Unearth The Voyage
New York City is famous for its incredible food scene, but eating well doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From hand-pulled noodles in Chinatown to crispy falafel in the Village, the city is packed with spots where delicious meals meet friendly prices. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, these 17 affordable restaurants prove you can eat like a local without breaking the bank.
1. Xi’an Famous Foods (multiple locations)
Walking into any Xi’an Famous Foods feels like discovering a secret. The hand-pulled biang-biang noodles are thick, chewy, and coated in chili oil that tingles your tongue in the best way possible.
Their cumin lamb burgers pack bold, smoky flavors that make ordinary burgers seem boring. What really sets this place apart is the no-tipping policy, so the price you see is exactly what you pay.
With multiple locations across the city, it’s easy to find one near you. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, Xi’an Famous Foods delivers authentic flavors without the fancy-restaurant price tag.
2. Mamoun’s Falafel (Greenwich Village & more)
Since 1971, Mamoun’s has been feeding hungry New Yorkers crispy falafel and juicy shawarma from its tiny Village counter. The walls are covered with photos and memories from over five decades of service.
Late-night crowds still line up for warm pita stuffed with falafel, tahini, and fresh vegetables. Everything is made fast, but nothing tastes rushed—each sandwich is packed with flavor and care.
Prices have stayed surprisingly low even as the neighborhood has changed around it. Mamoun’s proves that sometimes the oldest spots are still the best, especially when hunger strikes after midnight.
3. Vanessa’s Dumpling House (Chinatown, LES, LIC, etc.)
Golden-brown dumplings sizzle on the griddle, filling the air with the smell of pork, chives, and sesame oil. Vanessa’s has become legendary for serving massive portions at prices that seem stuck in the past.
Their sesame pancakes are flaky and perfect for scooping up extra sauce. The Peking duck sandwiches are a cult favorite—crispy skin and tender meat wrapped in soft bread for just a few bucks.
Most combo meals stay well under ten dollars, making this a go-to spot for students and budget-conscious foodies alike. You’ll leave full, happy, and with money still in your pocket.
4. Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market, Times Sq., etc.)
If you want authentic tacos in New York, Los Tacos No. 1 is where locals point you. Each taco is griddled to order with tender adobada or perfectly seasoned carne asada.
The meat is piled high on fresh corn tortillas, then topped with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. At around five to six dollars per taco, you’re getting restaurant-quality food at street-cart prices.
Lines can get long, especially at the Chelsea Market location, but they move quickly. One bite and you’ll understand why this place has earned its reputation as the city’s most reliable quick taco spot.
5. Punjabi Grocery & Deli (East Village)
This tiny East Village spot has been feeding hungry New Yorkers from its steam table for years. Fragrant chana masala, rich saag paneer, and buttery parathas sit under warming lights, ready to be scooped onto your plate.
The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the prices feel like a gift. It’s the kind of place where regulars know exactly what they want and newcomers are welcomed with a smile.
Eating here feels authentically New York—no frills, no fuss, just really good food that fills you up without emptying your wallet. Grab a plate and enjoy home-style Punjabi cooking at its finest.
6. B&H Dairy (East Village)
Step into B&H Dairy and you’re stepping back in time to 1938. This tiny kosher vegetarian diner has been serving borscht, pierogi, and blintzes for over 80 years.
The counter seats are always full of neighborhood regulars sipping soup and chatting with the staff. Everything is made with care, from the tangy borscht to the pillowy pierogi stuffed with potato and cheese.
Prices remain gentle, a rare thing in the ever-changing East Village. B&H Dairy is a reminder that some traditions are worth keeping, especially when they taste this good and cost so little.
7. Scarr’s Pizza (Lower East Side)
Scarr’s takes pizza seriously, milling their own flour and baking classic New York slices that taste like the old days. The crust is crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and topped with tangy tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella.
Even though they’ve become popular enough to take reservations, the prices haven’t climbed to haute-pizza levels. Lines still form out the door, but they move fast.
This is the kind of pizza that locals brag about and tourists hunt down. Grab a slice and taste what real New York pizza is supposed to be.
8. Joe’s Pizza (many Manhattan outposts)
Joe’s Pizza is a New York institution, serving simple, thin slices that have fueled late-night adventures for decades. The crust is perfectly crisp, the cheese melts just right, and the sauce has that classic tangy sweetness.
With multiple locations across Manhattan, you’re never too far from a Joe’s slice. Whether it’s 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., you can count on a hot, delicious slice at a budget-friendly price.
Tourists and locals alike swear by Joe’s, and for good reason. It’s the kind of pizza that defines New York—no fancy toppings, just pure, delicious simplicity done right.
9. Saiguette (Upper West Side)
Tucked away on the Upper West Side, Saiguette is a cozy Vietnamese counter that serves hefty banh mi and steaming bowls of pho. The banh mi are stuffed with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and your choice of savory fillings.
