Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in West Village | Upscale Soul Food Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in West Village | Upscale Soul Food Food

• Joe's Pizza — Italian · rated 5/5: The rhythmic slap of hand-tossed dough and the warm glow of the stone oven define this bustling neighborhood staple, where the air is perpetually perfumed with the scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour. Each slice offers a masterclass in simplicity, featuring a perfectly charred, foldable crust topped with a vibrant tomato sauce that captures the soul of traditional Italian street food. It is a vibrant, flour-dusted sanctuary where the frantic energy of the city gives way to the timeless, savory comfort of a classic pie.
• EJ BBQ & Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Chelsea, EJ BBQ & Sushi is a newly opened gem offering a delightful blend of Japanese and Korean comfort food. With a menu featuring fresh sushi, sashimi, bulgogi, and kimchi, the restaurant caters to both casual diners and families alike. Praised for its friendly service and welcoming ambiance, EJ BBQ & Sushi offers a range of healthy options and small plates at an affordable price point.
• ME CHICKEN RICE — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Greenwich Village, ME CHICKEN RICE is a delightful Thai restaurant that has gained acclaim for its specialty, Hainanese chicken rice. Offering a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere, the restaurant serves comfort food and quick bites, including roasted and fried chicken, and daikon soup. With friendly staff and efficient service, it's no wonder customers keep coming back for the delicious, affordable meals ranging from $10-20.
• All'Antico Vinaio — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Stepping into this legendary Florentine institution, guests are greeted by the intoxicating aroma of warm, salt-dusted schiacciata bread and the lively energy of a bustling Tuscan marketplace. Each towering sandwich is a masterclass in texture and flavor, layering velvety stracciatella and artisanal cold cuts between golden, oil-kissed crusts for a sensory experience that captures the very soul of Italian street food.
• Revelie — French · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the heart of Soho, Revelie delights with a blend of comfort food and French classics, offering everything from burgers and sandwiches to mouthwatering desserts. With a rating of 4.7 stars from satisfied diners, it's perfect for a casual meal, brunch, or a lively sports viewing with a glass of wine. Conveniently located at 179 Prince St, New York, Revelie combines a retro vibe with modern amenities, making it a must-visit.
• Classic Arepas — Spanish · rated 4.7/5: Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Classic Arepas is a cozy gem offering authentic Venezuelan comfort food. From tequeños and cachapas to arepas and empanadas, the menu is a delight for both kids and solo diners. Fast, friendly service and a charming venue make this a must-visit spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite. Don't miss their shop for Venezuelan treats! Prices range from $10-20, making it a great value for a taste of Venezuela.
• 8 Bit Bites — American · rated 4.7/5: 8 Bit Bites is a fast food gem located in Midtown Manhattan's vibrant Chelsea neighborhood. Its nostalgic ambiance, complete with LED lights and retro video games, invites diners to savor 80s and 90s-themed comfort food. The menu features favorites like chicken sandwiches, tater tots, and milkshakes. A hit with both kids and solo diners, this spot promises a delightful experience with dishes like the smashburger and Nashville hot chicken sandwich.
• Bonsignour — French · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in Greenwich Village, Bonsignour serves up health-conscious comfort food in a casual, trendy atmosphere. Popular for solo dining and family-friendly, their made-to-order menu includes sandwiches, salads, and egg wraps. With offerings like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, and prices in the $10-20 range, this spot is perfect for a quick, delicious bite any time of day.
• Don Angie — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into this polished West Village jewel box, guests are greeted by a chic, high-energy atmosphere where checkered floors and velvet banquettes set the stage for a bold reimagining of Italian-American soul food. The air hums with sophisticated charm as plates of artfully swirled lasagna and vibrant, citrus-kissed salads arrive at marble tables, blending nostalgic comfort with a sharp, modern edge.
• Chow House — American · rated 4.6/5: Chow House pulses with the energy of a modern gathering place, where the clinking of craft cocktail glasses mingles with the savory aroma of wood-fired specialties and artisanal comfort food. The sun-drenched dining room provides a relaxed backdrop for an elevated American menu that transforms familiar favorites into culinary art, ensuring every visit feels like a celebration of local flavors and genuine hospitality.
