So many people come to New York City just for its incredible food. From legendary street vendors to high-end Michelin-starred restaurants, travelers can easily get confused about where to go. If you’re one of those who would like to try something really different, then perhaps one of these undercover spots will become your favorite restaurant. I’m going to take you through some of the best hidden restaurants NYC, continuously buried in the basement or behind unmarked doors, which adds a little adventure to go with your special experience.
Hold tight! This article is going to be longer….
Best Hidden Restaurants NYC
1. Beauty & Essex (American Restaurant)
Location: 146 Essex St, New York, NY 10002.
Contact: (212) 614-0146
Once you get there you will see a pawnshop, and this gem is hidden behind that unassuming pawnshop. This restaurant feels like a secret waiting to be discovered.
Once you step inside, you will see a stunning space, a fun & lively atmosphere with chandeliers and cozy velvet couches. The menu mixes up classic American dishes with a modern twist. They also offer treats like grilled cheese dumplings and truffle ravioli, sounds yummy, right? With its lively atmosphere and unique cocktails, Beauty & Essex is a hidden gem you’ll be glad you discovered.
2. Please Don’t Tell (PDT) (American Restaurant)
Location: 113 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009 (Inside Crif Dogs)
This restaurant is very famous and is one of those classic hidden spots in NYC. It makes you feel like stepping back in time. If you go to the given address you will find Crif Dogs (a popular East Village hot dog joint), and PTD tucked behind an old-school phone booth inside Crif Dogs. To get in, simply step into the phone booth and a receiver will pick you up. If you make a reservation, the door will magically open. It’s very cozy inside, dimly lit, and full of character. I’m not going to reveal the menu here; you’ll have to figure it out. It’s not just a hidden restaurant; it’s a fun throwback to NYC’s Prohibition days, making it feel extra special.
3. Freemans (American Restaurant)
Location: Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002.
Contact: (212) 420-0012
If you’re looking for something classical American comfort food then Freemans can be a great choice for you. Something about this restaurant is very charming such as wood-paneled walls, antique decorations, and soft candlelight. The place truly feels like a hidden gem. The menu features hearty favorites like artichoke dip, roasted chicken, and braised meats, making it a warm, welcoming escape from the busy city streets.
4. Bohemian (Japanese Restaurant)
Location: 57 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012 (Behind Japan Premium Beef)
Contact: (212) 388-1070. (For Reservation and other details please contact)
This one is crazy! The only way you can get in is if someone is referring you. It’s a secret members-only restaurant. If you go to the given address you will see a Japan Premium Beef (Japanese butcher) and this restaurant tucked behind the butcher shop. The restaurant is a very calm, minimalist dining space with a menu that mixes Japanese and American flavors. Some of their standout dishes are wagyu beef sliders, fresh sashimi, and creamy uni pasta. The cozy atmosphere and exclusive entry make Bohemian one of NYC’s most hidden and sought-after dining spots.
5. La Esquina (Mexican Restaurant)
Location: 114 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (646) 613-7100
La Esquina is a Mexican restaurant that looks like just another taco stand in Nolita. But trust me, There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. From the front, you can grab tasty street-style tacos, but the real experience is hidden downstairs. Through a door marked “Employees Only,” you’ll find a trendy underground brasserie serving Mexican-inspired dishes like grilled corn, ceviche, and tacos. The downstairs has low lighting, exposed brick walls, and live DJ sets. For many people, it is their favorite hangout place. So if you’re looking for a spot with great food and a fun atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit. Plus, it often attracts a stylish crowd, so it’s perfect for people-watching too!
6. Angel’s Share (Japanese Restaurant)
Location: 8 Stuyvesant St, New York, NY 10003 (Inside Village Yokocho)
Now, if you go to this location you will see a busy Japanese restaurant ‘ Village Yokocho’, and Angel’s Share is hidden behind an unmarked door inside ‘Village Yokocho’. This is one of those rare spots that feels like a true hidden gem. You can’t imagine that a peaceful, intimate space is hiding behind that unmarked door. Once you walk in, it makes you feel like you are stepping out of the busy city to a quiet little peaceful world of its own. The atmosphere is cozy and peaceful for a low-key evening. This can be an ideal choice if you’re looking to have a good conversation with someone or a couple.
