New York City. Just the name conjures images of towering skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and a relentless energy that pulses through the streets. But beyond the sights and sounds, NYC boasts a culinary scene that is arguably unmatched anywhere else in the world. It’s a melting pot of flavors, traditions, and innovations, offering an overwhelming array of dining options. If you’re planning a trip, navigating this edible labyrinth can be daunting. To truly experience the city like a local and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, knowing the must try food when visiting New York is essential. This guide will take you on a delicious journey through the iconic dishes and hidden gems that define the Big Apple’s gastronomic identity.
Iconic NYC Bites: Must Try Food When Visiting New York
To kick off your culinary adventure, we have to start with the absolute staples – the foods that are synonymous with a trip to the city. These aren’t just meals; they’re cultural touchstones, deeply woven into the fabric of New York life.
Legendary Pizza: More Than Just a Slice
Forget everything you think you know about pizza if you haven’t had it in New York. This city is home to some of the finest pizza in the country, period. From classic, foldable slices to artisanal wood-fired pies, the variety is immense, but the quality bar is incredibly high. Don’t fall into the tourist trap of generic chains; seek out the real deal.
For incredible artisanal, Neapolitan-style pizzas with that perfect char, check out Motorino Pizza. Their Margherita and Brussels Sprout pies are fantastic, and the Prosciutto de Parma is a recent favorite. If you’re in Brooklyn looking for super popular, slightly hipster wood-fired goodness, Roberta’s Pizza delivers on atmosphere and flavor, especially their famous Bee Sting Pizza kissed with honey. Other legendary spots include John’s Pizza on Bleeker Street with its iconic brick-oven pies, and Lucali for thin-crust perfection (though it comes with a price tag). And for a hearty, ridiculously filling slice, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is a must-try, known for its signature artichoke, spinach, and cream sauce slice. Understanding new york famous food starts here.
Delicious New York style pizza slice – must try food when visiting new york
The Quintessential New York Bagel
Some swear it’s the water; others say it’s the technique. Whatever the secret, New York bagels are in a league of their own. Unlike the sad, mass-produced versions found elsewhere, a proper NYC bagel has a firm, slightly crunchy crust and a dense, chewy interior. They are hand-shaped and boiled before baking, resulting in that unique texture. A warm bagel with a generous schmear of cream cheese is an unparalleled breakfast experience.
While many neighborhood delis make great bagels, certain establishments have achieved legendary status. Russ & Daughters is an iconic Lower East Side institution, renowned less for the bagel itself (though they’re good) and more for their absolutely legendary lox sandwiches with scallion cream cheese. Expect a line, but the century-long legacy is well-deserved. Other highly recommended spots for classic hand-made bagels include Absolute Bagels, Murray’s Bagels, and Ess-A-Bagel. Eating a New York bagel is truly one of the essential culinary experiences when considering the must try food when visiting New York.
Freshly baked New York bagel with cream cheese – must try food when visiting new york breakfast
Top food to eat in nyc bagels spread – must try food when visiting new york
Burgers and Sandwiches That Define the City
New York City’s burger scene is incredibly diverse, ranging from high-end gourmet creations to beloved fast-casual icons and no-frills classics. If you’re a burger aficionado, you’re in for a treat. For a truly splurge-worthy experience, the Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern is legendary – a decadent blend of various cuts that’s worth every penny (and the likely reservation needed). On the mid-range side, Umami Burger (a California import with NYC locations) offers creative burgers like the Truffle Burger, which is a personal favorite.
Gourmet burger from a top NYC restaurant – must try food when visiting new york
No discussion of NYC burgers is complete without mentioning Shake Shack. This fast-food icon started in Madison Square Park and now has locations worldwide, but experiencing it in its hometown feels right. The Shack Stack (burger topped with a cheese-stuffed fried mushroom) and their super thick custard Concrete desserts are must try food when visiting New York for any burger lover. Other notable mentions include the classic, no-frills burgers at Burger Joint and the adventurous options (like elk or bison) at Bareburger.
