New York City is world-famous for its diverse and delicious food scene. From iconic dishes like New York-style pizza and pastrami sandwiches to global cuisines like Chinese, Italian and Jewish delis, the Big Apple has something to satisfy every palate. Keep reading to learn all about the iconic foods New York is known for and the best places to try them on your next visit.
A Brief History of New York City’s Food Culture
New York City has been a melting pot of cultures and cuisines throughout its history. As waves of immigrants from Europe, Asia, and Latin America came through Ellis Island and settled in neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, and Harlem, they brought their culinary traditions with them. This rich mixture led to the development of hybrid dishes like New York-style pizza, pastrami, and egg creams.
Over time, New York became a global dining destination known for its cheap eats like hot dogs and slices as well as upscale establishments featuring seafood and steaks. Food trends constantly evolve in this dynamic city, with new restaurants and markets introducing New Yorkers to dishes from around the world. From old-school Jewish delis to modern food halls like Chelsea Market, New York’s food scene reflects its diversity and constant reinvention.
Iconic New York Foods and Where to Find Them
New York-Style Pizza
No food is more iconic in New York City than a slice of classic New York-style pizza. Distinct from Neapolitan and other pizza styles, New York pizza has a thin crust that folds in the middle, cheese evenly distributed to the edge, and a characteristic char on the bottom from cooking in coal or gas deck ovens at high heat. Popular pizza chains like Joe’s and Domino’s evolved from New York pizzerias.
Some top places to get authentic New York pizza include:
- John’s of Bleecker Street – A West Village institution since 1929 known for huge, foldable slices.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Classic Brooklyn-style pies with smoky char, located under the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Lombardi’s Pizza – The first pizzeria in the United States, opened in Little Italy in 1905.
- Juliana’s Pizza – Spin-off of the famous Grimaldi’s run by the original owner.
Pastrami Sandwiches
The pastrami sandwich is another iconic New York food with Jewish origins. Pastrami is a brined, smoked and steamed beef that New York delis pile high on rye bread for a classic “pastrami on rye.” The combo of fatty, peppery meat with spicy mustard is a mouthwatering meal any time of day.
Famous pastrami spots include:
- Katz’s Delicatessen – Landmark Lower East Side deli since 1888 famous for hand-sliced pastrami.
- 2nd Avenue Deli – The Jewish deli reopened by the former owner reviving its pastrami tradition.
- Carnegie Deli – Legendary Midtown Deli unfortunately closed, but their pastrami lives on!
- Mile End Delicatessen – Canadian-inspired deli in Brooklyn making pastrami Montreal-style.
Bagels
For an iconic New York breakfast, look no further than a freshly baked bagel. New Yorkers prefer a chewy, boiled style of bagel compared to the softer, sweeter versions found elsewhere. Popular options include sesame, poppy seed, plain, everything and egg.
Top bagel shops include:
- Ess-a-Bagel – A classic New York bagel shop on the Upper West Side.
- Absolute Bagels – Beloved hole-in-the-wall bagelry on the Upper West Side.
- Tompkins Square Bagels – Neighborhood gem serving hand-rolled bagels in the East Village.
- Black Seed Bagels – Montreal-style wood-fired bagels with creative flavors.
Hot Dogs
The hot dog is a classic New York street food, especially when topped with sauerkraut, mustard and your choice of onion or spicy meat sauce. Two hot dog chains dominate the New York landscape: Nathan’s Famous and Gray’s Papaya. Nathan’s originated on Coney Island and is known for its July 4th hot dog eating contest. Gray’s Papaya serves its Recession Special of two hot dogs and a drink for under $5 24/7.
Other top hot dog spots include:
- Papaya King – Rival to Gray’s Papaya serving tropical drinks and dogs.
- Katz’s Delicatessen – Yes, you can get an all-beef hot dog at the famous deli too!