• Upholstery Store: Food and Wine — American · rated 4.6/5: This intimate, candlelit hideaway breathes new life into a former artisan workshop, blending rustic textures with a sophisticated American menu that celebrates seasonal vibrancy. Guests settle into the cozy, low-lit space to enjoy artfully plated dishes and a curated wine list, where the hum of neighborhood conversation creates a sanctuary of effortless charm. It is a soulful retreat where the history of the room meets the modern artistry of the kitchen, inviting diners to linger long after the final glass is poured.
• Carriage House NYC — French · rated 4.6/5: Discover the allure of Carriage House NYC, where New American comfort food meets artful cocktails in a polished, glamorous setting. Located at 142 W 10th St, New York, this highly rated spot (4.6/5 based on 92 reviews) seamlessly blends sophisticated ambiance with exceptional service. Offering dinner and dessert, its diverse menu features standout dishes like the lobster pasta and oxtail agnolotti. Take in the refined atmosphere while enjoying expertly crafted drinks and unforgettable flavors. Perfect for making reservations, with easy payment options, Carriage House NYC is the go-to destination for a memorable evening out.
• Moustache Pitza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Moustache Pitza offers a cozy setting for enjoying Middle Eastern fare. With a diverse menu featuring vegetarian and vegan options, this casual eatery serves up comfort food like hummus, pita, and falafel, alongside dishes such as babaganoush and chicken plates. Perfect for solo diners and families alike, Moustache Pitza is a delightful spot for lunch, brunch, dinner, or late-night snacks.
• Joseph Leonard — American · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Joseph Leonard is a beloved spot known for its new American comfort food and charming ambiance. Popular for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, their menu features standout dishes like avocado toast, burgers, and fried chicken sandwiches. With a cozy, rustic interior and friendly staff, this quaint eatery offers a memorable dining experience. Reservations recommended.
• Oscar's Place — American · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of New York's bustling Hudson Street, Oscar's Place brings you an inviting blend of British and European cuisine. With its charming, cozy atmosphere, this bistro offers indoor and alfresco dining options, perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy delectable dishes like fish and chips or bangers and mash, paired with a selection of wines and beers. Family-friendly and boasting a comfortable environment, Oscar's Place is your go-to spot for delicious food and warm hospitality.
• Le Gigot — French · rated 4.6/5: Le Gigot is a charming French bistro nestled on Cornelia Street in New York. Known for its classic French comfort foods like bouillabaisse and beef bourguignon, this cozy eatery offers a warm atmosphere and an extensive wine selection. Perfect for a romantic meal, it serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, and accepts various payment methods. With a stellar 4.6-star rating from 248 reviews, Le Gigot promises a delightful and memorable dining experience.
• The Mary Lane — American · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, The Mary Lane offers a delightful experience with its locally sourced, farm-to-table American cuisine. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with a seasonally inspired menu featuring comfort food and vegetarian options. Popular dishes include trout, halibut, and chicken ravioli. The cozy atmosphere, inviting outdoor area, and attentive staff make The Mary Lane an excellent spot for a memorable meal.
• Bird Dog — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Nestled on Hudson Street in New York, Bird Dog offers a unique fusion of Southern-inspired Italian small plates in a trendy, cozy atmosphere. With a 4.6-star rating based on 662 reviews, the restaurant serves dishes like fried chicken and delectable pasta varieties, accompanied by an impressive wine selection. Enjoy happy hour, takeout options, and outdoor seating. Visit Bird Dog for an unforgettable dining experience.
• Concrete — 8a343d02-4079-4df8-aed5-590af526fa56 · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy, Concrete is a family-run Italian eatery renowned for its authentic Sicilian dishes and Neapolitan-style pizzas. The cozy venue, featuring live music and a charming bar, offers vegetarian and gluten-free options alongside Italian comfort food. With excellent service and a warm atmosphere, Concrete is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't miss their signature espresso martini and delightful desserts.
• Grace's — American · rated 4.6/5: Grace's, nestled in the heart of New York City, is a cozy neighborhood pub that masterfully blends Irish comfort food with an American twist. With a robust selection of local beers, inviting cocktails, and hearty dishes, it’s the perfect spot for unwinding. Boasting live music, a warm ambiance, and a friendly atmosphere, Grace's invites patrons to experience both relaxation and entertainment at its finest.
