Rank 1Sugoi Ramen & Izakaya
Japanese
5.0 out of 5Price level $$
Ramen bowls draw the praise here, from the spicy hokkaido to a vegan miso broth with tofu noodles, and the room can handle a party of twelve.
Proud. Loud. Sabor.
Best Restaurants & Dining in East Harlem, Manhattan
273 restaurants & dining in East Harlem (El Barrio), ranked by rating and reviews, with vibes and insider tips.
East Harlem in a line
El Barrio — where the coquito flows and the music never stops
Insider tip
Ignore the food blogs. Follow the music and the smell of sofrito. You'll find your spot.
Our picks: Restaurants & Dining in East Harlem
Updated October 2026. Picked from ratings and reviews, then checked by the Moodap team.
East Harlem's restaurants run mostly casual and lively, with plenty of family-friendly rooms and quick neighborhood meals. The picks range from Puerto Rican home cooking and coal-fired pies to a playful omakase counter, with Thai, West African, vegan soul food and Italian in between.
Rank 2Taqueria Santa Fe
Mexican4.9 out of 5Price level $$Reviewers rave about the al pastor and the tacos, with chips and salsa and a list of drinks both boozy and alcohol-free.
Rank 3Bangklyn East Harlem
Thai4.7 out of 5Price level $$Expect simple, home-style Thai cooking likened to a Southern Thailand street stall, with basil fried rice and southern fried chicken getting noticed.
Rank 4Sushi W - UES
Japanese4.7 out of 5Price level $For omakase that feels fun rather than formal, this counter pairs fresh fish and a signature kampachi nigiri with games played for prizes.
Rank 5Sylla
African4.7 out of 5Price level $$West African cooking is the draw, with diners singling out the lamb shank, the plantains and a fresh ginger juice.
Rank 6Girasole Trattoria
Italian4.8 out of 5Price level $$Italian mains share the menu with Brazilian cocktails and starters; reviewers point to the pasta Bolognese, breaded artichoke and tiramisu in a cozy room.
Rank 7Cocotazo
Puerto Rican4.6 out of 5Price level $$Stepping inside feels like a trip to Puerto Rico, with casita decor and dishes like bacalaíto, alcapurrias and pastelón cooked fresh daily.
Rank 8Cascalote
Mexican4.6 out of 5Price level $$A small Latin bistro with a back patio, known for the shrimp bowl with tostones fries, sizzling fajitas and a bread pudding worth saving room for.
Rank 9Armonie
Pizza4.6 out of 5Price level $With a bar and a fireplace, this sit-down pizza spot also turns out chicken parm, shrimp parmesan with linguine and a vodka sauce of its own.
Rank 10Patsy's Pizzeria
Pizza4.5 out of 5Price level $Coal-fired ovens give the thin, crispy crust its char here, and regulars say this original outpost tastes unlike other locations.
All Restaurants & Dining in East Harlem
Ranked by rating and how many reviews back it. Open any venue for hours, photos, and reviews.
Japanese
Sugoi Ramen & Izakaya
5.0 out of 5Price level $$Sugoi Ramen & Izakaya is a well-known japanese restaurant in East Harlem, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Minimalist
- Refined
- Calm
Mexican
Taqueria Santa Fe
4.9 out of 5Price level $$Taqueria Santa Fe is a restaurant in East Harlem described by visitors as food-focused, mexican and steakhouse, known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
- Lively
- Colorful
- Casual
Middle Eastern
BIG BACK CHICKEN AND GYRO
4.9 out of 5Price level $$Great food, good times, and something for everyone. Every dish we serve is made with care and pride, bringing comfort and joy to you.
- Cozy
- Social
Thai
Plue
4.8 out of 5Price level $$"Plue is a unique dining experience enhancing the brightness and beauty of Thai cuisine" We offer a contemporary menu by combining fresh, local, and seasonal produce with Thai flavors, elevating the comfort and warmth of traditional dishes.
- Casual
- Vibrant
- Cozy
Thai
Chu Ros Thai NYC
4.8 out of 5Price level $$Chu Ros Thai NYC is a restaurant in East Harlem described by visitors as food-focused, thai and indian, known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
- Casual
- Vibrant
- Cozy
Mexican
Taqueria Al Pastor
4.9 out of 5Price level $$Since 2019, weve been serving mouthwatering tacos that keep you coming back for more!
- Lively
- Colorful
- Casual
Caribbean
The Good Good
4.8 out of 5The Good Good is a restaurant in East Harlem described by visitors as food-focused, korean and seafood, known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
- Cozy
- Social
- 4.9 out of 5Price level $
Supreme Eats Pizza And Pasta offers delicious pizza and pasta dishes in New York, NY. We use fresh, high-quality ingredients to create classic and innovative flavors.
