Bagel Bob’s
51 University Pl. | bagelbobs.com | 212.533.2627
This University Place favorite serves huge bagels stuffed with a generous serving of your choice of cream cheese.
Come here for: Breakfast on your way to class

Cafetasia
38 E. Eighth St. | cafetasia.com | 212.529.2363
Just around the corner from many NYU buildings, Cafetasia offers a modern twist on Asian food. Customers are seated at long, communal tables for a unique dining atmosphere.
Come here for: Basil udon

Desi Shack
135 Fourth Ave. | desishack.com | 646.692.3434
Next door to Union Square staple Dos Toros, the newly opened Desi Shack offers Indian-Pakistani food with a Chipotle-like twist.
Come here for: Chicken tikka paratha roll with cilantro mint (medium spice) chutney

Dorado
28 E. 12th St. | doradotacos.com | 212.627.0900
It may be tempting to go to the Chipotle right next door, but Dorado is definitely the better choice for delicious and affordable tacos, chips and guacamole, and great quesadillas.
Come here for: Baja original taco

Dos Toros
137 Fourth Ave. | dostoros.com | 212.677.7300
If you’re already sick of all the Chipotles in New York City, Dos Toros is a local alternative. The company is also environmentally-friendly, using organic food and compostable utensils.
Come here for: your own burrito

Five Napkin Burger
150 E. 14th St. | 5napkinburger.com | 212.228.5500
A favorite for those living around the Union Square area, Five Napkin Burger serves a good old-fashion burger, as well as tacos and sushi.
Come here for: Avocado-Ranch burger with a side of sweet potato fries

Galanga
149 W. Fourth St. | galanganyc.com | 212.228.4267
A great place for Thai food around campus. Try the lunch special when you’re getting bored of you meal plan.
Come here for: Drunken noodles

La Lanterna di Vittorio
129 Macdougal St. | lalanternacaffe.com | 212.529.5945
Right by campus, La Lanterna offers delicious individual pizzas and paninis in a fun atmosphere with live music – perfect for a night out.
Come here for: Dulce de leche gelato

La Maison du Croque Monsieur
17 E. 13th St. | croquemr.com | 212.675.2227
This small restaurant gives quiet, French cafe vibes while offering a range of sandwiches inspired by the traditional croque monsieur. Perfect for studying or grabbing lunch between classes.
Come here for: Classic croques

Olive Tree Café
117 Macdougal St. | comedycellar.com/olive-tree-cafe | 212.254.3480
Connected to the Comedy Cellar, this cafe is complete with Mediterranean food, chalkboard tables and an intimate atmosphere. It’s great for a date night, quick lunch or large group gathering.
Come here for:  Homemade mashed potatoes

OTTO ENOTECA & PIZZERIA
Fifth Ave. | ottopizzeria.com | 212.995.9559
Located just two blocks away from Rubin Residence Hall, Otto offers sophisticated Italian fare — as it is one of famed chef Mario Batali’s restaurants — at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Come here for: Pizza, pasta and olive oil coppetta gelato

Peanut Butter & Co.
240 Sullivan St. | ilovepeanutbutter.com | 212.677.3995
Serving sandwiches with a variety of different peanut butter flavors, Peanut Butter & Co. puts a creative spin on the traditional peanut butter and jelly.
Come here for: Peanut butter sampler

Quantum Leap
226 Thompson St. | quantumleaprestaurant.com | 212.677.8050
A vegetarian restaurant right behind Bobst Library that is perfect for grabbing a bite after a long day of studying with its extensive variety of veggie burgers.
Come here for: Big leap burger dinner

Red Bamboo
140 W. Fourth St. | redbamboo-nyc.com | 212.260.7049
Well-known for being both entirely vegan-and-vegetarian-friendly and affordable, Red Bamboo’s soy-and-seitan-based veggie meats are delicious even for meat-eaters.
Come here for: Cashew chicken

Sacred Chow
227 Sullivan St. | sacredchow.com | 212.337.0863
All vegan and certified kosher, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant offers delicious, and healthy, dishes that are one-of-a-kind, rather than simply being meat substitutes.
Come here for: Roasted black olive seitan

Saigon Shack
114 Macdougal St. | saigonshack.squarespace.com | 212.228.0588
This sandwich and noodle shop offers a quality traditional Vietnamese meal, such as Pho and Banh Mi, for under $10.
Come here for: Lemongrass chicken bánh mì

The Grey Dog’s Coffee
90 University Pl. | thegreydog.com | 212.414.4739
The Grey Dog is perfect for visiting parents and friends with high expectations of the city. The food offerings, while simple, are consistently satisfying and fresh. And the music selection — so much Van Morrison — is excellent.
Come here for: Challah french toast

Think Coffee
248 Mercer St. | thinkcoffeenyc.com | 212.228.6226
The quintessential New York coffee shop has a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for studying or meeting with friends.
Come here for: Iced latte and grilled cheese

Umami Burger
432 Sixth Ave. | umami.com | 212.677.8626
You won’t find a plain old burger here. This restaurant specializes in deliciously trendy burgers.
Come here for: Truffle burger

Photos via yelp.com