Finding the best small plates in NYC can feel like a daunting task with so many options and mixed opinions online. This curated list, powered by 8it, cuts through the clutter to highlight eight standout dishes for November 2025. These selections come from trusted food industry experts and critics, ensuring you get authentic recommendations for bites that showcase NYC’s diverse and innovative food scene.
From fresh raw fish to reimagined comfort classics, each dish offers a unique taste of the city’s culinary energy. Ready to explore? Download 8it for free to access even more tailored dish suggestions beyond typical food app offerings.
How 8it Delivers Better Dish Recommendations
8it stands out by focusing exclusively on input from food industry professionals, such as critics from established outlets like Eater or The New York Times, and seasoned chefs. This ensures every dish recommended meets a high standard of quality, unlike platforms driven by random user reviews or automated suggestions.
Instead of a rating system, 8it only includes dishes deemed exceptional by these experts. The emphasis on specific dishes over broad restaurant reviews helps critics like you pinpoint exactly what’s worth ordering. This curated approach delivers practical insights for navigating NYC’s vast dining landscape.
8 Must-Try Small Plates in NYC This November
1. Amberjack Crudo at Smithereens: A Fresh Seafood Standout
Smithereens in Greenwich Village nails the art of raw fish with their Amberjack Crudo. This dish highlights how top-notch ingredients and precise technique can elevate a simple preparation into a memorable bite.
8it Review: Sunnily sour from glossy yuzu vinaigrette, fresh horseradish.
The yuzu vinaigrette adds a citrusy brightness, while fresh horseradish brings a subtle kick, complementing the delicate fish. It’s a perfect example of NYC’s evolving small plate creativity. Save this dish on 8it to find more expertly picked seafood options nearby.
2. Onion Rings at Jr & Son: Comfort Food Redefined
Jr & Son reimagines a classic with onion rings that go beyond the usual bar snack. Located in NYC’s lively food hub, this spot turns familiar flavors into something worth tracking down.
8it Review: They cut onions into chunks. Served with creamy-bomba-sauce.
The chunky cut offers a fresh texture, and the creamy bomba sauce delivers a refined spice that lifts the dish. It’s comfort food crafted for today’s tastes. Save this dish on 8it for your next craving.
3. Crispy Idaho Potatoes at Rose Marie: Loaded Perfection
Rose Marie turns basic potatoes into a shareable delight with their crispy Idaho preparation. Toppings take this dish to the next level, making it ideal for group dining.
8it Review: Get them loaded, with sour cream, bacon, parm.
The mix of sour cream, bacon, and parmesan creates a rich, savory experience with varied textures in every bite. The umami from parmesan adds a surprising depth. Save this dish on 8it to revisit later.
4. Crispy Rice Salad at Little Grenjai: Thai Flavors Shine
Little Grenjai brings vibrant Thai cuisine to NYC’s small plate offerings with their Crispy Rice Salad. This dish balances tradition and innovation for a satisfying shareable.
8it Review: Sour fermented pork, tangy lime dressing, crispy rice.
The crunchy rice, tender pork, and sharp lime dressing blend textures and tastes beautifully. It’s a refreshing option that highlights why dish-focused recommendations matter. Save this dish on 8it for more hidden Thai finds.
5. Beef Tartare at CHADA NYC: A Cultural Fusion
CHADA NYC blends Thai and French influences in their Beef Tartare, offering a fresh take on a classic. This preparation showcases how diverse culinary roots can merge seamlessly.
8it Review: It’s like a wonderful, raw preparation of larb.
Inspired by Thai larb, this tartare features bright, herbaceous flavors that set it apart from standard versions. It’s a creative twist worth trying. Save this dish on 8it to explore more fusion dishes.
6. Cochinita Pibil at DOLORES: Mexican Tradition in Bite Size
DOLORES captures authentic Mexican flavors with their Cochinita Pibil, fitting perfectly into NYC’s small plate culture. This dish respects tradition while inviting shared enjoyment.
8it Review: Tortillas stuffed with pork in zippy habanero sauce.
