If there is one thing local both parties can agree on, it’s that NYC has delicious food. As proven in a new politicians dining guide, they also seem to agree that NYC has some of the most spectacular restaurants in the country, if not the world.
The NYC Hospitality Alliance announced its 2026 District Dining Guide, giving 44 local elected officials the chance to answer questions about their favorite bars and restaurants in the Big Apple.
The third annual citywide guide features go-to restaurants and bars recommended by elected officials, but it also highlights the jobs and economic activity local dining businesses support throughout the five boroughs.
From longstanding neighborhood institutions to newer local favorites, participating officials were asked to name a go-to restaurant, bar, café, bakery, pizzeria, or other food establishment and explain what makes it special to them. The result, hospitality officials explained, is a guide shaped by personal connections to New York City’s sprawling dining scene.
The restaurant questionnaire started with City Hall’s big boss, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said he could “never pick one favorite restaurant,” but ultimately chose Omar Khayyam, an Eastern European eatery in Brighton Beach. He called it a “recent favorite” and encouraged diners to explore the menu and try something that catches their eye.
“While I could never pick one favorite restaurant, one I’ve gone to recently that I love is Omar Khayyam in Brighton Beach,” he said.
When she’s not presiding over the City Council as Speaker, Julie Menin enjoys visiting Budapest Cafe, an Upper East Side spot that she said reminds her of her childhood.
“This spot brings me back to my childhood,” she said. “I love to enjoy the crepes – at any time of day – as long as they’re filled with raspberry jam, my favorite.”
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal selected Knickerbocker Bar & Grill in Greenwich Village, recalling that the restaurant opened its doors to the community on Sept. 11. He said he has loved it ever since – particularly the burger and fries.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson selected Drips Restaurant and Lounge in Wakefield, known for its classic Caribbean dishes, while Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso highlighted HAAM Caribbean Plant Cuisine in Williamsburg, noting the restaurant’s fresh spin on Caribbean flavors.
Lenny’s Clam Bar in Howard BeachGoogle maps
Seafood fans should check out Lenny’s Clam Bar in Howard Beach, said Queens Council Member Joann Ariola.
“Lenny’s Clam Bar has been a Howard Beach institution for decades. If you go, remember to ask for Joe,” she said.
Ariola recommends the chicken oreganata and the coconut shrimp.
Heading south to Staten Island, Council Member Kamillah Hanks selected Seppe Pizza Bar, where her go-to order is the roasted cauliflower cacio e pepe and house red pie, while Council Member Frank Morano highlighted The Annadale Terrace as his go-to spot for the Mediterranean salad with grilled calamari.
“New Yorkers know a great restaurant or bar is about more than what’s on the menu,” Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, said. “These businesses create jobs, anchor neighborhoods, and become part of our communities. The District Dining Guide celebrates the places our elected officials love while showing why restaurants and bars matter to every corner of New York City.”
The guide also pairs the politicians’ personal recommendations with economic data showing the footprint of restaurants and bars in each participating City Council district, including the number of restaurants and bars, people employed and total wages generated in the district, which were provided by the NYS Comptroller’s Office.
The comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, did a broader analysis, which found that NYC restaurants and bars employed nearly 280,000 people in 2024, supported more than $11.4 billion in wages, generated an estimated $28 billion in economic activity, and contributed more than $2.8 billion to City coffers in FY2025.
The full District Dining Guide 2026, including recommendations and district-level economic data, is available at thenycalliance.org/districtdiningguide2026.
