Bánh

"Bánh is the crown jewel of the Upper West Side, and there’s usually a wait at prime dinnertime to prove it. That’s why we love a weekend lunch here, maybe after a morning in Central Park, when the line for a table isn’t long. Get the BBQ pork bánh mì, or a very star anise- and cinnamon-forward bowl of phở if you need full-body warmth after a late fall park walk. The best part is watching the bustle of the kitchen, which runs the length of the room, while waiting for your food to arrive." - sonal shah, willa moore, will hartman, arden shore, carlo mantuano

"The bread here creates a shower of crumbs with every bite, so it's a good idea to eat this bánh mì a few blocks away in Central Park. (We're pretty sure it's not considered littering if pigeons come along and consume your mess.) Get the O.G., which comes with some Maggi seasoning, a good amount of chicken liver pâté, and two types of cold cuts that are sliced as thick as Oscar Mayer bologna. If you're in the mood for something barbecued, get the version with charbroiled pork belly that's doused in scallion oil and hoisin sauce." - willa moore, hannah albertine, matt tervooren, neha talreja, kenny yang

"Opened on the Upper West Side in 2021 by owners Nhu Ton and John Nguyen, Bánh Vietnamese Shop House focuses on quality bánh mì with bread that is very airy, light, and has a crispy crust." - Emma Orlow

"Bánh Vietnamese Shop House has made the Upper West Side one of the city’s primary destinations for Vietnamese food. Many dishes appear with nuances such as a turmeric-laced banh xeo with a coconut batter, and a wealth of inclusions like marinated shrimp, smoked pork belly, and mung-bean puree. Creative banh mi are fit for a picnic at nearby Central Park, and every meal at here is an adventure." - Eater Staff

"Bánh serves dishes like bún bò bơ with sizzling buttery beef, a pork belly bánh mì that’s a contender for the best in the city, and a crispy bánh tiêu appetizer that’s filled with sticky rice and pork floss. Between an appetizer and an entree, you can easily walk away having spent only $30 on an exciting dinner. The casual set-up makes this place perfect for a meetup with a friend or a low-key date near Amsterdam Avenue and 107th Street." - bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja, hannah albertine, will hartman