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$5.99 (as of September 18, 2024 12:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Welcome to the “Affordable Eats Guide in Midtown Manhattan,” your ultimate resource for discovering delicious and budget-friendly dining experiences in the heart of the city. In this guide, you’ll find a curated list of standout eateries offering meals for $20 or less per person. From the modern twists at AweSum DimSum to the aromatic Sichuan dishes at Café China, and the fresh, handmade bagels at Ess-a-Bagel, this guide covers a delightful range of culinary options. Whether you’re in the mood for New York’s best pizza at NY Pizza Suprema, the unique flavor of Grace Street’s desserts, or the comforting tastes of Spice Symphony’s Indo-Chinese fare, Midtown has something to satisfy every craving without straining your wallet. Have you ever wondered where you can find delicious yet affordable meals in Midtown Manhattan? Welcome to your ultimate guide to scoring top-notch eats without splurging on your budget! Whether you’re a local or a tourist, feeding your culinary curiosity won’t cost you a fortune here. From trendy eateries serving modern takes on traditional dishes to cozy spots offering time-honored favorites, Midtown Manhattan boasts a plethora of affordable dining options. Let’s dive into our must-visit list.
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General Overview
Midtown Manhattan, a bustling district known for its iconic skyscrapers and bustling avenues, is surprisingly flush with budget-friendly dining options. Here, you can find a variety of mouth-watering meals for $20 or less per person. This guide highlights several restaurants renowned for their quality and value, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on taste or experience.
Now, let’s break it down and explore each highlighted location in Midtown Manhattan!
Highlighted Locations
AweSum DimSum
Near: Times Square and Gramercy Park
Cuisine Type: Modern Cantonese
AweSum DimSum offers a fresh, modern twist on classic Cantonese cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for savory or sweet, this place doesn’t disappoint. The crispy shrimp roll and Peking duck spring rolls are fan favorites, often making a repeat appearance on the menu. They also feature seasonal treats and daily specials, making each visit a unique culinary experience.
Café China
Near: Bryant Park
Cuisine Type: Shanghai-inspired Sichuan
Café China is an elegant venue that channels the sophisticated charm of old Shanghai. It’s your go-to spot for authentic Sichuan flavors, tucked close to Bryant Park. Try the pork dumplings in chili oil or the spicy cumin lamb for an unforgettable combination of spicy and savory. Café China’s menu is designed to excite your taste buds without emptying your wallet.
Ess-a-Bagel
Location: Multiple locations
Cuisine Type: Bagels and Toppings
Established in 1976, Ess-a-Bagel has earned a legendary status in the bagel world. Their freshly handmade bagels, combined with a myriad of toppings like Nova Scotia lox and scallion cream cheese, make for the ultimate breakfast or snack. With multiple locations around the city, you’re never too far from bagel bliss.
Forsyth Fire Escape
In: Chelsea’s Olly Olly Market
Cuisine Type: Fusion/Innovative
Forsyth Fire Escape started as a pop-up during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly gained a loyal following. Their signature dish? The scallion pancake burrito—a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that exemplifies creativity and comfort food at its best. Located in the Olly Olly Market, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking something new and delectable.
Grace Street
Near: Empire State Building
Cuisine Type: Korean Dessert Café
Grace Street is just a short walk from the Empire State Building and serves tantalizing Korean desserts. Whether you crave a matcha Basque burnt cheesecake or a honey boba red bean lychee jelly, this café has something to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle, perfect for a relaxed and affordable treat.
Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen
Near: Times Square
Cuisine Type: Chinese Soups and Dumplings
Nestled near Times Square, Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen specializes in hearty Chinese soups and dumplings. Their la mian noodles and wide array of ramen are perfect for a comforting, budget-friendly meal. The restaurant’s convenient location and inviting atmosphere make it a great pitstop amidst sightseeing.
NY Pizza Suprema
Across from: Madison Square Garden
Cuisine Type: Pizza
Opened in 1964, NY Pizza Suprema is a family-run gem across from Madison Square Garden. Their upside-down grandma slice and Sicilian slice are local legends, perfect for a quick, flavorful bite. Consistency and flavor are at the heart of their menu, making it a premium pizza experience without the premium price.
