Must Eat Food in NYC: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

New York City is known for its many iconic attractions and landmarks, but one of its lesser-known gems is its diverse and delicious cuisine. This city offers a wide variety of international and regional specialties, and there are countless must-eat foods that everyone should experience while visiting the Big Apple. In this article, we’ll explore the best must-eat foods in NYC, from top 10 dishes to street food, late-night eats, the boroughs, high-end restaurants, iconic dishes and unique eats you have to try.

Top 10 Must-Eat Foods in NYC: A Local’s Guide

When it comes to must-eat foods in NYC, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 must-eat dishes that every local knows about. Here’s an overview of what you should try when you visit the Big Apple.

1. Pizza

It’s no secret that NYC is famous for its pizza. Whether it’s thin-crust, deep-dish or Sicilian-style, you can find some of the best slices in the world here. Head to one of the classic pizzerias like Lombardi’s or John’s of Bleecker Street to get a taste of the real deal.

2. Bagels

Bagels are an NYC staple and you can find them on almost any corner. Pick up a sesame bagel with cream cheese and lox for a true New York breakfast experience. Or try a chocolate chip or blueberry bagel for a sweeter start to your day.

3. Cheesecake

If you’re looking for something sweet, you can’t go wrong with a slice of cheesecake. New York-style cheesecake is thick and dense, with a graham cracker crust and a hint of lemon. Try it at Junior’s in Brooklyn or at Eileen’s Special Cheesecake in Soho.

4. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a classic NYC street food. You can find them on almost every corner, but the best ones are at Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island. Get yours with sauerkraut and mustard for a truly authentic experience.

5. Pastrami Sandwich

A trip to NYC isn’t complete without trying a pastrami sandwich. The traditional version is made with rye bread and stacked high with lean pastrami, coleslaw and Russian dressing. Katz’s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side is famous for their version of this classic.

6. Dim Sum

Dim sum is a popular Cantonese dish consisting of small steamed or fried dumplings, buns and other snacks. Head to Flushing, Queens for some of the best dim sum in the city. You can also find it in Chinatown or at one of the many dim sum restaurants throughout the city.

7. Ramen

Ramen has become increasingly popular in recent years, and NYC is home to some of the best ramen spots in the country. If you’re looking for a traditional bowl of ramen, head to Ippudo in the East Village or Totto Ramen in Midtown.

8. Falafel

Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made with deep-fried chickpeas and served with tahini sauce. It’s a popular street food in NYC and you can find it in most neighborhoods. Check out Mamoun’s Falafel in the East Village for some of the best falafel in town.

9. Tacos

Tacos are another popular street food in NYC. You can find them all over the city, from trucks to taquerias. Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market is one of the most popular spots, serving up authentic tacos with a range of fillings and toppings.

10. Burgers

No list of must-eat foods in NYC is complete without mentioning burgers. From classic fast-food joints to trendy gastropubs, you can find some of the best burgers in the world here. Shake Shack is one of the most popular spots, with locations all over the city.

The Ultimate Guide to NYC’s Best Street Food

Street food is a big part of the NYC food scene, and there are countless options to choose from. From hot dogs and falafel to tacos and empanadas, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the most popular street food dishes in the city.

1. Kebabs

Kebabs are a popular street food in NYC. They’re usually made with beef or lamb, grilled and served on a skewer with onions, tomatoes and peppers. You can find kebabs all over the city, especially in the East Village or Astoria in Queens.

2. Empanadas

Empanadas are a Latin American dish made with stuffed pastry dough. They come in a variety of flavors, from savory to sweet, and you can find them in most neighborhoods. Look for food trucks serving empanadas, or visit one of the many Latin American restaurants in the city.

3. Arepas

Arepas are a type of corn cake popular in South America. They’re usually filled with cheese, meat or vegetables, then grilled or fried. You can find them at food trucks or at Latin American restaurants in the city.

4. Dumplings

Dumplings are a classic Chinese dish, and they’re a popular street food in NYC. You can find them in Chinatown or at one of the many Chinese restaurants throughout the city. Try them steamed, boiled or fried, and don’t forget to dip them in soy sauce and vinegar.

5. Shawarma

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made with marinated meat cooked on a rotating spit. It’s often served in a wrap with hummus, tahini and other toppings. You can find shawarma at Middle Eastern restaurants or food trucks throughout the city.

The Best Late-Night Eats in NYC

New York City is known for its 24/7 energy, and late-night eats are a big part of it. From greasy diner food to classic deli sandwiches, here are some of the best late-night eats in the city.

1. Diner Food

Diners are a classic NYC institution, and they’re open 24 hours a day. From burgers and fries to omelettes and shakes, you can find all your favorite comfort food here. Head to one of the classic diners like the Empire Diner in Chelsea or the All-Night Diner in the East Village.

2. Deli Sandwiches

Deli sandwiches are a NYC staple, and they make a great late-night snack. You can find them at almost any deli or bodega, and they come in a variety of flavors. Try a classic Reuben or a turkey club for a satisfying meal.