Each bowl of pho comes loaded with tender meat, fresh herbs, and rice noodles swimming in rich, aromatic broth. Time Out recently confirmed that Saiguette is still humming along, delighting diners with generous portions.
The space is small, but the flavors are huge. It’s the perfect spot for a comforting, affordable meal that warms you from the inside out.
10. A&A Bake Doubles and Roti (Bed-Stuy)
Trini doubles are a Brooklyn treasure, and A&A Bake has been serving them for years at prices that make you smile. These fluffy fried breads filled with curried chickpeas cost just a few dollars and pack incredible flavor.
The roti here is also a standout—soft, warm, and perfect for wrapping around spicy fillings. Eater continues to highlight A&A Bake as one of the best value spots in the city.
Locals know to stop by for a quick, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. It’s the kind of neighborhood gem that makes Brooklyn’s food scene so special.
11. Merit Kabab Restaurant & Sweets (Jackson Heights)
Merit Kabab is a Bangladeshi steam-table paradise where the air is thick with the smell of biryani, kebabs, and fresh naan. Plates are piled high with fragrant rice, tender meat, and rich curries that taste like home cooking.
Eater named it one of their 2025 affordable picks, and it’s easy to see why. Even on delivery apps, the prices stay gentle, making it a reliable choice when you want big flavors without big spending.
Don’t skip the sweets counter—sticky, syrupy treats wait to finish your meal on a sweet note. Merit Kabab is proof that Jackson Heights is a food lover’s dream.
12. Ba Xuyên (Sunset Park)
Ba Xuyên is widely considered one of the best banh mi shops in all of New York City. The classic number one combo is a masterpiece—crispy bread, savory pork, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs all coming together in perfect harmony.
Their sardine banh mi is a bold choice that pays off with rich, briny flavors balanced by bright, crunchy toppings. Despite the quality, prices remain bargain-level, making this a favorite among locals and food writers alike.
Sunset Park’s Vietnamese food scene is thriving, and Ba Xuyên is a big reason why. Stop by and taste what all the hype is about.
13. Maxi’s Noodle 3 (Chinatown)
Maxi’s Noodle started as a cult favorite in Flushing and has now brought its Hong Kong-style noodles to Manhattan. The wonton noodles are silky and delicate, floating in a savory broth that’s both comforting and deeply flavorful.
Their lo mein is tossed with just the right amount of sauce and topped with tender meat or fresh vegetables. Each bowl is priced right, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal without worrying about the bill.
The Chinatown location is always buzzing with happy diners slurping noodles and chatting over steaming bowls. It’s noodle perfection at a price that makes sense.
14. Great N.Y. Noodletown (Chinatown)
Great N.Y. Noodletown is an old-school Cantonese spot that’s been feeding late-night crowds for decades. Roast duck and BBQ pork hang in the window, glistening under the lights and calling you inside.
The wonton noodle soup is a classic—delicate wontons, springy noodles, and a broth that’s been perfected over years. Roast meats are served over rice or noodles, with crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat.
After a brief closure, Noodletown is open again and still serving the same inexpensive, delicious food that made it famous. Late-night cravings have never tasted so good.
15. Arepa Lady (Jackson Heights)
The Arepa Lady started as a legendary street cart and has since moved into a brick-and-mortar spot, but the food is just as incredible. Sweet choclo arepas are made from fresh corn and filled with melty cheese or packed with savory meats and toppings.
Each arepa is griddled until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The flavors are bold, the portions are generous, and the prices won’t wreck your budget.
Fans followed the Arepa Lady from cart to restaurant, and new customers discover her magic every day. It’s a true New York success story, one delicious arepa at a time.
16. Hello! Bangladesh (Long Island City/Astoria border)
Hello! Bangladesh is a newer favorite on the affordable food map, but it’s already winning hearts with its steam-table setup and generous portions. Curries bubble with spices, snacks are fried fresh, and everything is priced to welcome everyone.
The variety is impressive—choose from a rotating selection of dishes that change daily, all packed with bold, home-style flavors. Eater highlighted it as a must-visit for anyone seeking value and authenticity.
Located on the border of Long Island City and Astoria, it’s a hidden gem that rewards adventurous eaters. Stop by and explore the rich, vibrant flavors of Bangladeshi cuisine.
17. NAYA (multiple locations)
NAYA brings build-your-own Lebanese bowls and wraps to New Yorkers across the city. Start with a base of rice or greens, then pile on shawarma, falafel, hummus, and all the fresh toppings you can imagine.
Everything is made fresh, and the ingredients are high-quality, but the prices stay dependable—most lunches come in well under twenty dollars. With multiple locations, it’s easy to find a NAYA near your office or apartment.
It’s fast, it’s healthy, and it’s delicious. NAYA proves that eating well on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or freshness.
