New York City – The Big Apple. A concrete jungle where dreams are made of… and where some of the most incredible culinary experiences on the planet await. If you’re planning a trip to NYC, preparing to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, you simply must arrive with a strategy for the essential new york foods to eat. Forget tourist traps and generic chains; the true taste of New York lies in its diverse, historic, and often fiercely debated culinary staples. From street corners to fine dining rooms, the city tells its story through its food.
As a passionate explorer of global cultures through their cuisines, I can confidently say that delving into the food scene here isn’t just eating; it’s an integral part of the NYC experience, revealing layers of history, immigration, and innovation with every bite. To truly experience the essence of the city, knowing the essential new york foods to eat is crucial.
Pizza. It’s more than just food in New York; it’s a religion. Forget what you think you know about pizza from anywhere else. NYC pizza is unique – thin crust, foldable, with just the right amount of chew and char, often sold by the giant slice.
NYC PIZZA slice on a plate
You won’t find Sbarro on this list (and honestly, please don’t). Instead, seek out the true masters. Motorino Pizza in the East Village offers fantastic artisanal, Neapolitan-style pies like their Margherita and Brussels Sprout, with a perfect char. Roberta’s Pizza in Brooklyn is the epitome of a cool, wood-fired pizzeria experience, now also accessible at Urbanspace Vanderbilt near Grand Central. Don’t miss their “Bee Sting” pizza with soppressata and honey – it’s an irresistible sweet and spicy combination.
For iconic, old-school brick-oven pies, John’s Pizza on Bleecker Street is a must-visit. While pricey, Lucali in Brooklyn has a massive following for its thin-crust pizzas. And for a hearty, unique slice, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza (multiple locations) and their signature artichoke slice is unbelievably rich and filling with artichoke hearts, spinach, and creamy cheese sauce. Exploring the city’s pizza scene is one of the most classic new york foods to eat adventures.
Bagels. Ah, the New York bagel. There’s an almost mythical quality to why they’re so good here – many swear it’s the city’s water. Whatever the reason, they are distinctly superior to bagels found elsewhere, featuring a firm, crunchy crust and a dense, chewy interior, hand-made and hand-shaped. Growing up in New York, I was spoiled by incredible bagels daily and truly didn’t realize how good I had it until traveling outside the state.
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Hand-rolled bagels on a tray
While Russ & Daughters bagels themselves are good, the true pilgrimage here is for their legendary lox sandwiches piled high on a bagel with scallion cream cheese. This Lower East Side institution has been perfecting its craft for over a century and the line is always worth the wait. Other fantastic choices for that quintessential NYC bagel experience include Absolute Bagels, Murray’s Bagels, Hudson Bagels, and Ess-A-Bagel. These are the places defining what makes new york foods to eat like bagels an international benchmark.
Must-Try New York Foods to Eat for Every Foodie
Burgers and Sandwiches hold a special place in the heart (and stomach) of any New Yorker. The city’s casual dining scene excels here, offering everything from simple, perfect patties to elaborate, life-changing sandwich creations.
Juicy burger on a plate with fries
For a splurge-worthy burger experience, the Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern is almost $30 but absolutely unforgettable – a blend of brisket, short rib, skirt steak, and dry-aged ribeye that even non-burger fans adore. Reservations are highly recommended. Umami Burger offers my favorite mid-priced option; trust me and order the Truffle Burger.
A true NYC icon is Shake Shack, a fast-food phenomenon where the Shack Stack (a burger topped with a cheese-stuffed fried mushroom) and their thick, rich Concrete custards are mandatory. Skip the shakes here; go for the custard. Other notable burgers can be found at the classic Burger Joint and the adventurous Bareburger (try elk or bison!). When considering new york foods to eat, these burgers are top tier.
Beyond burgers, NYC sandwiches are equally legendary. Numpang serves incredible mini-baguette sandwiches, perfectly balanced with pickled carrots, cucumber, and spicy mayo – the Duroc Pulled Pork is a personal favorite, easily found at multiple locations including Chelsea Market. Taim is home to what some call the best falafel in NYC, and their falafel sandwich is certainly a contender.
Katz’s Delicatessen is an iconic establishment famous for its monstrous pastrami sandwiches; while maybe not everyone’s absolute favorite, experiencing Katz is a rite of passage for any food lover in NYC. For a different but equally famous “sandwich”, the Steamed Pork Buns at Momofuku Ssam Bar are pillowy perfection filled with pork belly and hoisin. And for a fried chicken sandwich fix, check out FUKU by Momofuku.
