SoHo isn’t just about cobblestone streets and high-end boutiques—it’s also one of New York City’s most exciting food neighborhoods. Whether you’re a local New Yorker looking for your next favorite spot or you’re visiting from out of town, this buzzy Manhattan enclave serves up everything from Michelin-starred cuisine to cozy coffee shops perfect for people-watching. Here’s your insider guide to the best bites in SoHo.
The Icons
Balthazar
An obvious choice that’s anything but basic. Balthazar is the most iconic restaurant in SoHo, perpetually packed with New Yorkers and tourists alike. The bustling French brasserie on Spring Street has been a SoHo institution since 1997, serving up classic bistro fare in an atmosphere that feels authentically Parisian with a New York twist. The raw bar is exceptional, the steak frites never disappoint, and the weekend brunch scene is legendary (just be prepared to wait).
80 Spring St
La Mercerie
La Mercerie is one of the best brunch spots in SoHo, and one of the chicest eateries in New York City. With interiors by legendary NYC design studio Roman & Williams, La Mercerie is a gorgeous cafe known for classically-trained chef Marie-Aude Rose’s elevated takes on everyday French cuisine. Located on Howard Street, near Mercer Street and Canal, the restaurant is endlessly Instagram-worthy, but don’t worry, the excellent food backs up the aesthetics.
53 Howard St
Jack’s Wife Freda
You’ll know if you’re in the right place by the crowds of eager diners crowded around the sidewalk tables and spilling out of the door. Jack’s Wife Freda is one of the hottest brunch spots in New York City, with plenty of celebrity sightings on offer alongside the food. While there are locations in other parts of the city as well, the SoHo outpost is by far the most buzzy (and therefore hardest to get into). While you can make reservations via Resy, the all-day cafe also operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it’s always worth trying your luck.
226 Lafayette St
The Corner Store
This restaurant bills itself as a “classic American joint” but the casual name and description don’t quite capture the elegance of this stylish spot on the corner of Houston and West Broadway. Yes, the menu at The Corner Store is straightforward, but those familiar dishes are rich and indulgent, from spinach and artichoke dip to lobster and caviar rolls, steaks, fries, and a Wagyu French Drip with au jus poured tableside.
475 W Broadway
Locals’ Favorites
Lindens
Nestled inside Arlo SoHo Hotel, Lindens is a modern American restaurant that celebrates the quintessential tastes and flavors of each season. Don’t let the hotel location fool you, though—this is not your typical hotel dining. Lindens offers a regularly updated seasonal menu using the finest local ingredients from regional farms and producers. It’s also a stylish space to enjoy with loved ones, friends, and colleagues, and is available for private events. In addition to the excellent food menus, Lindens offers a raw bar, creative cocktail menu, and a selection of organic wines and craft beers.
2 Renwick St
Piccola Cucina Osteria
An intimate Italian spot, Piccolo Cucina Osteria focuses on authentic Sicilian cuisine. The handmade pasta is exceptional, and the wine list features some great finds from smaller Italian producers. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over multiple courses.
196 Spring St
More Neighborhood Favorites
Staying in or visiting SoHo means you have ample choices for excellent meals any time of day, many of them beloved by locals. Popular spots in the area include Mishik, serving Japanese and Korean-inspired dishes with a modern twist, LTD Pizza and Bar for some of the neighborhood’s best wood-fired pizza, and Lure Fishbar for ultra-fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Other tasty SoHo spots worth checking out include Kiko, La Sirene, Estancia 460, Sadelle’s, and Tacombi.
Coffee Shops & Cafés
Ruby’s
A local’s favorite since 2002, Ruby’s Cafe serves Australian-style coffee drinks, breakfast dishes, and all-day classics in a small but lively setting. There are now more locations but the original was in SoHo, where you can also enjoy wine, cocktails, and ice-cold brews.
219 Mulberry St
Cafe Gitane
A local institution since the 1990s, Cafe Gitane is a warm, always-crowded spot serving coffee, fresh mint tea, and a variety of French and Moroccan dishes.
242 Mott St
More Caffeine Pit Stops
You don’t have to walk far in SoHo to find great coffee or the irresistible bakery items that so often accompany a cup. Some of the more popular places to add to your list include 787 Coffee, Blue Dove Coffee, Drip Drop Cafe, Maman, The Lost Draft, and Cafe Lyria.
Rooftop Bites
ART SoHo
Sometimes you’re not looking for a sit-down dinner or even a casual cafe, but somewhere stylish yet chill to enjoy a cocktail and share some bites with friends. When that urge hits, a neighborhood rooftop bar like ART SoHo is the answer. This indoor/outdoor lounge atop Arlo SoHo offers sweeping views of the city skyline and Hudson River, along with cocktails, wine, and other beverages, plus delicious snacks like tacos and chicken bites, oysters, and burgers.
231 Hudson St
Tips for Your SoHo Food Tour
Many of the most popular spots in the area don’t take reservations or they do but they fill up quickly. So plan in advance, and if you’re more of a last-minute diner, consider eating a bit earlier or later in order to snag a table. Weekend brunches and dinners can often be the hardest times to find space, so definitely allow more time to plan those kinds of get-togethers if you can.
If you’re planning on hitting up a few spots on your SoHo foodie tour, the good news is that the neighborhood is eminently walkable, and you’re likely to discover new places just by wandering the side streets.
Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee between shopping, a long leisurely brunch, or a memorable date-night or dinner, SoHo’s food scene delivers, and then some. The neighborhood is home to a mix of established favorites, ambitious newcomers, and hidden gems that reward the curious. Corral your foodie BFFs, bring your appetite, and you can’t go wrong.
