New York City makes you fall in love – right on its streets. From the Brooklyn Bridge to Times Square and Central Park, there is so much to do in NYC. No matter where you are from, chances are you will fall in love with the city and its beautiful skyline. It is called the capital of the world for a reason, after all.
There is so much history and culture in the food of NYC as well. Every street and cul-de-sac has something new to offer. From old school steakhouses and beer hall diners to Jewish delis and Italian pizza places. New York truly has it all. If it is your first time here, or if you just want to travel someday, here is a list of the best food places that you should not miss.
1. Lucali
Lucali is where Brooklyn comes to hang out. The thin-crust pizzas are a true labor of love, but guests have to bring their own booze! The BYOB-style pizza place should be a definitive stop if you want to have some fun with friends over brick-oven pizzas and calzones.
Address: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
Hours: Wednesday – Monday (5:45 PM – 11 PM). Tuesdays closed.
2. Hometown Bar-b-Que
The place is a heaven for classic bar-b-que dishes. Hometown is one of the most rustic places in town and you can come here to feast! It is even better on the weekends with specials on the menu and live music.
Address: Red Hook, Brooklyn, 454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Noon – 8 PM). Mondays closed.
3. Dominique Ansel Bakery
This bakery is all over the internet. So, you might be living under a rock if you don’t already know about it. The Dominique Ansel bakery is famous for a donut and croissant hybrid that they call cronut. It has all the layers of a good beehive croissant but looks like a donut. Topped off with a perfectly sweet crème pâtissier, it will transport you to dessert heaven.
Address: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Hours: Sunday – Friday (8 AM – 7 PM). Saturdays closed.
4. Katz’s Deli
Katz’s is not just a Jewish kosher-style deli, it is a part of NYC’s history and culture. There are long lines outside every day at lunch for their hefty and delicious sandwiches. The meat will melt in your mouth and you can add cold cuts as you like. It is also the restaurant in the iconic scene from Harry Met Sally. So, if you’re in NYC, go to Katz’s, and have what she’s having.
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Hours: They have temporarily adjusted their hours.
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 10:45 PM)
Saturday – Sunday (8 AM – 11 PM)
5. Emily
The Emmy is no longer just an award, it is in fact an award-winning burger. It is one of the coziest dine-ins in NYC that serves rustic small plates, pasta, and burgers. They are famous for their Emmy Burger which has been named the best burger in the USA.
Location 1: 35 Downing Street, New York, NY 10014
Hours: Sunday – Thursday (12PM – 10PM)
Friday – Saturday (12PM – 11PM)
Location 2: 919 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Hours: Different for each day of the week.
6. Levain Bakery
If you happen to be around Harlem, you need to make a stop at Levain. The bakery is famous for its chocolate chip cookies that are big enough to be a meal on their own. The hefty chunky cookies have a crispy exterior and a gooey interior. Just perfect with your morning coffee!
Address (The Original): 167 WEST 74TH ST, NYC 10024
Hours: Monday – Sunday (8AM – 8 PM)
7. Misi
Misi in Brooklyn celebrates the immense flavors of simple Italian cooking. The Michelin-rated head chef, Missy Robbins, specializes in Italian cooking. So, you can rest assured that you are going to get the best pasta of your life here. The cacio e pepe and the spaghetti with fennel pesto are to die for. They also serve some great vegetable dishes and wonderful gelato.
Address: 329 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Hours: DINNER | MON-THURS | 5PM – 9:30PM
LUNCH | FRI-SUN | 12PM – 2:30PM
DINNER | FRI-SUN | 4:30PM – 9:30PM
8. SakaMai
They serve one of the most exclusive Japanese-style sandwiches in the world. Only three of their wagyu katsu sandos get served per day. So, if you want one, you’ll have to wait in line. The elevated Japanese cuisine is simplistic and lets the ingredients shine.
Address: 157 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (5 PM – 10 PM). Closed on Mondays.
9. The Russian Tea Room
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The Russian Tea Room is a flashy, iconic restaurant in the heart of NYC. From the time that you enter till when you leave, you are going to feel like royalty. It is NY’s socialite center and is famous for its décor and brunch. Even though it recently got a makeover, the crystal-bear aquarium is still there.
Address: 150 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Hours: Monday – Sunday (11:30 AM – 11 PM)
10. P.J. Clarke’s
If you have never been to New York, you have probably heard of P.J. Clarke’s. It was established in 1884 and attracts quite a crowd from all over NYC. There are countless pop-culture references about the bar in movies. Moreover, it has been around long enough to get endorsements from celebrities.
Primary Address: 915 Third Avenue (NE corner of East 55th Street)
Hours: Different for each location.
