Whether you are a foodie or an Instagrammer, New York City is a paradise for both. Aside from themed cafes, the city offers a variety of photogenic eateries sure to satisfy anyone’s taste buds. Explore with us some of the best instagrammable restaurants in NYC that are as alluring as their meals.
1. Pietro Nolita – Pretty in Pink
Why It’s Instagrammable
When you are at Pietro Nolita, check out the Barbie dreamhouse. The spot’s retro Italian decor with mesmerizing pink vinyl barstools and equally pink bathroom tiles will blow you away. With inspiration taken from the decorative 1980s Memphis Design Movement, this spot serves mouthwatering Italian dishes in a mono-color pink dining room. The neon signs paired with asymmetric mirrors and jewel box layout make the place feel even more like a retro Wonderland.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rigatoni alla Carbonara | Pecorino foam, egg yolk | $22 |
| Spaghettoni al Pomodoro | Heirloom tomato sauce | $22 |
| Tiramisu | Cocoa-dusted, pink coupe glass | $26 |
2. 1803 NYC – A Taste of New Orleans
Why It’s Instagrammable
At 1803 NYC, balance out the French Quarter ambiance with New Orleans style decor. Enjoy delicious Creole cuisine under the wrought iron balconies and flickering gas lamps while live jazz heightens the taste of food to a different level. To add to the experience, there is even a hidden speakeasy behind a faux shed.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| XO Noodles | Gulf shrimp, crawfish, umami XO sauce | $34 |
| Jambalaya | Duck confit, Louisiana andouille sausage | $30 |
| Vegan Gumbo | Smoked mushroom roux, okra, rice | $25 |
3. La Esquina – Mexican Hideaway
Why It’s Instagrammable
La Esquina is an oasis of Mexico behind the taqueria, and its distinctive entrance is through the kitchen. Features of brasseries: intimate booths fitted with supple leather, low lighting, and a sense of speakeasy style, are all integrated into one space. The tapered upstairs lounge with velvet curtains and antique mirrors is rather exclusive. All these different atmospheres provide great spots for atmospheric photographs.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Queso Fundido | Melted Chihuahua cheese, tortillas | $14 |
| Bistec Tacos | Grilled steak, onions, cilantro, corn tortillas | $12.50 |
| Enchiladas de Mole Negro | Braised chicken, Oaxacan mole, crema | $28 |
4. Taiyaki NYC – Cute Cones
Why It’s Instagrammable
The Japanese cafe, Taiyaki has gained attention for its amazing fish-shaped ice cream cones available in vibrant colors and tantalizing tastes. The kawaii decorated cafe has neon signs and construction windows where you can get an eyeful of the taiyaki production. The striking decor beautifies the idea and encourages customers to take pictures and share.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Taiyaki | Red bean, custard, or Nutella filling | $5-8 |
| Unicorn Taiyaki | Birthday cake soft serve, rainbow sprinkles | $9 |
| Matcha Taiyaki | Matcha soft serve, Oreo crumble | $8 |
5. While We Were Young – West Village Charm
Why It’s Instagrammable
While We Were Young integrates vintage touches and decor with the effortless chic of West Village. The Wash white bricks, rustic, rich wooden details plus lush green plants, all unleash a brighter and softened photogenic atmosphere that is soft and welcoming. The shabby chic bar plus the mismatched wall-mounted antlers blend with the rest of the interior and complete the striking visual charms.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Truffle Mac & Cheese | Aged cheddar, toasted breadcrumbs | $18 |
| Ricotta Toast | Honeycomb, pink peppercorns, honey | $16 |
| Espresso Martini | Vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso | $16 |
6. Jack’s Wife Freda – Charming Cafe Vibes
Why It’s Instagrammable
Jack’s Wife Freda is a rustic decorated all-day cafe, but with much cozier feel. Open bricks, vintage interiors, and green details provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy with good company, and aid in capturing food photos expertly staged on white marble tables lit with soft natural light. Neutral backdrops of the cafe are elevated with colorful Mediterranean inspired dishes served.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Green Shakshuka | Baked eggs, green tomato sauce, challah | $16 |
| Madame Freda | Duck prosciutto, cheddar béchamel, fried egg | $24 |
| Peri-Peri Chicken | Spicy South African-style marinade | $26 |
7. Mother of Pearl
Why It’s Instagrammable
Mother of Pearl is bar and restaurant with a unique design scheme, mixing sophisticated beauty with tropical paradise. Mother of Pearl has plush velvet booths, tiki kitsch decor, vintage Hawaiian paintings, and a bar decorated with mother-of-pearl tiles, giving it a playful feel. Their cocktails served in tiki mugs are photogenic and very strong.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pu Pu Platter | Dumplings, pork ribs, chicken satay | $24 |
| Lomi Lomi Salmon | Hawaiian-style ceviche with tomato, onion | $16 |
| Peking Duck Bao | Hoisin glaze, cucumber, scallions | $18 |
8. Cha Cha Matcha – Pastel Paradise
Why It’s Instagrammable
For any Instagrammer, matcha lover, or both, Cha Cha Matcha is the perfect matcha bar with a blend of pink and green colors. The color scheme of the pastel palette is whimsical and soothing, from the leafy wallpaper to the terrazzo counters. Soft serve and matcha lattes served in pink ceramic cups with latte art and edible flowers makes every sip beautiful.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Matcha Latte | Ceremonial-grade matcha, milk | $5 |
