Like in other major metropolises, good food from various cultures can be found in New York. To celebrate NYC’s diverse population and cuisine to be found, the guide is organised by cuisine or theme!
New York classics
Some quintessential New York foods you must try on a visit to NYC!
Pizza
You must try the world-famous New York style pizza! Great spots for pizza are Artichoke Bastille and Prince Street pizza.
Bagels
The bagels in NYC taste better than anywhere else in the world. Maybe it’s something in the water. Some great spots for bagels are Tompkins Square Bagels and Russ & Daughters.
Pastrami sandwiches
A must! Especially with pickles and mustard! Katz Delicatessen is famous for its pastrami sandwiches and other delicious Jewish deli dishes!
Michelin starred
- Tempura Matsui – The only Michelin-starred tempura restaurant outside of Japan. Come here for lunch for a tempura omakase. Exceptional food and service. It’s also great value, $80 for the lunch menu! 1* Michelin.
- Jean Georges – Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s flagship, 2* Michelin.
- Daniel – Daniel Boulud’s flagship restaurant, 2* Michelin.
- Per Se – Exceptional cuisine by Thomas Keller, 3* Michelin.
- Eleven Madison Park – I went to EMP when it was number 1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2017. They recently shifted to a fully plant-based menu, which I am curious to go try. If you do go give it a try, do let me know what you think of the plant-based menu!
- Jeju Noodle Bar – 1* Michelin. Despite its accolades, it’s a pretty relaxed and casual spot in West Village. My favourite dishes here are the toro ssam bap (all the ingredients are perfect together, especially the fatty tuna, caviar, and uni!) and lamb ja jang myun.
For a sweet tooth
- Funny Face Bakery – Insane designs and variety of cookies. The cookies are perfectly cooked – gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Levain Bakery – Famous for their cookies.
- Dominque Ansel – Originally known as the creator of cronuts. But all their pastries are fantastic.
- Momofuku Milk Bar – Christina Tosi is a dessert wizard. You should try anything birthday cake, the compost cookie, or cereal milk soft serve.
- Flushing Ice Cream Factory – Hole in a wall spot in Flushing for Asian inspired ice cream.
- Magnolia Bakery – Famous for their banana pudding
- OddFellow Ice cream – Ice cream spot with cool ice cream flavours.
Chinese
- Bonnie’s Chinese – Cantonese-American fusion restaurant in Brooklyn. My favourite is the wontons in citrus parm broth and chrysanthemum green salad.
- Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao – Casual spot for XLBs in the heart of Flushing. They have XLBs in interesting flavours like truffle & pork and abalone & pork.
- Xi’an Famous Foods – Famous is in their name, and they are famous for serving Xi’an cuisine.
- Xing Fu Tang – Great spot for boba.
American
- Jack’s Wife Freda – Good for brunch. They have a few locations around NYC.
- Sarabeth’s – Good for brunch. They have a few locations around NYC.
- Beauty and Essex – Fun spot with good vibes – ideal for both dinner and brunch. The restaurant is hidden behind a pawn shop facade.
- Jacob’s Pickle – Southern food. Guaranteed to set you in a food coma after.
- The Smith – Casual American spot with amazing mac and cheese.
