Known as 'the Village' by most New York locals, Greenwich Village and the West Village are culinary havens amidst the sprawling cityscape. Boasting around 20,000 restaurants, with new options popping up continually, New York City's dining scene is certainly not for the faint-hearted – nor the indecisive. The nostalgia-ridden streets of these neighborhoods, which bustled with bohemian life back in the 60s, still remain a beloved choice for food enthusiasts.

Michael Cecchi-Azzolina, the notable owner and maitre’d of Cecchi’s on West 13th Street, highlights the charm of the Village. “In a city that never stops evolving, the Village stays grounded, echoing its rich history through century-old buildings, its almost labyrinthine street grid, and the humming energy of its local merchants", he says.

Despite being home to some of the best slice pizza joints and Michelin-approved upscale eateries, scoring a table at some of the most loved Village establishments, like 4 Charles Prime Rib, Semma, Don Angie and Carbone often seems like a gourmet's dream. This doesn’t mean one must resign to long queues at famed eateries like John’s of Bleecker Street, L’Industrie, and Apollo Bagels. Instead, one should explore some of the Village's hidden treasures.

Le Chêne, a bistro owned by star chef Alexia Duchêne – the Semi-Finalist of the French Top Chef at the age of 23 – is one such jewel. Chef Duchêne who recently kick-started her own restaurant in collaboration with her husband, Ronan Duchêne Le May, marvels at the energy she draws from the West Village. “It reminds us of Paris with its community spirit and attractiveness. We are excited to bring our rendition of French cuisine amidst this dynamic neighborhood that already feels like our second home," she explains.

Another edible artwork is Crevette, a stone’s throw away from Le Chêne, offering a taste of French and Spanish coasts under one roof. Patricia Howard and chef Ed Szymanski, known for their neighborhood eateries Dame and Lord’s, bring their culinary brilliance to this seafood haven with dishes like octopus skewer with green harissa and saffron-laced seafood rice. True to the Village spirit, they also serve irresistible mushroom, egg yolks, and foie gras rendition and an impeccable jamón Ibérico-topped Spanish tortilla.

Looking for something vintage with a touch of modern romance? The subterranean Fedora offers sweetbreads and chicken cordon bleu, keeping the flame alive since Fedora Dorata, the original owner and neighborhood darling, passed away in 2011. St. Jardim, just around the corner, is an ideal dimly lit date spot adding a Gallic twist to natural wines.

The Village also houses a plentitude of places that breathe Gotham ambience like Anton’s, located across the street from the century-old White Horse Tavern. Jack and Charlie’s No. 118, which has graced the Village since 2021, offers bone-in duck meatloaf with fig jus and dirty Martinis. The undisputed crowd-pleaser, Minetta Tavern, has been a hub for artists and bohemians since 1937, boasting one of the city’s best burgers and a dry-aged côte de boeuf to rival any steakhouse in the city.

After all the indulgence, it’s time to unwind at Té Company. Elena Liao’s dream tea house offers Taiwanese oolong tea while her husband, chef Frederico Ribeiro whips up sweet and savory treats to go along with them. Conclude the day on a high note at Sip & Guzzle, where creative cocktails edge out the night in style.