New York Cheesecake
Indulgent, smooth, and creamy New York-style cheesecake is the perfect sweet ending to any meal. The best versions have just a hint of tang from cream cheese and eggs. Popular bakeries like Junior’s serve classic New York cheesecake with a strawberry topping.
Where to try excellent New York cheesecake:
- Junior’s Restaurant – Landmark Brooklyn diner famous for cheesecake since 1950.
- Eileen’s Special Cheesecake – Boutique SoHo bakery crafting creative cheesecake flavors.
- Two Little Red Hens – Charming Upper East Side bakery with lovely cheesecake.
- Veniero’s Pasticceria – Historic Italian bakery in the East Village selling cheesecakes.
New York City Dining Institutions
In addition to specific dishes, New York has many storied restaurants that are attractions in their own right. Power lunch spots like The Four Seasons, 21 Club and Sardi’s have hosted celebrities, politicians, and businessmen for generations. Haute cuisine temples like Le Bernardin and Per Se offer some of the country’s finest dining experiences.
Historic restaurants to visit include:
- Katz’s Delicatessen – Lower East Side deli essential since 1888.
- Peter Luger Steak House – Iconic Brooklyn Steakhouse opened in 1887.
- Russ & Daughters – Appetizing shop selling bagels, smoked fish, and caviar since 1914.
- Keens Steakhouse – Midtown steakhouse with Victorian interiors since 1885.
- Bamonte’s – Classic red-sauce Italian restaurant in Brooklyn open since 1900.
Diverse Ethnic Cuisines
Beyond the classics, New Yorkers have access to incredibly diverse cuisine from around the world. Authentic Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown and other enclaves offer the chance to eat like a local no passport required. The variety of global fare available attracts food-loving tourists and locals alike.
Chinese
Home to the largest Chinese population outside of Asia, New York City boasts excellent regional Chinese cuisines. Chinatown in Manhattan along with the satellite neighborhoods of Flushing, Queens and Sunset Park, Brooklyn offer Chinese menus not found elsewhere. Try dim sum, Szechuan hot pot, roast duck and other specialties.
Top spots for Chinese include:
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor – Chinatown institution for dim sum since 1920.
- Joe’s Shanghai – Chinatown destination for soup dumplings.
- White Bear Restaurant – Unassuming Flushing restaurant beloved for dumplings.
- Spicy Village – Superb Szechuan and other regional Chinese fare in Midtown.
Italian
From red-sauce joints to fine-dining, New York does Italian food right. Little Italy may be touristy but still contains gems like Ferrara’s for cannoli. Arthur Avenue in the Bronx offers an authentic taste of Italy. Hotspots like Via Carota deliver exquisite modern Italian dining.
Where to eat incredible Italian cuisine:
- Scarr’s Pizza – Old-school East Village slice shop crafted by pizza masters.
- Faicco’s Pork Store – Neighborhood sandwich shop slicing Italian cold cuts since 1900.
- Razza Pizza Artigianale – Crispy, chewy Jersey City brick-oven pizzas.
- Rubirosa Ristorante – Vibrant Italian-American in Nolita neighborhood.
- Giovanni Rana Pastificcio & Cucina – High-end pasta restaurant from celebrity Italian chef.
Japanese
From sushi to ramen, New Yorkers are obsessed with Japanese fare. The East Village in particular contains authentic mom and pop shops transporting you to Tokyo. High-end omakase restaurants also thrive, offering intricate edible art.
Where to find stellar Japanese cuisine:
- Ivan Ramen – Famed chef Ivan Orkin’s two ramen shops perfecting sheepish noodles and broths.
- Ootoya – Casual, reliable Japanese chain with multiple New York locations.
- Sushi Yasuda – Elegant sushi temple championing edomae style.
- Nakazawa – Upscale omakase experience by renowned sushi chef Daisuke Nakazawa.
- Sushi Noz – Intimate 10-seat sushi counter hidden in West Village.