Beyond burgers, NYC’s sandwich game is equally strong. For a life-changing experience, seek out Numpang for their incredible mini-baguette sandwiches filled with ingredients like Duroc Pulled Pork, pickled carrots, and spicy mayo. Taim is home to arguably the best falafel in NYC, served in a fantastic sandwich. And for a taste of history, Katz’s Delicatessen is an iconic spot serving monstrous pastrami sandwiches, a true New York institution. For something completely different, the Steamed Pork Buns at Momofuku Ssam Bar are pillow-soft delights stuffed with tender pork belly – a famous creation from David Chang. Don’t forget FUKU for a top-tier fried chicken sandwich experience.
Delicious sandwich from a New York eatery – must try food when visiting new york
Soulful Slurp: Exploring NYC’s Ramen Scene
While perhaps not as historically iconic as pizza or bagels, ramen has taken New York by storm and firmly established itself as a significant part of the city’s culinary landscape. This is the real deal, complex and flavorful, far removed from instant noodles. Ramen shops have proliferated, each offering their unique take on this comforting Japanese soup.
Ivan Ramen brought his Tokyo-famous creations back to NYC, offering creative and unique bowls (and amazing mazemens like the Triple Pork Triple Garlic). For a more classic, traditional approach done perfectly every time, Ippudo Ramen is a perennial favorite, known for its rich tonkotsu broth. They even have a faster-casual spot, Kuro-Obi, at Urbanspace Vanderbilt. Chuko Ramen in Brooklyn (founded by former Morimoto chefs) is another solid choice. For something truly unique, Yuji Ramen, also in Brooklyn, offers a non-traditional but absolutely delicious bacon and egg ramen. Even Momofuku Noodle Bar, where the Momofuku empire began, is a popular spot for a bowl, especially paired with their famous pork buns. Exploring these spots is a key part of finding the must try food when visiting New York.
Steaming bowl of ramen noodles in a New York restaurant – must try food when visiting new york
Street Eats and Hidden Gems: Must Try Food When Visiting New York
New York’s culinary scene isn’t confined to brick-and-mortar restaurants. The city’s streets and less obvious locations hide some incredible edible treasures.
Navigating the Food Truck Phenomenon
Food trucks are a vibrant part of NYC’s food culture, offering everything from gourmet waffles to fusion tacos. They provide delicious, often more affordable, options on the go. For authentic Belgian liege wafels (chewy, sugary perfection), look for the Wafels + Dinges trucks (or their storefront). Be sure to top yours with speculoos! If you’re feeling adventurous, the Kimchi Nachos from the Kimchi Taco truck (or storefront) blend Korean and Mexican flavors into a surprisingly addictive dish.
Popular food truck serving delicious street food in New York City – must try food when visiting new york
For a sweet treat from a truck, Coolhaus allows you to build your own custom ice cream sandwich with unique cookie and ice cream flavors. And for a true NYC street food legend, look no further than The Halal Guys. Their chicken and lamb over rice platters, drenched in their famous white sauce, are a cheap, delicious, and iconic must try food when visiting New York. Just be cautious with the hot sauce – it lives up to its name!
The Taco Evolution in NYC
For a long time, NYC’s taco scene was considered inferior to the West Coast, but that’s certainly no longer the case. The city now boasts numerous spots serving truly authentic and innovative tacos. My personal favorite, Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market, serves incredible tacos and their “especial” – a fried quesadilla stuffed with fillings – is absolutely essential. Prepare for a line, but it moves quickly. For fish tacos, their sister spot next door, Los Mariscos, is fantastic.
Authentic street style tacos from a New York City taqueria – must try food when visiting new york
Otto’s Tacos offers delicious mini tacos on plump, fresh corn tortillas. Dos Toros adds a delightful twist by melting cheese directly onto the tortilla – a simple pleasure that makes their carne asada tacos shine. And for a sit-down experience with a wide variety of salsas, Empellon Taqueria is a great upscale option.
Surprising Smoke: NYC Barbecue Worth Seeking Out
New York might not immediately come to mind when you think of barbecue capitals, but the city has developed a surprisingly strong ‘cue scene that rivals some traditional BBQ strongholds. You just need to know where to look.