• Bleecker Street Pizza — Italian · rated 4.5/5: This iconic West Village corner hums with the vibrant energy of a classic New York pizzeria, where the intoxicating scent of bubbling mozzarella and hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes spills onto the sidewalk. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, serving as the backdrop for slices defined by their thin, crackling crusts and vibrant, herb-flecked sauces that celebrate the simple perfection of Italian-American soul food.
• Red Bamboo — American · rated 4.5/5: Red Bamboo serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the comforting aromas of sizzling American classics and soulful favorites drift through a warm, energetic space. Each plate offers a nostalgic journey through bold, hearty flavors, inviting guests to linger over reimagined comfort food in an atmosphere that feels like a spirited neighborhood celebration.
• Raku Soho — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Step off the bustling Soho streets into a minimalist sanctuary where the air is thick with the comforting, umami-rich aroma of simmering dashi. Hand-crafted udon takes center stage with its signature silken chew, served in oversized bowls alongside delicate, lace-like tempura and refined small plates. It is a masterclass in Japanese soul food, offering a warm and rhythmic escape that balances modern urban energy with focused, timeless craftsmanship.
• The Little Owl — Mediterranean · rated 4.5/5: Nestled on a sun-dappled West Village corner, this intimate jewel box of a restaurant glows with a warm, convivial energy that makes every guest feel like a long-awaited regular. The kitchen breathes life into Mediterranean-inspired soul food, where the scent of charred seafood and herb-infused oils drifts through a room framed by ivy-clad brick and oversized windows. It is a quintessential neighborhood sanctuary that perfectly captures the intersection of rustic comfort and sophisticated, small-town charm.
• Hao Noodle — Chinese · rated 4.5/5: Sunlight streams into a chic, plant-filled oasis where a minimalist aesthetic provides a serene backdrop for the vibrant, bold flavors of regional Chinese soul food. Silky, hand-pulled noodles swim in aromatic broths while the air hums with the numbing sizzle of Sichuan peppercorns and the comforting steam of slow-simmered clay pots. It is a sophisticated yet soulful retreat that elevates traditional staples into an artful dining experience, seamlessly blending modern elegance with deep-rooted culinary heritage.
• Emmett's — American · rated 4.5/5: This intimate, wood-paneled tavern transports diners to a nostalgic corner of the Midwest, where the comforting aroma of toasted dough and rich tomato sauce fills the air. Guests gather around candlelit tables to share legendary Chicago-style pizzas, from the satisfying snap of cracker-thin tavern crusts to the golden, buttery heights of deep-dish masterpieces. It is a soulful neighborhood retreat where the clink of craft beer glasses and the warmth of elevated comfort food create an effortlessly inviting atmosphere.
• Claudette — French · rated 4.5/5: This airy sanctuary captures the rustic elegance of a Provençal farmhouse, where whitewashed brick and breezy linens create an atmosphere of effortless coastal charm. The air hums with the fragrance of herb-crusted roasts and vibrant Mediterranean spices, inviting guests to linger over soulful plates that celebrate the sun-kissed bounty of Southern France. It is a warm, light-filled escape where the sophisticated spirit of the
• Glur Thai — Thai · rated 4.5/5: Glur Thai captures the convivial spirit of a Bangkok gathering, wrapping guests in a warm, light-filled space perfumed with the fragrance of crushed lemongrass and sizzling garlic. The kitchen artfully navigates the delicate dance of sweet, salty, and spicy, serving up vibrant plates that pulse with fresh herbs and bold aromatics for a dining experience that feels like a heartfelt invitation into the soul of Thai comfort food.
• Elephant and Castle — American · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this timeless American haunt feels like a warm embrace, where the glow of polished wood and the hum of lively conversation create an inviting backdrop for soulful comfort food. Golden-brown fries and succulent burgers take center stage, served alongside chilled pints in a space that balances the charm of a classic bistro with the vibrant energy of a beloved neighborhood gathering spot.
• Tipsy Parson — American · rated 4.5/5: Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary of Southern-inflected charm, where rustic wooden accents and a playful, whimsical spirit create an inviting backdrop for soulful American comfort. The air carries the irresistible scent of buttery, flaky biscuits and slow-simmered gravies, inviting guests to linger over generous plates that celebrate the heart of the American table. Every visit feels like a spirited celebration of refined nostalgia, where the warmth of a well-loved home kitchen meets a vibrant, cocktail-forward energy.