February’s shorter days and longer nights, snow flurries and chilly winds create the perfect climate for a big, steaming bowl of soup. We’ve compiled a shortlist of some of New York’s best hot soups. While the soups on our list have been influenced from across the globe, all our selections have in common their outstanding flavor palettes, quality ingredients and, of course, their ability to warm you from the inside out. Read on and jump into the delicious melting pot of flavors and cultures in New York.
Momofuku Noodle Bar (Ramen)
Momofuku Noodle Bar is famed for starting the nation’s ramen craze, and the ramen noodles here are outstanding and well worth a trip. The brainchild of renowned chef, David Chang, Momofuku Noodle Bar was named “most important restaurant in America” by Bon Appétit Magazine and is credited with starting the American ramen-craze. The restaurant serves a constantly changing roster of noodles, steamed breads, soft serve, and daily dishes. The smoked pork ramen is perhaps the most well known with its rich pork belly slices, creamy egg yolk, and bamboo; not to mention that the broth is made with sumptuous bacon. For the non-meat eaters, there are also vegetarian ramens. Momofuku Noodle Bar doesn’t take reservations so make sure you plan accordingly. The restaurant has two locations, one in the East Village and another in Columbus Circle.
East Village
171 1st Avenue
Between 10th + 11th Street
New York, NY 10003
Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
2nd Avenue Deli (Chicken Noodle Soup)
The chicken noodle soup aka Matzo ball soup at the kosher certified 2nd Avenue Deli is frequently voted as the best in New York. The soup has a rich, but not overwhelming broth, the perfect fluffy matzo balls are made with care by old-time pros and the chicken is always tender. Broth is poured tableside for a little extra pizazz. The restaurant also has Chicken in the Pot (aka “Jewish penicillin”) to go, which is half a chicken, matzo balls, and noodles in delectable broth all in a jar, ready to take home to enjoy.
Midtown
162 East 33rd Street
New York, NY 10016
Upper East Side
1442 First Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Sabor a Mexico II (Pozole Verde)
This small Mexican restaurant has amazing pozole verde soup. The pozole soup here is made in the style of the Guerrero region from owner Roberto Escamilla’s family recipe. Pozole comes from the Aztec word “pozilli”, which means foam. Traditionally pozole is made with hominy, (corn with the germ removed) and meat in a stew of spices and chiles. At Sabor a Mexico II, the deep green chicken soup gets its color from chiles verdes and tomatillo. It comes with loads of toppings such as avocado and oregano to customize the flavor to your liking, and who could forget the crunchy tortilla chips that arrive on the side.
233 E 77th St
New York, NY 10075
Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant (Oyster Pan Roast)
The opulent Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant is a tale of fortune lost and refound. The beautiful restaurant first opened its doors in 1913 on the lower level of Grand Central Terminal, however, as travel by rail fell into decline, so did the restaurant. Only in recent years, under new ownership has it been resurrected to its former days of glory. With a reputation for some of Manhattan’s freshest seafood, the Oyster Pan Roast soup here excels. The pan roast is made with cream, butter, and clam juice, plus a bit of Worcestershire sauce, spices, and the six Blue Point oysters from the Long Island Sound that are the soup’s crown jewel. It’s all cooked in a stainless steel steam kettle and served with white toast.
89 E 42nd St
New York, NY 10017
Earl’s Beer and Cheese (Spicy Tomato Soup)
Earl’s Beer and Cheese, a friendly and cozy bar/restaurant on the Upper East Side, is renowned for its fun menu (beer cheese, anyone?) and a rotating cast of craft beers. In the midst of a menu of mac n’ cheese, pork belly, and tacos, the spicy tomato soup is a standout. The soup gets its heat from a combination of sriracha and ginger, giving just the right amount of kick. The spiciness is balanced by rich, creamy tomato. The tomato soup is served with a slice of Earl’s gorgeous Pugliese sourdough bread, perfect for dunking. No reservations are required and the seating is largely communal, so get ready to make a friend or two over soup.
1259 Park Ave
New York, NY 10029
www.earlsny.com
Staying in New York City – About The Lombardy Hotel
The Lombardy Hotel is just as iconic to Midtown Manhattan as many of the other historic and cultural attractions in the area. Not only are our rooms comfortable and tasteful, we provide amenities such as a full salon, coffee shop, and exercise room. We also host the American Cut Midtown steakhouse, perfect for a business lunch or dinner on a special occasion. We look forward to hosting you.
