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SoHo New Restaurants Guide

Admin_AZ_New_York 2 weeks ago

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SoHo New Restaurants Guide

A guide to the chic, vibrant, and ever-evolving dining scene in New York’s most stylish neighborhood.

Dining in SoHo is an immersion in New York’s cultural zeitgeist. Famous for its cast-iron architecture, cobblestone streets, and unparalleled shopping, the neighborhood’s restaurant scene is equally iconic.

It’s a dynamic blend of timeless, see-and-be-seen bistros that have defined downtown cool for decades and a constant influx of innovative new eateries pushing the culinary envelope. The vibe is effortlessly chic, attracting a fashionable crowd of locals, artists, and international visitors.

Unlike other dining-focused neighborhoods, SoHo offers a powerful trifecta: classic French brasseries, buzzy new-school American spots, and stylish all-day cafes perfect for a post-shopping brunch. It’s a place where a reservation is always recommended, and the people-watching is as much a part of the experience as the meticulously crafted food on the plate. Dining here feels like stepping into the pages of a magazine, where every meal is an event.

This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to navigating the best new and iconic tables in the city’s capital of cool.

“SoHo’s dining scene is a masterclass in ambiance—where the elegance of the plate is matched only by the style of the crowd.“

You might be interested in dining in these nearby locations

Location	Vibe	Distance (from SoHo)
Nolita	Charming & Intimate Eateries	~0.2 miles
West Village	Cozy & Romantic Bistros	~0.6 miles
TriBeCa	Upscale & Celebrity Haunts	~0.7 miles
Lower East Side	Trendy & Eclectic Bars	~0.8 miles
Greenwich Village	Historic & Bohemian Cafes	~0.5 miles

Dining Guides in Neighboring Areas

4 Tips for Dining in SoHo

Reservations Are Essential: SoHo restaurants, especially the popular ones, are notoriously busy. Book your table well in advance, particularly for dinner and weekend brunch, to avoid disappointment.
Dress the Part: While there’s no strict dress code, SoHo has a stylish, fashion-forward crowd. Smart casual is the general rule; it’s a place where people enjoy dressing up a little.
Explore Beyond Broadway: While Broadway has its share of eateries, the real gems are often tucked away on the quieter, cobblestoned side streets like Prince, Spring, and Mercer streets.
Brunch is a Scene: Weekend brunch in SoHo is a major event. Expect long lines at popular spots like Jack’s Wife Freda and Sadelle’s. Go early or be prepared to wait.

Keep an Eye On: The Enduring Power of the Bistro.

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While new restaurants constantly pop up, SoHo’s soul is anchored by its iconic French bistros. Places like Balthazar and Raoul’s are more than just restaurants; they are institutions that have defined downtown dining for decades. They created a formula of buzzing ambiance, impeccable service, and classic French-American fare that continues to influence new openings across the city. A meal at one of these legendary spots is a true New York experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kind of food is SoHo known for?

SoHo is best known for its high-quality French bistros and brasseries, trendy New American restaurants, and vibrant brunch spots. You’ll find a wide range of cuisines, but the overall focus is on stylish, well-executed food in a chic setting.

Is it expensive to eat in SoHo?

SoHo is generally one of the more expensive neighborhoods for dining in NYC. While there are some more casual cafes and bakeries, most of the well-known restaurants are mid-range to high-end. Expect to pay a premium for the location and ambiance.

What’s the best time to visit a SoHo restaurant?

For a quieter experience, try a weekday lunch. For the full, energetic SoHo “scene,” dinner on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night is prime time. Weekend brunch is also incredibly popular but can be very crowded.

Ranking: 10 Best New & Iconic Restaurants in SoHo

Below, check out the ranking of the 10 must-visit dining destinations in this stylish neighborhood, in a special curation by AZ New York.

1. Balthazar

The definitive SoHo dining experience. This grand Parisian-style brasserie has been the epicenter of downtown cool since 1997. With its soaring ceilings, red leather banquettes, and iconic seafood towers, Balthazar is a timeless institution perfect for any occasion.

Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 965-1414

WhatsApp: Not available.

Site: balthazarny.com

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: The quintessential New York brasserie experience.

