41 NYC Foods You Have to Eat in 2025
How long is your bucket list of NYC foods? If you are anything like the rest of the general population, you know that New York eats are some of the best in the world. Infamously known as America’s melting pot, it’s no surprise that New York City is positively brimming with eclectic cuisine options.
There’s an endless array of tasty meals to choose from because it’s one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities. From celebrity-owned pizza spots to underground (literally) mom-and-pop dim sum shops to streetside Halal carts, there’s something to be found for every taste preference. The best part is that, although the options are endless, none of the NYC food you try will disappoint — it’s all inviting.
Even those who claim to have New York roots in their blood haven’t tried every single great dish that the city has to offer, so to help you, we’ve created a list of the 41 must-try NYC foods available today.
Jump to Section
How We Choose the Best NYC Foods
With over 10 years of experience connecting food lovers to incredible culinary experiences, we have gained a deep understanding of the types of meal suggestions that people are hoping to find when searching for the best NYC foods.
With an extensive knowledge of New York City’s vibrant food scene, thanks to connections with the city’s best chefs, guides and team members who live in the area, we were able to curate a list of flavorful meals that reflect the city’s rich culinary identity. Aside from our own insights, we considered the views from food experts by undertaking a thorough research process.
We also used the following criteria to guide our choices, ensuring a diverse and authentic selection of eats.
Our list of the best NYC foods:
- Includes dishes that embody NYC’s cultural heritage, such as bagels and pizza.
- Represents authentic culinary traditions from worldwide inspirations.
- Features dishes with undeniable widespread popularity.
- Showcases meals with various price points to ensure affordability for everyone.
Overall, our list of NYC foods includes a large variety of options from well-known and beloved establishments, giving everyone (vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike) the opportunity to explore the wide array of delectable eats The Big Apple has to offer.
Get a Taste of Iconic NYC Foods
When you head to a city as large and bustling as New York, you might be overwhelmed, especially when it comes to figuring out the best things to do in NYC. If you’re on a mission to try all of the best NYC foods, you’ve got no time to waste.
If you’re not sure where to start, attending food tours in NYC is an excellent option to cover as many bases as possible during one outing. These tours are led by foodies who know the ins and outs of the local New York culinary scene and will ensure that you taste the best NYC foods at top-rated local restaurants.
Tried some NYC foods you loved and want to enjoy them again? Why not get cooking and recreate these dishes at home by joining Cooking classes in NYC? Led by world-renowned expert chefs, these captivating experiences offer an incredible opportunity to sharpen your culinary skills in the food capital of the world.
41 Must-Try NYC Foods
1. Pizza From Marinara Pizza
Pizza has to be one of the most iconic NYC Foods, and if you’re a New Yorker, please don’t get angry. Selecting the best pizza in NYC is like choosing to eliminate all but one star in the sky: your favorite doesn’t objectively make it the best.
So, while some pizzerias garner more fame than others, we all know this debate will continue until the stars turn to dust. Don’t let this overwhelm you; you’ll be hard-pressed to find pizza in New York that is actually bad, even at the dwindling corner NYC food joints that sell $1 slices.
If you’re in the mood for some of the best pizza you’ll ever taste, though, you’ll find it at Marinara Pizza. Customers of this beloved spot rave over the Sicilian pies with cheesy stuffed crust, the MVP slice (marinara, vodka sauce and pesto), and the spinach and artichoke slice.
If you’ve ordered from Marinara too many times to count and are considering other options, you’ll find top-rated spots by joining pizza tours in NYC. Along the way, you’ll enjoy pies from Patsy’s Pizza in East Harlem, Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village and Lucali in Brooklyn, while learning more about other famous foods in NYC.
Marinara Pizza | Multiple Locations | $$
2. Soup Dumplings From Joe’s Shanghai
Part of the reason there are so many spots for great NYC food is because the city is so darn big, spanning just over 300 square miles from the tip of the Bronx to the toe of Staten Island. Some regions are known more for specific foods, however. Looking for the best food in New York is a major mission, but looking for the best dumplings in NYC will take you straight to Chinatown — at Joe’s Shanghai, to be exact.
Customers love that the soup dumplings are made with authenticity and extreme care as expert chefs deftly shape thin dough into perfect-looking culinary works of art. The inside of this popular NYC food is a delightfully savory mixture of a pork meatball and a meaty broth. You can also opt for the crab with pork variant if you’re a fan of seafood.
