7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in SoHo (2026 Guide)

TLDR: SoHo restaurants range from $8 cronuts to $50+ French bistros. Best bets include Balthazar for classic brasserie vibes, Raku for exceptional udon, and Dominique Ansel for pastries. Expect crowds at peak times and bring your wallet.

I've eaten my way through SoHo more times than my bank account would prefer to admit.

The SoHo neighborhood is fascinating in many ways, and of course it doesn't do mediocre food. But it also doesn't hide its tourist traps. The cast-iron buildings house everything from James Beard award-winning pastry shops to old-school French bistros where regulars have been coming since the '70s.

After countless meals here, I've figured out which places actually deliver on the hype and which ones you can skip.

1. Balthazar

Keith McNally's French brasserie Balthazar has been SoHo's dining centerpiece since 1997. The space recreates a Parisian brasserie with red leather banquettes, brass mirrors, and that perpetual buzz of people who all seem to know each other. I've watched tourists and celebrities sit side-by-side ordering steak frites and onion soup gratinée.

The food justifies the prices, mostly. Entrees run $30-50, and weekend brunch requires advance reservations unless you enjoy hour-long waits. The bread from Balthazar's bakery alone makes the trip worthwhile. Yes, it's expensive and sometimes the service feels stretched, but this is SoHo dining at its most quintessential.

Did You Know? Balthazar serves approximately 1,500 guests daily, and their most popular dish is steak frites with 200 orders sold per day.

2. Raku

This Japanese spot Raku specializes in handmade udon noodles, and the line out the door tells you everything. The noodles have this perfect chewy texture that most NYC udon places can't match, served in bowls that are more like cauldrons. I've tried the niku udon (beef) and shrimp tempura versions multiple times.

Expect to wait unless you snag a reservation two weeks ahead. Prices hover around $25-30 per bowl, which feels steep until you taste how good it actually is. The space is minimal and tight, with bar seating that works well for solo dining. They recently expanded to multiple locations, but the SoHo spot maintains the original intimate vibe.

Did You Know? Chef Norihiro Ishizuka has over sixty years of culinary experience and created Raku as a homage to the udon his mother made when he was growing up in Japan.

3. Dominique Ansel Bakery

The Cronut launched a thousand imitators, but Dominique Ansel Bakery is where it started in 2013. The half-croissant, half-donut hybrid changes flavors monthly and requires either pre-ordering or accepting disappointment. I've been here enough times to know the DKA (caramelized croissant) is actually the better move if cronuts sell out.

Prices run $8-11 per pastry, which sounds absurd until you try one. Lines form early, especially weekends. The small seating area in back works for a quick coffee and pastry situation. It's absolutely touristy, but unlike some SoHo spots, the quality backs up the hype.

Did You Know? Each Cronut at Dominique Ansel Bakery takes three days to make and the flavor changes monthly, never repeating, since the bakery opened in 2013.

If you're exploring SoHo and want to discover more than just the restaurants, StoryHunt's Personal Tour Guide creates customized audio walks through the neighborhood. You'll find hidden spots and learn about SoHo's history while planning where to eat next.

4. Raoul's

This French bistro Raoul's has been serving SoHo since 1975, back when the neighborhood was actually affordable. The space feels genuinely old New York, not the manufactured version, with dim lighting and walls that have absorbed decades of conversation. I always order the burger, which locals swear by over fancier options.

The wine list runs deep, the crowd skews local over tourist, and somehow the place maintains its character despite astronomical SoHo rents. Prices match the upscale vibe (entrees $35-50), but you're paying for atmosphere as much as food. Make reservations because walk-ins rarely work.

Did You Know? Raoul's has been a SoHo power lunch destination for over 45 years, attracting NYC locals who appreciate classic French cuisine over trendy spots.

5. Blue Ribbon Brasserie

When you want excellent food at 11 PM, Blue Ribbon Brasserie delivers. This American spot has maintained consistent quality since opening, serving everything from fried chicken to an extensive raw bar. I've come here after late shows more times than I can count.

The beef marrow with oxtail marmalade is mandatory ordering. Entrees run $30-45, and the space buzzes with energy regardless of hour. It's one of those rare places that feels equally appropriate for a date or solo meal at the bar. The raw bar selection rivals dedicated seafood restaurants.

Did You Know? Blue Ribbon's staff apparently meets every January to ensure the restaurant stays exactly the same year after year, maintaining their consistent approach.

6. Jack's Wife Freda

As a Mediterranean cafe, Jack's Wife Freda defines SoHo brunch culture. The rosewater waffles and shakshuka show up on every Instagram feed, but the food actually tastes as good as it photographs. I've tried the Madame Freda (basically a deluxe grilled cheese with duck prosciutto) multiple times.

Expect waits during weekend brunch (11 AM-2 PM is brutal) but weekday breakfast moves faster. Prices are reasonable for SoHo at $15-25 per dish. The vibe skews young and energetic, which works if you're into that scene. Don't come expecting quiet contemplation.

Did You Know? Jack's Wife Freda blends Mediterranean, Jewish, and South African influences in its eclectic menu, named after the chef's grandparents.

7. Altro Paradiso

Chef Ignacio Mattos created this Italian spot, Altro Paradiso, that manages to feel both refined and approachable. The handmade pasta changes seasonally, and I've yet to have a bad dish. The tonnarelli cacio e pepe gets ordered constantly for good reason.

Reservations are tough to score, especially for weekend dinner. Prices reflect the Michelin-adjacent quality (pasta $30-40, entrees $40-55). The bar area works for walk-ins willing to wait. The high ceilings and brass details create atmosphere without feeling pretentious.

Did You Know? Altro Paradiso opened in 2016 and quickly garnered devoted regulars who treat it like their second home, from neighborhood residents to repeat travelers.

Making the most of SoHo dining

The best restaurants in SoHo aren't necessarily the ones with the longest lines or biggest Instagram followings. After years of eating through this neighborhood, I've learned that timing matters as much as choosing the right spot. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30 PM) cut wait times significantly. Off-peak hours often mean better service too.

Want to explore SoHo beyond the restaurant scene? StoryHunt's Personal Tour Guide creates customized audio walks connecting the neighborhood's best spots with stories about the area's history and hidden corners. You can plan your perfect day combining shopping, dining, and discovering what makes SoHo special, all at your own pace.