healthy and fast, Westville is the place. The New York City staple first opened in 2003, and now has seven locations throughout the city. They’re known for serving up casual American cuisine that’s well-priced and reliable, from hearty salads to seasonal vegetable sides. The “plates” offer the best of both worlds, with a protein and two vegetables. My favorite combo? The grilled marinated chicken breast with honey dijon Brussels sprouts and tahini cauliflower.
Birds of a Feather
At this Williamsburg mainstay from Xian Zhang and Yiming Wang, the pair behind the Michelin-starred Cafe China, the menu focuses on Sichuan-inspired food. Start with the silky poached wontons in a spicy chile sauce and follow up with Kung Pao chicken. Be sure to add the mustard-green fried rice, which is packed with heat and a bit of crunch.
Rubirosa Pizza & Ristorante
Rubirosa’s late founder, AJ Pappalardo, was New York pizza royalty. His father started Joe & Pat’s, a Staten Island pizza institution, and Pappalardo made the 57-year-old family recipe his own. The tie-dye pizza is a must, topped with vodka sauce and a pesto spiral, as are the garlic knots. The pastas are great, too — try the ricotta ravioli with tomato sauce.
Soothr Thai Noodle Bar
Pronounced “sood,” Soothr doesn’t hold back on flavor — or spice. The dishes at this East Village restaurant are unapologetic, with bold flavors that’ll make you want to taste one of everything. Try the koong karee, a spicy shrimp dish made with egg and curry powder, or the chicken ki-mao, which leans into sweetness with pan-fried rice noodles, bell peppers, and basil leaves.
Chavela's
At his Crown Heights restaurant, chef Arturo Leonar puts personal touches on the food he grew up eating in Mexico City. Try the trout guacamole for a creative take on the classic, with a rich and savory smokiness from the fish. The chili relleno torta turns a traditional Mexican dish into an imaginative sandwich; it’s made with cheese-stuffed poblano peppers served on light telera bread.
Via Carota
Instead of waiting for hours to get your hands on chefs Rita Sodi’s and Jody Williams’s legendary Italian food, sit back, relax, and order in from their West Village restaurant. Since the menu changes seasonally, we recommend going heavy on the of-the-moment vegetables, which are always impeccable, and always-good standbys like the insalata verde and tonarelli cacio e pepe.
Cafe Mogador
In both Williamsburg and the East Village, Cafe Mogador’s devotion to Moroccan cuisine shines in dishes like chicken tagine and kefta kebabs. This spot has garnered a serious following for the mezze, including velvety hummus and sweet-and-spicy matbucha, made of stewed tomatoes and hot peppers. If you’re ordering for a group, get a bunch of mezze, a few orders of falafel, some kebabs, and extra pita.
DOMODOMO
This Noho restaurant is a true family business. Brothers-in-law Brian Kim (the chef) and Jae Park (the designer) opened the restaurant together in 2015, and have been reimagining Japanese cuisine ever since. You’ll understand when you try the uni pasta with cheddar dashi, which melds unexpected flavors in an explosion of umami, and the black sesame panna cotta, a sweet-and-savory way to top off your meal.
Parm
While Major Food Group’s flagship restaurant, Carbone, is notorious for its high prices, impossible-to-get reservations, and very good pastas, its more casual restaurant, Parm, is better suited for daily dining. But this nostalgia-filled Italian American spot doesn’t skimp on flavor. With cozy menu items like baked ziti and chicken parm, this is the kind of place you can order from every night, happily.
Tacombi
This casual Mexican spot started as a one-man taco stand in Playa del Carmen, Mexico; now it’s blossomed into a restaurant empire in locations from Chicago to Miami. Tacombi is known for its Vista Hermosa flour tortillas, available by the pack and also cradling a variety of taco fillings (carne asada, crispy cod). There’s also very good burritos like the vegana, made with roasted sweet potato and kale. Whether you’re ordering from Flatiron or Nolita, make sure to try a few sides and different salsas for even more fun (we recommend the Morita Mayo, a spicy pink sauce made with morita chiles, cilantro, and lime juice).
Buvette
Who wouldn’t want to spend the morning sipping café au lait and eating buttery croissants? By ordering from this West Village bistro courtesy of acclaimed chef Jody Williams, you can do exactly that. Later in the day, the menu changes over from breakfast items like pain perdue to lunch and dinner ones, à la salade niçoise and coq au vin. No matter what you choose, you’ll feel transported to Paris.
