12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try in New York, One for Each Month of the Year

Is there anything better than testing out the best restaurants in New York? We are so lucky here in the Empire State! No matter what region of the state you're in, you've got access to incredible restaurants with a vast and flavorful variety of genres. Looking to expand your palate in the new year? Here are one dozen great restaurants in New York to check out: try one a month for a year-long culinary adventure. What are your favorite spots on this list? Who did we leave out? Let us know!

1. Nick Tahou Hots

Nick Tahou Hots belongs on your list of bucket list restaurants in New York. It's been a Rochester staple for more than 100 years. The most famous item at Nick Tahou Hots is the "garbage plate." It's been named the fattiest food in New York State by Health.com. It's a hodgepodge with various items, including home fries, macaroni salad, baked beans, meats, and various sauces.

2. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

This absolutely gorgeous spot is a four-star restaurant with gorgeous views, delicious food, and an array of concerts lined up throughout the year. You can find a menu, the most up-to-date hours and specials, and more on the official Hollow Bar + Kitchen website.

3. Mercato Bar and Kitchen

Mercato has been a popular spot in Ithaca for over a decade. The Italian-inspired menu is sure to delight. It changes seasonally at this small nosh spot, so you're always in for something new. It's quite cozy but can fill up fast, so arrive early! If you're on the lookout for the best Italian food in New York, this is one of the top contenders.

4. Gaudino's Italian Kitchen

The delightful little town of Pawling houses this tasty pizza joint. It's certainly not a struggle to find pizza in New York, but this place is better than most. Everything's fresh and it's a great old-fashioned pizzeria. It doesn't have a website, but trust us when we say this place is worth a visit. If you have any questions, you can always call the restaurant at (845) 855-3200.

5. Toutant

Editor's note: Toutant has permanently closed.

Looking for a great southern restaurant in New York? Toutant will give you a taste of the south in a beautiful upscale setting. From the cast iron skillet cornbread to the pork rind cracklins to the tasty collard greens, this place is incredible! It's almost like traveling down to Louisiana with your tastebuds... almost.

6. Rio Tomatlan

If you're in the mood for something a little bit more exotic, check out Rio Tomatlan. This is one of the best Mexican restaurants in New York. The food is incredible and locally sourced whenever possible. The colorful surroundings will make you feel like you were transported to Mexico! It's not often you find delicious, authentic-tasting Mexican food on the East Coast, so this is a real treat.

7. Hazelnut Kitchen

Trumansburg is a delightful small town in New York featuring many tasty restaurants, one of our favorites of which is Hazelnut Kitchen. This farm-to-table spot has a seasonally changing menu that uses local ingredients. The open kitchen means you can watch the chefs as they cook all your dishes. You'll find all the important info on the official Hazelnut Kitchen website, like a menu and more.

8. Cooperstown Diner

For something a little more casual, Cooperstown Diner is a great option! Breakfast and burgers are served all day, so eat whatever you want when you want it. The restaurant is small in size (it's only got 1/2 of an address!), but big in flavor. This is one of those old-school, classic diners in New York that'll be fun for the whole family, should you bring 'em (which you should).

9. Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café

Last Chance Tavern has been around for more than 50 years and has a wide array of food to choose from. It's also got live music and a massive selection of old-school candy, too, which is pretty sweet (ha). This place has such a fun atmosphere and we think you'll love it! Find out more on its official website, including hours, menu, and more.

10. Doug's Fish Fry

This place gets deliveries of fresh seafood on ice five times a week, so the food is as fresh as can be. There are locations in Cortland and Skaneateles, and you can often catch their food truck at various events around the state. Get more info, including a menu and the most up-to-date hours, from its official website.

11. The Waffle Factory

Tasty breakfast spots are the best! Waffles, eggs, and sausage? Yes, sign us up! Waffles in New York don't get much better than The Waffle Factory. It also has incredible artisan shakes that are like nothing you've ever seen or tasted in your LIFE. Check out the gallery on its official website for more details.

12. Halsey's Restaurant

This place is beautiful and has amazing wood-fired pizzas and bread. It's elegant without being too fancy, so if you want fine dining a little more on the casual side, this is a great option. Visit its official website for a menu and more.

How many of these excellent eateries in New York have you already tried? Did we miss your favorite restaurants in the Big Apple? Where are your all-time favorite places to eat? Share more of your favorite dining suggestions in the comments - we love hearing from you.

For more amazing places to eat in New York, you might want to check out Barbetta, which is one of the oldest family-owned spots in the state, or if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you might think about embarking upon an epic foodie NY road trip during which you'll experience six amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurants.