New York City pretty much invented the “foodie trip.”
Every block is packed with hidden gems serving up flavors from all over the globe. Whether you’re here for the classics or after something quirky and new, this is the place to eat your heart out.
You’ve got pizza by the slice, ramen joints with lines down the block, bagels the size of your head, street carts on every corner, and the kind of dim sum you daydream about for weeks afterward.
It’s impossible to run out of things to try. Welcome to your NYC food adventure—you’ll want stretchy pants for this one.
What to Eat in New York City
Bagels with Lox & Schmear
NYC bagels are the stuff of legend—chewy, doughy, and just the right amount of crispness. Try them with a schmear of cream cheese and lox at a classic deli. Russ & Daughters and Ess-a-Bagel are always solid bets.
New York-Style Pizza
Fold it down the middle and eat it on the go—NYC pizza is a must. Prince Street Pizza and Joe’s Pizza have lines for a reason. Grab a slice and don’t overthink it.
Soup Dumplings
The city’s got amazing dim sum scenes, but the soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai are legendary. Burn your mouth at least once; it’s tradition.
Halal Cart Chicken & Rice
Street food is king here. The city’s many halal carts serve up chicken or lamb over rice, and you can eat for under $10. Grab a plate once and you’ll be hooked.
Cheesecake
You can’t skip classic New York cheesecake. Junior’s in Brooklyn is the top spot—but honestly, good cheesecake is everywhere.
Foodie Neighbourhoods in New York City
Lower East Side
Origin spot for pastrami on rye, bialys, and bagels. The Lower East Side is packed with legendary Jewish delis, hip noodle bars, and hidden dumpling joints. Nightlife is great too—lots of bars stay open late, and Essex Market is a solid stop for snacks.
Walkable, always lively, and full of one-of-a-kind spots you won’t find anywhere else. Plus: street art and cool vintage shops.
East Village
No-frills ramen, inventive small plates, punk rock bars, and classic slice shops. The East Village is where you find everything from Japanese comfort food to Ukrainian pierogi cafes.
It’s always buzzing. If you want something totally unexpected, try walking down St. Mark’s Place.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg’s food scene changes by the minute. From foraged small plates to old-school pizza slices, you get it all. Sunday Smorgasburg market is a no-brainer for food stalls and river views.
Lots of third-wave coffee, vegan bakeries, and natural wine bars. Go for brunch, stay way too late.
Chinatown
Affordable eats everywhere. Soup dumplings, roast pork buns, congee, and more, 24/7. Grab dim sum carts at Jing Fong or soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai. If you want to feel like you’ve left the country, wander the side streets around Grand and Mott.
Harlem
Soul food, smoky BBQ, and spicy jerk chicken compete for your attention in Harlem. You’ll also find top-notch vegan and veggie options, plus iconic fried chicken at Sylvia’s and killer jazz bar scenes. Historic, vibrant, and always worth a visit.
Budget Restaurants in New York City
JG Melon
Old-school burger joint in the Upper East Side, beloved for its classic burgers and fries. The vibe is relaxed and no-frills. Super affordable, cash only.
Xi’an Famous Foods
Head here for hand-pulled noodles and punchy, spicy cumin lamb dishes. No reservations, counter service. Great vibe for a quick (and cheap) meal.
Tacombi
Fast-casual taco spot with a laid-back, sunny beach shack atmosphere. The tacos are reliable and cheap, especially at lunch. You’ll find locations in several neighborhoods.
Joe’s Shanghai
The spot to hit for soup dumplings—steamy, rich, and slightly dangerous if you’re in a hurry. Portions are big and prices are wallet-friendly. Locations in Chinatown and Midtown.
Prince Street Pizza
Spicy pepperoni square slices, a line out the door, and total perfection. Super iconic, always crowded, but fast-moving. Top spot for a cheap, filling bite on the go.
Mid-Range Restaurants in New York City
Bungalow
Modern Indian spot from chef Vikas Khanna. Trendy, small, and intimate—tough to snag a table, so book ahead. Creative cocktails and bold flavors make it worth the effort and the spend.
Saigon Social
Cozy Lower East Side spot for Vietnamese comfort food, like pho and the viral short rib banh mi. Welcoming vibe, inventive drinks, and big flavors. Not strictly traditional, but always fun.
Cafe Mogador
Legendary Moroccan spot in the East Village (and Williamsburg). Brunch tagines are a must. Laid-back, always busy, easy on the budget. Wine and cocktails round things out.
Ugly Baby
Popular Thai spot in Brooklyn with spice levels that sneak up on you. Casual, fun, and full of regulars. Don’t miss the khao soi. Go with friends, order everything, and recover together.
Cafe China
Sichuan standout with incredible dan dan noodles and a super-cool, old Shanghai vibe. Great cocktails, moderate prices, and a menu you’ll want to work through.
Luxury Restaurants in New York City
Le Bernardin
Michelin three-star French seafood, flawless service, and a legendary wine list. Strict dress code, reservation required, bring your wallet. Still, totally unforgettable.
