New York City. The very name conjures images of iconic skyscrapers, bustling streets, and a melting pot of cultures. But for many, myself included, the first thought that comes to mind is… food. Yes, the culinary landscape of NYC is an absolute universe of flavors, textures, and stories. It’s a city where you can embark on a global culinary journey without ever leaving the five boroughs, and where every corner has a delicious secret waiting to be discovered. As a content creator passionate about connecting people with destinations through authentic experiences, I can confidently say that exploring the new york foods to try is not just eating; it’s living the city’s vibrant soul.
My connection to New York runs deep – it’s been my home turf, my personal playground for countless food adventures. I’ve crisscrossed streets, waited in infamous lines, and savored bites that have imprinted themselves on my memory (and yes, my waistline!). Forget the generic tourist traps; the real magic happens when you seek out the places that locals cherish, the dishes that tell a story, and the flavors that are uniquely New York. This guide is a culmination of those experiences, a hand-picked list of essential new york foods to try that will give you a true taste of this incredible city. Prepare your taste buds; we’re about to dive deep into the edible heart of NYC.
Variety of iconic New York foods to try, including pizza, bagels, and sandwiches
Pizza: An Absolute New York Icon
Let’s start with arguably the most quintessential New York food: pizza. But not just any pizza. We’re talking about that perfect, foldable, often slightly greasy, utterly delicious slice that defines a city. New York is home to some of the best pizza in the country, full stop. Any visit to NYC is incomplete without a proper pizza pilgrimage.
Places like Motorino Pizza (East Village, Williamsburg, Upper West Side) offer fantastic Neapolitan-style pies with that desirable char. Their Brussels Sprout and Margherita are classics, but their Prosciutto de Parma is simply a must-try. Over in Brooklyn, the super popular Roberta’s Pizza brings wood-fired magic and a cool vibe. Their location at Urbanspace Vanderbilt near Grand Central is incredibly convenient, and their Bee Sting Pizza (soppressata with honey) is an irresistible sweet and spicy combo.
For iconic, old-school charm, John’s Pizza on Bleeker Street is legendary for its brick-oven pies. If thin-crust is your jam and you’re willing to splurge a bit, Lucali in Brooklyn has a huge following. And for a hearty, unique slice, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is famous for its incredibly rich Artichoke pizza, available at several locations across the city. If you’re looking for [must try food when visiting new york], pizza is undoubtedly at the top of the list.
A classic slice of delicious New York pizza, one of the top New York foods to try
Bagels: More Than Just Bread with a Hole
Ah, the New York bagel. It’s a thing of legend, often attributed to the city’s water, but undeniably tied to generations of expert craftsmanship. Living in New York my whole life, I was spoiled by incredible bagels until I traveled elsewhere and realized what I’d been taking for granted. A proper New York bagel has a firm, slightly crunchy crust and a dense, chewy interior. They are hand-rolled and boiled before baking, a process that yields perfection.
While the bagels themselves at Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side are decent, you go here for the experience and their legendary lox sandwiches, especially with scallion cream cheese. This establishment has been a New York institution for over 100 years – a testament to their enduring appeal. Be prepared for a line, but it’s part of the charm.
For the quintessential bagel itself, places like Absolute Bagels, Murray’s Bagels, and Ess-A-Bagel are all excellent choices. They represent the pinnacle of New York bagel making, far superior to any mass-produced imitation. Starting your day with a fresh, warm bagel loaded with your favorite spread is a quintessential New York experience and a top item on any list of new york foods to try.
Freshly baked New York bagel with cream cheese spread
A selection of iconic hand-rolled New York bagels
Beyond bagels, NYC offers countless [things to eat in new york], but the next category is equally crucial.
Burgers & Sandwiches: Satisfying Every Craving
New York City has embraced the burger and sandwich scene with open arms, offering everything from high-end gourmet creations to simple, perfect classics. If you’re craving something handheld and satisfying, you’re in the right place.
For a truly special burger experience, the Black Label Burger at Minetta Tavern is legendary. Yes, it’s pricey, but this blend of prime cuts like brisket, short rib, skirt steak, and dry-aged ribeye is absolutely worth it. It’s the kind of burger that converts non-burger lovers. Reservations are highly recommended. If you prefer a mid-range option, Umami Burger offers incredibly flavorful options like the Truffle Burger.
