23 Best Restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC in 2025

In a city with seemingly endless food options, finding the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen is a challenging task. Hell’s Kitchen is an iconic spot in Midtown Manhattan with a dramatic and often tumultuous history. It has always been a hotspot for mom-and-pop shops, multi-ethnic restaurants and generally affordable eateries. 

However, recent years have brought in their share of higher-end spots, and the Hell’s Kitchen food scene is now respectably diverse in both cuisine type and price range. You can find anything from burgers and pizzas to unique fusion meals inspired by other countries.

So, where are the best spots to eat in Hell’s Kitchen today? If you were to go searching by yourself for the answer to this, you’d have your work cut out for you. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the 23 best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen to bring a heavenly dining experience a little bit closer.

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• How We Choose the Best Restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen
• 21 Best Restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen
• More Culinary Experiences in Hell’s Kitchen

How We Choose the Best Restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen

At Cozymeal, we have over 10 years of experience connecting people to unbeatable foodie experiences, from food tours and cooking classes to events that feature private chefs. Beyond helping people to find culinary experts, we’ve also become a trusted source to those who are searching for guides on food brands and eateries, including the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen.

This reputation has inspired us to continue sharing reliable and factual information backed up by extensive research. More specifically, the research that our editorial team conducted took into account the views of experts in the field, such as restaurateurs and food critics. We also consulted real diner reviews on platforms like Yelp and even included the opinions of our team members who have visited the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen themselves.

Additionally, our guide on the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen is based on the following criteria:

• Diverse Offerings: Features eateries that serve various types of cuisine from all around the world, along with meals that cater to various diets.
• Customer Satisfaction: Includes restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen that consistently receive positive reviews and feedback.
• Ambiance Diversity: Highlights places with different atmospheres, from casual, family-friendly restaurants to upscale eateries.
• Budget and Accessibility: Showcases restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen that cater to a wide variety of budgets.
• Local Favorites: Features restaurants that are closely connected to NYC’s culture and make use of home-grown ingredients.

23 Best Restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen

1. Danji 

If you love Korean food, Danji is the best restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for you. It specializes in elevated classic Korean cuisine with some unconventional options, such as tapas-style small plates. From tried-and-true dishes like bibimbap to the best dumplings in NYC, everything on the menu is a hit, and everyone can find a meal they’ll love. 

The Vibe 

Danji’s small space makes it feel cozy and casual, but the food elevates the entire experience. If you want the perfect spot for a date night in NYC, we believe this is one of the best places to go.

What to Order 

This is a tough call. It's a toss-up between the bulgogi filet mignon sliders and the crispy vegetable dumplings paired with the fresh noodles in black bean sauce. If you’re still hungry, add some ice cream for dessert.

Danji | 346 W. 52nd St., New York, NY 10019 | $$

2. Nizza

If you’re not ordering pizza when you’re in NYC, are you even there at all? We guarantee that Nizza is one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen for pizza, and that’s high praise. Not only does it offer fantastic pizza and great vibes, but it also has a gluten-free menu.

The Vibe 

You’ll feel like you’re in Italy when you dine here. It has a sweet and classic exterior with a warm and cozy indoor dining area. It feels upscale, but not stuffy, making it the perfect family-friendly restaurant in NYC to take your loved ones for flavorful Italian meals.

What to Order 

Start with eggplant rollatini as an appetizer. If you’re looking for the best pizza in NYC, follow your starter up with a soppressata pie for a true classic Italian meal. 

Nizza | 630 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10036 | $$

3. Kashkaval Garden

This small Mediterranean-inspired wine bar offers a variety of delicious eats, from shareable meals to authentic desserts. Even if you’re dining alone, Kashkaval Garden is one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen for tapas and other small plates. It’s a cozy hidden gem that might become your new favorite spot in the city. 

The Vibe 

This eatery is behind a gourmet grocery store, giving it a relaxed vibe. It’s a great restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen to spend time with friends, and you’ll lose hours here trying all of the wines and small plates.