7. Karasu (Japanese Restaurant)
Location: 166 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (In the back of Walter’s)
Contact: (718) 488-7800
This one is located out of the city, and you have to go to Fort Greene in Brooklyn. Karasu is Fort Greene’s best-kept secret which is located behind an unmarked door in the back of Walter’s restaurant. How to get there? Just head through the main restaurant and look for the hidden entrance. Once inside, you’ll find an intimate mix of Japanese comfort food, from yakitori to crispy tempura. The restaurant is very cozy and laid-back, with dim lighting and a perfectly curated playlist that sets the mood. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, I would suggest you visit early in the evening or later at night. It usually gets busy around peak dinner hours (especially on weekends). For the love birds, It’s an ideal spot for an intimate date night or a relaxed gathering with close friends.
8. Chumley’s (Modern American Restaurant)
Location: 86 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014.
One of the most popular hidden gems in the West Village is Chumley. Once it was very popular, and you might be surprised to know that it was a favorite haunt for literary legends like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. After being closed for about a decade, Chumley’s has made a comeback with a more refined quality. They add a modern American menu, offering dishes like bone marrow and duck breast. Its history, combined with the secretive, tucked-away entrance, gives the place a unique vibe, making it a must-visit for both food enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
9. Casa Mono (Spanish Restaurant)
Location: 52 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 253-2773
I’m not going to say Casa Mono is one of the hidden restaurants in the typical speakeasy sense, but it’s a small, unassuming location near Union Square. This restaurant specializes in Spanish cuisine, with a focus on tapas-style dishes, offering bold flavors in every bite. You can enjoy razor clams, duck eggs, and foie gras with a delicate yet flavorful touch. Their cozy atmosphere and an excellent selection of Spanish music make it an ideal spot for a date night. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Casa Mono is definitely worth seeking out.
10. Sushi by Bou (Japanese Restaurant)
Location: 132 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036 (Inside The Sanctuary Hotel)
Contact: (888) 670-5996.
I bring this one for the sushi lover, offering a unique omakase experience at secret spots throughout the city. Sushi by Bou is hiding behind an unmarked door in hotels and office buildings and is offering a cozy, intimate vibe. The great thing about this restaurant is you can watch the chef prepare top-notch sushi right in front of you. With its mysterious locations and exclusive atmosphere, Sushi by Bou has become a go-to for anyone craving an unforgettable sushi experience.
Ratings from Popular Review Platforms
| Restaurant | Yelp | TripAdvisor | Zomato | |
| Beauty & Essex | 4.6 ⭐ | 4.0 ⭐ | 4.7 🏅 | 4.5 🏙️ |
| Please Don’t Tell (PDT) | 4.4 ⭐ | 4.5 ⭐ | 4.5 🏅 | 4.6 🏙️ |
| Freemans | 4.5 ⭐ | 4.0 ⭐ | 4.3 🏅 | 4.4 🏙️ |
| Bohemian | 4.8 ⭐ | 4.5 ⭐ | 4.9 🏅 | 4.8 🏙️ |
| La Esquina | 4.3 ⭐ | 4.0 ⭐ | 4.4 🏅 | 4.3 🏙️ |
| Angel’s Share | 4.6 ⭐ | 4.5 ⭐ | 4.6 🏅 | 4.5 🏙️ |
| Karasu | 4.4 ⭐ | 4.0 ⭐ | 4.5 🏅 | 4.4 🏙️ |
| Chumley’s | 4.2 ⭐ | 4.0 ⭐ | 4.3 🏅 | 4.3 🏙️ |
| Casa Mono | 4.6 ⭐ | 4.5 ⭐ | 4.6 🏅 | 4.7 🏙️ |
| Sushi by Bou | 4.7 ⭐ | 4.5 ⭐ | 4.8 🏅 | 4.8 🏙️ |
