Top 10 Restaurants to Eat Dinner in NYC on a Budget
New York City’s dining scene is legendary, but finding affordable dinner spots can feel like searching for a unicorn. The good news? Delicious, budget-friendly dinner options exist throughout the five boroughs. From hidden gems serving authentic ethnic cuisine to beloved neighborhood institutions, NYC offers incredible dining experiences that won’t empty your wallet.
We’ve scoured the city to find the best cheap dinner restaurants NYC has to offer, where you can enjoy a satisfying meal for under $30 per person. These spots deliver on flavor, atmosphere, and value—proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the city’s culinary diversity.
Where to Find Budget Dinner Spots in NYC
Explore our top 10 affordable dinner spots across NYC’s five boroughs
1. Punjabi Grocery & Deli (East Village)
Punjabi Grocery & Deli’s modest exterior hides incredible flavors
Indian Vegetarian | $8-12 per person
This East Village institution has been serving delicious, authentic Indian vegetarian food since the 1990s. Originally a favorite among taxi drivers seeking quick, affordable meals, Punjabi Grocery & Deli now attracts budget-conscious diners from all walks of life.
Signature Dishes:
- Large Plate ($8.50): Rice with three vegetarian curries (chana masala, saag paneer, and dal)
- Samosas ($4): Crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas
Pro Tip: Visit between 2-5pm to avoid the lunch and dinner rushes. The space is tiny with limited standing room, so consider taking your food to nearby Tompkins Square Park on nice days.
2. Joe Jr. Restaurant (Gramercy)
Joe Jr.’s classic diner atmosphere and counter seating
American Diner | $10-15 per person
This throwback diner has been serving Gramercy since the 1980s, with a sign so iconic it inspired the one at Superiority Burger. Joe Jr. offers classic American comfort food at prices that seem frozen in time, especially their legendary burgers.
Signature Dishes:
- Cheeseburger Deluxe ($9.75): Perfectly grilled patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and fries
- Greek Diner Specials ($14-18): Daily rotating comfort classics like meatloaf and roast chicken
Pro Tip: Check the daily specials board for the best values. Weekday evenings after 7pm tend to be less crowded than the lunch rush.
3. Peppa’s Jerk Chicken (Flatbush)
Peppa’s famous jerk chicken with rice and plantains
Jamaican | $9-15 per person
This Brooklyn-born mini-chain has developed a cult following for its perfectly grilled jerk chicken. The Flatbush location is the original and still considered by many to serve the most authentic Jamaican flavors in the city.
Signature Dishes:
- Jerk Chicken Quarter ($9): Smoky, spicy chicken with rice and cabbage
- Escovitch Fish ($15): Whole fried fish with pickled vegetables
Pro Tip: Order your jerk chicken “with everything” to get the full experience with festival bread and plantains. Be prepared for a wait during peak dinner hours (6-8pm).
4. Yemeni Restaurant (Harlem)
Yemeni Restaurant’s zurbian with tender lamb and aromatic rice
Middle Eastern | $12-20 per person
This unassuming 125th Street spot serves authentic Yemeni cuisine in generous portions. The halal menu features hearty stews, grilled meats, and freshly baked bread that’s worth the trip alone.
Signature Dishes:
- Lamb Zurbian ($18): Biryani-like rice dish with tender lamb (enough for two)
- Hummus and Bread Platter ($8): Creamy hummus with enormous fresh-baked bread
Pro Tip: The portions are enormous—consider sharing main dishes. The restaurant gets busy after 7pm, so arrive early for dinner or be prepared to wait.
5. B&H Dairy (East Village)
B&H Dairy’s iconic counter seating and homestyle Jewish comfort food
Kosher Dairy | $10-18 per person
This venerable kosher dairy restaurant has been serving the East Village since 1938. The tiny 400-square-foot counter spot specializes in Eastern European Jewish comfort food at prices that seem impossible for Manhattan.
Signature Dishes:
- Vegetable Soup with Challah ($9): Hearty soup with fresh-baked bread
- Cheese Blintzes ($12): Delicate crepes filled with sweet cheese
Pro Tip: While known for breakfast, B&H serves dinner until 11pm (except Mondays). The counter-only seating fills quickly, so avoid peak hours (6-8pm) if possible.
6. Roll-N-Roaster (Sheepshead Bay)
Roll-N-Roaster’s iconic roast beef sandwich with optional “cheez” sauce
American | $10-18 per person
A Sheepshead Bay institution since 1971, Roll-N-Roaster is famous for its roast beef sandwiches served on kaiser rolls. The retro interior and neon signage transport you back in time, while the prices remain surprisingly reasonable.
Signature Dishes:
- Roast Beef Sandwich ($8.45): Thinly sliced beef on a toasted roll
- Combo Meal ($15): Sandwich with fries and a drink
Pro Tip: Add the famous “cheez” sauce for the full experience (though purists might prefer it plain). Visit on weeknights for a more relaxed atmosphere.