Ramen. Once a humble college dorm staple (the instant kind, anyway), real, artisanal ramen has exploded in popularity across NYC. It’s a comfort food obsession, with new shops seemingly opening every week, each offering their unique take on the rich broth and perfect noodles. Slurping a hot bowl of ramen is one of the most satisfying new york foods to eat, especially when the weather is cool.
Bowl of ramen with egg and pork
Despite his unexpected background, Ivan Orkin of Ivan Ramen is a global ramen master, bringing his creative style (like the Triple Pork Triple Garlic Mazemen) to the Lower East Side. For a more traditional, consistently perfect bowl, Ippudo Ramen (East Village and Times Square) is a go-to, particularly their spicy option. Kuro-Obi by Ippudo at Urbanspace Vanderbilt offers a convenient spot for their quality ramen. Brooklyn holds its own with places like Chuko Ramen and Yuji Ramen, where the unconventional but delicious Bacon and Egg Ramen is a must-try, creating a luscious sauce with a perfectly poached egg. Momofuku Noodle Bar is another solid East Village option, also serving those famous pork buns.
Food Trucks are an essential part of the NYC culinary landscape, offering delicious, often inventive food on the go. Tracking down a favorite food truck adds an element of adventure to your dining experience. Embracing the street food culture is key to discovering hidden gem new york foods to eat.
Food truck serving customers
For authentic Belgian Liege waffles, find the Wafels + Dinges truck (or their storefront). Get it topped with speculoos – it’s heavenly. My favorite savory truck, Kimchi Taco, expertly blends Korean and Mexican flavors; the Kimchi Nachos for just $4 are unbelievable value and taste. Coolhaus specializes in custom, made-to-order ice cream sandwiches with creative cookie and ice cream flavor combinations. And the legendary The Halal Guys carts in Midtown (the originals have been there over 30 years!) offer cheap, incredibly flavorful chicken or lamb over rice platters with their famous white sauce (be warned, their hot sauce is seriously spicy!).
Tacos. NYC’s taco scene has dramatically improved over the years, shedding its reputation for being inferior to places like California. Now, the city boasts some truly outstanding taquerias, proving that incredible tacos are definitely among the essential new york foods to eat.
Several tacos on a metal tray with limes
Hands down, my current favorite is Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market (also sister spot Los Mariscos next door for seafood). The line can be long, but it moves fast as they work at hyper-speed. While their tacos are great, I’m obsessed with “the especial” – a fried quesadilla stuffed with your choice of meat (carne asada or the raved-about adobada pork). Otto’s Tacos serves delicious mini tacos with fresh, plump corn tortillas made right in front of you. Dos Toros offers another solid option with multiple locations, known for melting a slice of cheese onto the tortilla before adding the meat – a simple pleasure that elevates the taco experience.
Barbecue. Mention BBQ and NYC isn’t typically the first city that comes to mind. But surprisingly, the city has cultivated a thriving barbecue scene that can stand up to some of the best in the country. Finding authentic smoked meats adds a unique layer to the list of new york foods to eat.
Plate of smoked beef ribs and brisket
The absolute best BBQ I’ve had in NY is at Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Yes, it’s a bit of a trek, and yes, the line can be over an hour, but their beef rib and brisket are mind-blowingly good. Oddly enough, they also have the best chicken wings (Vietnamese style) I’ve ever tasted. Mighty Quinn’s (multiple locations) is famous for its incredibly moist and tender brisket. If you were a fan of Brooklyn’s Delaney Barbecue, they are currently looking for a new home after their landlord raised rent. Blue Smoke is a standard in the NYC BBQ world and a reliable spot.
Desserts are a non-negotiable category when discussing new york foods to eat. For anyone with a sweet tooth (myself included!), NYC offers an overwhelming array of options from world-famous cookies to unique puddings and pastries.
Close up of a large chocolate chip cookie
The city’s best cookie? Look no further than LeVain Bakery. Their massive, $4 cookies (especially chocolate peanut butter or double chocolate chip) are worth every penny and every calorie. Lines can be long, especially at the original UWS location, but strategizing (go off-peak!) is essential because you need this cookie in your life. Molly’s Cupcakes in Greenwich Village is adorably decorated (you can sit on swings!) and their cupcakes are truly legit. For classic cupcakes, Two Little Red Hens on the Upper East Side excels at red velvet and Brooklyn blackout. Sugar Sweet Sunshine on the Lower East Side offers simple, perfect, and cheap ($2!) cupcakes, plus fantastic puddings like “schmapple”.
Beard Papa masters the cream puff, filling light, crisp shells to order with luscious vanilla custard (or rotating flavors). For serious chocolate lovers, Jacques Torres Chocolate and La Maison du Chocolat offer exquisite options, including phenomenal hot chocolate in the winter.