3. Donuts

Donuts are a classic late-night treat, and NYC is home to some of the best donut shops in the country. Visit Doughnut Plant in the East Village for creative flavors like peanut butter and jelly, or head to Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop in Greenpoint for classic glazed donuts.

4. Tacos

Tacos are always a good idea, and they make a great late-night snack. You can find them at taco stands and food trucks all over the city. Look for al pastor (marinated pork) or barbacoa (slow-cooked beef) tacos for a truly authentic experience.

5. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic late-night food, and NYC has some of the best spots in the country. Try Sweet Chick in Williamsburg for Southern-style fried chicken, or head to Pies ‘n’ Thighs in the East Village for some of the best fried chicken sandwiches around.

Exploring the Boroughs: Where to Find the Most Delicious Foods in NYC

NYC is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Each borough has its own unique food culture, and exploring them is one of the best ways to experience the full range of deliciousness that the city has to offer. Here’s a look at some of the most delicious foods you can find in each borough.

Manhattan

Manhattan is home to some of the most iconic dishes in the city. From classic NYC pizza to hot dogs and deli sandwiches, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to check out Katz’s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side for some of the best pastrami sandwiches around.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is known for its eclectic mix of cuisines, from Italian to Mexican and beyond. Head to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg for a variety of international food stalls, or try the famous garlic knots at Di Fara Pizza in Midwood. You can also find some of the best bagels in the city here.

Queens

Queens is home to some of the most diverse food options in the city. Head to Flushing for some of the best dim sum around, or try the legendary tacos al pastor at Tortilleria Nixtamal in Corona. You can also find some of the best Indian and Pakistani food in the city here.

The Bronx

The Bronx is home to some of the best Latin American food in the city. Be sure to check out La Morada in Mott Haven for some of the best Mexican food around, or El Malecon in Fordham Heights for some of the best Dominican food. And don’t forget to try the famous Bronx Bombers at Arthur Avenue.

Staten Island

Staten Island may not be as well-known as the other boroughs, but it’s home to some amazing food. Don’t miss the famous zeppoles at Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern, or the incredible seafood at Lobster House Joe’s. You can also find some of the best Italian food in the city here.

A Gourmand’s Guide to Eating Out in NYC

NYC is home to some of the best high-end restaurants in the world. From Michelin-starred eateries to classic French bistros, there are countless options for those who appreciate fine dining. Here’s a look at some of the most popular high-end dishes you can find in the city.

1. Steak

Steak is a classic high-end dish, and NYC is home to some of the best steakhouses in the world. Try Peter Luger in Williamsburg for a classic steakhouse experience, or head to Keens Steakhouse in Midtown for some of the best dry-aged steaks around.

2. Seafood

Seafood is a popular high-end dish, and NYC has some of the freshest seafood around. Check out Le Bernardin in Midtown for some of the best seafood in the city, or head to Aquagrill in Soho for some of the freshest oysters around.

3. Foie Gras

Foie gras is a classic French delicacy, and it’s a popular high-end dish in NYC. Try it at Balthazar in Soho, or head to Marea in Midtown for some of the best foie gras around. Be sure to pair it with a glass of wine for a truly luxurious experience.

4. Sushi

Sushi is another popular high-end dish, and NYC is home to some of the best sushi restaurants in the world. Try Sushi Nakazawa in the West Village for some of the freshest sushi around, or head to Sushi Yasuda in Midtown for a more traditional experience.

5. Pasta

Pasta is a classic Italian dish, and NYC has some of the best Italian restaurants around. Try Carbone in Greenwich Village for some of the best pasta dishes around, or head to Babbo in the West Village for some of the most inventive Italian fare in the city.

5 Iconic Dishes You Must Try in NYC

NYC is home to some of the most iconic dishes in the world. From classic New York pizza to hot dogs and pastrami sandwiches, here are five iconic dishes you have to try when you visit the Big Apple.

1. New York-Style Pizza

New York-style pizza is a classic NYC dish, and it’s a must-try for any visitor. Head to Lombardi’s or John’s of Bleecker Street for some of the best pizza in the city. Be sure to order a classic slice with pepperoni, sausage and extra cheese for the full experience.

2. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are another classic NYC dish, and they’re a must-try when you visit the city. Head to Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island for some of the best hot dogs around, or grab a Sabrett hot dog from one of the many carts around town.

3. Pastrami Sandwich

Pastrami sandwiches are an NYC staple, and you can find them at delis all over the city. But for the best experience, head to Katz’s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side for the classic version with rye bread, lean pastrami, coleslaw and Russian dressing.

4. Bagels

Bagels are another NYC classic, and you can find them on almost any corner. Pick up a sesame bagel with cream cheese and lox for a true New York breakfast experience. Or try a chocolate chip or blueberry bagel for a sweeter start to your day.

5. Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a classic NYC dessert, and it’s a must-try when you visit the city.