New York City is undoubtedly one of the top foodie destinations in the world. Knowing where to eat in NYC has become as much of a sport as it is a skill. Through my dozens of trips to New York, hours of extensive research and reading reviews, and of course, first-hand dining experience, I have been able to compile the most epic list of the best and most popular places to eat in both Manhattan and Brooklyn.
I always say the best way to explore a new city is by mapping out all the restaurants you want to dine at. Sightseeing, tourist attractions, and even shopping are all second to, and determined by where I am eating on that particular day and time. Whether it’s your first time in the city or your hundredth, below you will find all the most famous places to eat NY classics and essentials, such as pizza, pastrami, bagels and beyond.
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For the Best Slice of New York Pizza:
Joe’s Pizza – No frills, classic, pizza by the slice.
Locations: West Village, Gramercy, Midtown West, & Williamsburg
Prince Street Pizza – Some say these square slices are the best in the city!
Locations: NoLita
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza – Known for square pizza and great for a late-night option.
Locations: Gramercy, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Park Slope, Astoria, Bay Ridge, Bushwick, & Williamsburg
Di Fara – A good sit-down spot and they are also known for their specialty square pizza topped with fresh, hand-cut basil.
Location: Brooklyn
Grimaldi’s – Classic, brick oven NY pizza.
Location: DUMBO (original)
Mona’s Pick: You really can’t go wrong with any of these NYC staples because duh, it’s pizza, and even when it’s bad it’s still good. That said, my honorable mention is Julliana’s opened by the people of Grimaldis (but better in my opinion) and is right next door to the DUMBO location. Call ahead, order pick up, and enjoy your pizza on the sidewalk if you don’t want to wait in the long line outside.
For a Classic New York Deli Bagel:
Ess-a-bagel – Best for thick, doughy bagels. Also a great place to get NY bagels shipped!
Locations: Midtown East & Stuyvesant
Russ & Daughters – Best for smoked fish and caviar. Various types of lox and my personal favorite, wasabi infused fish roe. Tip: While Russ & Daughters original location does not have any seating, the Russ & Daughters Cafe does. Head there instead for a proper sit down breakfast or brunch.
Locations: Lower East Side (original), Russ & Daughters Cafe – Lower East Side, Russ & Daughters Cafe inside the Jewish Museum Upper East Side
Mona’s Pick: This is a tough one. Ess-a Bagel has the fluffiest, chewiest bagels, while Russ & daughters is KING for all the fish fixings. Russ & Daughter’s also has longer lines and often a 2+ hour wait during peak hours; so be like me and grab your ticketed number for your place in line, head over to ess-a-bagel (the one on 2nd street is closer and usually does not have a long wait like the other location) grab some bagels, maybe explore a little, and then head back to Russ & Daughters an hour or so later to get your cream cheese, lox, and other fixings to construct the most epic NYC bagel on your own.
For a Famous New York Deli for Pastrami on Rye:
Katz’s – The most famous NYC delicatessen.
Location: Lower East Side
2nd Ave Deli – A classic and true kosher (certified) deli.
Location: Murray Hill, Upper East Side
Mona’s Pick: While Katz’s is truly an NYC staple, 2nd Ave Deli is also an excellent choice and an authentic Kosher deli serving real kosher meat. With ample seating and hardly a wait, you can avoid the hours of wait time outside of Kats’z and dive straight into a thick-cut, juicy kosher pastrami sandwich.
For an Authentic Italian Eatery:
Carmine’s – Best for before a Broadway show or visiting Times Square. Make sure you have a reservation.
Locations: Upper West Side & Times Square
Babbo – The Olive Oil cake for dessert is a MUST!
Location: Greenwich Village
Becco – A great option for vegetarians as they offer substitutions on basically all of their pasta dishes.
Location: Midtown West
Mona’s Pick: L’Artusi in the West Village, or Eataly; while not exactly a restaurant itself, Eataly is an indoor Italian marketplace and a must-see in its own right. Eataly offers various spots for pasta, gelato, cheeses, and more.
For a Boozy Brunch or All Day Breakfast NYC:
Jane – The Vanilla Bean French Toast is a must!
Location: Greenwich Village
Clinton Street Baking Company – Casual, American breakfast classics. Best for a weekday breakfast.
Location: Lower East Side
Jack’s Wife Freda – Mediterranean-fusion-inspired classics.
