I lived in NYC for a year and continue to go back a couple times each year, here’s my list of recommendations whether you’re just visiting the city or a full time resident. I love these places wholeheartedly and believe they deserve so much more reco...
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Sections
7
Coffee Shops and Drinks
Latin Food Recs
Food in the City (Manhattan)
American Food
Sweet Treats (Bakeries)
Upstate Finds
Coffee Shops and Drinks
Get a sip for your walk
I love this newer coffee chain in nyc. You do have to download the app to order, however, most places are like that nowadays and the prices are great so it’s hard to resist. The drinks are super affordable and taste great, for those with dairy intole...
Luckin Coffee
The matcha here is strong and flavorful throughout, not watered down like some places can be. In the summer, their matcha ice creams are very refreshing and come with different Asian toppings like red bean and mochi. Great if you want a stronger and ...
Fujiissa
This drink chain offers refreshing and unique drinks you won’t find at your typical drink shop. Perfect summer stop to get something that helps you cool down like the Mulberry Boom tea and the Very grape tea that I personally enjoy.
HEYTEA
A very cute cafe in the Bronx, the perfect place to get a pick-me-up while in ‘little Italy “. The banana espresso is my favorite here, it’s got that actual banana flavor that takes the coffee to the next level. The pistachio cake was also really goo...
Prince Coffee House
Latin Food Recs
South of the border best eats
Cafe Nunez is one of the top spots in the city for Latin Caribbean cuisine, food that packs a lot of flavor and people that warm the atmosphere. I go here every week when I’m working in the city for my lunches, they have so many great options and off...
Café Nuñez
The best Puerto Rican food in the city. Come hungry because once you’re inside you are going to want to order all the fried foods they have out. You have to try the bacalaito, alcapurrias, and papas rellenos. Typical fried hand foods that look unassu...
Cuchifritos
One of the most iconic bakeries in New York for a reason. This bakery was featured in Bad Bunny’s music video for NuevaYol, it is a classic bakery for the Latin American community in NYC . Their fluffy cakes smothered in buttercream are sweet in a sa...
Valencia Bakery
If you’re looking for simple and want an elevated Chipotle bowl, Óxido has delicious and more authentic options. The Ropa Vieja is the star of this place with a lovely side of Cuban beans and rice, it’s filling and a quick grab if you’re on lunch bre...
Oxido
If you’re looking for a quick bite, this place has amazing arepas and sancocho. The arepas are filled generously and the flavors really come through uniquely for each one. I recommend the el Che and La flaca, the flavors on these were great and the m...
Costas - Latin Street Food
Food in the City (Manhattan)
You’ll find these in the streets and around Times Square or at least not that far off
If you’re looking for great Indian food in the city, Patiala is the place to go, especially during the lunch hours. If you’re newer to Indian food, the palak paneer and the chicken tikka are amazing options. You won’t regret going here, be ready for ...
Patiala Indian Grill & Bar | NY
This Korean food place is a great spot for some quick Korean eats, cold and hot days. In the summer, I love the spicy cold noodles from here as they help beat the heat when I’m really struggling against the humidity.
Noona Noodles
I tried the Uyghur style noodle from here and was blown away. Tons of flavor, fresh, and chewy noodles. It was a different variation of Asian cuisine that stood out in the best way possible.
Tengri Tagh Uyghur Cuisine
A great place to get affordable, fresh Korean bites on the go. The food tastes really good here and feels really authentic. If you’re unsure of what to try, I’d recommend trying their kimbap as they are so delicious and crunchy with fresh veggies and...
Woorijip - Homestyle Grab-and-Go Korean Meals
American Food
Classic comfort food
The burgers here are so tender and soft they melt in your mouth, literally. The house sauce they have tops anything from typical burger chains, and although their menu is short and simple, it is because they perfect the burger. Beats in-n-out on the ...
7th Street Burger
I love this place if you’re looking for a good sandwich or panini, they have super fresh and clean options for all palettes. The shiitake melt and chimi chicken sandwiches are amazing and my go-to’s for lunch.
The Picnic Basket - Must-Try Restaurant in New York, NY
Their bagels are so soft and chewy on the inside and nice and golden on the outside and the cream cheese options are endless and not too sour. An amazing bagel place, you can’t go wrong here.
Ess-a-bagel
Another great bagel place in the city, some of the thickest bagel sandwiches you’ll get. Cheesiest too! Fun cream cheese flavors and the bagels themselves are soft and fresh always.
Bagel Pub New York
Sweet Treats (Bakeries)
Cakes, cookies, and pasties oh my!
This family run bakery sells amazing breads and desserts in the Bronx that will have you returning for more. They offer fresh baked breads and softy, fluffy cakes, juicy beef patties, and other hand pastries to enjoy. I love the pineapple filled cake...
Cholo & Sons Bakery | Bronx
Upstate Finds
It may be far out of the city but if you’re in the area, give these places a try!
Although this is pretty far out of the city, this place is just that worthy of mention and if you’re already upstate, why not give a try?. To start, cheap beers and wines but a large and good selection. I myself am Ukrainian and will attest that the ...
Corner of Ukraine Restaurant
Amazing thai place in white plains! They have great cocktails, I tried the lychee cosmo and it was strong and delicious…full of lychee flavor. The crab rangoons were light and popping with crab filling. The pad see ew was delicious and the portion wa...
Thai Den Restaurant
Bronx Goods
Give the Bronx some love, there’s a lot of good places out there!
If you like a classic Jamaican beef patty, then you have to skip the ones you find in the pizza shops (though I’ll admit to loving those most times too) and go here instead. Hot, flaky pastry filled with spicy, juicy beef. It doesn’t get better than ...
Juici Patties
Best spring rolls and hot wings, I swear these wings were the best I’ve ever had. Crispy outside and super tender, juicy on the inside and flavorful throughout. Delicious and warming pho in a massive bowl, come here with friends and eat together on a...
Com Tam Ninh Kieu
Amazing pizza place in the Bronx to get your classic slice or more if you’re coming hungry! Loved the classic margarita slice and the other selections in the display looked so good! The boys inside were super sweet and attentive(ladies if you want ey...