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
Tasting-menu focused, Japanese-influenced, and mind-blowing presentation. Multi-hour experience, intimate counter seating, and notoriously hard to book. Worth it if you want a “wow” moment.
Eleven Madison Park
Art deco space, innovative plant-based tasting menus, and insane attention to detail. One for special occasions, dress the part. You won’t forget it (or the price tag).
Per Se
Chef Thomas Keller’s tasting menu on Columbus Circle. Gorgeous Central Park views. Fancy, formal, and a favorite among critics for a reason. Wine pairing is always win.
Daniel
Chef Daniel Boulud’s flagship on the Upper East Side. French haute cuisine meets NYC grandeur. Classic, elegant, and every bite is a masterpiece.
Best Coffee Shops in New York City
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Big, lively space in Greenwich Village, perfect for people watching. They roast their own beans, and every cup is legit. Pastries are solid, too.
Birch Coffee
Multiple locations, friendly baristas, and a quiet vibe if you need to get some work done. Their cold brew is one of the best in town.
Coffee Project NY
Beloved for creative espresso drinks and amazing toasts (try the deconstructed latte). East Village flagship gets busy, but service is quick. They’ve got a second location in Brooklyn.
Everyman Espresso
Great for coffee nerds. Outstanding espresso drinks, minimalist decor, and passionate staff. East Village and SoHo locations keep the indie energy strong.
Prince Coffee House
European-style coffee house with big windows, tons of sunlight, and excellent baked goods. Popular for study days and friend hangs. The espresso is rich and smooth—highly recommend.
Markets in New York City
Union Square Greenmarket
Biggest and best farmer’s market in the city, open year-round. You can find everything from fresh veggies to local cheese. Always busy, tons of free samples if you go early.
Essex Market
Historic public market full of specialty food stalls, produce, and unique groceries. It has a new, shiny home on the Lower East Side but the old-school spirit lives on. Great for a DIY lunch tour.
DeKalb Market Hall
Brooklyn’s answer to the food hall craze, with over 35 local vendors. Try a little of everything, from pierogi to BBQ to ramen. Lively, affordable, and wild variety.
Chelsea Market
Touristy but still worth visiting for killer tacos, unusual sweets, and seafood. The space is gorgeous and full of small shops. Stop here if you’re walking the High Line.
Smorgasburg
NYC’s famous outdoor market, loaded with creative stalls (think rainbow bagels and ramen burgers). It’s a weekend tradition in Williamsburg and Prospect Park—go hungry and bring friends.
Budget Accommodation in New York City
The Bowery House
Hostel-style, vintage vibes in the Lower East Side. Simple, clean, and a great way to save cash in Manhattan. Bathrooms are shared, but location is central to everything downtown.
HI New York City Hostel
Big social hostel on the Upper West Side, with fun community events. Dorms are basic but it’s clean, safe, and way friendlier than most hotels. Subway is super close.
Pod 51 Hotel
This Midtown hotel is modern and efficient—think compact rooms but decent space. Shared bathrooms for the cheapest rates. Lots of good food nearby.
Moxy NYC East Village
Fun, affordable hotel with a buzzy bar scene and rooftop. Rooms are small, but you’re in the middle of it all. Good for a social vibe and a memorable stay.
The Jane Hotel
Funky, Wes Anderson–style hotel in the West Village. Teeny-tiny rooms, but the price is right and it’s steps from the Hudson River. Free bikes for exploring, too.
Mid-Range Accommodation in New York City
The Marlton Hotel
Chic Greenwich Village boutique, classic Parisian style. Cosy rooms and a popular lobby bar. Walking distance to countless eats.
Arlo NoMad
Small, super-modern rooms with killer floor-to-ceiling views. Great rooftop, fun atmosphere, close to Koreatown and Midtown sights.
The Ludlow Hotel
Trendy Lower East Side hotel, industrial-chic rooms, and a super cozy lobby bar. Easy to walk to so many restaurants and markets. Rooftop has excellent city views.
Hotel Indigo Lower East Side
Colorful, artsy, and just steps from cool restaurants. Great option if you want to be in the middle of the action. The rooftop bar is a bonus.
The Franklin Hotel
Historic Upper East Side vibe, relaxed and close to museums. Not too pricey for the area—cozy and old-school, perfect for a laid-back stay.
Luxury Accommodation in New York City
The Mark Hotel
Ultra-luxurious on the Upper East Side, with a famous restaurant, art-filled lobby, and sumptuously designed rooms. Steps from Central Park. Pricey but truly special.
The Greenwich Hotel
TriBeCa gem, owned by Robert De Niro, with a serene pool and marble bathrooms. Rooms have a cool homey feel and a lot of character.
The Peninsula New York
Rooftop bar, world-class spa, and top-notch service just off Fifth Avenue. Plush and polished—combine with a morning at MoMA or shopping in Midtown.
The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
Modern luxury, right on Fifth, with spacious rooms and a terrific Michelin-starred restaurant on site. Walk to Bryant Park and all the good Midtown spots.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Posh rooms, Central Park views, and unbeatable amenities. The spa is top-tier, and you’ll feel like you’re living the high life from check-in to check-out.
