5 Best Places to Eat in Lower Manhattan

Eating out in New York can be pretty overwhelming, with a restaurant count of nearly 25,000 as of 2015. How do you decide? Who's reviews can you really trust? We know it can be hard! Depending on the neighborhood, you're going to have plenty of options. Downtown Manhattan happens to be one of our favorite NYC neighborhoods, so we've chosen our 6 best places to eat there, so you know exactly where to stop!

1. Torissi Italian Specialties

Based on Italian traditions with American ingredients, such as Progresso soup with dried pasta, this tiny storefront is a top contender among NYC food snobs. Subs and sandwiches are the prime candidates for a lunchtime stop, with choices like chicken Parmesan and traditional turkey with a twist. If you're feeling adventurous, try their three-course dinner featuring devil's chicken in Mexican chili paste, yogurt, pork chops with vinegar peppers, sweetbread Milanese, and little Italian cookies.

2. Oriental Garden

For great dim sum, superb Peking duck, and fresh seafood, New York chefs all agree that Oriental Garden is the spot to stop. With a wide variety of interesting sauces, flavors, and delicious soups and dishes, there's a little niche for everyone. Best of all is the very reasonable price for the quality of dishes you can order! Grab the clams, lobster, or black bean soup for the best tastes.

3. Momofuku Noodle Bar

Renowned chef David Chang owns this chain of Momofuku restaurants, but it's everything you would expect from a locally-owned storefront, especially as this one is the first developed. Whether you're in the mood for salty, pork ramen dishes or cold noodles and scallions (a local favourite), you're going to find something delicious. Market specials include a fixed price meal for large groups, such as fried chicken dinners. Most important to the menu is the amazing pork bun that comes with each meal.

4. Lupa

The casual, affordable noodle spot from celebrity chef Mario Batali is one of the most accessible of his restaurant empire, which includes high-end spots like Babbo and Del Posto. Offering a wide selection of cured meat and cheese, unique sides, vegetables, and simple salads, it's tough to choose between entrees such as pork loin and saltimbocca or one of many addictive pastas. The carbonara may be the best plate, but there's really no going wrong with pasta!

5. Katz's

A true New York classic, this Jewish deli doesn't just pander to tourists but is a favorite of most locals and regulars alike. With the local environment, though you better be quick -- orders are taken fast, tickets are handed out faster, and you better be ready to grab your food when it's ready for you! All the sandwiches are impressive, but we suggest the pastrami.