#nycbites

We all love pretty food, right? It's difficult for most of us to escape scrolling through our Instagram feeds without seeing a photo or two of some kind of #foodporn. To help feed your appetite as well as appease your eyes, we carefully combed through the NYC food scene to share the best NYC restaurant Instagram accounts. These restaurants not only dish out great grub, but amazing pics too. By the end, you’ll definitely be planning your next visit and what to get there!

     Doughnut Plant - @doughnutplant

This NYC classic has been serving up some of best doughnuts since Ace Of Base was a thing. Fortunately for us they have survived the test of time slightly better and are still posting some of the best food porn of their delicious sweet treats.

Jack’s Wife Freda - @jackswifefreda

This Israeli restaurant is a New York favorite that regularly manages a line out the door for their green Shakshuka or one of their other incredible dishes. With two locations downtown, they’re a must for brunch and a quick snap of their beautiful food.

Buvette - @buvettenyc

No list about pretty things would be complete without the French! Buvette’s menu could make the simplest of eaters salivate. Unfortunately, looking at their photos is far easier than getting a seat at this West Village favorite.      

Barbuto - @barbutonyc

This west village staple not only serves up great Italian food, but they’re constantly posting some of the prettiest pictures of food on social media. And if you decide to peruse the other photos posted at Barbuto, you’ll likely see some gems from their staff as well.  

Dough - @doughdoughnuts

This original Brooklyn-only doughnut spot has been sharing photos of some of the best doughnuts in the east coast from their corner spot in Bed-Stuy. Now with a location in Manhattan and as a frequent vendor at Smorgasburg, there is always room for dessert!

Egg Shop - @eggshopnyc

There are eggs and then there is the Egg Shop. This Nolita destination boasts this breakfast favorite not only for the morning hours, but for lunch and dinner as well. If you take a pic there, don’t be surprised if you get a shoutout by their team. They’re regularly on the prowl.

Mok Bar - @mokbar_nyc

This Korean spot tucked away inside of the Chelsea Market serves up not only their own take on Ramen but some of the best food pics. And their Instagram account manager is super on top of it,  regularly chatting with their community or running photo contests to encourage diners to share their favorite pics.    

Two Hands - @twohandsnyc

The Australian food scene has definitely arrived in NYC. Especially when you’re sitting at Nolita’s Two Hands. Their bowls of the exotic fruit, Acai, have become the new healthy fruit rage. Plus, these bowls are so pretty it’s almost more fitting to take a photo than to eat.

Black Seed Bagels - @blackseedbagels

This bagel shop is the combined child of the founders of The Smile and Miles End Deli. Since they opened their doors in 2014 they have been making waves and are already opening their 3rd location. From their Instagram feed, it’s clear why!

Rosemary’s -  @rosemarysnyc

Rosemary’s is known for growing their own spices and for great Italian food, but they’re quickly being recognized for their equally memorable Instagram account. Don’t be surprised if you take a photo there and someone from their account says hi or reposts your photo.    

Momofuku - @momolongplay

Though the Momofuku brand has blown up across the US and abroad, this restaurant chain is deeply rooted to NYC’s East Village. Whether you have their pork buns or soft serve, their Instagram pics are sure to keep you craving for your next visit.

Chalk Point - @chalkpointnyc

The Breakfast Club met at Kittichai for unlimited Kittichai cocktails - there were 3 to choose from.

I have always liked Kittichai, the atmosphere is a very modern chic with an Asian twist.  The large pond in the middle of the room with floating lilies adds to the ambiance.

Keep in mind if you are planning a trip here for brunch that portions are small (at least by American standards).  The dishes are presented beautifully.  Servers could be more attentive, but be aggressive and flag them down.

The pancakes were fluffy, and the pad thai was a tad bit on the salty side.  Average food, but great ambiance.

The duck salad (not on the brunch pre fixe) was super small, so if you are planning to get that, you might want to get another dish in case.

Kittichai

60 Thompson Street

New York, NY 10012

On Friday, I went to the optometrist, and didn't get out until 3pm.  I hadn't eaten, so decided to drop by Little Basil for some Thai.

It's always a pleasure going there, I stopped in and got the beef pad thai.  Portions are large, and for the lunch special (12-5pm), you also get an appetizer.  I was in and out within 10 minutes, and happily went on my way.  

Heather's birthday was on Sunday, and since I was in the neighborhood, I figured I would stop by La Delice Pastry Shop to grab some treats for Sunday.  I really miss this part of town, and wish I were here more often.  I was a little sad they didn't have these cookies I always loved, so opted only for pastries, no cookies that day.  Cash only unless over $10.

As I was walking from La Delice, I passed Dhaba, and thought Indian would be a wonderful idea.  Curry Hill has the best Indian lunch specials.  Dhaba, all you can eat at lunch $10.99.  I opted for the $8 take out lunch box from the buffet.  I got a box, and in went the saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, lamb, and some aloo vegetable.

I like Dhaba because it's not your typical restaurant in Curry Hill.  It's well decorated, super clean, and the atmosphere is great.

After picking up my second lunch, I was happily on my way.

I got home and enjoyed Indian Thai in the comfort of my home.

Little Basil

153 E. 26th St

New York, NY 10010

212.689.1444

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La Delice Pastry Shop

372 3rd Ave

New York, NY 10016

212.532.4409

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Dhaba

108 Lexington Ave

New York, NY 10016

Stopped by Saju Bistro with Heather today for a quick lunch.  Our quick lunch was two hours.  Lunch started late because I forgot my wallet and did not even realize until I was at the subway station, so I had to run back to the house, grab my wallet, and hobble back over.  

Saju is smack in Times Square, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got to the restaurant, and it was NOT filled with tourists.  There were definitely tourists around, but not overwhelming the restaurant.  Decor was cute, though the fake flowers at the entrance and on the walls was a little much.  The restaurant does have a large selection of drinks, and wine list was decent.

Service was good, especially given how busy they were during lunch hour.  I sat down, and someone came and asked to take our order, we were totally not ready, and they were very gracious and came back later.  

For wines, we ordered the Cotes de Rhone and Pinot Grigio.  The Pinot Grigio was the better of the two.  I felt the Cotes de Rhone was too young.

We were so busy chatting and catching up, it must have been 20 minutes before we ordered.  The specials all sounded delicious, from soups to salads to several main courses.  Looking at the tables surrounding us, we noticed portion sizes were on the larger side, and decided to order a few appetizers.  Standout dishes that we ordered were the beet salad (one of the specials) and octopus.  Beet salad could have benefited from a hint more salad, but overall the blend of red and yellow beets, mozzarella, arugula, and oranges hit the spot.  The octopus was well seasoned, and once again, portion size was super sized.  The eggplant puree beneath added the right balance to the octopus above.

Pleasantly surprised by my trip today, and gives me hope that there's more than tourists and bad food in Times Square.

Saju Bistro

120 W. 44th Street

New York, NY 10036