Pocha 32
Located in: Koreatown
Cuisine Type: Korean Pub
Pocha 32 stands out in the vibrant Koreatown for its unique soju cocktails and savory dishes like budae jjigae and seafood pancakes. This Korean pub offers an immersive cultural experience, complete with themed décor and communal eating. Ideal for group outings, it’s an excellent spot to enjoy budget-friendly yet high-quality Korean fare.
Shanghai Time
Near: The New York Times Building
Cuisine Type: Shanghainese
Family-owned and focused on authentic Shanghainese cuisine, Shanghai Time is known for its irresistible dumplings. Don’t miss out on their sheng jian bao (pan-fried soup dumplings) and xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings). Located near The New York Times Building, this spot is perfect for dumpling aficionados.
Sofia Pizza Shoppe
In: Midtown East Cuisine Type: Pizza
Opened in 2016, Sofia Pizza Shoppe has quickly made a name for itself with its thick square pies and innovative toppings. The DoughDici and the award-winning spinach dip pizza are crowd-pleasers, making this shop a must-visit for pizza lovers. If you’re around Midtown East, this unassuming pizza haven is worth a stop.
Spice Symphony
Cuisine Type: Indian and Indo-Chinese
Spice Symphony excels in catering to a variety of dietary preferences while delivering traditional Indian and Indo-Chinese flavors. From sumptuous chicken tikka masala to richly spiced lamb rogan josh, their menu is diverse and affordable. This restaurant provides a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a gourmet meal without the gourmet price.
Sullivan Street Bakery
Locations in: Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea
Cuisine Type: Bakery/Pizza
Founded by Jim Lahey in 1994, Sullivan Street Bakery is celebrated for its exceptional bread, pastries, and Roman-style pizzas. With locations in Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea, it’s a convenient stop for baked goods enthusiasts. Whether you’re craving a simple loaf or a slice of pizza, you’ll find high-quality, artisanal offerings at reasonable prices.
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General Features
The diverse culinary scene in Midtown Manhattan means there’s something for everyone, no matter your budget or taste preferences. Many of these spots offer online ordering, daily specials, and unique dishes that blend a variety of cultural flavors. From quick bites to group gatherings, these restaurants ensure you get high-quality meals without breaking the bank.
Summary of Key Locations
Here’s a handy summary of restaurants and their specialties to help you decide where to eat:
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Specialty Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| AweSum DimSum | Modern Cantonese | Crispy Shrimp Roll, Peking Duck Spring Rolls |
| Café China | Shanghai-inspired Sichuan | Pork Dumplings in Chili Oil, Spicy Cumin Lamb |
| Ess-a-Bagel | Bagels and Toppings | Fresh Handmade Bagels, Nova Scotia Lox |
| Forsyth Fire Escape | Fusion/Innovative | Scallion Pancake Burrito |
| Grace Street | Korean Dessert Café | Matcha Basque Burnt Cheesecake, Honey Boba Desserts |
| Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen | Chinese Soups and Dumplings | La Mian Noodles, Ramen |
| NY Pizza Suprema | Pizza | Upside-down Grandma Slice, Sicilian Slice |
| Pocha 32 | Korean Pub | Budae Jjigae, Seafood Pancakes |
| Shanghai Time | Shanghainese | Sheng Jian Bao, Xiao Long Bao |
| Sofia Pizza Shoppe | Pizza | DoughDici, Spinach Dip Pizza |
| Spice Symphony | Indian and Indo-Chinese | Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh |
| Sullivan Street Bakery | Bakery/Pizza | High-quality Bread, Roman-style Pizzas |
Tips for Dining in Midtown Manhattan
- Plan Ahead: Many spots offer online ordering, so check if you can place your order in advance to save time.
- Daily Specials: Keep an eye out for daily specials, which often offer great value.
- Group Gatherings: Some of these restaurants are perfect for groups, so bring friends along to share a variety of dishes.
- Explore: Midtown Manhattan is packed with hidden culinary gems. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond your usual choices.
Conclusion
Affordable dining in Midtown Manhattan is not just possible; it’s a delightful journey through diverse and rich culinary cultures. From exquisite Sichuan flavors to soul-soothing bagels, the district promises quality eats that cater to every palate and budget. So next time you find yourself in Midtown Manhattan, use this guide to navigate your way through some of the best affordable eateries the area has to offer. Enjoy every bite and save every penny!
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