New York is a bustling metropolis with millions of residents from all over the world. The city’s multicultural character is reflected in its cuisine. Over the years, millions of immigrants have brought their culinary traditions to The Big Apple, resulting in a mix of various food cultures.
In New York, you can experience Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine. You can savor hotdogs and donuts or enjoy a delightful cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars. There are thousands of dining options in New York to satisfy your taste buds.
Food Markets
New York boasts several indoor food markets where you can taste both local specialties and dishes from around the world. Here’s a selection:
– Chelsea Market: One of the most well-known and popular markets, Chelsea Market is housed in an old cookie factory near the High Line. It features numerous restaurants, bakeries, and shops under one roof. For breakfast, a quick lunch, or a sweet treat, Amy’s Bread is highly recommended.
– Mercado Little Spain: This is a project by Spanish chef José Andrés and his colleagues Albert and Ferran Adrià. They previously worked together at elBulli, which was voted the best restaurant in the world five times. In this bustling mercado in Hudson Yards, you can experience the culinary richness of Spain. It offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and kiosks. Whether you want an elaborate dinner, a tapas crawl, or a sangria at the bar, it’s all possible here.
– Time Out Market: Located in Dumbo (Brooklyn), this lively food court offers a diverse range of dining and drinking options. An added bonus is the rooftop bar on the fifth floor, which offers a stunning view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
Viva Italia
Italian food in New York is, of course, a must in Little Italy, particularly on Mulberry Street, the heart of the district. However, throughout the city, you will find many other culinary spots to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine:
– Eataly: Situated in the shadow of the Flatiron Building, Eataly is a highly regarded Italian food concept. The complex houses shops with artisanal products, restaurants, and a wine bar. Reserve a table at the rooftop bar SERRA by Birreria on the 14th floor: a beautiful oasis full of flowers and plants that change with the seasons. Here, you can enjoy seasonal dishes from the Italian kitchen and original cocktails.
– NY Pizza Suprema: New Yorkers love pizza. Throughout the city, you will find various pizzerias where you can buy a slice or a whole pie. NY Pizza Suprema, located near Madison Square Garden, is ideal for a quick bite before or after a game or concert at The Garden.
– Fiat Cafe: For heavenly pasta, head to Fiat Cafe in Nolita. It’s a small, cozy place with just a few tables and a covered terrace along the street. Note that it’s cash only.
Typical American
Fast food is easy to find in New York, from hotdog stands on every corner to world-famous burger joints. The key is to look for authentic culinary experiences or hidden gems where tourists rarely go:
– Lexington Candy Shop: During your New York trip, you should definitely dine at a classic American diner. In the Upper East Side, Lexington Candy Shop feels like a step back in time. It’s a family-run establishment with an extensive menu of both sweet and savory dishes. Order a sandwich or a milkshake and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere.
– Pershing Square: Located under the viaduct of Grand Central, this beautiful bistro offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert, or dinner in a stunning setting.
– Sisters: For a great lunch, visit Sisters in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. This charming spot is recommended by VRT journalist Björn Soenens in his book “De lengte van een oceaan.” Both the burger with fries and the kale salad with grilled chicken, caesar dressing, breadcrumbs, and grana padano come highly recommended.
Latino Vibes
If you want to discover Latin American cuisine, New York is the perfect place:
– Tacombi: This authentic Mexican taqueria has multiple locations in the city. I visited the restaurant in the Empire State Building. This lively hotspot has a fun interior, and the food is very affordable. Order some tacos or a quesadilla with a tropical cocktail. Delicious!
Go East
Fans of Asian cuisine will find plenty of options in Chinatown. There are many great places to enjoy tasty and affordable dim sum or noodles. Eastern European cuisine might be less known, but New York offers surprisingly many options:
– Veselka: Located in the East Village, Veselka has been serving traditional Ukrainian dishes like pierogi (Ukrainian dumplings) and borscht (soup) since 1954. Still have room for dessert? The blintzes (pancakes filled with lightly sweetened cheese) are finger-licking good!
Wonderful Paris
French cuisine is well-represented in New York, with many French-oriented restaurants offering delicious meals:
– Little Paris: Center Street in Nolita was renamed by local merchants to Little Paris. Here, you will find cozy spots where French cuisine and culture are central. One such place is the wine bar La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. In an intimate, dimly lit setting, you can enjoy a good glass of wine with a plate of cheese or charcuterie.
– Buvette: In the West Village, Buvette is a gastroteque that welcomes you for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or just a drink at the bar. The menu features typical French dishes such as coq au vin, steak tartare, escargots, and croques. There is also a wide selection of French wines and classic cocktails.