- Casual
- Lively
- Family Friendly
American
375º Chicken 'n Fries
4.8 out of 5Price level $$375º Chicken 'n Fries is your crave-worthy destination for pops, tenders, and sandwiches unlike anything you've ever seen…or tasted.
- Casual
- Social
- Classic
Korean
K-Street Food 5th ave
4.9 out of 5K-Street Food 5th ave is a well-known korean restaurant in East Harlem, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Lively
- Social
- Trendy
- 5.0 out of 5Price level $
Chef Elpidio Escamilla, a culinary maestro with over 30 years of experience, is proud to introduce his latest venture to the food industry: *ELPIS Pizza & Gourmet Food*. This exciting new restaurant is officially open in the heart of Harlem, offering a fresh and innovative dining experience.
- Casual
- Neighborhood Gem
- Family Friendly
- 4.7 out of 5Price level $$
Teriyaki One Japanese Grill (Teriyaki & Sushi) is a well-known japanese restaurant in East Harlem, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Minimalist
- Refined
- Calm
- 4.7 out of 5Price level $$
Bangklyn East Harlem is a restaurant in East Harlem described by visitors as food-focused, thai and seafood, cozy interior. Based on 10 reviews.
- Casual
- Vibrant
- Cozy
Japanese
Sushi W - UES
4.7 out of 5Price level $Founded in 2021, Sushi W is an Omakase sushi bar, offering 1-hour Omakase-style courses. We are working to revolutionize the way people experience and enjoy authentic Omakase-style sushi in an affordable manner.
- Minimalist
- Refined
- Calm
Mexican
Catrina Mexicana
4.8 out of 5Price level $$Catrina Mexicana is a well-known mexican restaurant in East Harlem, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Lively
- Colorful
- Casual
Belgian
Café DAnvers
4.8 out of 5Price level $$Café DAnvers is a well-known belgian restaurant in East Harlem, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Cozy
- Social
Mexican
La Cocina de Mama
4.7 out of 5Price level $$La Cocina de Mama is a restaurant in East Harlem described by visitors as food-focused, mexican and seafood, known for excellent service. Based on 10 reviews.
- Lively
- Colorful
- Casual
African
Sylla
4.7 out of 5Price level $$Sylla is a well-known african restaurant in East Harlem, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Cozy
- Social
American
Rokstar Chicken Harlem
4.7 out of 5Price level $$Korean fried chicken restaurant offering halal-certified, made-to-order chicken with various sauces and sides in Manhattan's East Harlem.
- Casual
- Social
- Classic
Vegetarian
Island Juice
4.7 out of 5Price level $$We bring the authentic flavors of Jamaica to New York by using fresh, organic ingredients and traditional Jamaican spices in our dishes and beverages. Our menu is inspired by superfoods and island-inspired flavors, providing both nutritious and delicious options.
- Cozy
- Social
Vegan
Black-Eyed Peas NYC
4.7 out of 5Price level $$Black-Eyed Peas NYC is a well-known vegan restaurant in East Harlem, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Cozy
- Social
Mexican
Bistro Casa Azul
4.7 out of 5Bistro Casa Azul is a restaurant in East Harlem described by visitors as food-focused, french and mexican, great outdoor space. Based on 10 reviews.
- Lively
- Colorful
- Casual
Italian
Girasole Trattoria
4.8 out of 5Price level $$Girasole Trattoria is a well-known italian restaurant in East Harlem, Manhattan. Serving quality food in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Family Friendly
- 4.6 out of 5Price level $
Blue Sky Deli (Hajji’s) is a restaurant in East Harlem described by visitors as deli sandwich. Based on 10 reviews.
- Casual
- Quick
- Local
Frequently asked questions
What are the best restaurants in East Harlem?
Chosen from ratings and reviews and checked by the Moodap team, our picks in East Harlem start with Sugoi Ramen & Izakaya (5.0 stars), Taqueria Santa Fe (4.9 stars) and Bangklyn East Harlem (4.7 stars). Our picks are at the top of this page.
What kind of food can you find in East Harlem?
Moodap lists 273 restaurants in East Harlem. The most common kinds are Deli (53), Mexican (52), American (32), Chinese (26) and Pizza (26).
Where can I find affordable restaurants in East Harlem?
129 of the 273 restaurants listed in East Harlem are budget-friendly ($). The best-ranked of them are Supreme Eats Pizza And Pasta, Elpis Pizza & Gourmet Food and Sushi W - UES.
How is the full list of restaurants in East Harlem ranked?
By star rating, weighted by how many reviews back it: a place with hundreds of strong reviews ranks above a perfect score from a handful. Places with few or no reviews come after well-reviewed ones. Not sure which fits your plans? Find Your Vibe™ picks one for your mood in about 25 seconds.
Find your spot in East Harlem
Answer a few quick questions and Moodap narrows it down to places that fit your mood.
Find Your Vibe™