Beyond the high-end fashion scene, SoHo offers a lineup of excellent restaurants that pushed the neighborhood to thrive. Many of these dining destinations have stood the test of time, remaining open and buzzing for decades after opening.
That’s no small feat in a city where approximately 80% of restaurants close within five years. From grand brasseries to eternally cool sushi spots, here are the 10 most iconic SoHo restaurants everyone needs to visit, no matter what they’re wearing.
Ear Inn
It doesn’t get more historic than Ear Inn, the oldest bar in New York City continuously serving alcohol since opening in 1817. Step inside the enduring watering hole on Spring Street and you’ll be greeted by a lived-in coziness that can only be acquired by operating for over 200 years.
While memorabilia and street signage decorate the space, it appears more charming than cheesy. Imbibers can easily settle in with classic cocktails such as Negroni or Dark and Stormy, as well as the venue’s beloved burger and tasty chicken pot pie. Check out the live music schedule too, and enjoy blues, jazz, and cabaret-style performances in a truly iconic backdrop. 326 Spring St., SoHo, theearinn.com
Raoul’s
Raoul’s celebrated its 50th birthday in style last year and the perennially cool boîte shows no signs of slowing down. Considered to be the original downtown French bistro, Alsatian brothers Guy and Serge Raoul founded the restaurant in 1975. Since then, the spot has been frequented by artists, celebrities, and the “it” crowd, who come here for the Steak au Poivre.
Try your luck and order the famous burger, only 12 get served each day at the bar only. You’ll have to arrive right at 5 p.m. to nab one, but even if you don’t, rest assured the menu of French French classics and the restaurant’s iconic ambiance will still satisfy. 180 Prince St., SoHo, raouls.com
Blue Ribbon Sushi
Satisfy your sushi craving as late as 1 a.m. at Blue Ribbon Sushi, a cedar-clad Sullivan Street restaurant serving fresh fish flown in daily from the Sea of Japan. When it opened in 1995, chefs Bruce and Eric Bromberg worked in partnership with late master sushi chef Toshi Ueki, offering “pristine fish with time-honored technique and unwavering attention to detail.”
When you visit today, make sure to try the Spicy Scallop Roll, the bite the brothers had when they first fell in love with Ueki’s creations. Other must-try dishes include the Toshi Roll, which is made with crisp cucumber and bright masago wrapped in roasted salmon skin; and the miso-marinated black cod. One bite of that delight, and you’ll know why this place has been in business for decades. 119 Sullivan St., SoHo, blueribbonsushi119.com
Lure Fishbar
When the buzz around town claimed Prada would take over the space housing SoHo’s nautical-themed, subterranean seafood institution, it was not met with favor. Thank goodness Lure Fishbar remains, as it has since 2004.
Go now for Branzino St. Tropez, Sea Urchin Bucatini, Sesame Crusted Tuna Salad, and other delights. The backdrop leans toward power lunches, saketini-filled dinners, and late-night bites. But no matter the occasion, Lure Fishbar always sets the scene. 142 Mercer St., SoHo, lurefishbar.com
Fanelli Café
If SoHo were a village, then Fanelli’s could easily serve as its unofficial square thanks to the indoor and outdoor setup that’s perfect for catch-up chats and people watching. Open since 1874, the big red sign and checkered table remain iconic on Prince Street, especially in the summer when well-dressed patrons spill onto the sidewalk, giddy and full with a glass of wine in hand.
Even though the restaurant has a prime SoHo location, the prices remain on the affordable side with meatballs, pizza and potato skins running $20 or under. The restaurant also makes its soups in the winter months, such as the tender Moroccan Lamb Stew. 94 Prince St., SoHo, fanellicafe.nyc
Antique Garage SoHo
In 2003, chef Utku Cinel converted an old mechanic shop into Antique Garage Soho, a Mediterranean restaurant decked out in chandeliers, vintage mirrors, and wax-dripping candles. The cuisine centers around Turkish and North Aegean flavors, and popular menu items include the Beyti Kebab with skewered lamb and the charcoal-grilled Dorado Çipura, which gets imported daily from the Mediterranean.
It’s the perfect place to come to after a day of shopping in SoHo. Simply plop down your bags, sip some cocktails, and let the food and vibes take you to the Aegean Sea. On weekends there’s live music, and in the warmer months guests can take advantage of the outdoor seating. 41 Mercer St., SoHo, antiquegaragesoho.com
Omen Azen
Though Omen Azen first opened in Kyoto, the concept traveled to New York City in 1981. Forty-five years later and you can still find the Japanese restaurant tucked away on Thompson Street at the bottom of a small apartment building. Once seated, enjoy sashimi, shabu shabu, signature noodle dishes, or opt for the elegant omakase.
Catch up with friends while sipping sake from traditional wooden boxes and enjoying unctuous uni shots. While other restaurants make a bold and loud statement, Omen Azen offers great food in a zen environment, making it an ideal weekday dinner spot. 113 Thompson St., SoHo, omen-azen.com
La Esquina
It may feel like La Esquina opened not too long ago, but this Mexican restaurant turns 21-years-old this year. Famous for its unconventional entrance that leads you through the kitchen and into the sexy, candlewax-dripped main dining room, the favorite SoHo spot still wows guests in other ways. For example, the crispy Octopus Tostadas and spicy Pepino Diablo cocktail. Located on what was once a desolate corner where SoHo, Nolita, and Chinatown intersect, the legendary spot maintains its magical draw even as the world around it has changed. 114 Kenmare St., SoHo, esquinanyc.com
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
Before Blue Ribbon Sushi there was Blue Ribbon Brasserie. It opened in 1992 on Sullivan Street and became a fixture with musicians, chefs, and late-night revelers. Back then it served bistro-style food until 4 a.m, though now the restaurant closes at 2 a.m. Yet, the SoHo hot spot continues to thrive, often packed until closing.
The menu features dishes such as Grilled Shrimp Remoulade, Fried Oysters, Onion Soup, and the bistro-style Pu-Pu Platter with pork ribs, chicken wings, fried dumplings, meatballs, pierogies, and shrimp skewers. Aside from the old school setting, Blue Ribbon Brasserie was owners Bruce and Eric Bromberg first restaurant in what now is a mini empire spanning various cities. 97 Sullivan St., SoHo, blueribbonbrasserie.com
Balthazar
Not only has Balthazar been open for almost three decades, but this brasserie is packed from 8 a.m. until midnight every day. Standing tall on Spring Street, the boisterous dining room buzzes with locals and visitors alike, all enjoying classic French dishes like escargots, paté de campagne, and moules frites.
Over the years, Balthazar has maintained a transportive and celebratory quality to it. With rich red leather booths, twinkling light fixtures, and Parisian touches that beg for a glass of champagne to celebrate the occasion, it’s an escape in the busy city. Come here for seafood towers with friends, a late-night date, or even just a quick drink at the bar when you can’t get a reservation. It’s worth it just to soak up the one-of-a-kind energy of this New York City dining institution. 80 Spring St., SoHo, balthazarny.com
