New York is a city so obsessed with food that its nickname is a giant fruit. Locals scoff when someone claims Chicago deep-dish is the best style of pizza, or that Los Angeles has better Korean food.
The creativity, innovation, and diversity of its restaurants are just a few reasons New Yorkers argue their city has the best food in the country. Need proof? You can eat food from every country in the world without leaving the five boroughs.
We are dishing about the best food in New York City and all of our favorite spots. (Photo Credit: Fabien Bazanegue)
Because, bagels. (Photo Credit: Vicky Ng)
Or perhaps it’s the fact that New York has more Michelin stars than any other city, or it’s the sheer number of available options any time of the day or night. The city that never sleeps is also the city that never stops eating — and for good reason.
Here is a list of can’t-miss restaurants on your next visit to The Big Apple.
Una Pizza Napoletana
In 2022, Una Pizzeria Napoletana was ranked the #1 pizza place in the world by pizza experts, 50 Top Pizza. Last year, it ranked #2, so needless to say, the pizza here is seriously good.
This spot not only has the best pizza in NYC, but the best pizza in the world. (Photo Credit: Joanie Simon)
Only open Thursday to Saturday, reservations here open two weeks in advance on Resy and sell out in minutes. But, if you’re lucky enough to snag one or don’t mind waiting in line for a few hours, the marinara and margherita pizzas here are well worth it.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
S&P Lunch
The ultimate New York City diner, this old-school lunch counter closed during the pandemic and was revitalized by the team behind Court Street Grocers (another spot worth eating at). They’ve got the retro charm of the old Eisenberg’s but have given its menu a delicious upgrade.
Get ready for the best patty melt of your life. (Photo Credit: @thenixcompany)
Come here for the best patty melt of your life. You won’t be able to stop thinking about the S&P burger or the tuna melt either.
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Delmonico’s
Food historians think this classic steakhouse may be the first fine-dining restaurant in the country. Opened in 1837 to satisfy the Wall Street set, it’s become a pilgrimage point for steak lovers.
Welcome to Delmonico’s, a New York institution. (Photo Credit: Charles Tumiotto Jackson)
Prepare for one of the best fine dining experiences in the city. (Photo Credit: Simon Tchoukriel)
And make sure to save room for the Baked Alaska — it’s a dish the restaurant is known for. (Photo Credit: Simon Tchoukriel)
After a head-to-toe renovation last year, the restaurant looks better than ever. But its signature creations like baked Alaska, lobster Newburg, and chicken à la Keene stayed on the menu. And, of course, there’s the award-winning cuts of beef.
Neighborhood: Financial District
Tatiana by Kwame Onuwachi
Chef Kwame Onuwachi is one of America’s most beloved young chefs. After a run on Top Chef and a later gig as a judge, he has graced the pages of nearly every food magazine in the last five years.
Stop by Tatiana for some of the best Afro-Caribbean cuisine in the city. (Photo Credit: Ajala Kings)
Tatiana is a fine-dining ode to his cooking journey, a combination of Afro-Caribbean and New York cuisine. Order the short rib pastrami suya and the curried goat patties.
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Superiority Burger
This casual vegetarian burger joint has a cult following. The vibe is cool, hip and young, and the Superiority burger (all plant-based) is one of the best burgers in the city.
Plant-based restaurants are big in New York City — with Superiority Burger topping the charts. (Photo Credit: John Fornander)
Starters like the roasted white sweet potatoes and the sweet & sour pink beets are winners, and some say the collard green sandwich on focaccia beats the burger.
Neighborhood: East Village
L’Amico
New York is famous for its Italian-American food, and L’Amico is a great place to get your fix. This open and airy space in the Kimpton Hotel Eventi crafts a variety of dishes that showcase a variety of ingredients which consistently change with the seasons and are inspired by the travels of Chef Laurent Tourondel.
Favorite bites include the tuna crudo with caper aioli and the burrata with English peas, arugula pesto, and Sorrento lemon.
Say hello to L’Amico, located inside Kimpton Hotel Eventi.
Wood-fired pizzas are one of the many stars at this gem in the heart of Chelsea.
Make sure to save room for the gelato — it may just be the best dessert you’ll have in New York City.
But pizza and pasta are the stars here, especially the white mushroom pizza and the seafood agnolotti with lobster and crab. We would also recommend saving room for the house-made gelato.
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Atomix
This ten-course chef’s counter is a two-Michelin-star journey through the history of Korean food. Rated #8 in the World’s 50 Best restaurants, getting a reservation here is no easy feat.
For a Michelin-star worthy Korean dining experience, Atomix is the best spot in town. (Photo Credit: @portuguesegravity)
But if you are lucky enough to score one, the unmatched service, alcohol (and non-alcohol) pairings, and creativity of each course are a dining game-changer.
Neighborhood: Nomad
Russ & Daughters Cafe
What started as a herring cart in 1904 has morphed into one of the city’s most revered food institutions. With multiple locations around the city, its sit-down cafe on the Lower East Side is the place to be for the perfect Sunday brunch.
Its bagels and lox, chopped liver, and babka French toast are obligatory — and as it’s first come, first served, make sure to hit this spot early to get your favorite fix.
Russ & Daughters Cafe is a beloved favorite in a city that takes its bagels very seriously.
We promise it’s one of the best bagels in the city. (Photo Credit: Jennifer Burk)
Want to grab your bagel to go? All locations — except for the cafe on the Lower East Side — offer takeout for that perfect parkside bite.
Neighborhoods: Lower East Side, Hudson Yards, and Brooklyn
Like the city itself, the amount of fantastic food here can be overwhelming. And while this list certainly isn’t comprehensive (we haven’t even ventured into the other four boroughs), it’s a great starting point to acquaint yourself with some of New York’s most sought-after bites.
And, when in doubt, stop a New Yorker on the street and ask them where to find the best slice, bagel, or burger in town. Spoiler: They’ll all have a different answer.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Theta or Kimpton Hotel Eventi
Check out our full series on the food capitals of America here.
