Must-Eat Places in Manhattan, New York from a Local

Out of all the incredible destinations I’ve visited worldwide, I can attest that New York City has the best food on the planet! Trust me, I’m not biased either because I grew up in the area. I love that this city boasts a melting pot of different cultures, offering the top restaurants to add to your NYC foodie bucket list.

This may present some controversy, but since the Big Apple draws the best chefs from all over the world, I’ve admittedly had better international dishes in NYC than in their native countries.

From Spaniard restaurants to Italian food and street food eateries to cocktail bars, I’ve compiled a thorough list of my favorite restaurants, eateries, bakeries and bars you must visit during a trip to New York City.

Of course, there are plenty of incredible restaurants in Manhattan I have yet to visit, so after reading this article, I would love to know your personal recommendations on the best foodie spots in the Big Apple!

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.

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Traveling to New York City:

The best way to reach Manhattan, New York, is to fly into either John F. Kennedy International Airport, Laguardia Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport. Skyscanner offers affordable flights.

When you arrive in Manhattan, the most efficient way to get around is by taking the MTA New York City Subway, which also has a bus service. Other ways to get around are by taxi or rideshare. You can also bring your own vehicle into and around NYC (or rent a car), but please be mindful of traffic delays, expensive parking and toll fees.

(Click here if you are planning a road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)

Within the Tri-State area, taking the train into Manhattan is always easy. If you travel from Westchester, the Hudson Valley and Connecticut, you can take the Metro-North into Grand Central Terminal on 42^nd Street. For those coming into the city from New Jersey, it’s a must to take NJ Transit into Penn Station. Long Islanders can also take the Long Island Railroad into Penn Station on 34^th Street.

The areas of New Jersey known as the “unofficial sixth borough” are Jersey City and Hoboken. These small cities are located across the Hudson River from Manhattan. They can be easily accessed via the PATH train from Hoboken Station, along with Journal Square, Grove Street, Newport and Exchange Place in Jersey City. These trains go to the World Trade Center, Christopher Street, 9th Street, 14th Street, 23rd Street and 33^rd Street in Manhattan.

Visitors from other cities in the USA, such as Philadelphia, D.C., Boston, etc., can take the Amtrak train to the Moynihan Trail Hall at Penn Station.

The bus is another great way to travel into Manhattan. Click here to see the bus schedule for the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Times Square.

Take the ferry for a more scenic mode of transportation in NYC, especially on a beautiful day! From Weehawken, New Jersey (Port Imperial), you can sail with the NY Waterway into Midtown/West 39^th Street or Downtown/Pier 11 Wall Street.

Not only is there a ferry terminal in Weehawken, but you can also sail the NY Waterway from Edgewater, Hoboken, Jersey City and Battery Park in Downtown Manhattan.

The NYC Ferry is a more affordable ferry option that travels from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. There is also a Staten Island Ferry, which is free for all riders.

Where to Stay in Manhattan: Best Hotels in the West Village

Even though New York has incredible eateries throughout its five boroughs and all around Manhattan, most of the restaurants on my NYC foodie bucket list are located in the West Village.

Below are my recommendations on where to stay in Manhattan’s most charming neighborhood:

Luxury Accommodation: RH Guesthouse

Boutique Accommodation: Walker Hotel

Mid-Budget Accommodation: Chelsea Pines Inn

Budget Accommodation: The Jane Hotel

In addition to the hotel options in the West Village, there are plenty of wonderful rental properties.

Best NYC Foodie Bucket List: My Favorite Restaurants in Manhattan

Overall, there are many great things to eat in NYC! It’s no secret that one of the top activities to enjoy in the Big Apple is visiting all the best restaurants. From pizza to dim sum, you won’t be disappointed by my personal recommendations in this blog post.

One of the best foodie experiences in NYC is participating in a food tour. It’s one of the top things to do in Manhattan if you’re a food lover and it allows you and your friends to get a taste of NYC’s most amazing restaurants, especially in Greenwich Village!

