5 Best Restaurants in Lower East Side, New York NY
Updated 27 September 2026 · 45 restaurants in Lower East Side, New York NY considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists the top five restaurants in the Lower East Side of New York, selected based on Google ratings and the number of reviews. The list helps locals and visitors find reliable spots for meals, from late-night slices to omakase dinners. We analyzed 45 qualifying businesses in the area to create this ranking. Each entry below details hours, price ranges, and what reviewers consistently mention about the food and service.
#1
TAKUMI OMAKASE
★ 4.9 (1,590 Google reviews)Japanese restaurant$100+ per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
TAKUMI OMAKASE offers a Japanese dining experience focused on omakase, with reviewers highlighting fresh fish and handmade sushi. The $118 endless omakase option allows guests to repeat many pieces, though some note the chef monitors portions closely. The cozy, trendy atmosphere suits solo diners and groups alike. Reservations are recommended, and the venue features counter service, table service, and a bar with happy-hour drinks. Hours run daily from 5 pm to 11:30 pm, with Sunday service ending at 10 pm.
Best for: Endless omakase with fresh fish
- Address
- 181 Essex St, New York, NY 10002, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–11:30 pm; Mon 5–10 pm; Sat 5–11:30 pm; Sun 5–10 pm; Thu 5–10 pm; Tue 5–10 pm; Wed 5–10 pm
#2
Isla & Co - Lower East Side
★ 4.9 (763 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Isla & Co - Lower East Side provides a relaxed dining spot open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Reviewers praise the warm service and beautiful design, noting dishes like brick pressed chicken and kimchi scramble. The menu includes unique items such as kangaroo skewers and the Isla Power bowl, alongside classic options like salmon eggs Benedict. The venue offers indoor-outdoor seating and is fully wheelchair accessible. Regulars recommend the lattes and suggest popping in for a quiet, well-cared-for meal.
Best for: Brunch with kangaroo and brick chicken
- Address
- 139 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, United States
- Hours
- daily 10 am–10 pm
#3
Essex
★ 4.8 (9,048 Google reviews)Steak house
Representative photo, not of this business.
Essex is a steak house on Rivington Street serving a bottomless brunch and prix fixe menu. Reviewers describe the food as tasty, hot, and satisfying, with great portions. The venue is known for attentive waitstaff who keep bottomless cocktails flowing. While some note the burger can arrive medium rare when ordered medium, the overall experience draws crowds for after-work dinners and brunches. Operating hours extend late into the night, closing at 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Best for: Bottomless brunch and steak house
- Address
- 124 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5 pm–2 am; Mon 5–11 pm; Sat 11 am–2 am; Sun 11 am–11 pm; Thu 5 pm–12 am; Tue 5–11 pm; Wed 5–11 pm
#4
Nuovo York Pizza
★ 4.8 (1,721 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Nuovo York Pizza serves slices of pizza, with the spinach mushroom variety frequently cited as a standout. Reviewers describe the crust as solid and the toppings as flavorful, with one calling it a 10/10 experience. The spot is noted for its friendly, respectful staff and quick service. It remains open late, serving customers until 4:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The location offers takeaway, dine-in, and delivery options, making it a convenient choice for late-night cravings in the area.
Best for: Late-night pizza by the slice
- Address
- 105 E 9th St, Manhattan, NY 10003, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–4:30 am; Mon 11 am–3 am; Sat 11 am–4:30 am; Sun 11 am–3 am; Thu 11 am–3 am; Tue 11 am–3 am; Wed 11 am–3 am
#5
Pizza Loves Sauce
★ 4.8 (1,231 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Pizza Loves Sauce is a pizza restaurant recognized for its halal options and bold flavors. Reviewers highlight the fresh, flavorful slices with a crispy, thin crust, specifically praising the vodka chicken and vodka pizza. The menu is simple, offering quick service and friendly staff. The venue is open until 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays, providing a late-night option. Regulars appreciate the lack of long lines and the consistent quality of the slices, describing them as well-balanced and satisfying.
Best for: Halal pizza with crispy thin crust
- Address
- 147 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States
- Hours
- Fri 12 pm–4 am; Mon 12 pm–12 am; Sat 12 pm–4 am; Sun 12 pm–12 am; Thu 12 pm–2 am; Tue 12 pm–12 am; Wed 12 pm–12 am
How we made this list
We looked at 45 restaurants in Lower East Side, New York NY with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many people left one. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 27 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Book ahead at TAKUMI OMAKASE: Google lists reservations as required.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
TAKUMI OMAKASE ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 1,590 reviews. Isla & Co - Lower East Side is second at 4.9 from 763 reviews.
Which restaurants in Lower East Side, New York NY are open late?
Essex stays open until 2 am; Nuovo York Pizza stays open until 4:30 am; Pizza Loves Sauce stays open until 4 am.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: TAKUMI OMAKASE $100+. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for TAKUMI OMAKASE and Nuovo York Pizza.
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