Smoked brisket platter at a New York City barbecue joint – must try food when visiting new york
Hands down, Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn, offers some of the best BBQ I’ve ever tasted, period. Their beef rib and brisket are truly outstanding and worth the journey (and the potentially long wait). They also serve incredibly flavorful Vietnamese Chicken Wings. Mighty Quinn’s, with locations throughout the city, is renowned for its super moist and tender brisket. Blue Smoke is another standard in the NYC BBQ world, offering a solid experience. Don’t underestimate the smoky, tender delights available when considering the must try food when visiting New York.
Close up of tender barbecue ribs – must try food when visiting new place in New York
Sweet Endings: Desserts and Ice Cream Delights
New York is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. The city’s bakeries, ice cream parlors, and chocolate shops offer an incredible range of indulgent treats.
Indulgent Desserts Beyond Compare
If you’re on a quest for the city’s best cookie, look no further than LeVain Bakery. Their massive, dense cookies (especially the chocolate peanut butter and double chocolate chip) are a must-have experience, worth the price and the potential line. For cupcakes, Molly’s Cupcakes in Greenwich Village is a charming spot with delicious, creative flavors, where you can even eat your treat on a swing. Two Little Red Hens on the Upper East Side is known for its red velvet and Brooklyn blackout cupcakes. And Sugar Sweet Sunshine on the Lower East Side offers simple, perfect, and affordable cupcakes alongside fantastic puddings.
Giant chocolate chip cookie from a famous NYC bakery – must try food when visiting new york dessert
For cream puffs, Beard Papa offers perfectly light and crisp shells filled to order with luscious custard. Chocolate lovers have incredible options like Jacques Torres Chocolate for satisfying any chocolate craving, or the elegant La Maison du Chocolat for exquisite, fancy pieces and decadent hot chocolate. These sweet stops are definitely must try food when visiting New York for dessert aficionados.
Assortment of colourful cupcakes in a New York City shop – must try food when visiting new york sweets
Scooping Happiness: NYC’s Best Ice Cream
New York has an incredibly vibrant ice cream scene, with innovative parlors pushing the boundaries of flavor and texture. My personal favorite is Ample Hills Creamery, known for its incredibly creamy ice cream and creative flavors like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and Nonna’s Oatmeal Lace.
Creamy ice cream cone from a popular New York City parlor – must try food when visiting new york ice cream
For life-changing gelato, Il Laboratorio Del Gelato offers dense, flavorful options, including an amazing dark chocolate and surprisingly delicious avocado gelato. Big Gay Ice Cream is a fun, whimsical spot offering amped-up soft serve cones like the famous Salty Pimp. Morgenstern’s Ice Cream brings an old-fashioned parlor feel with crazy unique flavors and amazing toppings. Even vegan ice cream has hit the big time with spots like Whipped Urban Dessert Lab offering delicious oat-based soft serve. And Van Leeuwen has expanded rapidly across the city, known for both their fantastic dairy and vegan options. Exploring these sweet havens adds another layer to the must try food when visiting New York.
Elevating the Experience: Fine Dining and Other Culinary Adventures
Beyond the casual bites and classic staples, New York is a global leader in fine dining and offers unique culinary experiences reflecting its diverse population.
Splurge-Worthy Fine Dining
NYC is home to some of the world’s best chefs and restaurants, many boasting Michelin stars and international acclaim. If your budget allows, a fine dining experience here is unforgettable. Be prepared for potentially needing reservations far in advance.
Elegant fine dining plate from a Michelin star restaurant in New York City – must try food when visiting new york
Blue Hill, led by farm-to-table pioneer Chef Dan Barber, offers a Michelin-starred experience that is absolutely worth the splurge. Barbuto, known for Chef Jonathan Waxman’s incredible roast chicken and fantastic pastas (ask for the Carbonara even if off-menu!), is another standout. Gramercy Tavern is an NYC fine dining icon with an amazing tasting menu. For a truly exceptional celebration, Eleven Madison Park is one of the city’s few three-Michelin-star establishments, offering a breathtaking tasting menu and impeccable service. Hearth in the East Village offers seasonal Italian food in a cozy setting, though its focus has shifted slightly towards healthier options. Other notable fine dining spots include Acme, ABC Kitchen, Contra, Dovetail, and Uncle Boons. For a unique atmosphere, Beauty + Essex, hidden behind a pawn shop, offers great cocktails and shareable plates. For upscale French, Le Coucou is excellent, and Dirt Candy offers inventive and delicious vegetarian fine dining.