Korean
Korean cuisine has become hugely popular in New York City in recent years. Korean fried chicken wings with a spicy glaze are now a common bar food. Buzzy restaurants like Atomix and Jungsik offer elevated tasting menus featuring Korean flavors. Areas like Koreatown have mom and pop spots for comforting bibimbap, hot pots and barbecue.
Satisfy your Korean cravings at:
- Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong – Flagship of top Korean barbecue chain.
- Her Name is Han – Cozy Korean hot pot spot in Koreatown.
- Kun Jip – Unpretentious Korean barbecue in Koreatown.
- Oiji – Inventive modern Korean tasting menus in the East Village.
- Hanoi House – Vietnamese and Korean fusion in Chinatown.
Indian
From budget-friendly cafes to Michelin-starred destinations, New York has incredible diversity when it comes to Indian food. Restaurants offer regional Indian and Pakistani cuisine alongside fusion flavor combinations. Manhattan’s Curry Hill and Jackson Heights, Queens both have concentrations of Indian eateries.
Top Indian restaurants include:
- Rahi – Upscale Indian from famous chef Chitra Agrawal.
- Adda – Vibrant South Indian hub in Long Island City, Queens.
- Paowalla – Fast casual Chipotle-style Indian bowls and tacos.
- Jackson Diner – Casual Indian and Pakistani diner open late in Jackson Heights.
- Paneer Shop – All vegetarian Indian street snacks and sweets.
Middle Eastern
From Egypt to Israel, New York provides plenty of options to explore the vibrant cuisines of the Middle East. Falafel, shawarma, hummus, kebabs, and other specialties can be sampled citywide. Yemeni restaurants in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn reflect an emerging regional cuisine.
Recommended Middle Eastern restaurants:
- Taïm – Israeli fast casual with perfected falafel sandwiches and platters.
- Tanoreen – Elegant Palestinian restaurant in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
- Yemen Cafe & Restaurant – Humble Yemeni spot for intriguing national dishes.
- Nish Nush – Charming Lebanese cafe perfect for weekend brunch.
- King of Falafel & Shawarma – No-frills neighborhood spot for falafel and shawarma.
Greek
Historic Greek restaurants and diners can be found throughout New York City, especially in neighborhoods like Astoria, Queens. Getting a gyro sandwich or spanakopita is a quick and casual way to sample Greek flavors. Upscale restaurants like Molyvos and Pylos elevate rustic Greek ingredients to new heights.
Places for excellent Greek cuisine:
- Taverna Kyclades – Iconic, family-run Greek seafood institution in Astoria.
- Kopitiam – Malaysian fusion cafe with the best transcendental roti in Chinatown.
- Pylos – Refined Greek with focus on pristine imported ingredients.
- Souvlaki GR – Growing fast casual Greek chain already with 5 Manhattan locations.
- Artopolis Bakery & Cafe – Quaint cafe in Astoria for Greek pastries and sandwiches.
Unique Regional Specialties
Beyond the national cuisines, New York also offers hyper-regional specialties you won’t find anywhere else. The city’s vibrant Jewish delis, Puerto Rican cafes, and New England seafood dens each contribute hometown classics.
Jewish Deli Fare
Pastrami sandwiches and bagels get the headlines, but Jewish delis around the city also serve other distinctly New York specialties. Try hand-carved tongue sandwiches, peppery matzo ball soup, smoked fish platters and old-fashioned egg creams.
Classic Jewish delis to check out:
- Russ & Daughters – 100+ year old appetizing store selling bagels, smoked fish and other Jewish specialties.
- Liebman’s Delicatessen – Rare Kosher-style deli in the Bronx making real Jewish soul food.
- Sarge’s Delicatessen – Unpretentious 24/7 deli dishing out matzo ball soup around the clock.
- Shelsky’s of Brooklyn – Smoked fish and sandwich shop run by classic appetizing store alumni.
- Ben’s Best – Old-school deli and appetizing shop that’s been around since 1945.