The below restaurants are what to add to your NYC foodie bucket list:

Boqueria Restaurant:

(Midtown/Theater District, Upper East Side, Flatiron & SoHo)

My personal favorite restaurant in New York City is Boqueria Restaurant. It’s a Barcelona-inspired tapas bar and restaurant with four locations in Manhattan. So far, I’ve been to the Midtown location a few times, along with the Upper East Side and SoHo restaurants.

The Midtown location is situated in the Theater District, making it the perfect place to enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner before or after a Broadway show.

In addition to New York City, Boqueria has restaurants in Washington D.C., Chicago, Nashville, Boston and West Hartford.  

You must get the paella while dining at this contemporary and vibrant Spanish restaurant! It’s cooked to perfection and what I love most about it is that it’s crispy, similar to what you’d get in the Catalonia region of Spain.

I usually enjoy sharing the paella and also getting a few tapas on the side like croquettes, pan con tomate, pimientos and patatas bravas. The sangria at Boqueria is also incredible!

Osteria 57:

(Greenwich Village)

Osteria 57 is one of the best spots in NYC for incredible Italian food. It is a romantic restaurant specializing in seafood and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant has three cozy rooms, two bars and an outdoor seating area.

Overall, Osteria 57 offers dinner or brunch. I recommend ordering one of the pasta seafood dishes; you won’t be disappointed! When I visited, I had one of the specials: tagliatelle, lobster and truffle. It was phenomenal! The desserts were astonishing too.

This lovely Italian restaurant is in the heart of Greenwich Village and is perfect for a date night, brunch with the girls or a family outing. I came here for Mother’s Day in 2022 and my entire family was impressed!

Nom Wah Tea Parlor:

(Chinatown, Nolita & Chelsea)

Nom Wah Tea Parlor is among the best restaurants to add to your NYC foodie bucket list. I’ve been to the original Chinatown location and it’s one of my ultimate favorite spots in Manhattan!

This renowned dim sum parlor dates back to 1920, making it NYC’s first dim sum restaurant! At first, Nom Wah was a bakery in a notorious area called the “Bloody Angle.” This nickname came from the warring gangs who frequented the street.

In addition to the original location on Doyers Street, Nom Wah also opened locations at Pier 57, along the Hudson River in Chelsea, as well as Nolita. There is also a Nom Wah restaurant in Philadelphia.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor has an extensive dim sum menu. Some of my favorites are the soup dumplings! You can also enjoy delicious noodle dishes, premium Chinese teas, steamed buns and beer.

This incredible restaurant also sells frozen dumplings nationwide!

Sogno Toscano Market & Wine Bar:

(West Village & Chelsea)

A New York City bucket list restaurant you must add to your itinerary is Sogno Toscano Market & Wine Bar in the West Village. There is another location called Sogno Toscano Café & Wine Bar in Chelsea, but the West Village spot will transport you to a charming wine bar in Italy.

(In addition to the West Village and Chelsea restaurants in NYC, Sogno Toscano also has a location in Santa Monica, California.)

Meaning “Tuscan Dream,” Sogno Toscano Market & Wine Bar was started by best friends Pietro Brembilla and Brian Persico, who grew up in a small town called Bolgheri in Tuscany. Not only is there a market to shop for Italian specialties like pasta, fresh sauces, taralli and pasta bowls, but Sogno Toscano is also an espresso bar, wine bar and pizza/panini café.

On a beautiful warm day in New York City, sit outside and enjoy the lovely ambiance of the West Village or dine in the cozy indoor space that represents an idyllic Italian café. I love visiting this spot; it’s perfect for a morning with the girls, a romantic afternoon or even a solo date.

One of the most iconic items at Sogno Toscano is the iced latte served in a wine glass.

Overall, this lovely spot is perfect for breakfast or lunch! At Sogno Toscano, you can savor omelets, salads, paninis, pizza and lasagna. Don’t forget to enjoy the wine offered at this quaint café.