Joe’s Shanghai | 46 Bowery St., New York, NY, 10013 | $$
3. Bagel From Ess-a-Bagel
One doesn’t talk about must-try NYC foods without covering bagels. However, like with pizza, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a fierce debate if you ask a group of New Yorkers where to get the best bagel in the city. While some locals are vehemently loyal to specific spots, there are very few places to eat in NYC that will serve you a disappointing bagel.
First opened in 1976, Ess-a-Bagel is a classic NYC food spot that now has four locations as well as a stall at Time Out Market, all serving some of the best bagels in NYC. Here, expect huge, doughy bagels with just the right amount of outer crunch.
If you’re asking us what we’d recommend from this Upper East Side restaurant or any of its other locations, it’s well-known for the Signature Favorite, which features nova lox, scallion cream cheese and tomato, as well as lettuce, onion and capers. You also can’t go wrong with an oozing bacon, egg and cheese bagel, or a piled-high cold-cut bagel sandwich.
Ess-a-Bagel | Multiple Locations | $$
4. Spaghetti Limone at Lil’ Frankies
One of five beloved restaurants owned by famed Chef Frank Prisinzano, Lil’ Frankies is a homey, old-school Italian spot that makes some of the best food in NYC. What most people go there for, in particular, is the authentic Naples wood-fired pizza.
Emulating the true spirit of the Italian dinner table, this enchanting East Village restaurant is a place where traditions are made. The Spaghetti Limone is a simple dish that has set this eatery apart as one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC. Made with lemons, butter and mounds of freshly grated Parmesan, this unpretentious, all-around delicious dish is a comforting classic NYC food that natives and tourists love and return for.
Lil’ Frankies | 19 First Ave., New York, NY 10003 | $$
5. White Truffles at Supper
If you find yourself looking for NYC foods between December and March, drop everything and go somewhere that serves truffles. No one takes truffle season — or “truffle mania,” as he likes to call it — as seriously as Frank Prisinzano, which is why he earns a second mention on our list of must-try NYC foods.
As the owner of Supper, Frank imports thousands of white truffles directly from Northern Italy each year to serve freshly grated upon request with any order. Until you’ve tried fresh, shaved white truffles atop a steaming bowl of creamy gnocchi, you haven’t had the best of NYC foods.
Supper | 156 E. Second St., New York, NY 10009 | $$
6. Spicy Rigatoni at Carbone
It doesn’t matter who you are: the spicy rigatoni from Carbone is on everyone’s list of must-try NYC foods. The simple combination of al dente macaroni with tangy tomato compote is a combination that will linger in your mind long after the flavors have left your taste buds. Reservations for this highly rated restaurant are notoriously hard to snag, and if you do, you’re still probably not sitting down to dinner for at least a month.
Don’t let that discourage you, though, especially if you’re planning a romantic evening, as the dining experience at this date night restaurant in NYC is worth the wait. From flavorful NYC foods that range from rainbow cookies to tableside Caesar salad to the infamous rigatoni served in a velvety spicy vodka sauce, it’s easy to see why this renowned Michelin Star restaurant in NYC is one of the best places to eat in the city.
Carbone | 181 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012 | $$$
7. Chicken and Gyro Platter From The Halal Guys
New York has such an impressive culinary scene that even the street carts are known to sell some of the best NYC foods. Though there are countless street vendors, The Halal Guys have garnered a loyal following for their authentic halal meats and dishes.
If you’re hoping to try one of the most popular meat-based NYC foods here, we recommend going for the chicken and gyro platter. This delicious cornucopia of flavors is made with steamed yellow basmati rice, 12-hour marinated chicken, doughy pita and juicy strips of tender, peppery beef gyro meat.
The Halal Guys | Multiple Locations | $
8. Steak and Fries at Skirt Steak
Did someone say all-you-can-eat French fries? If this has gotten you out of your seat, then you need to visit Skirt Steak. This NYC food hotspot is loved by locals, especially for the simple yet drool-worthy three-course menu of juicy skirt steak, mixed greens salad and unlimited shoestring French fries.
As if that isn’t tantalizing enough, this restaurant near Penn Station also features a dessert cart stuffed with decadent pies and cakes for you to choose from, meaning instead of limiting yourself, you can try both renowned sweet and savory NYC foods when dining here.