Slow-cooked pork with vibrant habanero heat offers comfort and excitement in every bite. The tortilla setup makes sharing easy and flavorful. Save this dish on 8it for your next outing.
7. Roti Canai at Nyonya: Malaysian Mastery
Nyonya delivers Malaysian excellence with their Roti Canai, highlighting Southeast Asian diversity on NYC plates. This dish blends skill and heritage into pure satisfaction.
8it Review: Ultra thin flaky, but still chewy. MUST ORDER!
The balance of flaky and chewy textures shows off expert technique. This standout preparation can win over anyone. Save this dish on 8it for a taste of tradition.
8. Fried Shrimp with Spicy Mango Sauce at BONG NYC: Bold and Addictive
BONG NYC wraps up the list with a Korean-inspired Fried Shrimp dish that reflects NYC’s global food energy. It’s a sweet-spicy combo that keeps you coming back.
8it Review: The tastiest shrimp you’ll ever eat, DEAD ASS.
The genuine excitement in this review captures why 8it’s curation works. Perfectly fried shrimp paired with spicy mango sauce hits the sweet-heat balance just right. Save this dish on 8it to try it soon.
Why 8it Outshines Other Ways to Find Small Plates
Searching for great small plates in NYC often means sorting through scattered notes, social media saves, and unreliable reviews, only to end up disappointed. 8it changes this by gathering expert recommendations into one map-based tool, saving critics like you hours of research.
With a focus on specific dishes, 8it ensures you order the best from any menu. Real-time alerts for pop-ups and limited-time offers mean you won’t miss fleeting dining moments in NYC’s fast-paced scene. Here’s how 8it compares to traditional methods:
- Discovery Speed: Instant map access versus hours of scrolling.
- Source Quality: Expert picks only, no unverified opinions.
- Limited Offers: Real-time updates instead of missed chances.
- Organization: Easy bookmarking, no more lost screenshots.
Integration with reservations and mapping tools also simplifies going from finding a dish to enjoying it. No need to juggle multiple apps or lose track of recommendations.
Key Questions About Finding Small Plates in NYC
How to Locate Great Small Plates Nearby
Use 8it’s map feature to see expert-recommended dishes based on your location. Filter by distance, hours, or cuisine to narrow down options that fit your needs. This targeted approach skips irrelevant results and focuses on quality bites endorsed by food professionals.
How to Catch Limited-Time Small Plate Events
NYC’s pop-up scene moves fast, but 8it’s “Pop-Ups and Drops” section keeps you updated with real-time info on short-term offerings. From chef collabs to seasonal specials, add events to your calendar directly to secure your spot before they’re gone.
How to Trust Recommendations in a Crowded Market
Focus on credible sources over popular opinion. 8it only includes input from established food media and career culinary experts, filtering out marketing fluff. Every dish meets strict quality checks, so you get reliable guidance from those who know food best.
Why Prioritize Dishes Over Restaurant Ratings
Not every dish on a menu shines, even at well-reviewed spots. Targeting specific recommendations ensures you order the standout items, especially for small plates meant for sampling. This detailed focus also uncovers exceptional dishes at lesser-known places.
How to Keep Up With NYC Food Trends Efficiently
Tap into 8it’s network of industry insiders who track trends as part of their work. Their collective input on new flavors and concepts keeps you informed without needing to follow countless sources. Alerts on seasonal drops help you stay ahead of the curve.
Wrap-Up: Experience NYC’s Best Small Plates
These eight small plates capture the creativity and variety of NYC’s dining world, from the fresh Amberjack Crudo at Smithereens to the bold Fried Shrimp at BONG NYC. Each reflects insights from food experts who understand what makes a dish exceptional.
Focusing on individual dishes guarantees you enjoy the strongest offerings from each kitchen. In a city where new spots and collaborations pop up constantly, having expert guidance helps you savor every moment. 8it connects critics like you with trusted recommendations, real-time event updates, and easy planning tools.
Want to uncover the best small plates in NYC without the hassle? Get 8it for free and dive into curated picks, exclusive alerts, and insider tips designed for food enthusiasts who crave the real deal.