New York is the quintessential melting pot of diversity. Every day, on every avenue and street, millions of Manhattanites stroll by an endless array of ethnic restaurants and shops without ever taking a peek inside. Our advice? Get out there try something new!
Today, Travel Savvy welcomes international traveler and multilingual translator Carlos Garcia to the show.
We've asked Carlos to list his favorite ethnic eateries in Manhattan -- from authentic Italian finds, sweet and savory Greek baklava to tasty Ethiopian dishes. Let's dive in!
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If you’re on the hunt for authentic Italian cuisine, Ovest Pizzoteca is the place to be. This West Chelsea dining spot offers delicious imported wines, authentic pizza and homemade al dente pasta. We recommend dropping by after a hard day’s work from 5-8PM to enjoy their "Aperitivo Italiano," which invites guests to buy one drink and sample a plethora of appetizers at the bar.
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As you walk past one of Zibetto’s three Manhattan locations, you’ll be drawn in by delicious aromatic coffee blends. A macchiato or espresso here will have even the most die-hard New Yorkers daydreaming of summers in Milan.
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Fast, fresh, and delicious, Turco offers a wide, affordable, and enjoyable selection of Mediterranean cuisine. If you drop by this ethnic culinary destination, be sure to try the lamb gyro, said to be the best in Manhattan!
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Named after a popular hotspot in Istanbul, Takisim Square restaurant brings you the best of Turkish cuisine. Unique recipes found in Turkey have translated their way into the streets of NYC latching foodies to try dishes such as Falafel and Lahmacun aka turkish pizza.
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Modeled after the original location in Istanbul, Güllüoglu offers sweet Turkish delicacies and other exclusive goodies imported straight from Istanbul. There are many flavorful pastries to sample here, but their signature baklava comes highly recommended (Caution: it's very addictive).
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Tucked in between dozens of restaurants in the West Village is Meskerem, a cozy ethiopian restaurant that’ll give you a flavorful exotic experience. Get ready to dig in, many of the dishes on this menu require you to eat with your hands which makes food so much better.
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Queen of Sheba is yet another authentic Ethiopian gem in New York City, located a few blocks away from Times Square. Enjoy traditional Ethiopian cuisine in a lively and culturally rich environment. Now offering gluten-free dishes and an array of sampler dishes, you can bet everyone your group will love at least one item on the menu.