No matter what you’re interested in as a traveler—culture, food, history—New York has it all, and at all price points. You can spend hundreds of dollars on front-row Broadway seats or you can see new shows for $15 at off-off-Broadway theaters. The New York food scene is impressive, and while you can drop hundreds of dollars at restaurants with Michelin stars, you can also get to know the city’s culinary offerings the One Savvy Wanderer way: having great experiences without breaking the bank at the best affordable restaurants in New York City!

If you’re planning a big New York City trip, take a look at my NYC guide, which will help you figure out where to stay, how to get around, and what activities to check out. This cheap restaurants in NYC guide and my general NYC travel guide are focused on Manhattan, but feel free to comment any questions you may have about other boroughs of New York and I’ll see what I can do!

Best Cheap Eats NYC | Breakfast

Cornerstone Café, 17 Avenue B, Alphabet City

I consulted a friend of mine who lived in the city for several years for this post, and she was in actual pain giving up her number-one New York affordable breakfast spot. You know that feeling where you want to share knowledge with other people to help them but you don’t want something you love to be further made popular? That’s how she felt about Cornerstone Café. It really is one of the best restaurants in NYC for breakfast!

The café might have the best value breakfast in the tri-state area: two organic eggs, made to order, served with breakfast potatoes, a mixed green salad, and toast (your choice of wheat, white, rye, English muffin, or sourdough)…for $4. You read that right. Four dollars. 

Their other offerings are completely reasonable (two-ingredient omelet with potatoes, salad, and toast for $10, buttermilk pancakes with orange blossom honey and fresh bananas, strawberries, and blueberries for $11), but the $4 breakfast is truly a lifesaver if you want to save on your dining budget.

Best of all, the place is adorable, tucked away on a cute street. It has a neighborhood vibe, has a very friendly owner, and provides an allover great experience.

Murray Hill Diner, 222 Lexington Avenue, Murray Hill

If you’re on any street corner in New York and you see the bright neon lights of a local diner, chances are it’s got delicious, affordable food that will be out fast.  They’re almost always a good option for the budget-conscious visitor, but sometimes the cheap eats come with a rather unappetizing environment.

Not so at Murray Hill Diner. It’s clean, the servers are relatively friendly, and their ten-page menu has great value options like a fried egg sandwich for $3.45, a huge Belgian waffle for $9.95, or a seriously oversized three-veggie omelet for $10.95 that is definitely big enough for two. Murray Hill Diner is a great option for cheap eats in Midtown East!

Related: Want to experience more delicious food on your trip? Take a New York City food tour!

Best Affordable Restaurants in NYC 2020 | Lunch

Superiority Burger, 430 E. 9^th Street, East Village

The classic burger that gives this small shop its name is actually vegetarian. And delicious. And costs just $6. It’s a thick veggie patty full of flavor, served with muenster cheese, iceberg lettuce, tomato, and a pickle, and it’ll fill you up and make you feel heathy at the same time! Other menu items feature vegetarian and vegan wraps, sandwiches, and burgers. They even have a veggie sloppy joe, called a “Sloppy Dave,” for $7.

Get your burgers to-go and go for a walk around nearby Tompkins Square Park if it’s a nice day out. Or squeeze your way into their limited seating inside and enjoy one of the best value lunch spots in New York City!

Vanessa’s Dumpling House, 118 Eldridge Street, Chinatown

You can’t go to New York and not check out Little Italy and Chinatown, two beautifully unique neighborhoods that are just a few streets over from each other. If you find yourself in the neighborhood and are feeling hungry, there’s no doubt about where you should go: the original Vanessa’s.

Vanessa’s Dumpling House now has several locations around New York and you’ll understand why the restaurant is so popular as soon as you open the door. You’ll see tables crowded with a mix of locals and visitors with plates of steaming-hot, fresh, handmade dumplings and an array of dipping sauces.

And all at such value: simple chive and pork fried dumplings are four for $2, veggie steamed dumplings are eight for $5.75, and the other three dozen or so of dumpling, soup, or bun options are all affordable (hot and sour soup is $2.75 and a sesame pancake goes for $1.25). It’s the best place to go on a chilly day to get warmed or, or just any time you’re craving delicious, affordable eats while visiting New York City.

Best Value Restaurants NYC | Dinner

Patsy’s Pizza, 2287 1st Avenue, East Harlem

A slice of pizza is often a value dining option in NYC, but Patsy’s, which was one of the first pizzerias in New York and has long perfected their coal-oven-fired pizza, is a great option if you’re hungry enough for a whole pie. With a crunchy crust, light and flavorful sauce, and a delicious layer of fresh cheese, you can’t go wrong.

Sit down in their historic, cozy dining room, sink into a New York institution, and enjoy an entire margarita pizza for $18 (plenty for two people; order a few pies if you’re going with a big group!).

They are cash only, so make sure you stop at an ATM beforehand.

Soulvaki GR, 116 Stanton Street, Lower East Side

If you’re looking for a cute place to sit down and eat a nice meal without spending a pretty penny, Soulvaki GR is that place. (They have locations in Midtown as well, if the Lower East Side isn’t convenient). You can get a delicious souvlaki wrap (grilled meat, red onions, fries, and tzatziki sauce) for $6.75, a simple and yummy Greek salad for $13.75, or appetizers like Greek sliders or spinach pie for $12 each.

It’s a good choice for a romantic dinner or a small group gathering, especially if you’re planning to grab a drink at one of the many bars in the area afterwards!

Enjoy these value restaurant recommendations to get the most out of your next New York City trip, and if you have any other favorites, leave them in the comments! As always, enjoy feeding your wanderlust and stay savvy!