New York City is a mecca with different cuisine options that will please the palates of even the most discerning foodies. The iconic city boasts culinary delights throughout one of the top destinations of culture and cuisine in the United States.
Welcome to the epicenter of gastronomy in the United States—New York City! Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to explore every culinary nook or a long-time local searching for new flavors, our ultimate foodie guide to NYC will lead you to some of the best restaurants that cater to every palate. From iconic pizza joints in the bustling streets of the East Village to upscale dining in the refined neighborhoods of the Upper East Side, and hidden tasty treasures in lively Chelsea, our curated list spans the whole city.
When you finish discovering all of the best NYC restaurants, we have a guide on some iconic New York City landmarks to visit (read here) to check out too.
Tip: Taking a New York City food tour is another great way to experience many of the New York cuisine offerings in a few hours so that you can plan other restaurant visits during your trip! It’s great to do it early on so you get a feel for the restaurants you want to return to.
Gettin around to experience the fantastic New York cuisine is so much easier if to use the NYC Hop on Hop off bus that is included in a sightseeing pass! We have had really good experiences with it, especially in New York and feel that it definitely saves money and time there.
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- East Village Favorite Food Spots
- Chelsea
- SoHo
- Chinatown
- Greenwich Village
- Lower East Side
- Upper East Side
- Midtown West/Clinton (Hell's Kitchen)
- Other Great Foodie Options in New York City
- Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Restaurants and Dining
- Bottom Line on New York City Foodie Resaturant Options
- Follow KJ on Instagram for more travel inspiration
- Keep Reading for More Great Travel Articles
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East Village Favorite Food Spots
The East Village of New York boasts an enticing range of New York cuisine dining options, making it the perfect destination when travelers still determine what they desire. With a plethora of delicious fare available, all kinds of taste buds will surely be delighted! The East Village runs from the river between E. Houston and E. 14th Streets up to just past Bowery.
Thursday Kitchen
Address: 424 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Thursday Kitchen, where traditional meets trendy. Known for its playful take on Korean-American fusion, this spot is a must-try. Favorite Dish: Don’t miss out on the Kimchi Paella and the signature Korean Popcorn Chicken, but the highlight is their divine Truffle Dumplings.
Miss Lily’s 7A Cafe
Address: 109 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Feel the Caribbean vibes at Miss Lily’s 7A Cafe, where the decor and dishes transport you straight to a tropical paradise. Favorite Dish: The Jerk Chicken and the Coconut Pancakes with pineapple compote make for a perfect meal.
Stromboli Pizza
83 St Marks Pl Ste 1
For a slice of New York authenticity, swing by Stromboli Pizza. Known for their perfect crust and fresh ingredients, they offer a taste of classic New York. Favorite Dish: The Margherita Pizza is a simple yet flawless choice, topped with fresh mozzarella and basil.
Chelsea
The Chelsea neighborhood still has a wealth of delectable places to feast and have a cocktail the next time you stroll along High Line or admire local art galleries. Chelsea Market is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals, boasting an array of unique food choices, such as Asian tacos at Takumi Taco and charred cauliflower heads at Miznon. The neighborhood runs from the Hudson River to 6th Ave. between W 34th and W 14th Avenues. Some other points of interest in this area are the Whitney Museum, Vessel, and Hudson Yards.
Porteño
Address: 299 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Delve into the flavors of Argentina with a visit to Porteño. This cozy spot serves up some of the best South American dishes in the city. Favorite Dish: The Short Rib Empanadas and the Malbec-Braised Lamb are both must-tries for a hearty meal.
Ovest Pizzoteca
Address: 513 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
At Ovest Pizzoteca, experience the charm of an Italian bistro with their handcrafted pizzas and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Favorite Dish: The Prosciutto e Funghi Pizza, topped with mozzarella, mushrooms, and cured ham, is a crowd-pleaser.
Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
A foodie’s paradise, Chelsea Market offers a range of culinary delights under one roof. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there’s something for everyone. Favorite Stops: Make sure to visit Very Fresh Noodles for their Tingly Lamb Noodle and Los Tacos No.1 for authentic Mexican street tacos.
