The 7 Best Restaurants for Small Bites & Small Plates in New York City
Looking for top notch eateries and restaurants that are perfect for a light lunch?
Sometimes you are not looking for a huge, hearty meal but instead you want something light to eat. So, whether you are looking for some appetizers, a snack or just a light lunch, here are the 7 best restaurants for small bites and small plates in New York City. With dim sum, tapas, chicken wings and more, there is a little something for everyone!
Nom Wah Tea Parlor – 13 Doyers St
Dim sum is one of the first things that comes to mind for small bites and small plates. Chinatown has many popular dim sum restaurants but Nom Wah is one of the most historic and still the best when it comes to food. They have so many yummy dim sum classics to choose from like shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, ribs tips and the list can go on and on. These dishes are made to order so it is fresh every time.
La Nacional – 239 West 14th St
P.C.: yelp, Lina C.
Tapas are the other thing that comes to mind for small bites and small plates. Tapas are perfect for meeting friends or just eating with large groups so you can try more dishes! Like Nom Wah, La Nacional is known for its history and top-notch dishes. You can have a table full of Spanish tapas like mushroom croquettes, patatas bravas (crispy potatoes) and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).
Raising Canes – 1501 Broadway & 20 Astor Pl
Raising Canes’ crispy, juicy chicken tenders, dipped with their signature sauce with a side of buttery Texas toast has had a huge following in the United States and they finally opened 2 locations in New York City. These chicken tenders are perfect to munch on while watching a baseball, basketball, or football game.
Tada – 70 Bayard St
P.C.: yelp, Duy C.
Recently, we also have been absolutely addicted to Korean fried chicken and one of our go to places for this is Tada in the heart of Chinatown. Their soy garlic chicken drumsticks and wings are just bursting with flavor with every bite. They also have classic Korean dishes like fried dumplings, japchae (vermicelli noodles), kimchi pancakes and more.
Pep’s On Grand – 197 Grand St
Italian restaurants are probably best known for their hearty pasta dishes and pizzas, but you can find small bites and plates on their menus too. Arancini is an Italian rice ball, and it is the perfect light lunch or snack. We recommend the arancini from Pep’s On Grand. It is super crispy and has a very flavorful filling.
Burger By Day – 242 Grand St
P.C.: Burger By Day
If you are craving a savory snack, a juicy slider might be exactly what you are looking for. Burger By Day has amazing sliders and best of all, Burger By Day has an unbeatable afternoon slider special. On Mondays through Fridays from 2:30 – 4:30 PM, their sliders are only $2 each!
Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle – 83 Bayard St
P.C.: Carrie L.
Finally, Tonii’s is best known for their steamed rice noodle rolls but they also have a selection of other delicious snacks like their curry fish balls, tea eggs and sponge cakes. For even more foodie recommendations and mouth- watering tastings in Chinatown and Little Italy, be sure to join us on one of our food tours, the Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest or the Tasty Global Bites – A Culinary Journey through Nolita, Little Italy & Chinatown!