Finding a good meal in Hell’s Kitchen is actually harder than it looks.
Because of its proximity to Broadway and Times Square, the neighborhood is a minefield of tourist traps and overpriced “pre-theater” menus.
But if you know where to look, 9th and 10th Avenue are hiding some of the best food in Manhattan.
We have filtered out the gimmicks to find the spots locals actually book.
These are the 12 best Hell’s Kitchen restaurants worth your money right now.
1. Il Melograno
Il Melograno in Hell’s Kitchen is like a cozy Italian getaway. They serve up dishes that sing with fresh flavors, like their homemade Pappardelle pasta covered in a rich sausage ragu. It’s pasta heaven!
Don’t miss out on their Filetto di Salmone either. Imagine crispy salmon with a lemony sauce, sitting next to creamy cauliflower puree and grilled asparagus. Pure bliss!
What to order: Pappardelle al Ragu di Salsiccia, Filetto di Salmone, Parmigiana Siciliana
Address: 501 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
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2. Añejo
Añejo is a fiesta of Mexican tastes right in Hell’s Kitchen. Tequila lovers, rejoice! And their tapas-style eats? Perfect for sharing. Dive into their creamy guac and fiery salsas to start.
But the real star? The Pork Belly Tostadas. Sweet, savory, and topped with a cool cilantro crema. It’s a flavor trip to Mexico on a plate.
What to order: Guacamole & Salsa Combo, Pork Belly Tostadas
Address: 668 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
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3. SESAMO
SESAMO mixes up Italian with Asian in Hell’s Kitchen, and it’s a match made in foodie heaven. Their Coconut Miso Salmon is a knockout. It’s got this awesome black rice and coconut sauce combo.
For pasta, go for the Duck Ragu Pappardelle, rich and savory, or the Miso Carbonara for that salty-sweet, umami punch.
It’s a great pick when you want something familiar, but not boring.
What to order: Coconut Miso Salmon, Duck Ragu Pappardelle, Miso Carbonara
Address: 764 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
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4. Kochi
For a royal Korean feast, head to Kochi. It’s sleek, modern, and all about skewers from the Joseon Dynasty days.
Courses include the Octopus Twigim with celtuce and perilla aioli, plus a Tuna Bibimbap with blue fin tuna, kimchi marmalade, and seaweed rice.
If you want to go all in, book the Chef’s Signature Menu and let the kitchen do the driving.
What to order: Tasting Menu, Chef’s Signature Menu
Address: 652 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
5. Pure Thai Cookhouse
Pure Thai Cookhouse is a tiny, always-busy spot on 9th Ave where the wok never seems to take a break.
Their Pad Thai hits that sweet-sour tamarind balance with a little char, and the Wok Curry Paste with Pork brings real heat plus that punchy green peppercorn.
Go early or be ready to wait, it’s a popular one for a reason.
What to order: Pad Thai With Shrimp, Wok Curry Paste With Pork, Ratchaburi Crab & Pork Dry Noodles
Address: 766 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
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6. Bocca di Bacco
Sophisticated Italian in Hell’s Kitchen? Bocca di Bacco’s your romantic spot. Their Spaghetti Pomodoro is simplicity turned extraordinary. And the Ahi Tuna Tartare? It’s innovation on a plate, with fresh tuna and a hint of chipotle. Their wine list? Perfect for toasting to a night of fine dining.
What to order: Spaghetti Pomodoro, Ahi Tuna Tartare
Address: 836 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
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7. The Marshal
The Marshal is all about farm-fresh American in a rustic setting. Try their Wood Oven Roasted Chicken Wings with a chili maple glaze, it’s a spicy-sweet revelation.
Then, go for the braised boneless short rib over herbed polenta with pickled onions and beet horseradish. The beef is slow-braised until fork-tender, and the creamy polenta soaks up every bit of that savory sauce.
What to order: Wood Oven Roasted Chicken, Braised Boneless Short Rib of Beef, Veritas Farms Deviled Eggs
Address: 628 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
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8. Mamasita Bar & Grill
Mexican comfort food anyone? Mamasita Bar & Grill is where it’s at. Their Chef’s Special Fajitas are a sizzling sensation, and the Trio Cancun Burrito wraps up chicken, steak, and shrimp in one delicious package. This place is a ticket to Mexico, no passport needed!
What to order: Chicken Enchiladas, Margaritas, Extra Chips & Salsa
Address: 818 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
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9. Norma Hell’s Kitchen
Elegant Italian in the city? Norma’s your spot. Their Signature Pizza is crispy, cheesy, and topped with smoky eggplant. Or sink your fork into Gnocchi al ragù Bolognese, where slow-cooked ragout meets tender gnocchi. It’s a chic slice of Italy right in Hell’s Kitchen.
What to order: Norma Pizza, Gnocchi al ragù Bolognese
Address: 801 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
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10. Palermo NYC Argentinian Steak House
Steak lovers, Palermo NYC is calling! Argentine cuts, cooked just right, and a wine list to swoon over. Start with the Palermo Salad, it’s a fresh overture to the main act.
Their steaks? Charred to perfection. This place is your rustic yet refined escape to Argentina in the heart of New York.
What to order: Palermo Salad, NY Strip Milanese, Flan con Dulce de Leche
Address: 373 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
11. Valla Table
Valla Table’s the spot for Thai cravings in Hell’s Kitchen. The vibe? Modern and inviting. Go for the “Mom’s Pad Thai” – it’s like a hug on a plate with stir-fried noodles, egg, scallions, and bean sprouts, all kissed with coconut sugar and tangy tamarind.
Or spice up your meal with “Drunken Noodles” (Pad Kee Mao). Here, flat rice noodles tango with Thai chili, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and Thai basil, all in a fiery chili basil sauce. It’s Thai food with a twist, and you’re going to want to dive in for seconds.
What to order: Mom’s Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao
Address: 641 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036
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12. Barking Dog
Barking Dog is an easy, all-day hangout, especially if you’re doing a pre-theatre dinner or rolling in with a friend who insists on bringing their dog. The vibe is casual, the menu is crowd-pleasing, and you can actually hear each other talk.
The cheesesteak eggrolls are crunchy outside, gooey inside, and the sweet-spicy chili sauce makes them disappear fast.
If you’re not trying to think too hard, the Best Friend Burger is juicy, straightforward, and hard to regret.
What to order: Cheesesteak Eggrolls, Best Friend Burger, Seadog Fish & Chips,
Address: 329 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
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Exploring Hell’s Kitchen is a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure one should not miss out on.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out our picks of the best Brooklyn restaurants!