La Fragata 

• Address: 26th Street between 5th & 1st Ave
• Hours: Daily 7:00am – 10:00pm
• Cuisine: Mexican, French, Seafood
• Recommended Dishes: Everything
• Comments: Jacques Pépin named this as his pick for best restaurant, period. It’s truly delicious.

Yaxche

• Address: 5th Ave & 22nd Street
• Hours: Daily noon-midnight
• Cuisine: Mayan
• Recommended Dishes: Papadzul, Euxiquia, and Cochinita Pibil
• Comments: Popular choice for delicious regional food in temple-inspired décor.

La Cueva del Chango

• Address: 38th Street & 5th Ave
• Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 11:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Recommended Dishes: Fresh made juices and smoothies, Chilaquiles
• Comments: Breakfast is a must at this out-of-the-way spot with a lush garden setting. Rick Bayless and Jacques Pepin eat here.

La Bodeguita del Medio 

• Address: 5th Ave & 34th Street
• Hours: Daily 1:00pm – late
• Cuisine: Cuban
• Recommended Dishes: Ropa Veja, Mojito(s)
• Comments: This franchise was founded in 1942 in Havana, Cuba. They are famous for creating the mojito and for being one of Ernest Hemingway’s hangouts. In order to open a new Bodeguita under the chain, the chef, lead bartender, and all the musicians must be Cuban.

Carboncitos

• Address: 4th Street & 5th Ave
• Hours: Everyday 7:30 am – 11:00 pm
• Cuisine: Mexican, Italian, American
• Recommended Dishes: Tacos al Pastor, Pepita salsa, Pozole, Enfrijoladas, and Chilaquiles
• Comments: Although they’ve begun catering more toward American tourists, the food is still quite good, particularly if you stick with some of the recommended items.