Shake Shack is a modern NYC icon. This fast-casual spot (with locations everywhere) is a must-visit. Go for the Shack Stack (burger with a cheese-stuffed fried mushroom) and definitely get one of their thick, rich Concretes (frozen custard). Just skip the shakes; the custard is where it’s at. Other solid burger choices include the classic, no-frills patties at Burger Joint and the adventurous organic and wild game options at Bareburger.
A delicious gourmet burger, a popular New York food to try
When it comes to sandwiches, the landscape is just as exciting. Numpang serves mini-baguette sandwiches that are truly life-changing, with perfect pickled vegetables and spicy mayo. Their Duroc Pulled Pork is a favorite, and you can find them at various locations, including the culinary hub of Chelsea Market. Inside Chelsea Market, you also find Los Tacos No. 1 (more on that later) and many other amazing spots, making it a prime destination for exploring [new york famous food].
Taim is home to what many consider the best falafel in NYC, and their falafel sandwich is a testament to that claim. For a taste of old New York, Katz’s Delicatessen is an iconic spot for monstrous pastrami sandwiches, popular with tourists and locals alike, despite my personal preference not being skewed towards pastrami. For a different kind of sandwich magic, Momofuku Ssam Bar offers incredible Steamed Pork Buns – pillowy soft buns filled with succulent pork belly and hoisin.
A savory sandwich from a New York food spot
These are just a few examples of the [new york famous food] scene when it comes to burgers and sandwiches.
Ramen: Soul-Warming Bowls of Deliciousness
The ramen craze took New York by storm, and for good reason. These aren’t the instant noodles you remember from college; we’re talking deeply flavorful broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and tender toppings that create a truly soul-warming meal. Ramen shops have become ubiquitous, and finding a favorite is a delicious quest.
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Ivan Ramen brought his Tokyo-famous ramen back to NYC, offering creative and unique bowls. His Mazemens (less brothy) like the Triple Pork Triple Garlic are absolutely phenomenal – a dish I dream about. His pork meatball appetizer is also outrageously good. For a more classic, traditional approach, Ippudo Ramen consistently delivers perfect bowls, especially their spicy option, with locations in the East Village and near Times Square. They also have a quick spot, Kuro-Obi by Ippudo, in Urbanspace Vanderbilt.
Brooklyn boasts its own ramen stars like Chuko Ramen and Yuji Ramen, the latter known for its non-traditional but incredibly delicious bacon and egg ramen, where the poached egg creates a luscious sauce coating the noodles. Momofuku Noodle Bar, while perhaps not my absolute favorite ramen bowl in the city, is still a solid option, especially if you want to pair your noodles with their famous pork buns. Exploring the diverse [food places in new york] for ramen is an adventure in itself.
A comforting bowl of steaming hot New York ramen
Food Trucks: Gourmet Eats on the Go
New York’s food truck scene is dynamic, exciting, and offers some seriously delicious options on the go. These mobile kitchens dish out everything from gourmet tacos to authentic Belgian waffles, making them an essential part of the new york foods to try experience.
For authentic, chewy Belgian liege wafels, look no further than Wafels + Dinges. Make sure to get it topped with speculoos – it’s divine. They have carts (often near Central Park) and even a storefront now. My favorite savory truck has long been Kimchi Taco, blending Korean and Mexican flavors into things like the addictive Kimchi Nachos.
For a custom sweet treat, Coolhaus makes ice cream sandwiches to order with inventive cookie and ice cream flavors. And then there are The Halal Guys, whose original Midtown carts have been serving their legendary chicken and lamb over rice platters with white sauce for decades. It’s a cheap, filling, and incredibly satisfying New York street food classic (just be cautious with the hot sauce!). From waffles to tacos, these food trucks represent some of the [famous food in new york] you can find on the go.
A delicious waffle from a New York City food truck
Tacos: NYC’s Growing Taco Scene
New York’s taco game has elevated significantly over the years, shedding the old notion that you had to be in California for great tacos. The city now boasts some truly authentic and innovative taquerias.
My current favorite is Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market (and other locations). While their tacos are excellent, I am completely obsessed with “the especial” – a fried quesadilla stuffed with your choice of meat and toppings. The carne asada is fantastic, but the adobada (pork) is also highly praised. Be prepared for a line, but the speed at which they work is impressive. Their sister spot, Los Mariscos, right next door, is perfect for fish tacos.