Taverna Kyclades:

(East Village)

If you love Greek food, one of the best places to visit in the Big Apple is Taverna Kyclades in the East Village. In fact, this is one of my top 10 places to eat in New York!

The original location is in Astoria and there is also a Bayside Queens restaurant, but when you’re in Manhattan, you must visit the East Village venue.

Visiting Taverna Kyclades will transport you straight to the Greek Islands! The interior looks like you’re sitting in a traditional Greek taverna in a quintessential place like Paros. There is also an outdoor seating area!

Overall, Taverna Kyclades has to be added to your NYC foodie bucket list because it is one of the leading Greek restaurants in Manhattan! This incredible eatery is famous for its fresh seafood and wine list. When I visited the East Village restaurant, I truly enjoyed the octopus and stuffed shrimp with crab meat.

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa:

(Midtown West, Midtown East, Flatiron & SoHo)

New Yorkers’ favorite omakase restaurant is SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa. With multiple locations in Manhattan and Williamsburg, as well as in Los Angeles and Orange County, California, SUGARFISH is a posh Japanese restaurant that offers an incredible selection of sushi.

SUGARFISH is perfect for a date night or even a solo outing! I went to the Midtown East location by myself and sat at the bar. It was perfect for an omakase tasting.

What’s fantastic about dining at SUGARFISH in Manhattan is that they have an old-school value with traditional-based sushi. In fact, Chef Nozawa of SUGARFISH has over 50 years of experience and training with the best chefs in Japan. You won’t find California rolls or spicy tuna rolls at SUGARFISH; instead, you’ll get the best fish and every sushi roll you consume will melt in your mouth.

If you’re a sake lover, you’ll be in heaven with SUGARFISH’s hot and cold selections.

Caffé Reggio:

(Greenwich Village)

My personal favorite spot to have breakfast in New York City is Caffé Reggio in Greenwich Village. This lovely Italian café will transport you to NYC in the 1920s and it’s famous for being the first spot in the United States to serve cappuccino.

Situated in the heart of charming Greenwich Village, Caffé Reggio is on a historic cobblestone street steps from Washington Square Park. Domenico Parisi opened it in 1927 and the café still uses the original espresso machine made in 1902.

Caffé Reggio has incredible artwork, some dating back to the Italian Renaissance. You can see a dramatic piece by Caravaggio and admire an antique bench that once belonged to the Medici family.

In addition to cappuccino, you can appreciate heartwarming espresso, macchiatos, lattes, mochas and flavored coffees. You can also get typical morning alcoholic beverages like mimosas, Bloody Marys, bellinis, espresso martinis and more.

For breakfast, order avocado and egg toast, waffles/pancakes and French toast, to name a few. If you come to Caffé Reggio for lunch or dinner, savor delicious soups, salads, paninis and pasta dishes.

Grand Banks:

(Tribeca)

A great NYC bucket experience for the typical foodie is spending a beautiful warm afternoon at Grand Banks. It’s on a historic fishing boat on the Hudson River in Lower Manhattan.

Grand Banks was inspired by the floating oyster barges of New York City from the late 18^th to early 19^th centuries. You can savor the most fresh and delicious seafood in Manhattan at this incredible and scenic spot! I love getting sustainably harvested oysters with a tasty lobster roll and rosé on a beautiful summer day.

Overall, Grand Banks is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends and it is one of the ideal mother-daughter activities in NYC.

In addition to relishing the most refreshing seafood and wine, you can listen to live music, watch one of the best sunsets over the Hudson and make endless memories.

Tacombi:

(Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Herald Square/Empire State Building, Flatiron, West Village, East Village, Nolita & Financial District)

One of my favorite things to do with friends is to enjoy tacos, margaritas and fun vibes at one of the Tacombi locations in New York City. I’ve been to the Upper East Side and Nolita locations and love how each venue has open-air seating. It’s an authentic Mexican taqueria that will transport you straight to Mexico.

I love the tacos at Tacombi, but the tostadas, chips and guacamole, Mexican sodas and beer, as well as quesadillas, are also outstanding! It’s a thriving spot to add to your NYC foodie bucket list.