7. Relax Restaurant (Greenpoint)
Relax Restaurant’s homestyle Polish pierogi and hunter’s stew
Polish | $12-20 per person
This charming Greenpoint spot feels like stepping into a fairy tale cottage. The cozy, wood-beamed interior sets the perfect backdrop for hearty Polish comfort food at prices that make it a neighborhood favorite.
Signature Dishes:
- Pierogi Plate ($12): Six dumplings with various fillings
- Bigos ($14): Traditional hunter’s stew with sauerkraut and meat
Pro Tip: Try the lard plate with rye bread and pickles for an authentic Polish starter. Polish beers make the perfect accompaniment and are reasonably priced.
8. Little Myanmar (East Village)
Little Myanmar’s vibrant tea leaf salad and mohinga noodle soup
Burmese | $12-25 per person
This bare-bones East Village spot serves the most authentic Burmese cuisine in NYC. The 100-item menu covers the vast sweep of Myanmar’s culinary traditions, from tangy salads to rich curries and noodle dishes.
Signature Dishes:
- Tea Leaf Salad ($14): Fermented tea leaves with crunchy beans, peanuts, and sesame
- Mohinga ($16): Fish noodle soup considered Burma’s national dish
Pro Tip: The restaurant is small with limited seating. Weekday dinners before 7pm are your best bet for avoiding a wait. Dishes are meant for sharing, so bring friends.
9. Tengri Tagh (Midtown)
Tengri Tagh’s signature “big tray chicken” with hand-pulled noodles
Uyghur | $15-25 per person
Finding this full-blown Uyghur restaurant just steps from Macy’s is a delightful surprise. Tengri Tagh serves authentic cuisine from China’s Xinjiang region, where Central Asian and Chinese flavors merge in dishes featuring hand-pulled noodles and grilled meats.
Signature Dishes:
- Big Tray Chicken ($24): Spicy chicken and potato stew with wide noodles (serves 2-3)
- Lamb Skewers ($2.50 each): Cumin-spiced grilled lamb
Pro Tip: The big tray chicken easily feeds 2-3 people, making it one of the best values. Weekday lunches are less crowded than evenings when Midtown workers fill the space.
10. North Dumpling (Chinatown)
North Dumpling’s pan-fried pork and chive dumplings with dipping sauce
Chinese | $8-15 per person
This tiny Chinatown spot specializes in Northern Chinese dumplings and noodles at prices that seem too good to be true. The no-frills interior focuses all attention where it belongs—on the freshly made food.
Signature Dishes:
- Pork and Chive Dumplings ($4 for 10): Pan-fried or steamed
- Beef Noodle Soup ($9): Rich broth with tender brisket
Pro Tip: There’s no seating inside, so plan to take your food to go. Consider buying frozen dumplings (40 for $10) to enjoy at home. Cash only!
Explore Beyond the Tourist Trail
NYC’s most authentic affordable dining experiences often lie beyond tourist areas
These ten restaurants represent just a small sampling of NYC’s incredible affordable dining scene. Some of the city’s best budget meals are found in the outer boroughs and residential neighborhoods where locals eat. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond Manhattan’s tourist districts—hop on the subway and explore Queens for authentic international cuisine, Brooklyn for innovative cheap eats, or the Bronx for Latin American flavors.
Remember that many restaurants offer better values during lunch or early dinner specials. Following your favorite spots on social media can alert you to special deals and promotions. Most importantly, be adventurous! Some of NYC’s most memorable dining experiences come from small, family-run establishments where passion for food trumps fancy decor or high prices.
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Get Free GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to eat cheaply in NYC?
Absolutely! While New York has a reputation for being expensive, the city offers countless affordable dining options. Ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown, Jackson Heights, and Sunset Park are treasure troves of budget-friendly restaurants. Many establishments offer lunch specials, early bird dinners, or happy hour deals that provide excellent value. Street food, food courts, and food halls also offer delicious options at reasonable prices.
What areas have the best budget eats in NYC?
For the best concentration of affordable restaurants, explore these neighborhoods:
- Chinatown (Manhattan): Dumplings, noodles, and Cantonese classics
- Jackson Heights (Queens): South Asian, Latin American, and Himalayan cuisine
- Sunset Park (Brooklyn): Chinese and Mexican restaurants
- East Village (Manhattan): Student-friendly spots with global options
- Fordham (Bronx): Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Mexican eateries
How much should I budget for dinner in NYC?
While high-end restaurants can easily cost $100+ per person, budget-conscious diners can enjoy excellent meals for $15-30 per person (excluding drinks, tax, and tip). Many ethnic restaurants, diners, and neighborhood spots offer full meals in this price range. For the absolute best value, consider lunch specials, which often offer the same food as dinner at reduced prices.
Do I need reservations for affordable restaurants in NYC?
Most budget-friendly restaurants in NYC don’t take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, popular spots can have long waits during peak hours (7-9pm). To avoid waiting, try dining earlier (5-6pm) or later (after 9pm), or visit on weekdays rather than weekends. Some restaurants use waitlist apps like Yelp Waitlist or NoWait that allow you to join the queue remotely.