Puerto Rican Food
Latin cuisine is making its mark across New York, especially favorites like Cuban sandwiches and tacos. But for a taste of authentic Puerto Rican food, head to the East Harlem neighborhood known as Spanish Harlem. Here you’ll find cafeterias dishing out mofongo (plantain mash), arroz con gandules rice, and other island specialties. The neighborhood comes alive each summer for the Great Puerto Rican Day parade.
Top spots for Puerto Rican include:
- La Morada – Woman-owned Bronx cafe making classic Puerto Rican plus fresh fare.
- La Fonda Boricua – Lively Puerto Rican restaurant open since 1971.
- Casa Adela – Long-running Puerto Rican diner with giant plates of food.
- Los Compadres – Friendly mom and pop Puerto Rican diner in Spanish Harlem.
New England Seafood
Given its coastal location, New York excels at delivering fresh New England seafood just like you’d find in Boston and Maine. From lobster rolls to steamers to chowder, opt for seafood if you see it on a NYC menu. Upscale restaurants like Le Bernardin prove you don’t need to be oceanfront for pristine fish and shellfish.
Hotspots for lobster rolls and other coastal specialties:
- Luke’s Lobster – Fast casual chain slinging lobster and crab rolls from temporary shops.
- Mary’s Fish Camp – Charming East Village spot for no-frills, fresh seafood.
- Pearl Oyster Bar – Trendsetting West Village seafood restaurant helping start the lobster roll craze.
- Maison Premiere – Elegant oyster bar in Williamsburg complete with a towers of shells facade.
- The Lobster Place – Seafood counter inside iconic Chelsea Market with raw bar and chowder.
Diners
Open 24/7 with huge menus, old-school diners are a staple of the New York dining scene, especially late night. Unpretentious and affordable, diners serve classic American fare like omelets, burgers, club sandwiches and milkshakes. The classic diner atmosphere features chrome, vinyl booths and counter seating.
Long-running NYC diners include:
- Veselka – Serving borscht and pierogi 24/7 since 1954 in the East Village.
- Neptune Diner – Seafood-focused diner in Astoria, Queens imitating a dining car.
- Waverly Restaurant – Kitschy Irish diner since 1947 near NYU.
- Tom’s Restaurant – Inspiration for Seinfeld’s Monk’s Cafe exterior shots.
- Flor De Mayo – Chinese and Cuban hybrid diner operating since the 1960s.
Where to Sample Iconic Dishes and Cuisines
Manhattan
With so many options, here are some top neighborhoods and areas to sample New York’s iconic foods:
- East Village – Pizza, Jewish delis, Ukranian food, Japanese restaurants
- West Village – Italian restaurants, lobster rolls, specialty food stores
- Lower East Side – Jewish delis, pizza, trendy global spots like The Dirty French
- Chinatown – Chinese bakeries, dim sum joints, dumpling houses
- Koreatown – Korean BBQ, soup, hot pot restaurants around 32nd Street
- Little Italy – Classic red-sauce Italian restaurants, cannoli
- Midtown/Hell’s Kitchen – Destination restaurants like Le Bernardin, close to Broadway shows
Brooklyn
- Williamsburg – Trendy brunch spots, coffee shops, international cuisine
- Bushwick – Mexico City-style tacos, hip cafes, street food markets
- Park Slope – Upscale brunch and dinner spots, specialty food stores
- Bay Ridge – Middle Eastern cuisine, especially Yemeni restaurants
- Coney Island – Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, boardwalk eats
- Brighton Beach – Russian and Eastern European fare
–Sunset Park – Authentic Chinese in Brooklyn’s Chinatown
- Borough Park – Kosher deli cuisine, Jewish bakeries
Queens
- Astoria – Greek restaurants, bakeries, dessert shops
- Flushing – Chinese restaurants specializing in regional fare
- Jackson Heights – Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants
- Long Island City – Trendy new restaurants with Manhattan views
The Bronx
- Arthur Avenue – Real-deal Italian restaurants, markets, and pastry shops
- City Island – Seafood shacks and lobster joints
When to Visit for the Best Food
New York has excellent eating year-round, but visiting during a food festival offers unique opportunities to sample the city’s iconic cuisine:
- February-March – The NYC Winter Restaurant Week offers special prix-fixe menus at hundreds of restaurants.
