1) The Lobster Place: Inside Chelsea Market is one of the best places in the city to get clam chowder, lobster bisque, scallop and bacon chowder and the like. The spot may be best known for its fresh steamed lobsters, which come on a plate served with butter and lemon, but the soups are an excellent, underrated alternative. Try a small one as a side with one of the restaurant's delicious lobster rolls, or as a lunch on its own.
2) Lucky Strike: This SoHo based bistro offers one of the city's best French onion soups—which has largely become a dying art in this city. With plenty of mirrors, wooden tables and chalkboard menus all over the wall, the atmosphere is perfect for a cozy and casual winter night. The French onion soup is flavorful, filling and healthier than a lot of soups or stews you might find at your typical bistro.
3) Hide Chan Ramen: It's peak ramen season and there's no denying that Hide Chan is one of the best places to enjoy the traditional Japanese noodle soup. This East midtown restaurant offers everything from the classic miso ramen with pork, scallion, onion, bean sprouts, corn and a half boiled egg to the spicy Red Dragon, which includes lots of chili peppers in the broth for a kick of flavor and a striking red color.
4) Marseille: Much like French onion soup, bouillabaisse seems to be a find that's becoming increasingly rare in New York City. The Provençal fish stew is packed with seafood ranging from langoustine to monkfish, and also includes winter veggies like tomatoes, celery and potatoes. Marseille, in Midtown, happens to be one of the best places to get the delicious dish. They serve their version with Atlantic coast fish and shellfish in a saffron broth. Try it with one of the spot's many hors d'oeuvres to start, such as the ricotta tart or duck toast.
5) Upland: At Upland, Californian and Italian influences meet. The space is bright, modern and chic. One of the star menu items happens to be the Upland cioppino, an Italian fish stew served with clams, red shrimp, mussels, striped bass, crab and gochujang: a Korean red chili paste with soybeans and salt. It's a uniquely savory and salty dish, great for winter chills.
