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As a native New Yorker, I can’t understand why tourists who come to Manhattan are only eating near Times Square or looking at the HOT restaurants on TikTok.  There are many other places in Manhattan to eat, and here are just a few.  This area is near Gramercy Park and has a wide variety of food and pricing.  If you plan to eat here on New Year’s Eve or Christmas Eve, you’d should make a reservation to ensure that your place is open.  Here is my local list – I’ve eaten in most of them, and they are fair to fabulous — none are horribly expensive.

  • Pierre Loti Wine Bar — 53 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003. Mediterranean-influenced wine bar with small plates in a cozy, historic space.
  • Palermo Argentinian Bistro — 53 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003. Argentinian bistro offering steaks, seafood, and classic Argentine dishes with a strong wine list.
  • Pete’s Tavern — 129 East 18th Street (corner of Irving Place), New York, NY 10003. One of NYC’s oldest taverns serving classic American pub food in a landmark setting.
  • The Gem Saloon — 375 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Casual American spot with a large bar, cocktails, and comfort food; popular for happy hour and brunch.
  • Tara Rose — 384 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Warm, stylish bar with American and Irish-influenced plates, craft cocktails, and a lively neighborhood feel.
  • Blue Mountain Japanese Fusion — 396 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Sushi and Japanese-fusion restaurant with rolls, poke bowls, and cooked dishes.
  • The Original Pita & Beyond — 417 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Mediterranean AND Mexican. fast-casual spot offering pitas, shawarma, falafel, and bowls.
  • Van Leeuwen Ice Cream — 432 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Small-batch ice cream shop with both classic and vegan flavors.
  • Hummus Kitchen — 444 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired dishes including hummus bowls, kebabs, salads, and fresh pita. Make a reservation
  • Little Ruby’s (Ruby’s Cafe) — 442 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Australian café and restaurant serving burgers, bowls, pasta, and all-day brunch.
  • Norma Gastronomia Siciliana — 438 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Sicilian restaurant with traditional pastas, seafood, and a curated Sicilian wine list. Make a reservation
  • The Banc Cafe — 431 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016. American café and bar with brunch, cocktails, and a relaxed Murray Hill dining atmosphere. Make a reservation

Here’s a Map: