13 Must-Eat Restaurants in New York City Right Now, According to Jeremy Jacobowitz

New York City doesn’t just feed people — it tells stories through food. Every meal carries personality, risk, culture, and ambition. In his video “13 MUST EAT NYC Restaurants! Best New Brunch, Insane Sandwiches! + More Vol. 4,” food creator Jeremy Jacobowitz shares the meals that most impressed him recently, spanning brunch, sandwiches, pasta, Korean barbecue, sushi, bakeries, and late-night comfort food.

This guide expands each stop into full editorial context, preserving Jeremy’s exact experiences and why these restaurants matter right now.

Hellbenders (Ridgewood)

Hellbenders is Jeremy’s definition of a perfect brunch destination — bold, shareable, and full of flavor. Chef Yara Herrera’s Mexican-American menu is designed for ordering multiple plates and passing them around, which Jeremy praises as ideal brunch energy. He starts strong with a michelada and cold brew before diving into the food.

The fried Oaxacan cheese, breaded in cornflakes, delivers intense crunch while staying melty inside. Crispy lamb tacos with avocado salsa balance richness and freshness, while the soft-scrambled egg tostada layers black beans, cheddar, and smoky salsa macha. But the true standout is the heirloom masa pancakes, which Jeremy describes as lightly crisp, super moist, salty-sweet, and buttery, with the corn flavor shining through. Dessert seals the deal with a coffee tres leches cake that’s rich but balanced, making Hellbenders a brunch worth traveling for.

Hen House

Hen House is nearly impossible to categorize — and that’s exactly why it works. Chef-owner Tony creates a constantly evolving menu rooted in Lebanese flavors and imagination. Jeremy highlights how certain items appear only as specials, making this a spot where paying attention pays off.

A smoked meat sandwich on thick-cut rye balances smoke, fat, mustard, and salt beautifully. The kaf pancake blends pancake batter with kataifi dough, cheese, and warm blueberry compote, creating something between a pancake, cheesecake, and savory pastry. Jeremy also raves about the preserved-lemon tuna salad sandwich on a milk bun with crispy cheese and pickles, plus the “cronish” — a croissant-knish hybrid stuffed with creamy potato and wild leeks. Even the chocolate chip cookies, made from sourdough scraps, deliver unexpected depth.

Masara

Masara, the sister restaurant to Resora, is a stunning two-story space focused on pasta and wood-fired cooking. Jeremy attends during a pasta tasting menu night and emphasizes that skipping the bread would be a mistake.

The bizettes — made from a sourdough starter tied to the chef’s childhood — set the tone before the pasta arrives. The tasting menu itself is a deep exploration of Italian tradition, including gnocchi with nduja ragù cooked for 48 hours and pasta finished with truffle, caviar, and smoked butter. Dessert brings everything together with a ricotta and pistachio finale that balances sweet and salty perfectly. Masara is built for diners who want one unforgettable, indulgent night.

Birdie (Williamsburg)

Birdie delivers beautifully laminated pastries with rotating daily options. Jeremy praises the butteriness and flavor balance across sweet and savory items, while also giving honest critique — noting that the pepperoni croissant could use more filling.

The smoked salmon English muffin with trout roe, cream cheese, and pickles stands out as his favorite bite. He also tracks down their tuna melt croissant, applauding the croissant and tuna quality while wishing the cheese were more melted. Birdie shines because it aims high and comes very close to perfection.

NY Kimchi (Midtown)

NY Kimchi brings Korean barbecue and raw-bar energy directly into Manhattan. Jeremy compares it to Golden Diner fans’ dream expansion and dives into a multi-course meal.

Highlights include a salsa-like tuna tartare, an elevated kimchi pancake with jalapeño soy sauce, and a ssamjang-based Caesar dressing that redefines the salad. Korean barbecue selections like soy-marinated short rib and spicy pork belly anchor the meal, while yuzu soft serve finishes things with brightness and restraint.

Golden HOF

Golden HOF, located above NY Kimchi, pushes Korean-American comfort food to indulgent extremes. Jeremy orders widely, starting with chive pancakes and a spicy duck carbonara before moving into lobster tossed in garlic soy aioli.

The wings are mandatory — big, crunchy, sweet, and savory — while dishes like buldak dumplings with truffle pecorino and Korean-style disco fries push richness to the edge. Even after over-ordering, Jeremy still finds room for dessert, favoring the yuzu sorbet over corn cheesecake soft serve.

Leo (Williamsburg)

At Leo, Jeremy returns for brunch and calls their Caesar one of the best in New York City. The shaved parmesan and anchovy deliver sharp brightness, while the pancake balances crisp edges with a fluffy center.

The burger impresses with its juiciness and classic execution, while the sourdough pizza — particularly the mushroom-forward “Hill” pie — delivers deep umami and a stellar crust. Leo works equally well for brunch, lunch, or a long afternoon meal.

Cactus Wren

Cactus Wren, sister to 63 Clinton, blends Southwest inspiration with playful fine-dining creativity. Jeremy highlights shrimp toast with pickled green tomato remoulade, ranch-powder chicken wings with jalapeño green-goddess sauce, and a mortadella tartine layered with egg yolk jam and pine-nut chimichurri.

The caviar service — inspired by post-shift staff meals — layers white beans, avocado, onions, crema, and chili cheese, demanding generous scoops per bite. Short ribs, wood-fired pizza, and a flambéed crepe dessert round out a maximalist but joyful experience.

Coqodaq

Coqodaq delivers luxury Korean fried chicken with flair. Jeremy returns for lunch, praising the private karaoke room and focusing on the nuggets topped with caviar or truffle.

The fried chicken bucket showcases multiple glazes, while the halal-style chicken-and-rice platter offers a comforting break from fried richness. Coqodaq excels as both spectacle and substance.

Here and There (Williamsburg)

Here and There offers two experiences under one roof: a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar and a hidden omakase counter. Jeremy opts for the luxury omakase, finding the value exceptional.

The meal features caviar, long-braised octopus, A5 Miyazaki beef, uni, and a nigiri progression built on black chari rice seasoned with aged vinegars. An eel skewer and passion-fruit gelato close the meal on a high note.

Shelsky’s

Shelsky’s blends old-school Jewish deli tradition with bold modern twists. Jeremy orders a spicy tuna sandwich layered with jalapeños, chili sambal, and crispy onions, describing the heat as stronger than expected but deeply satisfying.

It’s fast, intense, and distinctly New York — exactly what a great deli should be.

A Pagota (Bushwick)

A Pagota is known as a drinking destination, but Jeremy confirms the food is worth the stop. A refreshing cocktail sets the stage for sticky, spicy gochujang cauliflower, followed by a classic smashed cheeseburger with American cheese on a potato bun.

It’s simple, spicy, and dependable — perfect for happy hour that turns into dinner.

Wagamama (Flatiron)

Jeremy closes with Wagamama’s spring menu, starting with crunchy panko-fried eggplant before moving into a spicy tuna bowl with balance and freshness.

The star, however, is the hot katsu in spicy curry sauce. Jeremy describes the curry as deceptively rich before the heat hits hard, causing instant sweating — but still begging for another bite.

Final Takeaway

These 13 restaurants reflect where New York City food culture is right now: bold, creative, indulgent, and unapologetically personal. Jeremy Jacobowitz’s picks reward curiosity and appetite, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or eating your way through the city year-round.

Source credit: This article is based entirely on the on-camera commentary, ordering details, and experiences shared by food creator Jeremy Jacobowitz in “13 MUST EAT NYC Restaurants! Best New Brunch, Insane Sandwiches! + More Vol. 4.”