Skirt Steak | 835 Sixth Ave., New York, NY 10001 | $$
9. Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie From Levain Bakery
While a chocolate chip cookie isn’t a quintessential NYC food, there are some skilled bakers in the city who make it seem that way. Everyone likes their cookies differently; you might prefer flat and crispy, soft and chewy, or dense and cakey. At Levain Bakery, the top-secret 25-year-old cookie recipe somehow puts everyone’s cookie preferences into one massive, perfect cookie.
These mammoth cookies are a must-try NYC food for every palate, boasting a delightfully crunchy, golden outside and an impossibly moist, crumbly inside. Though there are many flavors, the original chocolate chip walnut has put this popular spot on the map as one of the best bakeries in NYC.
Levain Bakery | Multiple Locations | $$
10. Franks From Gray’s Papaya
We can all agree that when it comes to fast food in NYC, hot dogs are one of those staples you can find on almost every single street, whether being sold at a sports game, a restaurant or a food cart. The one thing that all New Yorkers might agree upon is that the best versions of this NYC street food are those made at Gray’s Papaya.
For decades, Gray’s Papaya has been a beloved NYC food establishment, known for its simple menu, super cheap prices and quality all-beef franks. If you want our opinion, we’d recommend piling yours with chili, cheese or mustard. Sauerkraut and stewed onions are also good choices. Don’t forget to wash this Manhattan food down with one of Gray’s notorious tropical fruit drinks.
Gray’s Papaya | 2090 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 | $
11. The Classic From Russ & Daughters
Since bagels top the hierarchy of classic NYC foods, we’ve listed two different options in our guide. When it comes to selecting one of thousands of the city’s joints to get this must-try NYC food, the bagel itself is its own entity, while the fillings are another. You go to Russ & Daughters for the outstanding array of bagel toppings, not the actual bagels themselves.
We aren’t talking about a regular bagel deli, though. This restaurant on the Lower East Side of NYC is one of the few longstanding traditional Jewish “appetizing” establishments, which means that it sells an array of smoked fish, caviar, salads and spreads, such as cream cheese. As such, this spot specializes in one of the most authentic NYC foods for breakfast: the lox and cream cheese bagel, or as Russ & Daughters calls it, "The Classic."
Russ & Daughters | Multiple Locations | $$
12. Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles From Xi’an Famous Foods
The best NYC foods are those that you truly won’t find elsewhere, and the famous hand-pulled wheat noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods surely cannot be recreated. Though these beloved family-owned restaurants churn out many noodle flavors, whether from the restaurant in Midtown, NYC, or any of the other locations, the spicy cumin lamb noodles are easily the majority’s favorite.
With tender, smoky chunks of lamb, cumin and more than 20 seasonings, this NYC food is warm, comforting and beyond satisfying. If you’re a fan of soup, this delectable New York City food also comes with a lamb broth that features chile oil and the eatery’s signature sauces.
Xi’an Famous Foods | Multiple Locations | $
13. Banana Pudding From Magnolia Bakery
First established in New York in 1996, Magnolia Bakery has become a nationwide sensation. The bakery is one of the best NYC food spots, famed for its aesthetically appealing (and scrumptious) cupcakes and its delectable banana pudding.
If you’re up for a portion of the latter, it’s made with creamy vanilla pudding, sweet banana slices and crunchy vanilla wafers. This world-renowned NYC food is made in various flavors, including red velvet and chocolate hazelnut, but we’d urge you to stick with the original before trying the variations.
Magnolia Bakery | Multiple Locations | $$
14. Bacon, Egg and Cheese From a Bodega
When it comes to must-try NYC foods, you may have noticed that breakfast options are fairly limited, and that’s because New Yorkers already have two perfect staples: bagels and BECs. The BEC — bacon, egg and cheese — is a reliable staple in the New York diet, ideal for curing hangovers or for Sunday breakfasts in the park.
Wondering where to go to try this NYC food and be blown away? While you can get a BEC from any famous bagel joint, there’s nothing quite like a bodega (a convenience store found on nearly every NYC street corner) to give you that authentically greasy, somewhat shoddily-prepared style of breakfast sandwich.
Bodega | Multiple Locations | $
15. Pastrami on Rye From Katz’s Delicatessen
It could be argued that all of the best NYC foods are made in delicatessens, but Kosher-style Jewish delis, in particular, are an indelible facet of New York’s culture. Step into Katz’s Delicatessen and you’ll discover the celebrity of all Jewish delis, having originally opened in the late 1800s.
