Is Dining Out in New York Still Affordable for Retirees? Here Are Some Restaurants You Should Try!

Being a retiree is not as easy as it seems, am I right? We need to constantly search for the best deals and make sure not to break the bank. Finances are no joke after retiring. Every dollar means a LOT, especially with the crazy economic situation that we are experiencing right now. So, even when it comes to dining out, we need to do our research before choosing the right place.

And, don’t get me wrong! The fees are not the only thing that matters. Other important factors should be taken into consideration. For example, the meals should be as healthy as possible. Sometimes opting for a cheaper place can be risky, especially when you are looking for quality. So, I would definitely recommend you pay attention to the ingredients and menus before choosing to dine at a restaurant. Sometimes a high fee might be worth it, and other times not. Makes sense?

New York is a city full of life, there are SO many cafes, restaurants, and street food trucks, so I feel like I have become a professional when it comes to dining out. Since I and my wife started I have loved surprising my wife at least once a week, with a new and retiree-friendly dining spot. So, read on if you want to discover some of the best restaurants for seniors in New York.

Dining Out Experience

We all know those annoying myths about New York, saying that the city is all about rooftop bars and nightlife. But why no one talks about retirees? We also need our own places and spots to socialize and have a great time. I have to admit that even though now I know some great spots it was an adventure to discover all these hidden gems. I wanted some spots that embrace nostalgia, but don’t sacrifice quality. Let’s admit that retirees want food that tastes like home but feels like a luxury. And that’s not all! They want to feel welcomed and not rushed or overlooked. So, let’s say that we might be a little hard to satisfy.

When we were younger, eating was all about speed. For example, I used to grab anything that seemed affordable for my lunch break without taking into consideration the more quality options. I used to follow all the trendy spots and be one of the first to try them. But now? Oh, things have changed a lot. I no longer have the energy to be surrounded by noise eat anything as fast as possible and go back home.

Now I need the entire experience. I want to feel good and I love spending evenings out with my wife. We used to get ready together and enjoy at least 4 or 5 hours in the city. We eat at a good restaurant, with no rush, and come back home feeling satisfied and full of energy. Even though we are seniors, we still make sure that we spend time out as a couple. I think that it’s one of our secrets for such a long and beautiful marriage.

Top 6 New York Restaurants for Retirees

1. Chef Rose

I am starting this list with one of my favorite places. It’s called Chef Rose. The place was opened in 2023 by Chef Rosie Batista and it’s a great restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We had lunch there twice, but we usually enjoy dinner more.

I am not the type of person who doesn’t really like to try different dishes, so being convinced to taste some Dominican and Puerto Rican food was a big deal in our family. Can you believe that now Chef Rose is one of my favorite places in the city? I always love going back there.

2. Roberto’s

Roberto Paciullo opened his first restaurant in Belmont in 1989, and all I can say about it is that it’s a different type of Italian restaurant.

They offer rural trattoria and a lot of farmhouse furniture to match. I would totally recommend you try the ossobuco with risotto and cannellini beans.

The best part about this small company is that it has a few locations in New York City, but I personally prefer the 089 in Manhattan.

3. Le Veau d’Or

I have to admit that this one is a little pricey but totally worth it. One of New York’s oldest bistros reopened in the summer of 2024 on the Upper East Side. The fixed price menu is $125 but it includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

We went there like three times and just for some special occasions, but this place still deserved a spot on my list. It’s a great experience, especially when you plan a romantic dinner or a family reunion. The atmosphere is unmatched and you’ll leave incredibly satisfied by their services.

4. Joe’s Pizza

It might not be one of the healthiest options, but this is the number one pizza in New York. I am always excited before going back to Joe’s. And, let’s be honest, is there someone who doesn’t love a good pizza? I don’t think so.

One of the biggest advantages is that there are various locations in New York. Joe’s Pizza has 6 shops across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Another great thing is that their prices start from $3 per slice, which is an absolute steal, especially when you are eating on a budget in NYC. Their sizes are decent and their pizzas taste like no other.

5. Balthazar

This is probably one of the most popular restaurants in New York, and it deserves its spot on the top. It’s known for serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was opened in 1997 by the French restauranteur Keith McNally and completely changed the tide in what had been an industrial, art-filled downtown Manhattan.

You can find in their menus whatever you want, but some of our top choices are the French onion soup, steak frites, and profiteroles.

Even though I always go there with my wife, you should know that solo dinners receive VIP treatment. Balthazar is offering them a free glass of Champagne.

6. Una Pizza Napoletana

I couldn’t resist and had to include this pizzeria on the list. This destination is always full, so if you are planning to go there expect lines. This specific pizzeria won first place in the U.S. and the world by the 50 Top Pizza Organizations again in the summer of 2024. So, the effort is basically worth it because the Neapolitan pizza tastes like no other.

So, if you want to surprise your partner, this destination might be the perfect spot. Not every dinner date night should be spent at a fancy restaurant. Try new cuisines and locations together. Life’s too short to always eat at the same spot.

Oh, and before you go to the Una Pizza Napoletana, it’s important to know that you should ask for the special pizza of the day. Let them surprise you with whatever that is, and trust me, it will exceed your expectations. Another cool thing is that you can also buy their fancy olive oil, isn’t that cool?

The Bottom Line

As seniors, we need to be extra cautious when eating out. We are not young anymore and a little mistake can cost us a lot. However, with a little research, there are a lot of interesting spots and hidden gems that need to be tried in New York City.

Even though on this list I selected 6 of them, I am sure there are a lot more that wait to be discovered. So, if you know any other restaurants that are retiree-friendly, don’t hesitate, and leave your recommendations in the comment section, found below.

Also, let me know if you tried any of the restaurants from above and share your experience. Did they meet your expectations? Will you go back?

Before leaving, here’s a recommendation for the nights you want to spend at home and save some cash. I discovered this recipe book about 5 years ago and it basically changed our lives. Every dish can be done rapidly; most importantly, everything tastes amazing!

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