Nolita: Restaurants that don't require reservations
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Nolita: Restaurants that don't require reservations
Olivia Fleming
Nolita is yet another NYC acronym, referring to the area that is north of little italy. This is arguably one of the hippest neighborhoods in NYC. It is smack dab in the center of downtown and borders Soho, Noho, LES, and the East Village.
The restaurants here serve up extremely high quality/delicious food without being stuffy establishments. The wait times are sometimes long to eat in Nolita, but I've included some tips and tricks that should ensure you have the best dining experience possible.
Don't have a reservation, no problem - this guide is for you! My guide includes all day cafes, fast grab n' go options, and some phenomenal sit down restaurants spanning cuisines from italian, australian, thai, cuban, mexican, and a handful of different mediterranean cusines. Great for budgets ranging from $-$$$.
Purchase of the guide includes an amazing interactive map that captures all these specifics and more!
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Ruby's Cafe
@livvie
Ruby's is an incredible Australian all day cafe that kills the breakfast, lunch, and dinner game. They have multiple locations throughout the city and this might be their busiest location, however, I've never had to wait more than 30 min. Their food is clean, fast, and really delicious. My favorites are the chicken schnitzel salad, creamy chicken pasta, and sweet potato fries.
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Rubirosa
@livvie
This might have the longest wait of anything on my guide, but it has a place on it for a reason. Rubirosa merges the gap between old and new world Italian. Their pizza has thinner crust and is topped with the freshest ingredients. (I think that the Vodka, Honey, and Pepperoni Pies are the true highlights). While the pizzas are on the lighter side, the pastas are heartier and are great to share (family style option). The starters, salads, and mains are also delicious. Moral of the story, make sure you come here hungry.
I'd recommend showing up when they open to put your name down and then stopping by Mother's Ruin to grab a drink while you wait. Alternatively, show up on the later side around 8:30PM to put your name in for a later seating.
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La Esquina
@livvie
The beauty of La Esquina is not that you get the most delicious homemade guacamole (don't worry that is already included), but rather you can decide if you wan't a more casual meal at their upstairs taqueria cafe or if you want an exclusive fancier dinner downstairs in their restaurant/tequlia bar. There is no right option.
They're both open from noon to 2AM. For the downstairs option I'd recommend arriving on the earlier or later side. If you arrive during peak 6-7:30PM time frame you''ll most likely need to check out their bar while you wait!
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Thai Diner
@livvie
If you're a foodie like me you may have heard about award winning Uncle Boons, which was hands down the most sought after Thai reservation in the city. They unfortunately had to close due during the pandemic, but have opened a new incarnation of their former as Thai Dinner.
Merging old and new world Thai. The food and vibe are very authentic and you can truly not go wrong when it comes to ordering. One of my favorites is the Uncle Boon's Khao Pat Puu, which is a crab fried rice with very generous lumps of fresh crab meat tossed through out.
This place is also great at accomodating parties larger than 4 people at a moments notice!
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Café Habana
@livvie
When I used to live on Spring Street this was one of my favorite spots to grab a mid-week dinner. I feel as though it is rare to see Cuban food, but do not be detered as it is extremely flavorful and the restaurant is very lively.
My favorites from the menu include: the corn (you can also request that it is cut off the cob), the grilled steak sandwich, the cubano, or the salad w/any type of protein.
There is also a frozen margarita machine behind the bar, which pumps out the most refreshing and icy margs that will quench your thirst on a really hot day.
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Lovely Day
@livvie
Nolita has its fair share of Thai restaurants and if Thai Diner capitalizes the exquisite experience of traditional Thai food and finer dining then Lovely Day is your more local option offering American-ized versions of the classics. It is my go-to for currys and rice/noodle dishes. It is also extremely affordable and the quaint little restaurant is very homey.
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Shoo Shoo Nolita
@livvie
I love all kinds of Mediterranean food and after visiting NYC I am sure you will as well - the city hits it out of the park!
My favorite thing to do at Shoo Shoo is to get one of their outdoor tables that looks onto the street. It truly feels as though you are sitting in Europe, getting to people watch as the world goes by. I love coming here to get cocktails with friends and work our way through a bunch of apps.
Alternatively it is also great to sit at the bar and to have dinner inside or in one of their parklets.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Fleming
Hi 👋🏻Currently California-based, but have lived in NYC, Nashville, Boston, Copenhagen, and London.
When I'm not working my day job, I love to explore and live to eat! My ideal travel merges local and luxury. I’m always on the hunt for the authentic and seek out the ultimate experiences.
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