If it’s your first time at this kosher restaurant in NYC, you are obligated to order the infamous pastrami on rye. This straightforward yet utterly delicious New York food features fresh rye bread stuffed with high-quality, smoky pastrami, tangy mustard and your choice of toppings.
Katz’s Delicatessen | 205 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002 | $$
16. Bolognese at Emilio's Ballato
Don’t let the stuffy size of this iconic NYC food spot fool you into thinking it’s nothing special. If you look closely, you’ll notice that its walls are actually lined with dozens of photos of A-list celebrities and public figures eating at its tables, shaking hands with its notorious owner, Emilio Vitolo. If you look even closer, you’ll notice that Emilio Vitolo is actually sitting pretty close to you, either in his front corner chair or wandering through the narrow space.
With a humble menu of fantastic NYC foods made with fresh ingredients, Emilio’s Ballato is the epitome of the traditional, old-school Italian restaurant. Though the menu may change from time to time, a classic, hearty beef, pork and veal Bolognese is usually featured, and you surely won’t find a more authentic New York food elsewhere.
Emilio’s Ballato | 55 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10012 | $$$
17. Dim Sum From Dim Sum Go Go
What food is New York truly known for? Alongside pizza and bagels, dim sum may just be the third pillar that upholds the NYC food fame. As such, much like the best pizza or bagel debate, some New Yorkers prefer their staple dim sum spots not primarily because of the food they serve (which is never really bad), but because of the traditional nature of the restaurant.
For example, even if you have people claiming that Dim Sum Go Go is losing its touch after 20-plus years in business, there will be fiercely loyal customers who will continue to uphold the establishment as a provider of some of the best dim sum in Chinatown, NYC. This beloved NYC food spot is where customers go to enjoy crispy chicken feet, rice rolls and doughy pork rolls, as well as baked pork buns and har gow, among other menu favorites.
Additionally, you can order from over 24 options of dumpling flavors, including duck, shrimp and chive. Those nursing a late-morning hangover or heading out for lunch can enjoy some of the best Chinese food in NYC during Dim Sum Go Go’s famous 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. dim sum happy hour.
Dim Sum Go Go | 5 E. Broadway, New York, NY 10038 | $$
18. Porterhouse Steak From Peter Luger Steak House
This iconic restaurant in Williamsburg, NYC, has been around for over 130 years and is known as one of the best places to eat in the city. Selling some of the highest-rated top-tier NYC foods, Peter Luger Steak House is known for its dry-aged meats, with its massive, juicy porterhouse being a particular favorite.
Dinner here is always a special occasion, so if you’re in the mood to treat yourself or if you’re going on a date night in NYC, this is the dish to order. Tip: There is also a lot of hype surrounding another must-try food in NYC — the Peter Luger Burger.
Peter Luger Steak House | 178 Broadway, New York, NY 11211 | $$$$
19. Pizza From Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Although we’ve already recommended a few killer pizza spots, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza deserves its own mention. Since pizza is one of the iconic NYC foods, many chefs in the city have gotten creative with the dish. However, we’d be remiss not to tell you that no one does a unique pizza like this popular family-friendly restaurant in NYC, where the whole gang’s taste preferences will be met.
Here, you can order the best pizza in Manhattan in the form of a thick, gooey, uber-cheesy artichoke slice that tastes like your favorite spinach and artichoke dip. Simply put, it is a NYC food to die for. If you’re feeling extra ravenous, keep your appetite open for a slice piled with juicy crab meat, or a ricotta-studded Staten Island slice.
Artichoke Basille's Pizza | Multiple Locations | $$
20. Soft Pretzel From Yankee Stadium
If you have ever asked the question, “What food is New York known for?”, the answer was probably pizza or bagels. However, putting NYC food aside for a second, New York is also known as the home of the Yankees, and this is something that NYC natives are deeply passionate about.
So, while you might not get the world’s best pizza at Yankee Stadium, you should certainly visit this iconic spot to enjoy a huge, greasy, salty, doughy soft pretzel and truly fulfill the tradition. This delicious and iconic New York food usually goes down well with a large, cold beer.