Soul Food
Soul food originated in the deep south of the United States and is the traditional cuisine of African Americans:
– Sylvia’s Restaurant: Head to Harlem and dine at The Queen of Soul Food. Sylvia Woods opened Sylvia’s Restaurant on Malcolm X Boulevard in 1962. Not sure what to choose? The combination of Sylvia’s world-famous bar-b-que ribs and fried chicken is an absolute winner. This comes with cornbread and two side dishes of your choice. You won’t leave hungry! Sylvia’s Restaurant is very popular, so it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance.
– Virgil’s Real Barbecue: If you can’t make it to Harlem but still want to try deep south cuisine, Virgil’s Real Barbecue near Times Square might be for you. It’s a large restaurant with multiple TV screens showing sports games. While it may not be ideal for a romantic date, the flavors are on point.
Cocktail Bars
Looking for a night out? New York is the place to be. You’ll find plenty of cool bars, from intimate speakeasies to trendy rooftops, perfect for enjoying a Manhattan or another delicious drink:
– 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar: Located at Margaritaville Resort Times Square, this bar offers cocktails with a view of the New York skyline. On the second floor, the Margaritaville Restaurant is mainly known for its impressive cocktail menu and colorful interior, giving you the feeling of being on a tropical island.
Special Neighborhoods for Food and Drink in New York
Industry City
Brooklyn has many industrial neighborhoods, and Industry City is one of them. You’ll recognize the area by eight identical tall white buildings, each six stories high. During World War I and II, this was a naval base known as Bush Terminal. In recent years, the buildings have been transformed into a creative hub. Walking through Innovation Alley, you pass through buildings filled with exhibition spaces, pop-up shops, and cafes. Weekends are the best time to visit, as there are often events taking place.
– Frying Pan Brooklyn: You might be familiar with the historic ship and restaurant Frying Pan located on the Hudson River. In Industry City, you’ll find its sister location, Frying Pan Brooklyn. In addition to the well-known fish dishes, they serve delicious draft beers at the bar. Be sure to check out the game room, where for an $8 entry fee, you can play vintage arcade games while your food and drinks are served to you!
– Barrows Intense Tasting Room: Try a ginger liqueur at Barrows Intense Tasting Room. This Brooklyn-made liqueur has been declared the best ginger liqueur and is handcrafted in Brooklyn. The tasting room also serves other beverages, mainly local products from New York State. During colder days, you can sit outside by a crackling fire.
– Foodhall: In Building 2, you’ll find a food hall, a collection of local eateries. Table 87 is a well-known pizza restaurant in Brooklyn, possibly recognizable from the TV show Shark Tank. They came up with the unique idea of selling their stone-oven pizzas in frozen form to supermarkets, but they are, of course, best enjoyed fresh.
Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is originally an immigrant and working-class neighborhood. In the 19th and 20th centuries, immigrants arrived by boat to America to pursue their dreams. To house everyone, “tenements” were created—small rooms in buildings. At the Tenement Museum, you can learn more about this housing and even take a look inside some historical buildings. Today, the Lower East Side is a district for creatives, with many art exhibitions. Additionally, it’s a foodie paradise! Perhaps due to the many cultures that once settled here, you can find everything from Indian to Ukrainian cuisine.
– Rays Candy Store: Near Tompkins Square Park, visit Rays Candy Store. This somewhat shabby but colorful spot has an interesting story. Ray, the owner, came to New York as a refugee with no money. After saving up,he opened a small candy store in the 1970s. Ray is now almost 90 years old, and locals have taken him into their hearts. He still regularly stands behind the counter, selling soft-serve ice cream, fries, and fried Oreos.
– Cacio Pepe: You’ve probably seen it on social media—pasta being tossed around in a large round of pecorino cheese. At Cacio Pepe, this is their specialty! It’s a must-try if you’re a cheese lover. They also have a large menu of delicious appetizers and wines.
– Little Ukraine: In addition to Little Italy, New York also has Little Ukraine, a well-known area for locals. At the Ukrainian National Home, you can eat traditional Ukrainian food at the Ukrainian National Restaurant. While there are long lines at the nearby Veselka restaurant, you can walk right into the Ukrainian National Restaurant. Locals come here, and the food is excellent. Try the Ukrainian platter or the East Village combo, where you can sample various dishes.
If you are interested in more information about Coffee Shops in New York, you can click here.
With its rich diversity, New York City offers a culinary adventure like no other. Whether you’re in the mood for street food, fine dining, or hidden gems, the city has something to tantalize every palate.