- May – The NYC Greek Film Festival on Astoria includes special tastings and parties.
- July 4th – Eat an original Nathan’s hot dog at their Coney Island location’s famous hot dog eating contest.
- September – The San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy has samplings of Italian street food.
- October – The New York City Wine & Food Festival hosts special food events around the city.
Conclusion
New York City offers one of the most dynamic, diverse, and distinctive food scenes in the world. From Italian classics like pizza, cheesecake, and pastrami with Jewish origins to Chinese, Greek, Korean, and more, iconic restaurants and dishes capture the city’s culinary history and present creativity. Beyond specific cuisines, quintessential cheap eats like hot dogs and diners reveal local character.
While tourist-friendly spots in Manhattan are a must, make sure to also explore outer borough enclaves offering authentic global flavors. From established institutions to up-and-coming holes-in-the-wall, New York’s iconic foods offer visitors and residents alike a rich array of flavors reflecting this melting pot metropolis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iconic New York City Foods
Here are answers to some common FAQs about the quintessential foods New York City is famous for and the best places to try them:
What is the best pizza in NYC?
There is a huge debate over who makes the best pizza in New York. Top contenders include:
- Juliana’s Pizza: Known for making authentic Brooklyn-style pies.
- John’s of Bleecker Street: Old school huge, foldable NY slices since 1929.
- Di Fara Pizza: Beloved Brooklyn shop meticulously hand-crafting every pie.
- Lucali: A beloved South Brooklyn pizzeria with an amazing crust. Hard to get a table.
- Joe’s Pizza: Classic NY pizza by the slice with multiple locations.
Where can I find the best bagels in the city?
While opinions differ, some of the most popular NYC bagel shops include:
- Ess-a-Bagel: Quintessential bagels and schmear on the Upper West Side.
- Absolute Bagels: No-frills quality bagels with a perfectly chewy texture.
- Black Seed Bagels: Montreal-style wood-fired bagels with unique flavors.
- Tompkins Square Bagels: Neighborhood gem hand-rolling bagels in the East Village.
What is the best Jewish deli in NYC?
Standouts for pastrami, matzoh ball soup, and other Jewish fare include:
- Katz’s Delicatessen: Massive sandwiches in an old-school Lower East Side setting.
- Pastrami Queen: Counter-serve pastrami and knishes since 1960.
- Russ & Daughters: 100+ year old appetizing shop that’s still excellent.
- 2nd Ave Deli: Reborn classic Jewish deli serving comfort food favorites.
Where can I get the best burger in New York City?
Top spots for juicy, mouthwatering burgers include:
- Emily: Single-patty wood-fired burgers paired beautifully with pizza.
- Burger Joint: Speakeasy-style counter-serve burgers hidden in hotel lobbies.
- JG Melon: Old-school pub burger cooked perfectly since 1972.
- The Loyal: Upscale but unpretentious West Village burger destination.
- Paul’s Da Burger Joint: Two NYC locations serving gourmet burgers and shakes.
What are the must-try classic NYC foods?
Iconic dishes first-time visitors should seek out include:
- A slice of New York-style pizza: Huge, thin, foldable slices are unique to New York.
- A pastrami sandwich: Get one piled high at stalwarts like Katz’s Deli.
- A bagel with schmear: Try one from a classic bagel shop like Ess-a-Bagel or Absolute Bagels.
- A hot dog with the works: Grab one on the street or from spots like Gray’s Papaya.
- Cheesecake from Junior’s or Eileen’s: Sample ultra-smooth NY-style cheesecake.