Yankee Stadium | 1 E. 161 St., Bronx, NY 10451 | $$
21. Korean Barbecue at LOVE Korean BBQ
Many famous NYC foods are really just the result of great experiences, and that’s precisely the case with Korean barbecue. Any place that serves Korean BBQ in NYC will provide you with a memorable evening, as you get to cook your own meats and vegetables to your liking on a stovetop burner.
If you’d like to be wowed with something extra, head to LOVE Korean BBQ, where, together with some of the best Asian food in NYC, you’ll also get some awesome tunes and a sort of nightclub vibe. Alongside your typical Korean barbecue meats and side dishes, you can also order kimchi fries, Japanese glass noodles, prime beef tartare and so much more.
LOVE Korean BBQ | 319 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10016 | $$$
22. New York Cheesecake From Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
If a food specifically has “New York” in its name, you are pretty much obligated to try it while in the Big Apple. Cheesecake is one of the classic NYC foods that you can find anywhere, but only a select few places really specialize in making it right.
Which places are those? Well, most city-goers can agree that Eileen’s Special Cheesecake is the New York cheesecake institution. Try the tangy, creamy cheesecake with perfectly golden, buttery graham cracker crunch, and you’ll realize that this NYC food is nothing short of perfection.
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake | 17 Cleveland Pl., New York, NY 10012 | $
23. A Burger From Umami Burger
Since NYC foods are all notoriously delicious, you can’t stop in the city without grabbing a quality burger, of which you’ll find many. However, to get the true NYC food experience, you shouldn’t try just any regular lettuce-tomato-onion cheeseburger, especially when there are so many innovative, taste-bud-shocking options. At Umami Burger, your burger craving and your hunger for creativity will be satiated.
At this point, you might be asking yourself, “What is the best NYC burger?” Made with shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions and roasted tomato, as well as crispy Parmesan and umami-flavored ketchup, the Umami Burger is definitely a contender for that title. You can also grab an original burger, which features American cheese and a smashed patty on a soft bun, or go big with the Bacon Ranch Burger if you’re in the mood for an NYC food with extra crunch.
Umami Burger | Multiple Locations | $$
24. Ramen Noodles at Marufuku Ramen
NYC foods are incredibly eclectic, with significant Asian influences on much of the popular cuisine. As such, ramen noodles have become a highly popular NYC food, but no one does it quite like the authentic chefs at Marufuku Ramen.
Once you’ve slurped down a bowl of milky, long-simmered tonkotsu pork broth with thin noodles and silky, fatty pork chashu during a chilly winter in NYC, you’ll never be satisfied with anything less. If you’d like to try something other than what many consider to be the best ramen in NYC, you can also order pork buns, crispy chicken karaage and various ramen flavors.
Marufuku Ramen | 92 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003 | $$
25. Ice Cream From Big Gay Ice Cream
Combine New York eats with the city’s LGBTQ pride scene, and you’ve got the infamous Big Gay Ice Cream. This food truck in NYC is so popular that it now operates out of multiple storefront locations.
If you’re looking for the scoop on what to order, the Monday Sundae is one of the most famous foods in NYC. This scrumptious sweet treat features a wafer cone lined with Nutella, filled with chocolate and vanilla soft serve, dulce de leche whipped cream and flaky sea salt.
You can also enjoy creamy soft serve in a variety of other unique flavors, such as Shortberry Strawcake and Salty Pimp. If you’re not in the mood for ice cream, try an extra-thick milkshake or a Mexican Coca-Cola float.
Big Gay Ice Cream | Multiple Locations | $$
26. Shakshuka From Jack’s Wife Freda
Most New Yorkers will tell you that Jack’s Wife Freda is the go-to brunch café for a pleasant mid-morning meal, and we would have to agree. This popular NYC food spot boasts a brunch menu that works for both adventurous foodies and picky eaters alike.
With major Mediterranean influences, Jack’s Wife Freda offers items like creamy beet hummus served in pita bread. However, if there’s one authentic NYC food you can’t miss out on trying, it’s the garlicky, tomatoey green shakshuka. This flavorful meal pairs well with a cappuccino or the eatery’s popular hot chocolate.
Jack’s Wife Freda | Multiple Locations | $$$
27. The Tasting Menu From Eleven Madison Park
For those seeking the most elegant, high-end NYC foods, you’ll want to head to the exclusive, iconic establishment that is Eleven Madison Park. Although it’s one of the most expensive restaurants in NYC, a reservation at this prestigious spot is worth it. With a curated (completely vegan) tasting menu of several courses, you’ll be shocked at just how inviting plant-based NYC foods can be.