COTE
It’s easy to get lost in the appetizers at this Michelin-starred steakhouse in Flatiron: the spicy scallion salad pops in your mouth, and the crispy chicken nuggets are coated in an impossible-to-stop-eating gochujang glaze. But save room for the main event: the meat. Whether you opt for the Korean-style short ribs or COTE’s signature Wagyu steak, which is as buttery and decadent as it looks in pictures, you can’t go wrong.
Court Street Grocers
It’s not uncommon to hear the words “best” and “unbelievable” in conversations about this beloved Brooklyn sandwich shop (that also has a Washington Square outpost). Roast beef, French's fried onions, arugula, and horseradish mayo come together for a cult favorite called The Droopy, for one example. If you’re searching for something vegetarian-friendly, the Veggie Delight — with roasted cauliflower, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and sour pickles — hits the spot every time.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
People spend hours in line at Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo waiting to procure the famous Cronut, a croissant-doughnut hybrid. But these days, you don’t need to wait. You can get the Cronut delivered, along with a whole host of other baked goods. Try the famous cookie shots or the DKA, or “Dominique's Kouign Amann,” for a caramelized croissant with a crunchy exterior and the most tender layers inside. Or go for the croissant basket if you’re looking for an assortment of sweet and savory goodies.
Pastis
When you’re in the mood for a textbook roast chicken or crispy fries, look no further than this Meatpacking icon. This bustling revival of a restaurant — which restaurateur Keith McNally opened in 1997, closed in 2014, then reopened in 2019 with another restaurateur, Stephen Starr — has classic French food down. It also nails that McNally-esque blend of French and American food, with a solid burger and excellent sides.
F&F Pizzeria
Out of this low-key pizzeria in Carroll Gardens, the folks behind Frankies 457 Spuntino are putting their own spin on the humble New York slice. F&F leans into Italian flavors with a creative twist (see: the Partanna, a fan favorite topped with mozzarella, pecorino romano, red onion, Calabrian chili, orange blossom honey, and oregano). Get the hot sausage and brown butter sage for a take on the flagship’s signature cavatelli with sausage and sage, or the half regular, half pepperoni for the best of all cheesy, carby worlds.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
In 1994, chefs and brothers Eric and Bruce Bromberg opened the first Blue Ribbon Sushi in SoHo with sushi master Toshi Ueki. Their goal was to create a high-quality sushi experience at an accessible price point. It was a slam dunk success: In the years since, the Bromberg brothers have turned Blue Ribbon into a sushi empire with locations in New York, Miami, L.A., Boston, and Las Vegas. The menu has grown, too. There’s the usual yellowtail sashimi and salmon avocado rolls (delicious) as well as the signature fried chicken with wasabi and honey.
Agi's Counter
At this Crown Heights gem, chef and owner Jeremy Salamon showcases modern takes on old-style, Eastern-European-leaning Jewish food. Think a tuna melt with buttery confit tuna and alpine cheddar, or palacsinta, Hungarian crepes slathered in brown butter and lemon curd. Open from morning till night, Agi’s Counter offers their idiosyncratic approach to every meal.
L'Artusi
On those nights when you’re faced with an impossible task — of wanting an incredible Italian meal without leaving your couch — L’Artusi can save the day. This West Village joint from chef Joe Vigorito has it all, and you can get it all: spaghetti spiked with chiles, Parm, and breadcrumbs; hanger steak with crispy potatoes; and pints of housemade gelato.
Russ & Daughters
Few things are more important to a New Yorker than their bagel, and Russ & Daughters has been taking that seriously since 1914. The fourth-generation, family-run business specializes in cured and smoked fish as well as New York-style bagels. Get a classic bagel and lox, or if you’re down for a bit of a wildcard, try the Super Heebster: whitefish and baked salmon salad, horseradish-dill cream cheese, and wasabi flying fish roe on your choice of bagel.
Ciao, Gloria
Renato Poliafito, the co-founder of the Red Hook bakery Baked (now under new ownership), and Ginger Fisher Baldwin, formerly the head baker at Baked, have joined forces on this Italian-American bakery and café in Prospect Heights. The Italian-ish theme comes to play in the fo’cotto sandwich made with prosciutto cotto, onion jam, fontina cheese, and whole grain mustard on house-made focaccia. On the sweet side, try the coffee coffee cake, complete with cinnamon streusel in the middle and a thick layer of sugary crumbs on top.