Otto’s Tacos in the East Village (and other spots) serves delicious mini tacos on freshly made corn tortillas. The fillings are all solid. Dos Toros has locations citywide and I’m a fan of their carne asada tacos, especially because they melt a slice of cheese directly onto the tortilla – a simple pleasure.
Delicious and authentic tacos from a New York taqueria
Barbecue: Smoky Goodness in the City
When you think of barbecue hotspots, NYC might not be the first place that comes to mind. But you’d be mistaken! New York City has some seriously impressive barbecue joints that can hold their own against pitmasters anywhere.
Without a doubt, the best BBQ I’ve had in NY is at Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn. While getting there is a bit of a journey, the beef rib and brisket are unbelievably good and absolutely worth the trip (and the often long wait). Oddly enough, their Vietnamese Chicken Wings are also mind-blowingly delicious. Mighty Quinn’s, with several locations now, is a brisket master. Their meat is incredibly moist and tender, served with your choice of pickled vegetables. Delaney Barbecue in Brooklyn (currently looking for a new space) also earned high praise for its brisket.
For a reliable, standard-bearer in the NYC BBQ world, Blue Smoke is a great place to enjoy smoked meats and Southern sides. These spots prove that New York is a serious contender in the world of barbecue, offering another layer to the diverse new york foods to try.
A tender smoked beef rib from a New York barbecue restaurant
A platter of smoky, delicious barbecue meats in New York
Desserts: Sweet Endings and Indulgences
My sweet tooth is insatiable, and NYC is a paradise for anyone who loves dessert. From cookies and cupcakes to pastries and puddings, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
If you’re on a quest for the city’s best cookie, head to LeVain Bakery. These massive, gooey, incredibly delicious cookies (chocolate peanut butter and double chocolate chip are musts) are worth every penny of their $4 price tag. They are incredibly popular, so be prepared for lines, especially at the original Upper West Side location, but trust me, you NEED this cookie in your life.
For cupcakes, Molly’s Cupcakes in Greenwich Village is adorable (they have swings!) and serves totally legit cupcakes in a variety of amazing flavors. Two Little Red Hens on the Upper East Side is known for its red velvet and Brooklyn blackout cupcakes. And for a charming, slightly hipster vibe with perfect, simple, cheap cupcakes and fantastic pudding, check out Sugar Sweet Sunshine on the Lower East Side.
Beyond cakes and cookies, Beard Papa on the Upper West Side makes incredible cream puffs filled to order with luscious custard. If chocolate is your passion, Jacques Torres Chocolate has multiple outposts with everything a chocoholic could desire, including giant ice cream sandwiches in the summer. For truly exquisite, fancy French chocolate, La Maison du Chocolat on the Upper East Side is the place for a splurge, and their hot chocolate is an absolute revelation.
A giant, freshly baked cookie from a New York City bakery
An assortment of delicious cupcakes from a New York City bakery
Ice Cream: Cool Treats to Beat the Heat (or Not!)
Whether it’s the height of summer or a chilly winter day, there’s always room for ice cream, and New York has some of the best.
My personal favorite is Ample Hills Creamery. With multiple locations, their ice cream is incredibly creamy, smooth, and comes in creative, perfect flavors like Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and Nonna’s Oatmeal Lace. It’s pure joy in a scoop.
For life-changing gelato, Il Laboratorio Del Gelato on the Lower East Side is a must-visit, especially for their dark chocolate. They also have adventurous flavors like avocado that surprisingly work! Big Gay Ice Cream offers a fun, whimsical take on soft-serve with unique toppings – the Salty Pimp (dulce de leche, sea salt, chocolate dip) and Bea Arthur (dulce de leche, Nilla wafers) are legendary. And make sure to get your cone lined with biscoff or nutella!
Morgenstern’s Ice Cream on the Lower East Side feels like a reinvented old-fashioned parlor with incredibly unique flavors and cool apothecary-jar toppings. Even if you’re dairy-free, places like Whipped Urban Dessert Lab offer astonishingly delicious oat-based “ice cream” that defies expectations. And Van Leeuwen has exploded onto the scene with fantastic dairy and vegan options, seemingly opening new shops constantly. Looking for more ice cream recommendations? There are countless other amazing places to find frozen treats that count among the best [things to eat in new york].
