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New York City is a food lover’s paradise, offering a dizzying array of culinary delights from around the world. From iconic street foods to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city’s dining scene is both diverse and delicious. Here’s your guide to experiencing the best of NYC’s food and dining.
Iconic NYC Foods
Bagels
NYC bagels are legendary, known for their chewy texture and a slightly crisp exterior.
Best Spots:
Ess-a-Bagel: 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022. Famous for its massive bagels and generous schmear.
Russ & Daughters: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002. Renowned for its smoked salmon and bagel combos.
Absolute Bagels: 2788 Broadway, New York, NY 10025. Famous for its bright orange egg bagel and everything bagel.
Pizza
New York-style pizza is a must-try, with its thin crust and wide, foldable slices.
Best Spots:
Di Fara Pizza: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230. Often hailed as NYC’s best pizza.
Joe’s Pizza: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014. A Greenwich Village institution known for its classic cheese slices.
Hot Dogs
A staple of NYC street food, the classic hot dog is simple but delicious.
Best Spots:
Gray’s Papaya: 2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023. Famous for its recession special (two hot dogs and a drink).
Nathan’s Famous: 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224. Located in Coney Island, the original Nathan’s is a historic hot dog stand.
Pretzels
Soft pretzels are another street food classic, perfect for a quick snack while exploring the city.
Best Spots:
Street Vendors: Pretzel carts are ubiquitous in Manhattan, especially around tourist hotspots like Central Park and Times Square.
Sigmund’s Pretzels: Available at various locations and markets around the city, known for their gourmet pretzels.
Best Street Food
Food Trucks and Carts
NYC’s food trucks and carts offer a wide variety of delicious, affordable meals on the go.
The Halal Guys:
Location: Corner of 53rd Street and 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10019.
Specialty: Chicken and gyro over rice with white sauce.
Calexico:
Location: Various locations throughout NYC.
Specialty: Californian-style Mexican food, known for its burritos and tacos.
Wafels & Dinges:
Location: Various locations, check their Twitter for the latest spots.
Specialty: Belgian waffles with a variety of toppings.
Fine Dining and Michelin-Starred Restaurants
NYC boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, offering exquisite dining experiences.
Le Bernardin:
Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019.
Cuisine: Seafood.
Specialty: Renowned for its elegant and innovative seafood dishes.
Eleven Madison Park:
Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010.
Cuisine: Contemporary American.
Specialty: Offers a multi-course tasting menu that changes seasonally.
Per Se:
Location: 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019.
Cuisine: French.
Specialty: Known for its luxurious tasting menus and impeccable service.
Ethnic Cuisine
Exploring Chinatown
Chinatown offers an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine right in the heart of NYC.
Best Spots:
Joe’s Shanghai: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013. Famous for its soup dumplings.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor: 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013. A historic dim sum restaurant.
Little Italy
Little Italy is a vibrant neighbourhood with a rich Italian heritage and delicious Italian cuisine.
Best Spots:
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe: 195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013. Known for its cannoli and espresso.
Di Palo’s Fine Foods: 200 Grand St, New York, NY 10013. Offers authentic Italian cheeses and cured meats.
Koreatown
Koreatown is a bustling area filled with Korean BBQ joints, karaoke bars, and more.
Best Spots:
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong: 1 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016. Popular for its lively atmosphere and high-quality BBQ.
BCD Tofu House: 17 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001. Known for its hearty tofu stews.
Other Notable Ethnic Cuisine Areas
Jackson Heights, Queens: Known for its diverse food options, including Indian, Colombian, and Tibetan cuisines.
Astoria, Queens: Famous for its Greek restaurants and Mediterranean eateries.
Brighton Beach, Brooklyn: Offers a taste of Russia with its many Russian bakeries, restaurants, and markets.
New York City’s food scene is as diverse as its population, offering a culinary journey that spans the globe. Whether you’re savouring an iconic NYC bagel, indulging in fine dining, or exploring ethnic neighborhoods, there’s always something new and delicious to discover. Plan your culinary adventure and experience the flavours that make NYC one of the world’s greatest food cities.