RedFarm
Dim sum is an art, and no one understands that more than chef Joe Ng and the late restaurateur Ed Schoenfeld. At the Upper West Side restaurant, the two collaborated to create whimsical yet delicious items like pastrami-filled egg rolls and “Pacman” shrimp dumplings, made to look like the arcade-game character with little black eyes. The rest of the menu is filled with equally innovative takes on Chinese dishes, such as the pickled cauliflower fried rice.
Stretch Pizza
Back when he was running wd~50, chef Wylie Dufresne was known for meat glue, mousses, and molecular gastronomy. But these days, he’s doing great things with flour, water, and salt. At his Madison Square Park pizzeria, Dufresne adds creative flair to pizzas like the Nellie, with shallots three ways (roasted, pickled, and fried), and the Old Town with mushrooms, muenster cheese, and pumpernickel crumbs.
Golden Diner
At this charming spot in Chinatown, chef Samuel Yoo melds Asian flavors with American classics. You’ll find a vegan kimchi tomato soup, Thai cobb salad, and lemongrass avocado toast. As with any diner, the food here is great for breakfast and lunch as well as dinner — and that holds true when ordering in, too. Even if breakfast-for-dinner isn’t your thing, the honey butter pancakes, which come with honey-butter maple syrup and whipped honey butter, are a must-get. Just treat them like dessert! And the dill-forward matzo ball soup completes any meal, no matter the time of day.
Mesa Coyoacan
Chef Ivan Garcia grew up watching his mother and grandmother cook in their Mexico City home, and he returned to their recipes to combat his homesickness once he moved to New York. At his Williamsburg restaurant, Garcia pays tribute to the family matriarchs but in his own way. He riffs on dishes like mole poblano served with roasted chicken and plantains and ceviche de camaron, a Mexico-City-style shrimp cocktail doused in a tomato-avocado broth.
Noods N' Chill
At this Williamsburg restaurant, expect nothing but hits, from pad se ew to massaman curry. That’s no surprise, as this is the third restaurant from chef Manadsanan Sutipayakul of Plant Love House and Mondayoff. All of the noodle dishes are outstanding, especially the coconut-forward khao soy and the rich, spicy moo toon noodle soup made with Chinese five spice and slow-cooked pork neck.
Tamarind Tribeca
At this upscale Indian restaurant, you can find recognizable favorites like chicken tikka masala and several kinds of naan, from rosemary to garlic. While the range of lamb, goat, and seafood offerings are a major draw, one of the best parts about Tamarind is its wide array of vegetarian dishes. Try the dum aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower in a tomato-based sauce) and the spicy chickpeas known as chana pindi. And don’t forget an order of the rich, creamy dal makhni — the perfect accompaniment to lemony basmati rice.
Mimi Cheng's
Sisters Hannah and Marian Cheng founded the restaurant in 2014, and now have two locations in Manhattan (in the East Village and on the Upper West Side) and one in Brooklyn. Their menu is inspired by their mother, Mimi, who taught the Cheng sisters how to make Taiwanese dumplings from scratch. Both meat-filled and vegetarian dumplings are as dependable for delivery as they are delicious.
Patti Ann's Restaurant & Bakery
This neighborhood restaurant and bakery in Prospect Heights is chef Greg Baxtrom’s love letter to the Midwest (he grew up on a farm in Frankfurt, Illinois). That means comfort food with all the whimsy and care Baxtrom is known for. Try the tavern-style pizza for crunchy square-cut slices and the rightfully famous maple cruller — if it’s not sold out.
Rangoon
On her restaurant website, chef Myo Moe says that cooking Burmese food is all about “keeping the tradition alive.” She does just that at her outposts in Crown Heights and Chelsea and through dishes like classic tea leaf salad and keema paratha — flaky flatbread stuffed with spiced beef. But that’s just the beginning. There are so many incredible flavors at play in Moe’s food, from coconut chicken noodle soup to spicy masala potato salad.
Leo
At this Williamsburg pizzeria, there’s something for every kind of pizza person, whether you’re more into Neapolitan-style bubbly crust or Roman-style square pies. The best way to enjoy Leo is to try a variety of pizzas, pasta (like cacio e pepe and tagliatelle bolognese), and a whole bunch of apps that range from pork-and-beef meatballs to crunchy chopped salad.
Nobu
New York has endless options for Japanese food, from casual izakayas to five-star omakase counters, but Nobu is one of the most iconic. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened the first one in Tribeca in 1994, which laid the groundwork for global expansion, one miso-shellacked cod at a time. But you don’t need to travel the world to taste his famous dishes, from refreshing yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño to that famous cod.