Location: SoHo & West Village
Mona’s Tip: Los Angeles natives like myself are no strangers to brunch, So unless I’m in for a leisurely boozy brunch with friends, while in New York City I’ll substitute a classic breakfast benedict for a real NY bagel and lox sandwich; or better yet start my day by eating dessert with a coffee and pastry at one of the many amazing cafes and bakeries, all in order to save room for a hefty lunch and dinner.
For a Self-Guided New York Dessert Tour:
Momofuku Milk Bar – Famous for their milk and cereal ice cream, crack cookies and other Instagrammable treats.
Locations: Midtown West, West Village, & Upper West Side
Levain Bakery – Home to the best chocolate chip cookie in the world!
Locations: Upper West Side (2 locations) & Harlem
Dominique Ansel Bakery – Birthplace of the donut-croissant hybrid, the Cronut.
Location: South Village
Doughnut Plant – Endless kinds of specialty donuts
Locations: Lower East Side (original), Chelsea, Prospect Heights, & Sunnyside
Rice to Riches – A rice pudding spot for when you’re in the mood for something different.
Location: Nolita
Big Gay Ice Cream Shop – I scream, you scream! Need I say more?
Locations: East Village, West Village
Mona’s tip: Nothing beats a simple and delicious classic chocolate chip cookie. As mentioned above, Levain is known for the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. The line out the door is always long and there is no seating. Skip the fuss by calling in a pick-up order and paying over the phone (there is no minimum) then walk straight to the counter to pick up your order.
Locations: East Village, West Village
Related: Read my guest post for NylonPink.TV! The Top 10 Novelty Desserts in NYC to Feed Your Dreams
For When You’re Out All Night and Want a Late-Night Snack or Need Late Night Food Delivery NYC:
The Meatball Shop – The name says it all. Pick your base, flavor, and your ball (they even have veggie meatballs) for endless meatball combinations!
Locations: Lower East Side, Chelsea, Williamsburg, Midtown West, & Upper East Side
Mamouns falafel – Cheap and delicious falafel sandwiches.
Locations: Greenwich Village, East Village
Pommes Frites – Because sometimes you just want to end your night with some French (or Belgian, rather) fries!
Locations: Greenwich Village
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For More Fun Places to Eat in NYC:
Momofuku Noodle
Locations: East Village
or Momofuku Ssam bar – Popular Asian fusion restaurant by Chef David Chang’s Momofuku.
Locations: East Village
Alta – Best for Mediterranean tapas.
Locations: Greenwich Village
Peter Luger – A classic and old school cash-only steakhouse.
Locations: South Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Joe’s Shanghai – Best Dim Sum in NYC.
Locations: Chinatown
Amélie – Best for French cuisine. Get the goat cheese balls!
Locations: Greenwich Village
Morimoto – Best omakase (chef’s choice) sushi
Locations: Meatpacking District
Izakaya MEW – A more laid-back sushi and Japanese favorite.
Locations: Midtown West
Ippudo East Village – Best Ramen
Locations: East Village
Mona’s Pick: The greatest thing about New York eating is what a melting pot (quite literally) of cuisines it has to offer. Whatever food in the world you’re into, NY is sure to offer some of the best. Whenever I am in the city, I like to treat myself to Reserve Cut in the Financial District. An upscale kosher steakhouse known for their aged wagyu beef which allegedly comes from cows that are massaged daily and played classical music for ultimate relaxation and tenderness. Their wine selection is great, too!
If fancy isn’t your thing, you can also try some of these 20 Cheap Places to Eat in New York City!
As a final tip, I need to mention that most of the above places are beloved NYC favorites, and with popularity often comes long lines and waits. Some of them may not even offer a place to sit and eat. If you’re on a time crunch, be sure to look into wait times by calling ahead of seeing if they take reservations. Also, be sure to check opening and closing times before visiting any restaurant. Even if you do find yourself waiting, I don’t think you will be disappointed. NYC is a real foodie destination and more often than not you’ll find that the food was worth waiting for.
This list is by no means comprehensive so I’d love to know, what are your favorites, and did I leave anything out?
New York City is undoubtedly one of the top foodie destinations in the world. Knowing where to eat in NYC has become as much of a sport as it is a skill. Through my dozens of trips to New York, hours of extensive research and reading reviews, and of course, first-hand dining experience, I have been able to compile the most epic list of the best and most popular places to eat in both Manhattan and Brooklyn.
I always say the best way to explore a new city is by mapping out all the restaurants you want to dine at. Sightseeing, tourist attractions, and even shopping are all second to, and determined by where I am eating on that particular day and time. Whether it’s your first time in the city or your hundredth, below you will find all the most famous places to eat NY classics and essentials, such as pizza, pastrami, bagels and beyond.
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