We really encourage our guests to get out and explore the hidden and lesser known parts of NYC. New York City is made of diverse and unique neighborhoods and we absolutely love NoMad. Make the trek to these hidden gems from the East Village, Jersey or Long Island – It’s well worth your time. Below is a list of the best restaurants in NoMad where we recommend our guests make sure to visit.
1. Cafe Hanamizuki
143 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
This Japanese cafe is made for Instagram! When we walked in, we immediately fell in love the light and airy space along with the serene and calming decor. The menus on little clipboards displays wonderful options for Japanese casual eats such as miso soup and affordable lunch combos. This cafe is known for their Hawaiian, ume, and unagi rice balls called onigiri. Don’t forget to try their coffee and sweets! We are still raving about their green tea cake rolls, matcha cookies, and earl grey bread loaf.
2. Her Name is Han
17 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
This cute and cozy Korean restaurant has lines out the door during lunch and dinner and especially the weekends! Best known for their homestyle Korean cooking, Her Name is Han reservations can be hard to come by. Lunch sets come with soups, beet mash (genius!), sides and samplers called banchan. Choose from pork belly, beef curry, bibimbap, stir fry spicy pork with rice cakes, Korean fried chicken and croquettes and more. People love this healthy fusion Korean restaurant as well as its fresh juice. Lunch specials start at $10 and are cash only. Pro tip: Come early to get in line and then go to Arlo NoMad hotel next door to grab a La Columbe coffee in their boedga or a drink at BARlo.
3. Osamil
5 West 31st St, New York, NY 10001
The team at Arlo are huge fans of Osamil, a vibrant Korean fusion bar and restaurant with fantastic cocktails like the Signature Osamil Peartini. Tuesdays are our favorite for their $1 salt and pepper wings night. They also have $1 oysters daily from 4-7pm for their Buck A Shuck program. For authentic Korean eats, their uni, beef tartare, seafood platter, and pork shank are blowing up on social media.
4. Lamalo
11 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
Picture the warmth of MIddle Eastern hospitality mixed with a table filled with plate after plate of vibrant and delicious dishes. That is exactly what you will encounter at Lamalo, Arlo NoMad’s newest hidden gem. The menu at Lamalo draws from the diverse and flavorful cuisine of the Middle East, specifically Israel, by offering an authentic taste of the region with a few nods to New York. The menu is designed for sharing and will feature a variety of Middle Eastern dips that fill the table minutes after guests are seated. The appetizers will change seasonally and always be accompanied by the house-made Jerusalem Laffa
5. Nur
34 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
We’ll be honest but this place is so booked that we’re unable to get reservations for a month out. But we have a trusty foodie friend who’s eaten here more than a few times. His take? “Nur is full of Middle Eastern flavors commingling with unlikely combinations for sensory overload. Every bite punches you in the face. They know their textures here.” Now, let me get back to refreshing the Resy app to get a table!
6. La Pecora Bianca
1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
If you want Italian fare with your coworkers or friends, La Pecora Bianca cannot be beat. Not a long walk from the esteemed Eleven Madison Park, the decor and ambience is rustic and relaxed and provides the perfect background for a nice sit-down lunch. The burgers are unforgettable, salads fresh and seasonal, and the pastas are house-made. Their “white sheep” logo is super adorable.
7. Pondicheri
15 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
If you have a craving of vegetarian or Indian food, we have the ideal Indian fusion place in the flower district of Manhattan. First off, the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and huge, so it’s perfect for group dining. It’s also not too loud, so it checks the box for business lunch as well. They also have a morning Thali (breakfast must-try) and superb dining menu. When you first walk in, there is an adorable cafe that sells chai, coffee, and very unique sweets and bakery items to go. You’ll find authentic dishes like parathas from Punjab, dosas from South India, vindaloos from Goa and curries from Kerala, and they put their own modern spin to it. The flavors are bold, spices are plentiful and yes, the spicy will wake you up! They also have tons of vegan options and label gluten free items clearly labeled. It hits the perfect sweet spot because it’s fancier than the usual Indian restaurant but without the Michelin-star-worthy Indian Accent price tag.
8. Little Beet Table
333 Park Ave S., New York, NY 10010
We recently had brunch here and highly recommend the farm fresh food at the Little Beet Table. This place gave us kombucha-drinking, granola-eating, health-minded Los Angeles vibes. Their salads and warm bowls are full of yummy greens, carrots, quinoa and more. We love how they update their tasting menus to include seasonal items and specials. Located right on Park Avenue and a short walk from Madison Square Park, the counter service is quick and the staff are friendly — it’s one of our favorite healthy options for a NoMad lunch. There are plenty of tables to sit at for a quick lunch and take-out is always great for those on the go.
9. Latin Beet Kitchen
43 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010
When you walk in, you can’t help but feel the vibrant Latin soul of this restaurant. This is one festive and colorful service restaurant, with high ceilings and communal tables for a great fast casual dining experience. Similar to Dig Inn, if you love all things healthy, from ceviche to avocado toasts and acai fruit bowls, this is the spot for you. People love their tuna and salmon ceviches, quinoa bowls, roasted broccoli, anitchucho steaks, carrots with lentils, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and a crunchy corn topping with guacamole. And yes, they have the best cocktail list, an amazing weekend brunch and their famous organic Peruvian rotisserie chicken. Pro tip: Arepas are only available from 8-11am daily and during their weekend brunch between 11am-3pm.
10. AYZA Chocolate & Wine Bar
11 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
Whether you need a place for date night or happy hour with your coworkers, Ayza is a fun and exceptional choice. There’s always a great crowd in the patio out front, and ample seating in the back. Ayza is popular for their extensive wine list, cheese plates, and of course, their famed chocolate plates. Happy Hour is on the weekdays from 3-6pm. They offer $8 cocktails, $5 beer or wine and snacks and finger foods. This place is very close to Penn Station and you can quickly pop in and relax.