2. Le Coucou

An elegant, Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Daniel Rose and restaurateur Stephen Starr. Le Coucou offers a sophisticated take on classic French cuisine in a stunningly romantic, candlelit setting. It’s a top choice for a special occasion or a truly refined dining experience.

Address: 138 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013

Phone: (212) 271-4252

WhatsApp: Not available.

Site: lecoucou.com

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: Modern, Michelin-starred French cuisine in a breathtakingly beautiful room.

3. Raoul’s

A legendary, family-owned French-American bistro that has been a SoHo staple since the 1970s. Known for its intimate, bohemian atmosphere and its famous Steak au Poivre, Raoul’s is a classic, unpretentious spot with a fiercely loyal following of artists, celebrities, and locals.

Address: 180 Prince St, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 966-3518

WhatsApp: Not available.Site: raouls.com

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: The iconic Steak au Poivre in a timeless, bohemian bistro setting.

4. Sadelle’s

A hugely popular and stylish “appetizing” restaurant that elevates the classic New York brunch experience. Sadelle’s is famous for its hand-rolled bagels, towering platters of smoked fish, and decadent sticky buns, all served in a bright, beautiful, and bustling setting.

Address: 463 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 254-3000

WhatsApp: Not available.

Site: sadelles.com

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: The ultimate destination for a celebratory, upscale New York brunch.

5. Bar Mercer

A brand-new entry to the SoHo scene, this lively restaurant and wine bar has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. With a stylish dining room and an unfussy, crowd-pleasing menu of American comfort food with a twist (like deviled eggs with fried oysters), it’s a perfect spot for a fun date night or dinner with friends.

Address: 25 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 334-7320

WhatsApp: Not available.

Site: barmercer.com

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: A buzzy, brand-new spot with a great vibe and inventive comfort food.

6. Lure Fishbar

A sleek, yacht-inspired seafood restaurant located below the streets of SoHo. Lure is a perennial hotspot known for its high-quality raw bar, world-class sushi, and one of the best burgers in the city, the Bash Burger. The unique, subterranean setting makes it feel like a chic escape.

Address: 142 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 431-7676

WhatsApp: Not available.

Site: lurefishbar.com

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: A subterranean seafood-and-sushi destination with a famous burger.

7. Jack’s Wife Freda

A perpetually busy and beloved all-day cafe serving American-Mediterranean cuisine with Israeli and South African influences. It’s a bright, cheerful spot famous for its lively brunch scene, Peri-Peri chicken, and Madame Freda pressed sandwich. A go-to for a casual, delicious, and very SoHo meal.

Address: 224 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 510-8550

WhatsApp: Not available.Site: jackswifefreda.com

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: An iconic, all-day brunch spot with a vibrant atmosphere.

8. Charlie Bird

A cool, downtown restaurant with an Italian-inspired menu and a hip-hop soundtrack. Charlie Bird is known for its excellent pasta dishes and an outstanding, accessible wine list. It perfectly balances a relaxed, neighborhood vibe with seriously good food and wine.

Address: 5 King St, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 235-7133

WhatsApp: Not available.Site: charliebirdnyc.com

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: Italian-inspired food and a fantastic wine program with a downtown vibe.

9. The Otter

A chic and vibrant new seafood spot inside The Manner Hotel from acclaimed chef Alex Stupak. The menu features creative, globally-inspired seafood dishes, from a colorful scallop crudo to buttery lobster rolls, served in a beautifully designed, art-filled space.

Address: 58 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (929) 526-3330

WhatsApp: Not available.Site: theotter.nyc

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: Creative, globally-inspired seafood from a renowned chef.

10. Little Prince

A charming and bustling French bistro that feels like it was plucked straight from the streets of Paris. It’s a cozy, romantic spot with a menu of perfectly executed classics like French Onion Soup, Steak Frites, and a great burger. The front windows open up in warm weather, making it a perfect people-watching spot.

Address: 199 Prince St, New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 335-0566

WhatsApp: Not available.Site: littleprince.nyc

Neighborhood: SoHo

Highlight: A quintessential, romantic French bistro ideal for people-watching.

All research and the final selection of the restaurants in this guide were carried out by the team at AZ New York.

Explore Our Guides to New York City

Neighborhood Dining Guides

For a look at another neighborhood known for its bohemian history and vibrant food scene in a global city, you can also explore the restaurants in Vila Madalena, São Paulo.

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