What to Order 

Get the KG Tasting Board to share with your friends. It features a delicious combination of stuffed grape leaves, hummus and pita, and spinach and feta boreks, along with kashkaval cheese and peppadews. Get a shareable fondue pot for the main meal.  

Kashkaval Garden | 852 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10019 | $$

4. Mamasita Bar & Grill

Are you craving a taco or three? Then Mamasita Bar & Grill is the place to be, as it’s one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen for anyone who loves classic Mexican food and laid-back vibes. The restaurant doesn’t look fancy, but the food is fantastic. It also has some of the best margaritas in the whole city.

The Vibe 

It’s relaxed and low-key. You’ll feel right at home in this cozy and comfortable restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, where you can tell the staff really care about their customers. It’s a great spot for a group outing after doing some of your favorite indoor activities in NYC.

What to Order 

First, order a margarita, of course. Then, for some of the best Mexican food in NYC, we recommend the chef’s special vegetarian burrito. This delicious vegetable-packed meal features a medley of fixings, together with your choice of spinach, mushrooms or a grilled vegetable blend.  

Mamasita Bar & Grill | 818 10th Ave., New York, NY 10019 | $$

5. Obao

Do you love Asian fusion? We do, too, and Obao is the best restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for people who love Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. This beloved eatery elevates traditional Vietnamese and Thai comfort food for a Western audience, and everything is delicious. 

The Vibe 

Obao feels modern and comfortable. While the food is comforting and traditional, the eatery itself feels like a sleek and cool date night restaurant in NYC, though still casual enough for an outing with friends.

What to Order 

If you feel like tucking into some of the best Thai food in NYC, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp pad thai. If Vietnamese food is more your game, you have to get the pho bò. The classic beef soup will warm you up on a chilly NYC evening.

Obao | 647 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10036 | $$

6. Tavola

Yes, another Italian restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. Fantastic Italian dishes are classic NYC foods, though, so we aren’t complaining! Helmed by Chef Nick Accardi, Tavola is a rustic Italian spot with homemade dishes that are clearly made by passionate culinary experts.

The Vibe 

The vibes at this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen are cozy and comfortable. You can grab a stool at the bar for a casual outing or sit at a table for a more upscale experience. It feels unpretentious and welcoming. 

What to Order 

You can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas here, but we recommend going for the Baresa. What makes Tavola one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC is the fact that it offers vegan cheese as well, so even if you follow a plant-based diet, you don’t have to miss out on a fantastic meal.

Tavola | 488 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10018 | $$$

7. Guantanamera

The best restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for Cuban food may be Guantanamera, but we know there are other contenders. The festive energy, live music and large portions make this place a can’t-miss spot. It also has fantastic mojitos.

The Vibe 

You’ll feel like you’re part of the party in this bustling restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. The warm lighting and unique art on the walls make for a welcoming environment. Because it’s open until midnight, this fun restaurant in NYC is a great spot for a late-night meal. 

What to Order 

In our opinion, this is one of the best Hell's Kitchen restaurants for paella. There’s a seafood and a vegetarian option, and both are equally good. End your meal with flan de leche.

Guantanamera | 939 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10019 | $$

8. Toribro Ramen

We understand that finding the best restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for ramen is tough, but Toribro Ramen is definitely one of the top contenders. From the outside, it looks like a no-frills hole-in-the-wall spot. On the inside, though, is some of the best ramen in NYC, according to locals. 

The Vibe 

You’ll feel like you’re in a real Japanese ramen house here. It’s a small restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen with fast-paced energy. When you sit at the counter, you’ll be able to see the chefs preparing your meal, giving the space authentic vibes.

What to Order 

If you prefer a classic dish, go with the miso ramen, another soothing meal to enjoy during winter in NYC. If you want something unique, the Toribro Deluxe Mega is a delicious treat that you won’t find everywhere. 

Toribro Ramen | 366 W. 52nd St., New York, NY 10019 | $$

9. Empanada Mama

With over 40 empanada flavors on offer, Empanada Mama is the best restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for someone on a budget who needs a post-night-out meal. Empanadas are less than $5 each and feature fresh, all-natural ingredients.