Diverse Flavors: More Must-Try NYC Eats
New York’s culinary diversity extends far beyond the obvious categories. There are countless other dishes and eateries that are essential stops for any food lover.
Spicy noodles from a Xi’an Famous Foods in New York – must try food when visiting new york
A recent obsession for many is Xi’an Famous Foods, serving incredible hand-pulled noodles (the Spicy Hot Oil Noodles are addictive!) and lamb or pork “burgers” from the Xi’an region of China. For quick and delicious Greek food, Souvlaki GR offers amazing chicken souvlaki and incredibly good lamb chops and dips like spicy feta and tzatziki. The Lebanese restaurants Au’ Zaatar and ilili are fantastic for mezze (small plates) – try the Fattoush salad and Batata Harra (spicy potatoes) at Au’ Zaatar, and the magical Brussels Sprouts at ilili, along with their puffed pita.
Delicious street food platter from The Halal Guys in NYC – must try food when visiting new york
Skip the basic street hot dog vendors and head to Crif Dog for creative, artisan hot dogs like the bacon-wrapped Chihuahua Dog. For breakfast or brunch perfection, Clinton Street Baking Company is famous for arguably the best pancakes in the world, though be prepared for a wait. And for doughnut perfection, both Doughnut Plant (try the Creme Brulee or Tres Leches) and Dough offer large, plump, delicious options. Finally, for cheap and tasty dumplings and sesame pancakes, Vanessa’s Dumplings is a solid choice. These varied options truly highlight the range of the must try food when visiting New York.
Planning Your Culinary Journey in NYC
Embarking on a food tour of New York requires a little planning, but the rewards are immense. Consider what neighborhoods you’ll be exploring, as many of these culinary gems are destination spots in themselves. You might find that planning your eating leads you to some of the new york most visited places or even some famous places to visit in new york you hadn’t originally considered.
Check restaurant websites for hours and reservation policies, especially for popular spots. Trying to hit all the top 10 new york attractions while also eating your way through the city is an ambitious but rewarding goal! The city’s food scene is vibrant year-round, whether you’re seeking comfort food in the winter or exploring outdoor markets in the summer – perhaps even seeing where to go in nyc for christmas adds a festive culinary layer. Don’t be afraid to explore different neighborhoods; each has its own distinct culinary flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Must Try Food When Visiting New York
- What is the single most iconic must try food when visiting New York?
This is highly debated! Many would say a classic New York slice of pizza or a hand-rolled bagel with lox. However, the city’s diversity means there’s no single answer, making the exploration part of the fun. - How much should I budget for food in NYC?
The cost varies dramatically. You can find delicious and filling options from food trucks or casual spots for $10-$20 per person. Mid-range restaurants might cost $30-$50 per person, while fine dining can easily be $100+ per person. - Do I need reservations for all these places?
For fine dining restaurants and some very popular spots (like Minetta Tavern or Russ & Daughters at peak times), reservations are highly recommended or even essential. For casual spots, expect lines during busy hours, but reservations are usually not taken. - Are food trucks safe to eat from?
Generally, yes. NYC has health regulations for food vendors. Sticking to trucks with steady lines and good reviews is usually a safe bet.
Conclusion
Visiting New York is an experience that engages all the senses, and perhaps none more so than taste. The sheer volume and diversity of incredible food available can be overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly exciting. From iconic pizzas and bagels to global street food, innovative fine dining, and irresistible sweets, exploring the must try food when visiting New York is an adventure in itself. So come with an empty stomach and an open mind, and prepare to eat your way through one of the world’s greatest culinary cities.