Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting for the first time, everyone wants to discover the city's culinary treasures. That's why I've put together this guide, highlighting the tastiest hidden gems in Greenwich Village. From charming mom-and-pop eateries with rich histories to cozy hangouts and mouthwatering pizza joints, there's something to satisfy every craving.
Vibe: "Rhythm of the Night" by DeBarge
Taco Mahal is like nothing I have ever experienced before. The founder, Danikkah Josan, was born into a fusion of cultures. With Latina blood coursing through her veins and a family background in Indian cuisine, she combined the best of both worlds to deliver exceptional food at Taco Mahal.
I enjoyed a Roti "taco" during my visit. The perfectly round, pillow-soft Roti is baked fresh daily. Think of it as a small tortilla baked to perfection. The main reason why this place is so amazing is the Chicken Tikka Masala. Chicken breasts are bathed in yogurt, spices, and herbs, then skewered and baked in a Tandoori Oven. Combining the two, you can't go wrong. Picture tender, marinated chicken pieces smothered in a creamy, aromatic masala sauce, nestled in the warm embrace of a soft roti! It's a beautiful marriage of two culinary worlds, guaranteed to spark joy after the first bite.
Vibe: "Hey Ya!" by OutKast
When you think of pizza joints in New York City, 'Two Boots' might not be the first name that comes to mind. But this spot isn't your typical pizza place—it's a slice of Cajun flavor right in the heart of the Big Apple. Founded by indie filmmakers Doris Kornish and Phil Hartman, along with John Touhey, Two Boots brings a taste of Louisiana to the streets of NYC.
With pizzas sporting quirky names like the Animal Collective, The Meg, and Grandma Bess, each slice offers a unique culinary adventure. Feeling adventurous? Try the Bayou Beast, packed with spiced shrimp, crawfish, and andouille sausage, topped with jalapeños and gooey mozzarella.
Vibe: "Pure Imagination" by Gene Wilder (from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)
Now, before you say anything, I already know what you're thinking. 'Jessica, you prefer savory over sweet.' While that may be true, it didn't stop me from trying a cupcake from Molly's Cupcakes in NYC. Let me remind you, I was an elementary educator for 12 years, and Molly's Cupcakes was named after the founder's 3rd-grade teacher. Molly would bake cupcakes anytime it was one of her students' birthdays. Keeping that childhood charm, the restaurant features swings as chairs, desks as tables, and a cute little library tucked away in the corner.
I steered clear of your typical varieties like red velvet and chocolate. Instead, I opted for a brown butter frosting on top of a vanilla cupcake. I have one word for you: PERFECTION! The vanilla cupcake was a little cloud of happiness, with its light, fluffy cake and sweet comforting flavor. And that brown butter frosting?! It was like a sweet serenade for my taste buds with its rich nutty flavor, and creamy texture that literally melted deliciously over every bite.
Vibe: "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra
I'm confident you were expecting me to dive right into the delicious pizza at John's of Bleecker St. But, I've got to be honest with you. The star of the show was definitely the mozzarella sticks and that red sauce. Those mozzarella sticks were everything I needed them to be and more. In fact, I ordered two rounds because one round just wasn't enough. They had this crispy golden coating and a gooey, stretchy center of melted mozzarella cheese. Each bite was like a little taste of Italian heaven, with just the right balance of crunch and cheesy goodness. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked!
Vibe: "Smooth" by Santana feat. Rob Thomas
Where do I even begin? This place has been around since 1971. They have the best hot sauce I have ever tasted in my life! They are one of the original falafel shops in New York City; everything is fresh, authentic, and of the highest quality, including their pita bread, which is baked fresh daily!
The falafel sandwich was so good that I ordered a second round later that night for dinner. OK fine, technically I ordered TWO additional falafel for dinner. ☺️Thank goodness for late-night delivery. All of their sandwiches are served in a freshly baked pita pocket with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and tahini sauce. But be warned, I highly recommend using some of their hot sauce, though all you need is a tiny dash. It's hot. I mean really, really deliciously spicy!
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