SoHo
The SoHo district is characterized by its regal, iron-clad facades and cobblestone thoroughfares. It provides an evocative setting for fashionable clusters of individuals congregating at trendy eateries and nightlife hotspots during the day when street vendors’ stalls offer everything from jewelry to one-of-a-kind original artwork creations. SoHo is south of W Houston St. to Canal St. between 6th and Crosby Streets.
Lure Fishbar
Address: 142 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012
Aboard the nautical-themed Lure Fishbar, dive into a seafood lover’s dream. This upscale restaurant offers a fresh, modern approach to seafood. Favorite Dish: The Lobster Roll and the Sushi Platter stand out with their freshness and exquisite flavors.
Antique Garage Soho
41 Mercer St. New York, NY 10013
Antique Garage transforms dining into an experience with its eclectic decor and live music nights. Favorite Dish: The Lamb Shish Kebab and the Mezze Platter perfectly capture the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
Chinatown
This cosmopolitan district of Manhattan is a mecca for gourmets, boasting an unparalleled variety of dining establishments where patrons can sample cuisine from all over China. Chinatown encompasses the East Broadway area between Henry and Hester Streets and also between Rutgers Street and Broadway.
Joe’s Shanghai
46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Joe’s Shanghai is famous for introducing soup dumplings to the masses in New York City. Favorite Dish: The Pork Soup Dumplings are an absolute must-try, bursting with rich broth and tender meat.
Xi’an Famous Foods
45 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
Experience a taste of Western China at Xi’an Famous Foods. Known for its robust flavors and unique dishes. Favorite Dish: The Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles offer a perfect blend of heat and spice that will leave your taste buds tingling.
Thái Sơn
89 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013
This unassuming spot is one of the best places in Chinatown for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Favorite Dish: The Pho with Beef Brisket is aromatic and deeply satisfying, while the Spring Rolls are crisp and packed with flavor.
Plan where to stay for your New York City foodie visit!
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is the most captivating district in New York City, so locals and visitors flock to this zip code. Wandering aimlessly through the twisting streets and sampling the inviting eateries tops many visitor wish lists. The Village is just North of SoHo between W. Houston and W. 14th Street and from the Hudson River to Broadway.
Tartine
253 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014
Tartine is a quaint French bistro that feels like a hidden gem. Favorite Dish: The Croque Monsieur is a classic done right here, and the Ratatouille reflects true Provençal flavors.
Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Minetta Tavern is an iconic spot in the Village, known for its rich history and classic New York vibe. Favorite Dish: The Black Label Burger is legendary, crafted with prime dry-aged beef and caramelized onions.
Lower East Side
Discover the Lower East Side’s diverse and engaging culinary scene. Adventuresome diners can discover varying cuisines and meander through Chinatown and Little Italy, stumbling upon amazing New York delis a mere block away from scrumptious sandwiches. Indulge in delectable ice cream shops – which offer an array of flavors to suit any palate – or savor slices of unparalleled pizzas that brim with history while soaking up its fascinating past. The Lower East Side runs from the East River to East Houston and between Bowery and the E. River Promenade.
Kiki’s
130 Division St, New York, NY 10002
Kiki’s offers a genuine slice of Greece in the heart of NYC. Favorite Dish: The Grilled Octopus is tender and flavorful, a must-try along with their Feta Psiti.
Kopitiam
151 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Kopitiam serves traditional Malaysian fare with a focus on casual, comforting dishes. Favorite Dish: The Nasi Lemak is beautifully balanced, with coconut rice, anchovies, peanuts, and a spicy sambal that ties it all together.
Contra
138 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Contra features a modern American menu with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. Favorite Dish: The tasting menu is always a surprise but expect dishes like Wild Mushroom Toast and Scallop Crudo to delight.
Upper East Side
From quaint Bohemian cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants the Upper East Side has a little bit of everything. One of our favorites, Budapest Cafe is located in this amazing area.
Budapest Cafe
1631 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
The Paprika Chicken here brought our taste buds back to Europe and the quaint bakery/restaurant was a delight to have a breat from the crowds and energy outside. The bakery delights are also a standout at this restaurant! We always try to visit and it is on the list of one of our favorite New York City restaurants.
