NYC Guides, East Village/Lower Eastside

Below, you will find restaurants/specialty shops that have been categorized by their respective cuisines.  I have only included venues where I have personally either dined-in or ordered-out.  

*For listings without links, please refer to Menupages or New York Magazine for further information.

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American

• 7A Cafe  24/7 diner with the best breakfast burrito in town~unfortunately, some of the worst service to be had in the East Village (if you can get over that, I recommend stopping in)
• Alias
  
• Freeman's  Great, nearly hidden restaurant situated on its own alley, allowing smokers and outdoor lovers to rejoice~hearty American comfort fare served in a rustic apres-ski-esque lodge~drinks, app's and desserts are better than the entrees
• Goat Town
• Peels
  
• Prune
  
• Shopsin's
• Sons of Essex
  
• Spitzer's Corner
• The Fat Radish
  
• The Smith  American bistro fare served in a completely renovated "Schiller's-esque" atmosphere~fantastic brunch plates, great service and amazing prices
• wd-50

Asian fusion

• Gyu-Kaku
• Momofuku Noodle Bar
• Momofuku Ssam Bar  Outrageously delicious, unique and creative Korean/American fusion grub served in a hip, casual & totally East Village atmosphere~definitely a "must try"
  • "Bo Ssam" at Momofuku Ssam Bar
• Red Egg  Chinese/Peruvian/Dim Sum

Australian

• Bondi Road  all-you-can-drink brunch, $18
• Tuck Shop

Bakery

• Momofuku Milk Bar  Every dieter's worst nightmare and every sweet-tooth's dream~Chef David Chang's bakery concept featuring a unique spin on traditional desserts (Oh, and pork buns are also on the menu!)
• Sugar Sweet Sunshine 

Bar food

• Professor Thom's  damn good nachos
• The Wayland

Chinese/dim sum

• C&L Dumpling House
• He Nan Flavor
• Hot Kitchen
• Lucky Cheng's  this place sucks unless you're there for a bachelor/ette party
  
• Nice Green Bo 
• Prosperity Dumpling 
• Vanessa's Dumpling House 

Cuban

• Cafecito  Best tres leches cake & fantastic Cuban fare

Deli

• Katz's Delicatessen  Most famous deli in the city with the best pastrami in the country~casual & charming "only in New York" atmosphere

Eclectic

• wd-50

French/bistro

• Casimir
• DBGB 
  
• Les Enfants Terribles  French/African
• Lucien  French bistro fare served in a cozy, mirrored and romantic atmosphere~great nabe spot, though not a destination restaurant (The Lunch Belle spotted uber cute Rosie Perez on her last Lucien outing!)
• Schiller's Liquor Bar  French bistro fare served in a fantastically charming atmosphere reminiscent of cafes in Paris~perhaps a seat at the bar, a cocktail & a crusty baguette with butter & jam is the way to go here (entrees are forgetable)
• The Flea Market Cafe  Casual bistro overlooking Tompkins Sq. Park~serves the city's best French toast

Frites/French fries

• Pommes Frites

Greek

• Pylos  The Lunch Belle's favorite Greek restaurant~romantic, charming and gorgeously rustic atmosphere

Indian

• Banjara  make sure to try the coconut samosa
• Gandhi
  
• Haveli
  

Italian

• Apizz  One of the city's best Italians served in the most rustic, charming and romantic spaces in town~great service, reasonable prices and delicious food make Apizz one of The Lunch Belle's favorites
• Gnocco
• 'inoteca
  
• Lavagna  Wonderful Italian food and wine list in an intimate and warm environment~make sure to try the whole fish preparation for two
• Perbacco  Small-plates Italian with an extensive sharing menu perfect for picky palates~wonderful sommolier~cash only
• Supper
  
• Tre  Authentic Italian served in a chic, yet comfortable, railroad-car shaped space~tasty prosecco-based cocktails and creative pastas

Mexican

• Barrio Chino  Authentic Mexican with the most extensive tequila list in the city~no frozen margaritas here...this is the real deal served up in urbanly-chic & urbanly-tight quarters
• El Maguey y la Tuna  Great Mexican food served in a too-bright, gritty atmosphere
• La Palapa  Mexican food served in a fun & lively pre-going-out-on-the-town atmosphere~go for the great ritas & queso fundido con rajas (appetizers shine here; entrees have been underwhelming on last two visits)
• Los Feliz 
• Mercadito  Authentic Mexican bites with stand-out tacos~casual & cozy
• Mole
• Pulqueria
• Taqueria Lower Eastside

Pizza

• Artichoke Pizza
• Forcella
• Lil' Frankie's  Delicious salads and pizza served in a charming, old fashioned, shabby chic atmosphere~The Belle thinks that the pasta is sadly subpar...stick with the pies!

South American

• Esperanto  Yummy South American grub served in a festive and casual atmosphere~great mojitos and tasty food

Sushi

• Kanoyama  Great sushi, sashimi and rolls served in a casual & friendly atmosphere~fast becoming one of the city's most talked-about

Tapas/small plates

• Beauty & Essex
• Grape & Grain
• Macondo  (Latin American)
• The Stanton Social  great brunch on weekends

Thai

• Tai Thai

Vegetarian

• Dirt Candy  Chef Amanda Cohen believes that vegetables are natural candy created from the earth~delicious vegetarian cuisine that doesn't focus on tofu, seitan or tempeh

Comments

[OneFusion]

I suggest the addition of Antibes Bistro to your LES List...
http://www.antibesbistro.com
Wonderful intimate atmosphere, with low lighting. French Mediterranean menu with EXCELLENT desserts, and a commendable/reasonably priced wine list.
Also...hosting live jazz every Tues/Wed starting at 7:30pm : )