Ready to indulge in the culinary delights of NYC food that have made this one of the best Michelin star restaurants in the USA? With dishes such as plant-based foie gras, King oyster mushrooms with fried lemongrass, and a sesame-and-chocolate pretzel having featured on the menu in the past, this vegan restaurant in NYC draws in large crowds of people, many of whom don’t follow a strictly plant-based diet.
Eleven Madison Park | 11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010 | $$$$
28. Egg Sandwich From The Butcher’s Daughter
The great thing about NYC food being so diverse is that there are fantastic restaurants for any group who has a food restriction, allergy or preference, including lots of vegan options. If you’re a predominantly plant-based eater looking for delectable food in NYC, The Butcher’s Daughter is a health-conscious restaurant with stellar vegan and vegetarian options that customers rave about.
If you’re a vegetarian, start your day with the delectable egg sandwich from this healthy restaurant in NYC, which features a buttery croissant topped with eggs, cheddar cheese, smashed avocado and baby kale. If you’re a strict vegan, we have good news for you: the cheddar can be subbed for vegan cheese, and the eggs for tofu scramble.
The Butcher’s Daughter | Multiple Locations | $$
29. Tacos From Los Tacos No. 1
Tacos may not be one of the famous NYC foods, but at Los Tacos No. 1, they’re considered a staple. Here, handmade corn or flour tortillas are stuffed with impossibly tender carne asada, smoky adobada pulled pork or juicy asada chicken.
Not a meat-eater? Vegetarians can order a mouthwatering grilled cactus taco. With locations across the city, this is definitely one of the best restaurants in Times Square and beyond for authentic, street-style tacos.
Los Tacos No. 1 | Multiple Locations | $
30. Lobster Roll From the North River Lobster Company
Some of the best NYC foods won't be found on land. Hop aboard the North River Lobster Company’s lobster boat for a glittering view of the Hudson River while you scarf down a lobster roll heaping with fresh, succulent lobster meat slathered in whatever toppings you’d like.
Choose from the classic lobster roll, the Lower East Side lobster roll (made on an everything bagel bun), a lobster roll with truffle mayonnaise and truffle fries and more.
North River Lobster Company | Pier 81, NY-9A, New York, NY 10018 | $$
31. Cronut From Dominique Ansel Bakery
To end things on a sweet note after a full day of chomping down on tasty New York City foods, head over to Dominique Ansel Bakery for some scrumptious French pastry treats. This beloved spot also serves some of the best donuts in NYC, with one in particular being a standout.
Okay, while it’s not a donut per se, you can’t visit this NYC food spot without ordering the iconic cronut. This masterpiece creation is a hybrid of a sweet, flaky croissant and a cakey donut that made this French bakery a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Dominique Ansel Bakery | 189 Spring St., New York, NY 10012 | $
32. Cannoli at Madonia Bakery
For an authentic taste of NYC food, Madonia Bakery’s filled-to-order cannolis are a must-try. This century-old Sicilian bakery crafts cannolis with a perfectly balanced ricotta filling and a flaky, delicate shell.
While you're indulging in this signature NYC food, don’t hesitate to explore other beloved regional specialties, such as black and white cookies. Arriving early ensures you get the best selection and a chance to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Madonia Bakery | 2348 Arthur Ave., Bronx, NY 10458 | $$
33. Fried Chicken at Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
When it comes to iconic NYC food spots, Charles Pan-Fried Chicken in Harlem is a standout for its meals as much as it is for its evolution over the years. Charles Gabriel began his culinary journey on the sidewalks of Amsterdam Avenue, later moving to a food truck, and finally opening this beloved restaurant in 2022.
The fried chicken from his restaurant in Harlem, NYC, and other locations is cooked to golden perfection in massive cast-iron skillets and has only gotten better over the years. The menu also features a mouthwatering selection of barbecued NYC foods, such as pulled pork and ribs, making it a must-visit for comfort food enthusiasts.
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken | Multiple Locations | $$
34. Mutton Chop at Keens Steakhouse
For a true taste of NYC food history, the mutton chop at Keens Steakhouse is a must-try. As one of the oldest steakhouses in the country, Keens has been serving this massive, flavorful cut since 1885.