Tri-Dim Shanghai
1378 3rd Ave New York, NY 10075
This foodie destination offers Shanghai cuisine with fresh ingredients, dim sum, and also offers Szechuan dishes. The dishes are elegant and well-done. A visit to New York City’s Upper East Side is not complete without a stop at this impressive restaurant and it may wind up being one of your favorites. Favorite Dish: The Shanghai Soup Dumplings and the Crispy Duck are not to be missed for their authentic flavors.
Heidi’s House by the Side of the Road
308 E 78th St New York, NY 10075
A cozy spot that feels like a friend’s living room. Favorite Dish: The Lobster Mac and Cheese is rich and decadent, perfect for a chilly evening.
Midtown West/Clinton (Hell’s Kitchen)
No matter what you call this formerly gritty industrial neighborhood, it has come a long way and contains some of the top foodie bucket list restaurants. The Hell’s Kitchen area is located between West 40th Street and West 59th Streets to the north and south and the Hudson River and 8th Avenue to the west and east. Some other iconic landmarks close to this neighborhood are the Empire State Building, Broadway District, Times Square, and Madison Square Garden.
Capizzi
547 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018
This fantastic Hell’s Kitchen brick oven pizza restaurant may not be huge, but they have some of the best pizza that we’ve had in New York and that is saying something! This restaurant should be on your foodie radar on your next trip.
El Coco
828 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Delicious empanadas and other amazing Mexican cuisine are on the menu at this quaint restaurant. We love happy hour there and their Margaritas!
Guantanamera
939 8th Ave. New York, NY
If Cuban cuisine is on the must-do list for a visit, then Guantanamera is the restaurant to visit! Amazing food, craft cocktails, and live music make this one of our favorite New York restaurants to visit in the Hell’s Kitchen area!
Other Great Foodie Options in New York City
A visit to New York City would not be complete for us without finding Twister Cakes Bakery’s current offerings. We order for delivery (here in New Orleans) when we can’t make it to New York! They are a mobile bakery offering many delicious Romanian pastries and our favorite is the chimney cake Kurtos Kalacs which comes in many different variations, but we like the original plain or cinnamon the best! Check them out when the Queens Night Market is in operation in the warmer months or see current popups on their website! They are definitely a New York favorite that we try to enjoy at home between trips.
Eataly at NYC Flatiron 200 Fifth Avenue | New York, NY 10010 is another great option to find some delicious Italian cuisine! They also have pantry items to stock your own foodie kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Restaurants and Dining
New York City is a melting pot of cultures, which means you can find almost every type of cuisine here. From classic American and authentic Italian to exotic Asian and Middle Eastern flavors, the city’s culinary landscape is incredibly diverse. Whether you’re in the mood for street food or a fine dining experience, NYC has it all.
Yes, New York City is very accommodating when it comes to dietary preferences and restrictions. Most restaurants offer vegetarian and often vegan options, with some dining spots dedicated entirely to plant-based menus. Places like the East Village and Chelsea have numerous restaurants that cater specifically to vegetarian and vegan diets.
For many of the city’s popular eateries, making a reservation is recommended, especially during peak dining times. However, there are plenty of places where you can walk in and find a table. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s policy or call ahead if you’re planning to visit a popular spot. We had trouble near popular areas like Times Square with not having a reservation so if you will be in a crowded area definitely plan ahead.
The cost of dining in New York City can vary widely depending on the type of restaurant and location. Casual dining and street food can be quite affordable, with meals available for under $20. Mid-range restaurants typically charge between $20 to $50 for a meal, while upscale dining experiences can start at $50 and go upwards significantly. Keep in mind that many restaurants also offer lunch specials which can be a great way to enjoy a meal at a lower cost.
Bottom Line on New York City Foodie Resaturant Options
The bottom line is that New York City restaurants offer something for everyone. It is definitely a foodie bucket-list destination with so many cuisine choices it’s hard to decide where to eat! Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between tourist destinations, a culinary experience with friends, a fine dining experience during a date night, or something in between, you’re sure to find a fantastic favorite restaurant in NYC’s foodie neighborhoods.