Ice Cream is a perfect way to cool off or just indulge, and NYC’s ice cream scene is booming with creative, high-quality options. Finding your favorite scoop is a delightful quest among the vast list of new york foods to eat.
Scoop of colorful ice cream in a cup
My personal favorite is Ample Hills Creamery (multiple locations including Brooklyn, Meatpacking District, Gotham West Market). Their ice cream is incredibly creamy, and the flavors are creative and perfect (Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and Nonna’s Oatmeal Lace are top picks). Il Laboratorio Del Gelato on the Lower East Side offers life-changing gelato, especially their dark chocolate, plus adventurous flavors like avocado. Big Gay Ice Cream is a fun, slightly rebellious take on soft-serve, famous for cones like the Salty Pimp (vanilla, dulce de leche, sea salt, chocolate dip) or the Bea Arthur (vanilla, dulce de leche, Nilla Wafers).
Morgenstern’s Ice Cream reinvents the old-fashioned parlor with unique flavors (Salted Caramel Pretzel, Raw Milk) and amazing toppings. Even dairy-free folks have incredible options like Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, an oat-based “ice cream” so good it surprises even skeptics. And Van Leeuwen has expanded rapidly across the city, offering fantastic dairy and vegan ice creams. If you’re serious about frozen treats, there’s a whole world to explore. For more frozen delights, check out best food new york.
Fine Dining in NYC is an experience unto itself, a chance to witness culinary artistry from some of the world’s most renowned chefs. While comfort food dominates much of this list, treating yourself to a high-end meal is definitely one of the most memorable new york foods to eat experiences.
Elaborate plated dish at a fine dining restaurant
NYC is home to Michelin stars, James Beard winners, and culinary pioneers. Dress code is often relaxed, but reservations are usually essential. Blue Hill, led by farm-to-table pioneer Chef Dan Barber, offers an unforgettable splurge (especially at the Stone Barns location outside the city). Barbuto, by Chef Jonathan Waxman, is famous for its roast chicken and the legendary, often off-menu, Pasta Carbonara and side potatoes. Gramercy Tavern is an iconic Michelin-starred spot with a fantastic tasting menu and a rumored secret lunch burger. Eleven Madison Park boasts 3 Michelin stars and offers a stunning tasting menu experience for special occasions.
Hearth in the East Village provides a cozy, neighborhood feel with great Italian food, though the chef’s recent health focus has altered the style slightly. Other noteworthy fine dining experiences include Acme, ABC Kitchen, Contra, Dovetail, and Uncle Boons. For a unique scene with great cocktails and sharable small plates, try Beauty + Essex, hidden behind a pawn shop facade. Le Coucou is a fantastic spot for upscale French cuisine, and Dirt Candy offers inventive, satisfying vegetarian dishes that impress even meat-eaters. Choosing just one fine dining spot can be tough, as NYC offers a multitude of incredible places, many worth considering when planning where to go in new york.
Beyond these main categories, NYC offers countless other specific, iconic bites that are essential new york foods to eat. These are the quick, unique, and often addictive dishes that define the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
Several different small plates on a table
Xi’an Famous Foods is a must for spicy, hand-pulled noodles (the Spicy Hot Oil Noodles are incredibly addictive) and savory lamb or pork “burgers.” You can find multiple locations throughout the city. For quick, delicious Greek food, Souvlaki GR offers amazing chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, and dips like spicy feta. Lebanese cuisine shines at places like Au’ Zaatar and ilili, where ordering a variety of mezze (small plates) like Fattoush salad, Batata Harra (spicy potatoes), and Brussels Sprouts (at ilili) is the way to go. Don’t forget the puffed pita! If you want a hot dog that’s a step above the street cart, try Crif Dog for artisanal, bacon-wrapped creations like the Chihuahua or Tsunami dogs. For breakfast, lines form early at Clinton Street Baking Company for what might be the best pancakes you’ve ever had. And for doughnuts, the city offers two excellent choices: Doughnut Plant (try PB+J or Creme Brulee) and Dough (big, plump, delicious). Finally, for amazing, cheap dumplings and sesame pancakes, head to Vanessa’s Dumplings. Experiencing these diverse quick bites rounds out the exploration of where to go in new york for first time.
Exploring the new york foods to eat is an adventure in itself, a journey through history, culture, and incredible flavors. Each bite tells a story of the city’s vibrant past and dynamic present. This list is just the beginning; the best way to discover NYC’s culinary soul is to dive in, explore different neighborhoods, and let your taste buds be your guide. From iconic slices to hidden street cart gems and world-class fine dining, NYC’s food scene has something to amaze every palate. To truly appreciate the breadth of experiences NYC offers, consider how its food fits into the larger picture of visiting where is the best place to visit in new york.