Along with the locations in Manhattan, you can also enjoy Tacombi in Williamsburg and Fort Greene in Brooklyn; Long Island City and Forest Hills in Queens; Westport, Connecticut; Wynwood, the Design District and Brickell in Miami; Arlington, Virginia; Westbury, New York; Bethesda, Maryland; Fulton Market and Wicker Park in Chicago and Jersey City, New Jersey.

Sake Bar Decibel:

(East Village)

Even though it’s more of a drink spot, Sake Bar Decibel is one of the city’s most epic places to go out at night. It’s perfect for all occasions, from a date night to a fun evening with friends.

Sake Bar Decibel is an underground sake bar offering various sake options and delicious Japanese snacks. It’s considered a dive bar, but it has fantastic vibes!

What I love about Sake Bar Decibel is that it will transport you to Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. It’s filled with lanterns and Japanese folklore art!

Even though it’s a small space, you will indeed have a great time at Sake Bar Decibel.

BUA Thai Ramen & Robata Grill:

(Upper East Side)

If you’re like me and love Thai food, then you must visit BUA Thai Ramen & Robata Grill. What I also adore about this spot is that it’s very “Instagrammable”!

It’s in a brick-lined space with weathered woods and a stylish bar, perfect for date night and drinks after work. The restaurant is also decorated with cherry blossoms and stringed lights!

Overall, BUA Thai Ramen & Robata Grill offers the freshest ingredients, making each dish high-quality. Not only can you appreciate great food at this trendy location, but there are also fantastic craft cocktails! (I love the pineapple margarita.)

Some of the best things to savor at this notable Thai restaurant are the crispy duck bun, the wok noodles, the Chiang Mai curry ramen and the taro-crusted crème brûlée.

Bryant Park Grill:

(Midtown/Bryant Park)

Whether relaxing in the park on a beautiful summer day or exploring the Winter Village during Christmas in New York City, Bryant Park Grill is always a great option for delicious American dishes.

This beautiful restaurant is perfect for a special occasion, business lunch and romantic celebration. It’s a stunning space with a sophisticated dining room overlooking the park. (Bryant Park Grill is also behind the jaw-dropping New York Public Library.)

At Bryant Park Grill, you can enjoy delicious fish, steak and vegan meals. In addition to the dining room, there is also a café and rooftop. Not only is Bryant Park Grill the perfect NYC restaurant to visit for lunch or dinner but there is also an incredible brunch menu to enjoy.

Dante:

(West Village & Greenwich Village)

An incredible West Village cocktail bar to add to your NYC Foodie bucket list is Dante. There are two locations and at both, you can enjoy astonishing craft cocktails and delicious Italian small bites. It’s the perfect spot in Manhattan to grab an aperitivo you’d typically get in Italy!

I’ve been to the Dante West Village location, which has a more sophisticated vibe and specializes in martinis and craft cocktails. The restaurant and bar on MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village boasts a more vintage café feel and is recognized for its negronis.

In addition to cocktails, you can also savor delicious Italian fare at Dante. There are delightful pasta dishes, veal, steaks and seafood for dinner. If you plan to have brunch at Dante, you can appreciate incredible frittatas, breakfast flatbreads, fluffy pancakes and more.

Sevilla:

(West Village)

Another incredible Spanish restaurant in New York City with amazing food is Sevilla in the West Village. It opened in 1936 by Luis Fernandez and Alfonso Uchupi. Before Sevilla’s opening, it was an Irish tavern famous for its burgers and beers.

What’s cool about Sevilla is that it’s the oldest Spaniard restaurant in NYC and still features the original bar and wood-cut ceilings from when the location was an Irish tavern.

This lovely restaurant is perfect for special occasions and offers incredible paellas, cocktails, tapas and desserts. I love the seafood paella!

Capizzi:

(Hells Kitchen)

Capizzi is a true hidden gem for delicious pizza in the center of Midtown. In fact, it’s located behind the Port Authority Bus Terminal!

