Visiting New York City or just looking for the best food spots to try? This list features 20 must-try NYC restaurants, street food favorites, desserts, and iconic eats that locals love and tourists search for. From classic pizza and bagels to viral d...
Joe’s Pizza is a New York City staple known for its classic thin-crust slices. If you’re looking for authentic NYC pizza that locals swear by, this is a must-try stop.
Joe's Pizza - Buy the Slice | Kansas City MO
Ess-a-Bagel serves some of the best bagels in New York City—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and piled high with cream cheese and lox.
Ess-a-bagel
Katz’s Delicatessen is world-famous for its hand-cut pastrami sandwiches. This NYC food spot is a bucket-list experience for deli lovers.
Katz's Delicatessen
The Halal Guys are known for their flavorful chicken and rice platters. This iconic NYC street food spot is perfect for a quick, filling meal.
The Halal Guys
Junior’s Restaurant is famous for its creamy New York-style cheesecake. If dessert is your love language, this place belongs on your NYC food list.
Junior's Cheesecake
Joe’s Shanghai is a Chinatown favorite serving legendary soup dumplings. This spot is perfect for authentic Chinese food in New York City.
Joe's Shanghai | dumplings new york city | 46 Bowery, New York, NY, USA
Juicy burgers, crinkle fries
Description: Shake Shack started in NYC and is known for its flavorful burgers and shakes. A must-try for burger lovers visiting New York City.
Shake Shack
Carbone is a luxury Italian restaurant in NYC famous for its bold flavors and viral spicy rigatoni vodka pasta.
Carbone NYC
Gray’s Papaya is a classic NYC hot dog spot offering affordable and delicious franks with tropical drinks.
Gray's Papaya
Sylvia’s is a Harlem institution serving traditional soul food like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread.
Sylvia's Restaurant
Known for some of the best pancakes in NYC, Clinton St. Baking Company is a top brunch destination for locals and tourists.
Clinton St. Baking Company
Peter Luger Steak House is one of the most famous steakhouses in New York City, known for its perfectly cooked porterhouse steaks.
Peter Luger Steak House
Magnolia Bakery is best known for its iconic banana pudding and cupcakes—one of the most popular dessert stops in NYC.
Magnolia Bakery
Totto Ramen serves flavorful, authentic ramen that’s perfect for chilly New York days or comfort-food cravings.
Totto Ramen
Peaches offers soulful, Southern-inspired dishes in Brooklyn and is known for its fried chicken and cozy atmosphere.
Peaches Kitchen & Bar | B+C Restaurants in Brooklyn, NY
Prince Street Pizza is famous for its thick, crispy square slices topped with spicy pepperoni—perfect for late-night cravings.
Prince Street Pizza
Ample Hills Creamery is a beloved NYC ice cream shop offering rich, creative flavors made fresh in Brooklyn.
Ample Hills Creamery
Russ & Daughters is a historic Jewish bakery and appetizing store in NYC known for babka, bagels, and smoked fish.
Russ & Daughters
Los Tacos No.1 serves authentic Mexican tacos with fresh ingredients, making it one of the best taco spots in NYC.
Los Tacos No. 1
Butler is a stylish NYC café known for its pastries, coffee, and cozy atmosphere—perfect for a coffee break while exploring the city.