The Vibe 

“Unpretentious” is the best word to describe the vibe of this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. After a night out enjoying the best things to do in NYC, you’ll want to relax in a laid-back spot where you don’t have to worry about dressing up. This is that spot.

What to Order 

As this is one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, for empanadas, we recommend getting a few options so you can try a variety of flavors. Make sure one of those is the amazing portobello mushroom. 

Empanada Mama | 765 Ninth Ave., New York City, NY 10010 | $

10. Añejo

This bar has some of the finest tequila you can find in the city, but it’s also one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen for tasty Mexican small plates. Simply put, Añejo is the perfect spot for a casual cocktail and a great meal. 

The Vibe 

With its cool, dark atmosphere, Añejo feels like an upscale version of a classic Mexican eatery. This is both a great date night restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen and the perfect place to treat yourself. 

What to Order 

The mussels con chorizo and pork belly tostada are divine. If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out the prix fixe brunch menu that comes with 90 minutes of unlimited brunch cocktails. Finish it all off with the tres leches cake.

Añejo | 668 10th Ave., New York, NY 10036 | $$$

11. Kochi

Another winning Korean joint, Kochi absolutely deserves a place on any list of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen. The exquisite flavors of the eight-course tasting menu at this Michelin star restaurant in NYC reflect its attention to detail. You’ll have one of the best meals of your life here.

The Vibe 

Kochi’s vibe is minimalist and upscale, with gorgeous wood flooring and accents, as well as an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work with laser-point focus. You’ll know as soon as you walk into this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen that you’re going to be taken care of. As this is one of the most expensive restaurants in NYC, it isn’t the place to go out with rowdy friends, but dining here makes an unforgettable anniversary date idea. 

What to Order 

Opt for the tasting menu so you can try all that this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen has to offer. If you need vegetarian options, notify the restaurant a day in advance. 

Kochi | 652 10th Ave., New York, NY 10036 | $$$$

12. Donburiya

Looking for budget-friendly Japanese food? Then Donburiya may be the best restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for you. It’s open late into the night, and the food is delicious and authentic. You can get a filling meal here for under $20. 

The Vibe 

This casual restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen is perfect for dining with friends or for a birthday dinner in NYC. It’s bright and welcoming, with plenty of seating and a friendly atmosphere. 

What to Order 

You can’t go to Donburiya without ordering a donburi! If not, the katsu curry is a must-have.

Donburiya | 253 W. 55th St., New York, NY 10019 | $$

13. Ristorante Il Melograno

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen for Southern Italian food, try Ristorante Il Melograno — or just “Il Melograno.” Created by two Sicilian restaurateurs, Il Melograno seeks to honor the traditions of “the Grandma” with original recipes and handcrafted pastas.

The Vibe 

Small, dim and cozy, this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen is rustic without feeling too casual. It has a friendly atmosphere and a fantastic wine list, making it another great place for everything from a date to a solo outing. 

What to Order 

At the risk of sounding unimaginative, the spaghetti al pomodoro here is fantastic — fresher and lighter than anything you could make at home, with a delightful sauce. The desserts are absolute magic as well, especially the cestino dolce con gelato e frutta.

Ristorante Il Melograno | 501 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019 | $$

14. Pure Thai Cookhouse

If you ask a local about the best Thai restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, they’ll tell you about Pure Thai Cookhouse. Thai food lovers rejoice; this is the place for you. The team at this popular eatery prides itself on serving hand-pulled noodles and the freshest ingredients in their authentic dishes.

The Vibe 

You won’t have a lot of room to move around in this cozy restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, but despite its small size, you’ll be grateful you visited. You won’t mind bumping elbows with strangers while you chow down on noodles. 

What to Order 

The pork and crab dry noodles is the restaurant’s most popular dish, so that’s a great place to start. If that’s not quite your speed, Pure Thai Cookhouse is one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, for pad thai. 