| Matcha Soft Serve | Matcha-vanilla swirl, toppings | $8 |
| Matcha Lemonade | Layered ombré of matcha and lemonade | $7 |
9. Felix – French Finesse
Why It’s Instagrammable
Like every Parisian cafe, Felix has a Charm with a twist due to elegant antique mirrors, classic red leather banquettes, and globe pendant lights. This combination gives a romantic and photogenic dining experience. Their signature seafood tower served on ice is not only unbelievably tasty, but is also amazing for Instagram.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Steak Tartare | Hand-cut filet mignon, egg yolk, pommes frites | $24 |
| Bouillabaisse | Saffron-tomato broth, scallops, shrimp, mussels | $38 |
| Chocolate Mousse | Whipped cream, shaved dark chocolate | $12 |
10. The Flower Shop
Why It’s Instagrammable
From floral arrangements, pastel decorations, to a ceiling print patterned with foliage, The Flower Shop gives stylish whisical vibes. This place serves delicious food with drinks having amazing garnishes with edible flowers and herbs that give strong impressions to the taste.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rose Petal Pancakes | Edible rose petals, rose-infused maple syrup | $18 |
| Lavender French Toast | Lavender-infused mascarpone, berries | $19 |
| Elderflower Spritz | St. Germain elderflower liqueur, prosecco | $16 |
11. Ladurée Soho – Parisian Patisserie Perfection
Why It’s Instagrammable
With its delicate interiors, antique mirrors, and lavish chandeliers, pastel macaron display included, Ladurée Soho is every bit capable of transporting you to Paris. The garden of this tea salon can easily be mistaken for a French oasis perfect for soaking up the warm sun in the afternoons.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ispahan Macaron | Rose, lychee, raspberry | $3.10 ea |
| French Toast | Brioche, berries, Chantilly cream | $22 |
| Marie Antoinette Tea | Black tea, rose petals, citrus | $12 |
12. Serra by Birreria – Seasonal Rooftop Splendor
Why It’s Instagrammable
Serra by Birreria sits at the top of Eataly NYC Flatiron and is a rooftop seasonal restaurant that completely switches decor and menu to freshen up the dining experience. In summer, the restaurant transforms into Serra by the Sea as it embraces a lemon from the Amalfi Coast theme, while in fall, the autumnal apple orchard is served at Serra D’Autunno. It’s pretty and rustic chic all year long.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Risotto al Funghi | Wild mushroom risotto, truffle oil | $32 |
| Cacciucco | Tuscan seafood stew, garlic crostini | $38 |
| Torta di Mele | Warm apple cake, gelato, caramel | $14 |
13. Tiki Chick – Island Oasis
Why It’s Instagrammable
If you are looking for a kitschy escape filled with Tiki-style decor, then Tiki Chick is the perfect place. With grass-thatched ceilings, bamboo fixtures, and colorful surf murals, Tiki Chick is purely vibrant. Decorating the Pu Pu platter flaming island fare and cocktails for novelty drinkware like coconut and pineapple really gets the Polynesian vibes going.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Huli Huli Chicken | Hawaiian BBQ chicken, coconut rice | $23 |
| Pork Belly Bao | Gua bao, pickled daikon, peanuts | $10 |
| Blue Hawaii | Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice | $15 |
14. Banter NYC – Bondi Brunch
Why It’s Instagrammable
If you want to take a break from the hustle bustle of New York City, head over to Banter NYC to relax and unwind. This spot was designed with Australia’s cafe culture in mind and features wide open spaces with brick, and complementary greenery alongside a neon sign that exclaims ‘good vibes only.’ Hipster brunch is dominated by flat whites served in graphic ceramic mugs, colorful acai bowls, and delicious avocado toasts.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Brekkie Bowl | Acai, granola, tropical fruit | $14 |
| Smashed Avo | Avocado, feta, chia seeds, sourdough | $16 |
| Tim Tam Waffles | Chocolate waffles, Tim Tam crumble | $15 |
15. Cafe Henrie – LES Cool
Why It’s Instagrammable
Cafe Henrie is amazing and embodies retro-cool on the lower east side. The area is filled with nostalgic vibes and is perfect for taking pictures. Pink walls, neon art and a jukebox make the ambiance cozy and filled with magic. You can get artisan coffees and unicorn croissants which are delicious.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender Honey Latte | Espresso, lavender, honey, milk | $6 |
| Glitter Berry Smoothie | Acai, mixed berries, edible glitter | $12 |
| Avo Toast | Avocado, alfalfa sprouts, radish, 7-grain | $12 |
These spaces highlight the diversity in food that NYC boasts with the added bonus of breathtaking photograph worthy dining experiences. Feast your eyes on tiki bar concoctions and French pastries like never before.
Conclusion
If secret pubs and colorful dessert shops interest you, then prepare to travel the entire world without setting foot outside of the 5 New York districts. From French dinners to sweet tiki brunches, these delightful spots will keep you busy dining out. Be sure to charge your phone as you will be snapping away at places that deserve more than just a ‘like’. Get ready to devour all of New York City’s finest appreciated restaurants. Enjoy your meal.