New York City is a cultural melting pot, and its diverse food scene is truly world-class. From street food carts to high-end restaurants, the city has something for every budget and palate. In this guide, we'll look at some of the best places to eat in New York, from fine dining to low-cost options. We'll also make recommendations for the best local dishes to try so you can fully enjoy the city's culinary delights.
New York's Finest Fine Dining Restaurants
There are a lot of high-end restaurants in New York to choose from if you want to eat somewhere really fancy. Here are a few of our favourites:
Per Se
For good reason, Per Se is one of New York's most celebrated restaurants. The seasonal menu is French-inspired and features the best ingredients from around the world. The restaurant has beautiful views of Central Park and is perfect for a special occasion.
11 Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that has consistently been named one of the world's best. The menu is based on seasonal ingredients from the Hudson Valley and nearby areas, and the service is the best you'll find anywhere.
Bernardin Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin is a seafood-focused restaurant with three Michelin stars for its outstanding cuisine. Fresh seafood from around the world is featured on the menu, and the restaurant offers a tasting menu that highlights the chef's creativity and skill.
Quirky and Unconventional Restaurants
There are many hidden gems and weird restaurants in New York that offer one-of-a-kind dining experiences. Here are a few of our personal favourites:
The Glow
The Smile is a cosy NoHo cafe with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. The restaurant is known for its avocado toast and homemade granola, and it's a great place for a casual brunch or lunch.
The Contemporary
It is a modern American restaurant inside the Museum of Modern Art. Seasonal dishes and classic French cooking methods are on the menu. What’s more, you will definitely love the scenery where the restaurant looks out over the sculpture garden at the museum.
The Burger Stand
The Burger Joint is a Midtown hidden gem located inside the Parker Meridien hotel. The restaurant has a retro feel to it and serves some of the best burgers in town.
Delectable Budget-Friendly Restaurants
New York City can be an expensive place to eat, but there are plenty of low-cost options that don't skimp on flavour or quality. Here are a few of our favourites:
Famous Xi'an Foods
Xi'an Famous Foods is a restaurant chain that serves traditional Chinese dishes from Xi'an. The restaurant is famous for its hand-pulled noodles and spicy cumin lamb, and it's an excellent choice for a quick and inexpensive meal.
Pizza Roberta's
Roberta's Pizza is a well-known Brooklyn pizzeria with an amazing following - thanks to its wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant also serves salads and small plates and is a great place for a casual dinner.
The Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a fast-food restaurant chain that began in New York and has since expanded to locations all over the world. The restaurant is well-known for its classic burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and milkshakes, and it's an excellent choice for a quick and inexpensive meal.
Must-Try Iconic Dishes in New York
A trip to New York isn't complete unless you try some of the city's classic dishes. Here are a few of our personal favourites:
Bagels and Lox New York-style bagels are famous for their chewy texture and distinct flavour, and they pair well with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Russ & Daughters, Ess-a-Bagel, and H&H Bagels are some of the best places to try this classic combination.
Pizza New York-style pizza is a culinary institution in the city, and there are numerous pizzerias to choose from. Di Fara Pizza, Lombardi's, and Patsy's Pizzeria are among the most popular restaurants.
The Deli sandwiches in New York are legendary, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Pastrami on rye, corned beef on rye, and the classic Reuben sandwich are among the most popular varieties. Katz's Delicatessen, Carnegie Deli, and 2nd Ave Deli are some of the best places to try these sandwiches.
A Taste of the World: International Cuisine in New York
The food scene in New York reflects the city's true multiculturalism. Here are a few of the best places in town to sample international cuisine:
The Momofuku Noodle Bar
Momofuku Noodle Bar is a popular restaurant where traditional Asian noodle dishes are made in new ways. Ramen, pho, and chilled spicy noodles are on the menu, and the restaurant has a casual and lively atmosphere.
Totto Ramen Noodles
Totto Ramen is a popular ramen restaurant known for its rich and flavorful broth. The restaurant also has a wide selection of toppings and sides, making it ideal for a warm and comforting meal.
La Vara
La Vara is a Spanish restaurant that serves traditional Iberian Peninsula dishes. Suckling pig, grilled octopus, and paella are among the dishes on the menu, and the restaurant has a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
Breakfast and Brunch: The Best Morning Meals
In New York, brunch is almost a religion. There are a lot of restaurants and cafes that serve delicious breakfast and brunch food. Here are a few of our personal favourites:
Clinton Street Baking Company
Situated on Clinton Street, the Clinton Street Baking Company is best known for its fluffy buttermilk pancakes. The restaurant also has a variety of egg dishes, sandwiches, and salads, making it a great place for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Buvette
Buvette is a charming French cafe that serves breakfast and brunch items such as croissants, omelettes, and tartines. The restaurant also has an excellent wine list, making it ideal for a boozy brunch.
Sadelle’s
Sadelle's is a chic cafe that specialises in traditional Jewish baked goods such as bagels, babka, and rugelach. The restaurant also serves smoked fish and deli sandwiches, and it's a great place to grab a quick and filling breakfast.
Sweet Treats: New York's Best Dessert Spots
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and New York has plenty of places to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are a few of our favourites:
The Levain Bakery
Levain Bakery is a small bakery known for its large cookies. The bakery also sells breads, pastries, and cakes, and it's a great place to stop for a mid-afternoon snack.
3rd Serendipity
Serendipity 3 is a traditional dessert shop known for its frozen hot chocolate. The restaurant also serves ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, and other sweet treats, making it an excellent choice for a fun and indulgent dessert experience.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Dominique Ansel Bakery is a must-see for anyone who enjoys sweets. The bakery is well-known for its cronut, a croissant-doughnut hybrid that has swept the world. The bakery also serves a wide range of other pastries and desserts, making it an excellent choice for a memorable dessert experience.
New York Nightlife: The Best Bars and Restaurants for Evening Entertainment
New York's nightlife is as varied as its food scene, and there are many bars and restaurants where you can have a good time. Here are a few of our favourites:
The Rabbit Is Dead
The Dead Rabbit is a popular Irish pub with a wide range of whiskies and unique drinks. The bar also serves a variety of small plates, making it ideal for a laid-back night out.
NoMad's Bar
The NoMad Bar is a stylish cocktail lounge located within the NoMad Hotel. The bar serves classic and inventive cocktails, as well as small plates such as foie gras and fried chicken.
The Pinnacle of the Standard
The Top of the Standard is a rooftop bar on the Standard Hotel's 18th floor. The bar has great views of the city skyline, a long list of cocktails, and live music that changes all the time.
Best Eco-Friendly Restaurants for Sustainability and Conscious Dining
If you want to eat at restaurants that prioritise sustainability and ethical sourcing, New York has plenty of options. Here are a few of our favourites:
Blue Mountain
Blue Hill is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The daily changing menu is inspired by seasonal offerings from local farmers and producers.
ABC Cooking
ABC Kitchen is a popular restaurant that serves organic and locally sourced cuisine. The menu features seasonal ingredients and classic American dishes, and the restaurant has a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Candy Made From Dirt
Dirt Candy is a vegetarian restaurant that strives to use organic and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's menu is full of creative and tasty vegetable dishes, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to try vegetarian food for the first time.
Final Thoughts: Savoring New York's Culinary Delights
The food scene in New York is truly unique, and exploring the city's diverse neighbourhoods and dining options is a must-do for any foodie. New York has something for everyone, whether you want high-end fine dining or cheap street food. So go ahead and savour the flavours of New York by indulging in the city's iconic dishes, discovering new culinary favourites, and savouring the flavours of New York.