A creamy ice cream cone, a must-try frozen treat in New York
Fine Dining: Splurge-Worthy Culinary Experiences
New York City is a global culinary capital, home to world-renowned chefs, Michelin stars, and dining experiences that are truly unforgettable. While street food and casual eats are part of the city’s charm, treating yourself to a fine dining meal is another essential new york foods to try experience.
Places like Blue Hill (and its incredible sister restaurant at Stone Barns outside the city) by culinary legend Dan Barber offer unparalleled farm-to-table experiences. Barbuto by Chef Jonathan Waxman serves up one of the best roast chickens you’ll ever taste, plus amazing pasta (ask for the carbonara even if it’s off-menu!) and potatoes. Gramercy Tavern is a classic NYC institution for fine dining with a consistently amazing tasting menu (and a rumored secret lunch burger!).
For a truly top-tier experience, Eleven Madison Park, one of the city’s few 3-Michelin Star restaurants, offers an exceptional tasting menu, stunning space, and impeccable service – perfect for a special celebration. Hearth in the East Village provides a cozy atmosphere with seasonal Italian food, although its focus has recently shifted slightly towards healthier options.
Beyond these, places like Acme, ABC Kitchen, Contra, Dovetail, and Uncle Boons have also provided seriously great meals. If you’re a fan of celebrity chefs, many have restaurants here. For a cool vibe behind a pawn shop with great small plates and cocktails, check out Beauty + Essex. Le Coucou offers fantastic upscale French cuisine. Even vegetarian fine dining shines at places like Dirt Candy. The list of incredible [food places in new york] at the higher end is extensive, each offering a unique taste of NYC’s culinary artistry.
Other Must Eats: Diverse Flavors Across the City
Beyond the broad categories, there are specific dishes and places in NYC that defy easy classification but are absolutely essential new york foods to try.
One place I constantly crave is Xi’an Famous Foods. With multiple locations, they specialize in incredible hand-pulled noodles from the Shaanxi province of China. The Spicy Hot Oil Noodles are addictively good, and their lamb and pork “burgers” (spiced meat in flatbread) are legit.
For quick and delicious Greek food, Souvlaki GR is a top choice. Their chicken souvlaki and lamb chops are fantastic, as is their pita and tzatziki. Don’t miss the spicy feta dip!
Lebanese cuisine shines at places like Au’ Zaatar and ilili. At Au’ Zaatar, order a spread of mezze like Fattoush (a must-have salad), Batata Harra (spicy potatoes), and Arnabeet Bi Tarator (cauliflower). ilili also offers fantastic mezze (the Brussels Sprouts are magical!) and their puffed pita is amazing.
For a classic New York street food elevated, skip the basic cart dogs and head to Crif Dog for artisan hot dogs wrapped in bacon with creative toppings like avocado or pineapple.
For breakfast or brunch, the pancakes at Clinton Street Baking Company on the Lower East Side are legendary. Be prepared for a wait, but these are truly some of the best pancakes you’ll ever have.
And finally, for doughnut perfection, you have options! Doughnut Plant (Lower East Side, Chelsea) offers incredible, unique flavors like PB+J, Tres Leches, and Creme Brulee with no preservatives. Dough (Brooklyn, Manhattan) also makes big, plump, fantastic doughnuts that are definitely worth seeking out. For dumpling lovers, Vanessa’s Dumplings is a great spot for cheap and tasty dumplings and sesame pancakes.
An assortment of various New York foods to try, including noodles and other dishes
A stack of fluffy pancakes, a must-try breakfast in New York
Ready to Eat Your Way Through NYC?
Embarking on a culinary adventure through New York City is one of the most rewarding ways to experience its culture and energy. From iconic street food to Michelin-starred meals, the sheer variety and quality of new york foods to try are staggering. Each bite tells a story, a reflection of the city’s history, immigrant communities, and constant innovation.
This list is just the beginning – a starting point for your own delicious explorations. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path, follow your nose, and ask locals for their hidden gems. New York’s food scene is ever-evolving, with new flavors and experiences popping up constantly.
So, come hungry, come curious, and prepare to fall in love with New York, one bite at a time. What are you waiting for? Your ultimate food journey through NYC awaits!