Savor the Flavor: 5 Best Restaurants in Lower East Side, NY
Category: Food & Dining Guide
Introduction
The Lower East Side (LES) is the beating heart of Manhattan’s culinary scene. From century-old Jewish delis to “unapologetic” regional Indian fare, the restaurants in Lower East Side, New York offer a global feast within a few city blocks. Whether you’re a local foodie or a first-time visitor, this neighborhood promises a meal you won’t forget.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen 
Category: Jewish Delicatessen
Established in 1888, Katz’s is more than a restaurant; it’s a New York institution. Famous for its appearance in When Harry Met Sally, it remains the gold standard for oversized pastrami sandwiches and old-school deli culture.
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What to Try: The legendary Pastrami on Rye (hand-carved) and a side of Matzoh Ball Soup.
| Business Detail | Information |
| Address | 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002 |
| Contact | (212) 254-2246 |
| Website | katzsdelicatessen.com |
| Hours | Mon–Fri: 8AM–11PM; Sat–Sun: 8AM–12AM (Open 24hrs Sat) |
2. Russ & Daughters Cafe
Category: Jewish-American / Appetizing
While the original shop has been around since 1914, this sit-down cafe on Orchard Street brings the family’s “appetizing” tradition (fish and dairy) into a beautiful, nostalgic dining room.
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What to Try: The Mensch (sturgeon and butter on a bialy) or their famous Smoked Salmon Platter.
| Business Detail | Information |
| Address | 127 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 |
| Contact | (212) 475-4880 |
| Website | russanddaughterscafe.com |
| Hours | Daily: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
3. Dhamaka
Category: Indian (Provincial)
Located inside the Essex Market, Dhamaka (meaning “explosion”) serves “unapologetic” Indian food. Forget Tikka Masala; this is bold, fiery, and rural Indian cooking that explores the forgotten corners of the subcontinent.
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What to Try: Murgh Kofta or the elusive Champaran Meat (mutton cooked in a clay pot).
| Business Detail | Information |
| Address | 119 Delancey St, Store #34, New York, NY 10002 |
| Contact | (212) 204-8616 |
| Website | dhamaka.nyc |
| Hours | Tue–Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM |
4. Dirty French
Category: French Bistro
Nestled in the Ludlow Hotel, Dirty French takes classic bistro dishes and gives them a bold, global makeover using spices and techniques from North Africa and beyond.
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What to Try: Duck à l’Orange with ras el hanout or the Chicken for Two with crêpes.
| Business Detail | Information |
| Address | 180 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002 |
| Contact | (212) 226-6334 |
| Website | dirtyfrench.com |
| Hours | Dinner: 5 PM – 11 PM Daily |
5. Scarr’s Pizza
Category: Pizzeria
Scarr’s is a neighborhood favorite known for milling its own flour on-site. It feels like a 1970s pizza parlor but serves some of the most technically perfect, high-quality slices in the city.
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What to Try: A classic Regular Slice or the Hot Honey Pepperoni Square.
| Business Detail | Information |
| Address | 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 |
| Contact | (212) 334-3481 |
| Website | scarrspizza.com |
| Hours | Daily: 11 AM – 11 PM |
Customer Comments
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Katz’s: “The pastrami is like butter. Yes, there’s a line, but it’s a rite of passage every New Yorker needs.”
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Russ & Daughters: “The best brunch in the LES. The lox is sliced so thin you can see through it, and the service is impeccable.”
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Dhamaka: “An explosion of flavor is an understatement. It’s the most exciting Indian food I’ve had in years.”
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Dirty French: “Vibrant, loud, and incredibly delicious. The mushroom mille-feuille is a game changer.”
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Scarr’s Pizza: “The crust is on another level. You can really taste the fresh-milled flour. It’s the best slice in the city.”
Ending Section
The Lower East Side continues to be a destination for those who live to eat. Whether you want a historic sandwich or a modern spice-filled adventure, these spots have you covered.
Which of these Lower East Side gems is on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments, share this guide with your dinner crew, and follow us for more NYC food tours!