Not only do I love the delicious Neapolitan pizzas and wine served at this Italian restaurant, but I also enjoy feeling like I’m returning to my grandmother’s house when I was younger since this place is so homey.

At Capizzi, you can savor incredible wood-fired pizzas, homemade desserts like cannoli and delicious salads! My favorite is the prosciutto and arugula pizza.

Levain Bakery:

(Upper West Side, Harlem, Midtown, Flatiron & NoHo)

A New York City classic cookie spot is Levain Bakery. With multiple locations in Manhattan; Williamsburg in Brooklyn; Astoria in Queens; the Hamptons; Georgetown in D.C.; Bethesda, Maryland; Back Bay and the Seaport in Boston; West Loop and River North in Chicago; Larchmont Village in Los Angeles, and Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, Levain has the best cookies in the world!

I recommend adding Levain Bakery to your NYC foodie bucket list, especially if it’s your first visit to the Big Apple! Each cookie is fresh out of the oven, soft and delicious. You can also purchase a cookie box and nationwide shipping is available.

My favorite is the chocolate chip walnut cookie! If you get this, you won’t be disappointed. The classic chocolate chip cookie is also out of this world for those who aren’t a fan of nuts or are allergic.

Deux Amis:

(Midtown East)

Even though there are numerous French restaurants in Manhattan, one of my favorite NYC bucket list restaurants is Deux Amis. It offers classic French dishes with intimate seating and is located near the United Nations.

At Deux Amis, you can savor everything from escargot to couscous dishes and fresh fish to beef bourguignon. There’s also an extensive French wine list and you and your party can enjoy a prix fixe lunch and brunch.

The Butcher’s Daughter:

(West Village & Nolita)

A must-visit vegetarian restaurant to add to your NYC foodie bucket list is The Butcher’s Daughter. With two locations in Manhattan, one in Williamsburg in Brooklyn and two in Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Venice, The Butcher’s Daughter is considered the “vegetable slaughterhouse” with a plant-forward menu and juice bar.

I love visiting The Butcher’s Daughter for breakfast! The menu changes daily and the café will transport you to your own secret garden. At this healthy eatery, the founder, Heather Tierney, and her team aim to boost wellness by improving lifestyle.

At The Butcher’s Daughter, you can enjoy brunch classics like avocado toast, açai bowls, breakfast cocktails and more. For lunch and dinner, you can order incredible vegetable plates, green coconut curry, pad Thai, stone oven pizzas and more.

Mercado Little Spain:

(Midtown/Hudson Yards)

One of the best food markets in New York to add to your NYC foodie bucket list is Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards. You can savor great food and drinks from all corners of Spain at this excellent spot!

Overall, you and your loved ones won’t be disappointed when you visit this hot spot! From paella to tapas and desserts to sangria, everything is out of this world.

While you’re at Mercado Little Spain, you must have breakfast at the Spanish Diner, located in an open-air space under the High Line; Leña, which is a steakhouse; Mar, which offers incredible seafood and La Barra, which has delicious tapas.

During my first time at Mercado Little Spain, I enjoyed walking around the bars and kiosks and grabbing pan con tomate, churros con chocolate and a tortilla de patatas. At these stands, you can also purchase helado, paella to-go, cured meats and cheeses and café con leche, to name a few.

Ferrara Bakery:

(Little Italy)

In the early 1900s, almost two million Italians emigrated to the United States and wound up in New York City. Because of that, New York has a plethora of incredible pizzerias, Italian restaurants and pastry shops.

One of my favorite places to have dessert in Manhattan is Ferrara Bakery in Little Italy. This classic Italian pastry shop dates back to 1892 and has over 200 Italian specialties. It’s best known for its cannoli, sfogliatella and espresso. My favorite is the chocolate-covered cannoli!

Tavern on the Green:

(Upper West Side/Central Park)

Tavern on the Green is one of the most famous restaurants in New York City. Located in Central Park, this elegant Manhattan restaurant has served U.S. presidents, royalty, Hollywood stars and renowned artists from around the world.