Pair it with some creamed or sautéed spinach and a serving of boiled baby potatoes with parsley and butter for a classic dining experience at one of the best steakhouses in NYC.
The 19th-century ambiance, reflecting its days as a meeting place for actors and theater professionals, adds to the charm and allure of this iconic spot.
Keens Steakhouse | 72 W. 36th St., New York, NY 10018 | $$$
35. Manhattan Clam Chowder at Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Quintessential NYC food experiences don’t get better than those enjoyed at Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant, nestled in the tunnels of the city’s most iconic train station. Grab a seat at the bar and savor the renowned Manhattan clam chowder, a lightly spicy soup brimming with clams, potatoes and vegetables. This New York institution, better than ever, promises a memorable culinary delight in a historic setting.
Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant | 89 E. 42nd St., New York, NY 10017 | $$
36. Falafel at Mamoun's Falafel
Mamoun's falafel is an NYC food classic — affordable, satisfying and downright delicious. The original Mamoun's Falafel on MacDougal Street introduced the falafel sandwich to the city in 1971, quickly becoming a hit with NYU students, hippies and eventually the wider public. Since those early days, the menu at this popular spot has expanded significantly, now featuring a range of other NYC foods, including bowls, soups and fries.
Mamoun's Falafel | Multiple Locations | $
37. Pierogi at Veselka
Since 1954, the Ukrainian Veselka has been a must-try NYC food destination, especially for its pierogies. These delectable dumplings are filled with ingredients such as potatoes, sauerkraut, cheese, ground pork and even sweet fruits. While pierogies are the star of the show, don't miss Veselka’s other NYC food specialties, including stuffed cabbage, kielbasa and borscht.
Veselka | 144 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003 | $$
38. Eggplant Rollatini at Bamonte’s
Bamonte’s has been serving delectable Italian-American cuisine since 1900, making it the oldest Italian restaurant in Brooklyn and one of the oldest in New York City. For NYC food lovers, Bamonte’s offers the freshest ricotta layered between lightly fried eggplant in its famous eggplant rollatini.
This iconic dish, complemented by a vibrant tomato sauce, originates from Southern Italy but has become a Brooklyn favorite, with every Italian restaurant offering its own version. Other flavorful NYC foods we’d recommend trying at Bamonte’s include the classic chicken Parmesan pasta and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribeye steak.
Bamonte’s | 32 Withers St., Brooklyn, NY 11211 | $$
39. Rice Pudding at Rice to Riches
You can find a unique NYC food experience at Rice to Riches, a spot entirely dedicated to rice pudding. As far as New York’s famous food places go, you won’t find one with a more unique menu, featuring cheeky flavors like Fluent in French Toast and Sex, Drugs and Rocky Road. Since its opening in 2003, the futuristic design and quirky concept have made this fun restaurant in NYC a city legend, even featuring on the TV show “Girls.”
Rice to Riches | 37 Spring St., New York, NY 10012 | $
40. Roast Beef Sandwich at Brennan & Carr
Established in 1938, Brennan & Carr in Sheepshead Bay is a classic NYC food destination for those hunting down comfort food. Ever since this popular eatery opened its doors, it has been specializing in serving hot roast beef sandwiches to dedicated locals, as well as visitors from all over the world.
The roast beef sandwich from this highly rated Brooklyn restaurant, featuring tender beef soaked in its own juices and served on a Kaiser roll, is a local legend. Plus, you can end your day with a piece of the delicious pie à la mode.
Brennan & Carr | 3432 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229 | $$
41. Jerk Chicken at Peppa's Jerk Chicken
A standout in the NYC food scene, Peppa's Jerk Chicken was founded in the '90s by Gavin "Peppa" Hussey. This buzzing restaurant serves delicious and authentic Jamaican Cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Known for its Jamaican jerk chicken, Peppa's offers a version finished over an open flame with a charred exterior and tangy vinegar notes. This popular NYC food gets served with a jerk sauce that’s infused with allspice and scotch bonnet pepper, adding a fiery kick.
Peppa's Jerk Chicken | Multiple Locations | $
When it comes to must-try NYC foods, the list is nearly endless! There are so many iconic cuisines, dishes and eateries in this bustling city that you might need multiple trips to taste all of the best NYC foods. Attend a food tour for the ultimate NYC food taste test, or use this list as a guideline to eat your way around the greatest city in the world!
For even more fun ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.