Looking for good areas for diverse food choices now that I'm working in the city. I usually stick with astoria since we have a bit of everything, and since I'm greek it's a perfect match. Anywhere else that sticks out for the nyc locals? I'm not a club guy so food is my motivator.

I'm thinking the good ethnic food spots have been priced out of the city for a while..

If you have any co-workers you are cool with, tell them that you heard about an (insert nationality) restaurant or take out in Jersey that is supposed to be the best in the tri-state area.

New Yorkers being competitive, that co-worker will tell you about a local spot that is WAY better than the Jersey spot.

Here's the test though..if you walk into the spot and hear little or NO English being spoken...you've got a winner because the clientele is made up of actual people from that culture.

Yeah I learned that trick years ago with Mexican spots. I wouldn't say the good ethnic stuff is priced out. Astoria is loaded with choices. Greek, Arabic, Italian, mexican, asian, even friggin irish and serbian. All along the blocks off 31st st. In my experience it seems to be the most well rounded area in the city for variety and quality.

Serbian? I've never had that, or even seen it offered. What kind of dishes are those and are they worth trying?

@Blacksheep,

I'm from Jersey, to me "the city" means Manhattan.
I've read multiple times that Queens is literally one of the most diverse places on earth, so I'm certain there are great ethnic food spots out there.

No clue. I've never had anything from there. I just know it's there. I'll look out for it today and tell u what it's called

French / Tu Fa Bien - MidTown or Les Halles 28th & Park Ave So.

German / Hiedelburg - uptown or Lorilie - downtown.

Italian / Zero Otto Nove 21st. ( My Fav). Or The Duece ( Palm Two) they do grat steaks Lobster and better Italin food then most in City.

Best Italian is Da Claudio in Financial District

Really nice French is Bistro Vendome in Sutton Place

Best Filipino is Uni Nom near Pratt in Clinton Hill

Best Japanese is Brushstroke in Tribeca if you can afford it

Best German-Austrian is Eddie & The Wolf in East Village

Dues thanks for the tips. Getthesenets, I'm from upstate, so to me 'the city' is anything south of Yonkers

Nice I want all the tips I can get. And btw, I'm not looking for Gordon ramsay pretentious 50000 dollar plate stuff. Something that a broke guy could go to a couple times a week type stuff. Sorta like kyklades in astoria if anyone is familiar with it. Not cheap, not a ripoff, and very good ethnic food. I find the best balance in Queens and parts of Brooklyn. Manhattan I don't even bother with. I'm sure the Bronx must be hiding some great italian spots. I wish I knew a Pizzaboy from the Bronx who could chime in here.......

Do they have any Cajun places up there? Serving boudin and cracklins?

The only one I know an go to is Live bait, on -23rd St. they serve Dixie beer also.

Not sayin it's the best but it's a inexpensive joint for good Cajun.

There is another I have been to on third or park so. But I can't remember the name of that joint.

Very nice, I hope my people do not request these places, kinda pricey.

I have been to Edi in alphabet city but prefer Lorilie.

i was at the Bronx zoo with the family recently and afterwards we went driving around looking for a nice Italian place and we found Roberto on crescent ave a few blocks from the zoo.
It was excellent to say the least, the veal scallopini was amazing. Some of the best food I ever had in my humble opinion. Nice little bar too.

I haven't been to NYC since 2002, so my experience is dated, but I remember going to a sandwich shop not far from the courthouse in downtown Manhattan that made fantastic sandwiches. Sorry, I don't remember the name, but it was within walking distance of the World Trade Center and the courthouse. I'd like to remember the name because when I go back that will definitely be one of my stops.

Was it that num pang place?

Carmine's?

Madiba on 116th or 195 Dekalb Ave Brooklyn St has good food if you like South African cuisine. My cousin works at the on in Harlem so that is the only one I have been to, good food and atmosphere

I seem to recall it was in the area of Broadway and Pine Street or Wall Street. Maybe it was the Potbelly Sandwich Shop on Maiden Lane, or maybe it's something that's not there anymore. It was in that general area because when I was there I'd walk south from the courthouse area past the WTC and turn left.

Next time I'm in NYC I will head straight for Chinatown. Take your pick there.

Babbo- Greenwich Village...the rabbit was incredible.

In china town go to any restraunt where mostly Chinese eat.

I like 69 on 69 Baynard st. between Elizabeth and Mott. Good chinese.

That serbian place I mentioned is a bar now, so there goes that. However I did find a good spot off 32nd street near Broadway in astoria. It's called bahari. It's a greek spot (big shock there).