Are your three favourite flavours habanero, cayenne and jalapeño? Is your favourite name Frank? Strangely enough, do you actually enjoy the burning sensation of a truly spicy dish? Admit it, you’re a spice addict. In fact, I am too. Which is exactly why I’ve rounded up my favourite flaming hot New York restaurants.
It was my goal on my last trip to NYC to indulge my tingling taste buds with as many spicy servings as I could. From pizza and pasta to fried chicken and spicy margaritas, here are the flaming hot New York restaurants I had a chance to try—and love.
5 Flaming Hot New York Restaurants
You Need to Try
1. The Marlton Hotel — Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
The spicy fried chicken sandwich at Marlton Hotel’s restaurant Margaux is divine. Plus, it comes with a massive pile of shoestring fries. What’s not to love? The spice level was definitely tolerable—even for those weary of too much spice. I washed mine back with a couple glasses of champagne which was the ultimate high-and-low meal pairing. If only you could get a nice glass of bubbly with your burger & fries at any old place.
Location: 5 W 8th St, New York, NY (Greenwich Village)
2. Sushi Yasaka — Spicy Maki Combination
I’m not going to beat around the bush here. This was hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had in my life. Of course, you can imagine my delight when I noticed the Spicy Maki Combo: spicy tuna, spicy salmon and spicy tempura. The spicy combo will cost you $18 and it’s worth every bite. I added a side of spicy mayo to my order plus loaded on the wasabi to make it as spicy as possible. However, without the extra toppings it’s still fiery and delicious. (But not mouth-burning.)
Location: 251 W 72nd St, New York, NY (Upper West Side)
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3. La Pecora Bianca — Gramigna Pasta
This restaurant is in one of my favourite New York neighbourhoods! I was all too happy to meet my cousins for dinner down there—and escape my Upper West Side rental. The Gramigna pasta has just the right amount of chili flakes tossed in with the house-made pork sausage, broccolini and garlic to give it a delightful tingle. I could’ve even added a little more hot sauce to the mix, if we’re being really honest. They also have a spicy cocktail that I’d recommend, called Hot To Trot.
Location: 1133 Broadway at 26th St, New York, NY (Flatiron District)
4. Toloache — Spicy Lobster Tacos
Truthfully, I didn’t find these unbearably spicy by any means but one of the people I was at dinner with could hardly take a bite. Unfortunately, her spice tolerance isn’t anywhere near mine. To up the piquant level, I chased my spicy lobster tacos with a zesty Peligrosa margarita. It was definitely a winning combination of snappy flavours.
Location: 251 W 50th St, New York, NY (Hell’s Kitchen)
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5. Grimaldi’s — Jalapeño Pizza
The best part about Grimaldi’s—besides that it’s incredible pizza—is that you can make your own. My personal favourite is: jalapeños, pepperoni, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella and spicy olive oil. It’s a distinctive taste for sure but I promise you’ll love it if you try.
Location: 656 6th Ave, New York, NY (Flatiron District)
I’m salivating just thinking about all these fiery meals. Let me know how you enjoy them! At any rate, if you can even handle them. (Jokes.) What are your favourite flaming hot New York restaurants?
