New York City’s Best Inexpensive Restaurants
By Maria Rodriguez
New York City is notorious for its sky-high prices, but even in the land of $20 cocktails and $40 entrees, there are places where two people can sit down, enjoy a full meal, and still walk away with their wallets intact. Here’s a list of five sit-down restaurants where you can dine comfortably for under $100 without resorting to ramen noodles every night.
1. Lupa Osteria Romana
Lupa Osteria Romana in Greenwich Village offers a taste of Rome without the airfare. The cozy, rustic space is known for its pasta, which is made fresh daily and cooked to a perfect al dente. The cacio e pepe and carbonara are standouts, rich but not overwhelming. Add a few antipasti to share, like the prosciutto with figs, and you’ll still have room in your budget for a glass of wine or two. Just be prepared to fight the urge to order every single item on the menu.
2. Jack’s Wife Freda
Jack’s Wife Freda feels like a home away from home, if your home also serves Mediterranean-inspired fare with a side of New York cool. This downtown favorite has a warm atmosphere and a menu that’s ideal for sharing. The peri-peri chicken and the duck bacon are worth the trip alone, but don’t overlook the green shakshuka. It’s casual yet stylish dining, where you can easily get out the door under $100, even if you decide to tack on one of their refreshing signature cocktails.
3. Cafe Mogador
For something a bit more exotic, head to Cafe Mogador, a Moroccan gem in the East Village that’s been charming diners since 1983. The tagines here are the stars of the show—tender lamb, apricots, and prunes served in a bubbling clay pot that could easily feed two. The ambiance is relaxed, the mint tea is flowing, and the pita is endlessly refillable. You can even round out your meal with a few mezze plates and still keep the bill under control.
4. Bar Primi
Bar Primi is the kind of place where you can enjoy a leisurely pasta dinner without feeling like you need to sign over your first-born child. Located on the Bowery, this Italian spot specializes in comforting pasta dishes like rigatoni alla vodka and cavatelli with spicy lamb sausage. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. Split an appetizer or two—like the burrata—and still have room to share a dessert without breaking the $100 mark.
5. Veselka
No list of affordable NYC dining would be complete without Veselka, a Ukrainian diner that has been a staple of the East Village since 1954. It's the perfect spot for a hearty meal that won't empty your bank account. Go for the pierogis, of course, but don’t overlook the borscht or the stuffed cabbage. The portions are generous, the atmosphere is casual, and the 24-hour service means you can satisfy your craving for comfort food at any hour. A meal for two with drinks will comfortably fit within that $100 budget, leaving you with change to spare—or at least enough for a late-night dessert run.
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