Pure Thai Cookhouse | 766 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10019 | $$

15. Sky Pavilion

Looking for an authentic Szechuan-style restaurant with numerous awards behind it? If that’s the case, Sky Pavilion might be the best restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for you. The food is prepared by an award-winning chef from Chengdu who was trained by several masters of Sichuan cuisine.

The Vibe 

The authenticity of this quaint and cool restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen is unmistakable. With Chinese banners and other décor pieces hanging from the windows, along with a collage of photo frames on the wall, you’re engulfed in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

What to Order 

There’s something for everyone at this popular restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, but we recommend the stir-fried mixed chicken with preserved vegetables. From the dessert menu, the sweet rice dumplings are always a go-to choice.

Sky Pavilion | 325 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036 | $$

16. Ariana Afghan Kebab Restaurant

This spot may not be on your radar yet, but after visiting, you’ll quickly realize it’s one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen. The family-owned Ariana Afghan Kebab Restaurant specializes in authentic Afghan cuisine. If you’re new to Afghan food and you want an affordable meal, it’s the place for you.

The Vibe 

It’s a small restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen that feels homey and warm. You can tell it’s family-owned and that the family puts a lot of love into what they do. You’ll feel welcome.

What to Order 

Try one of the famous shish kebabs. You can choose between lamb, beef and chicken. If you eat meat-free, don’t worry: There are plenty of vegetarian options as well. 

Ariana Afghan Kebab Restaurant | 787 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10019 | $

17. Marseille

Looking for the best restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for French cuisine? Then you need to try Marseille. This well-known brasserie has been in business for almost two decades and is loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s excellent at any time, but is one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen for brunch.

The Vibe 

This brasserie is calming and elegant, with enough quaint, rustic touches to keep it from feeling stuffy.

What to Order 

While everything is great here from lunch through dinner, this is one of the best spots for a bottomless brunch in NYC. More specifically, we recommend the spinach and goat cheese omelette, paired with bottomless mimosas. If you’re visiting this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for dinner, the hearty bouillabaisse is a great choice.

Marseille | 630 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10036 | $$$

18. Ardesia Wine Bar

Despite its name, Ardesia Wine Bar isn’t just a bar; it’s one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen. It has fantastic small plates to share, and it offers over 100 wines by the bottle.

The Vibe 

Ardesia has sophisticated vibes, but it’s casual enough for a fun night out with friends. Because the plates at this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen are all shareable, you’ll have a great time here testing out new foods and socializing over a great glass of wine. 

What to Order 

We recommend asking for a waiter’s recommendation based on your wine of choice. That said, the house selection charcuterie board is fantastic. 

Ardesia Wine Bar | 510 W. 52nd St., New York, NY 10019 | $$$

19. Mari

Yet another Korean restaurant on our list of best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, Mari is actually Kochi’s sister restaurant. However, it has different offerings that are inspired by Korean street food and traditional hand rolls. Overall, the food is high-end and delicious.

The Vibe 

Like Kochi, Mari feels sophisticated and modern. Even though you’re eating hand rolls, it will be clear that you’re in a fancy restaurant in NYC. The waiters are attentive, and the atmosphere is quiet but friendly.

What to Order 

Like its sister restaurant, Mari is also one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen if you’re in the mood for a tasting menu. This is the best option for newcomers who want to get the most out of their meals.

Mari | 679 Ninth Ave., New York, NY 10036 | $$$$

20. Tradisyon

If you were hoping for Filipino food on our list of best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, you’re in luck. Located just outside of Hell’s Kitchen, Tradisyon is the perfect spot for comforting Filipino food. This small space is best suited for takeout, but you can dine there for one of the most filling meals you can get in the city.

The Vibe 

By far, this is one of the most relaxed spaces on our list. The plates are disposable, you’ll be a bit too close to your neighbors, and the atmosphere is loud and boisterous. It’s not fancy like some of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, but you'll feel welcome and comfortable, as long as you don’t mind close quarters. 

