In New York City, casual doesn't have to come at the expense of delicious, so check out our list of the best restaurants for a casual weeknight dinner in the city.
See Also: NYC Spots You Can Count On For a Last-Minute Reservation
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Multiple locations / Website
Ruby’s is the perfect place to grab dinner with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. You’ll be in and out within the hour, and the crispy rice bowl is enough reason to come here alone. We also recommend ordering the spicy vodka pasta and, of course, the fries with truffle aioli. Spicy vodka pasta a la good company? You don’t have to ask us twice.
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Multiple locations / Website
With multiple locations around the city, Westville is an easy place to have dinner on a Tuesday night. This casual American eatery has both healthy and carb-loaded options, making it the perfect spot to please even the pickiest of palettes.
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38 MacDougal St., / 212.475.7500 / Website
This delicious Mediterranean restaurant not only serves some of our favorite dips in the city but is also a perfect spot to grab kebabs with a friend. From creamy hummus to juicy chicken shawarma, Shuka masters the art of quality food that doesn’t break the bank.
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100 Forsyth St. / 212.206.2500 / Website
Wayla is perfect for a sit-down experience. While the atmosphere is a bit nicer than other places on the list, homestyle Thai food lends itself to a relatively casual dining experience. Plus, we would put on a pair of jeans for the Southern fried chicken any day.
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348 Wythe Ave. / 347.222.6722 /Website
Although most people come here for pancakes, Sunday in Brooklyn is great for a quick and casual dinner with friends. Everything on the menu is delicious, but our favorites are the beer butter mussels and fries, grilled ribeye steak and the wood-fired lasagna.
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1271 3rd Ave./ 212.472.0600 /Website
Diner food for breakfast? Please, say less. Famous for having the best comfort food on the Upper East Side, EJ’s luncheonette is the perfect place to catch up with friends over a serving of baked mac n cheese. The matzah ball soup and pastrami Reuben are so delicious they may even rival that of the famed Katz’s Deli.
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31 Great Jones St. / 212.253.5700 / Website
When you think of New York City Italian, you automatically think of the Don Angie’s and Carbone’s of the world. Alternatively, Vic’s offers delicious Italian food in a low-key setting. All of the pasta dishes are great, but the linguine with mussels and cacio e pepe are favorites. The Noho joint also offers great sharing dishes, including arancini, garlic bread, and crispy potatoes.
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268 6th Ave. / 212.982.3300 / Website
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Greenwich Village, Bar Pitti is a sanctuary for those craving an authentic slice of Italy. This neighborhood gem, with its quaint patio and lively atmosphere, captures the spirit of Italian dining. Under the watchful eye of owner Giovanni Tognozzi, Bar Pitti has earned its place as a local institution, where regulars return time and again for standout dishes like the polpettine di vitello and melanzana parmigiana.
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241 W Broadway / 212.334.3883 / Website
Chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson’s burgundy brasserie serves carefully rendered dishes created in the eye of Parisian elegance. The menu is a masterclass in elevated simplicity—think rotisserie duck with duck fat potatoes—paired with a natural wine list that feels as curated as it is unique. Frenchette seamlessly blends old-world French charm with contemporary New York City sleekness.
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15 W 28th St. / 646.609.3430 / Website
KazuNori, the sibling to the iconic SUGARFISH, is revolutionizing the Japanese dining experience with its masterful approach to simplicity. Here, every element is meticulously crafted, from the specially harvested seaweed and housemade sauces to the signature warm white rice that cradles the impeccably fresh fish. In true Sushi Nozawa Group fashion, the kitchen operates with precision, employing dedicated teams for each step of the process. The Sushi Nozawa Group obsesses over perfection, and KazuNori is no exception.
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33 Carmine St. / 646.998.4588 / Website
Nami Nori blends minimalist design with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, making it the go-to destination for the city’s in-the-know crowd. The menu offers an array of open-style temaki that capitalizes on traditional flavors and then adds contemporary flair. Whether it’s the expertly seasoned rice or the sustainably sourced seafood, every entree at Nami Nori is a celebration of culinary craftsmanship.
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Multiple locations / Website
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao draws diners in with its renowned soup dumplings. The spot masterfully blends tradition with modern techniques to bring authentic Shanghainese cuisine to New York. The menu is a celebration of bold flavors, featuring not just their famous xiao long bao but also standout dishes like the pan-fried pork buns. At Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, each dish tells a story of heritage and skill.
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649 Washington St. / 212.741.1207 / Website
Rustic Italian charm meets vibrant downtown energy at Malatesta Trattoria. The candlelit spot earned its cult-favorite reputation for its classic dishes like homemade pasta and grilled branzino. With quality ingredients at the forefront, every meal at Malatesta feels like an intimate, home-cooked dinner party in the heart of the West Village.
Photography by: Courtesy Getty Images