What to Order 

You can’t miss the vegetable lumpia here for a meal that tastes straight out of the Philippines. If you have a sweet tooth, this is one of the best Hell's Kitchen restaurants for ube cheesecake, so be sure to order that for dessert.

Tradisyon | 135 W. 50th St., New York, NY 10020 | $$

21. Yakitori Torishin

Do you love yakitori? If so, Yakitori Torishin could be the best Hell’s Kitchen restaurant for you. It claims to be the only truly authentic yakitori restaurant in the United States that’s received a Michelin star, making it one of the most brag-worthy places to eat in NYC. The team at this eatery seems to be doing it right, too, because locals find it to be one of the best restaurants Hell’s Kitchen has to offer, both in terms of food and ambiance.

The Vibe 

It’s clear right away that authenticity was the priority when this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen was being designed. The main dining room has both private seating and a counter seating area where you can watch the chefs prepare your food. There’s also a casual bar area if you prefer to dine alone or wait for your table by enjoying a drink first. 

What to Order 

Get the chef’s omakase. You’ll have your choice of several courses, including dessert, but the chef personally chooses the six meats and two vegetables for your skewers, guaranteeing the freshest and most choice cuts for your experience.

Yakitori Torishin | 362 W. 53rd St., New York, NY 10019 | $$$$

22. Hyderabadi Zaiqa

Indian restaurants are renowned worldwide for serving a medley of unique flavors, but with a focus on recipes handed down through generations, none do it quite like Hyderabadi Zaiqa. With a menu that pays homage to Hyderabad’s rich culinary heritage, fresh ingredients are the building blocks at this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, where dishes range from creamy masalas to innovative Indo-Chinese creations.

The Vibe 

As there’s limited seating, this is not the ideal restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen for a large meet-up. It’s more suitable for quick business meetings or for a meal on the go.

What to Order 

The chicken tikka masala is considered some of the best Indian food in NYC, especially on chilly days. It features an inviting combination of onions, tomatoes and bell peppers, and if you don’t feel like chicken, you can opt for lamb or goat instead. If you’re a non-meat eater, the chana masala is the way to go.

Hyderabadi Zaiqa | 366 W. 52nd St., New York, NY 10019 | $$

23. LumLum

A trip to Thailand doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg with LumLum right on your doorstep. Known as more than just a must-visit restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, this Thai seafood bar serves a wide variety of cocktails, beers and wine to pair with delectable eats, including soups, noodle-based dishes and the ever-popular house specials.

The Vibe 

The beachy vibes of Thailand are housed in this tropical-inspired restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen. The walls are covered in bamboo sticks with photo frames attached to them, and the rattan light fixtures might as well be those from a beachside bar.

What to Order 

If you’re partial to spicy foods, the nam ya poo should fire up your taste buds with tender crab meat and silky-smooth rice noodles. End your meal at this restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen aptly with the coconut sticky rice and mango combination for a sweet treat that fits the ambiance.

LumLum | 404 W. 49th St., New York, NY 10019 | $$

More Culinary Experiences in Hell’s Kitchen 

If you’re struggling to find your next favorite restaurant, food tours in NYC can help. You’ll get a guide who knows the area like the back of their hand, so they can make recommendations that suit your preferences. 

Whether you’re interested in the best restaurants and takeout eateries in Hell’s Kitchen, or you want to know where to find top-rated Korean BBQ in NYC or the best NYC burger, a food tour has you covered.

If you’d like to experience a fun, hands-on experience instead, cooking classes in NYC are the way to go. With an experienced chef leading the way, you’ll learn to perfect flavorful meals found all over the world. 

We know there will be times when you’re not in the mood to cook, though, but still want gourmet food in the comfort of your own home. In that case, simply hire private chefs in NYC to whip up delicious meals for you. It’s the perfect solution for enjoying restaurant-quality meals tailored to your specific taste preferences.

So, which of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen will you try first? Regardless of your favorite cuisine, Hell’s Kitchen truly has it all. From Thai to classic American, your options are limitless and ever-expanding. Visit one of the best restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen on your next venture into the city and share your thoughts with us.

For even more fun ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.