Overall, Tavern on the Green has been around since 1934 and is perfect for a special occasion. What I love most is that the dining spaces offer countless views overlooking the park.

This iconic restaurant offers a hearty and rustic menu featuring seasonal ingredients. It’s the best place to go for dinner or brunch!

Monkey Bar:

(Midtown East)

A timeless cocktail bar and restaurant to add to your NYC foodie bucket list is Monkey Bar in Midtown East. Established in 1936, Monkey Bar is famous for its martinis.

Whether you’re visiting for dinner, brunch or just drinks, Monkey Bar will transport you back to 1930s NYC. This cocktail bar is iconic because many shows and movies were filmed here, including Oprah, Mad Men and Sex and the City.

While at Monkey Bar, you must sip a martini or Old Fashioned. Regarding food, the pasta is incredible, along with the prime steaks and burgers.

Cucina Alba:

(Chelsea)

I recently discovered an Italian restaurant in early 2024: Cucina Alba! It’s a lively space that will transport you to an Italian holiday.

Head Chef Adam Leonti is known for putting a creative spin on modern Italian cuisine. One of his signature plates is the baked focaccia served with whipped ricotta. Some of my favorite dishes are the lobster spaghetti and the agnolotti with truffle donuta.

In addition to the delicious food, Cucina Alba also has a great wine list and specialty cocktails.

Westville:

(Upper West Side, Hells Kitchen, Chelsea, East Village, Financial District & SoHo)

If you love American food and are wondering where to eat in NYC, visit one of the Westville locations. With restaurants throughout Manhattan as well as Williamsburg and Dumbo in Brooklyn, you cannot go wrong with choosing Westville to savor a good meal.

While working in PR, I used to go to Westville on Hudson Street in SoHo. It’s the ideal spot for a team lunch! You can also enjoy dinner, brunch, drinks and dessert here.

What’s excellent about Westville is its healthy, seasonal menu of delicious chicken, salmon and vegetarian plates. You can also savor tasty burgers here!

Via Carota:

(West Village)

Another Italian restaurant to add to your NYC foodie bucket list is Via Carota. It’s famous for being a restaurant where celebrities like Taylor Swift, Andy Cohen and Jennifer Lawrence frequent when they are in town.

Please note that Via Carota does not take reservations and always has a long line for dinner. If you want to be one of the first diners to enter the restaurant when it opens at 5 pm, consider being outside the main door by 4 pm at the latest, especially on a weekend.

This renowned Tuscan restaurant offers delicious seasonal dishes by Chefs Rita Sodi and Jody Williams. Via Carota earned these incredible chefs a James Beard Award for being the best culinarians in New York City in 2019. Sodi and Williams also run I Sodi, Buvette, Bar Pisellino and The Commerce Inn.

Via Carota is famous for its Northern Italian dishes, but my favorite part about dining here is the vegetable plates. I recommend getting the broccoletti, grilled artichokes, grilled mushrooms and escarole. The cacio e pepe and wild boar ragu are two of the most popular pasta dishes to savor at this eatery.

Malibu Farm:

(South Street Seaport)

Malibu Farm is one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in New York City that will transport you to Southern California. The original location for this restaurant is in Malibu, but you can also visit the Newport Beach, San Diego and Tiburon, CA locations. Malibu Farm restaurants are also on the Hawaiian island of Lanai and in Japan.

Located on Pier 17 at the Seaport, Chef Helene Henderson creates incredible, healthy meals that represent what you’d enjoy in SoCal. It’s the best place to visit during a NYC summer trip.

Situated near the Brooklyn Bridge, you must savor the signature pink shrimp tacos, the salmon and one of the flatbreads. You can also enjoy house-pressed juices and a variety of wines and mocktails at Malibu Farm.

Il Brigante:

(South Street Seaport)

One of the coziest restaurants in lower Manhattan is Il Brigante. It’s a Southern Italian restaurant specializing in Calabrian dishes. The restaurant boasts exposed brick walls and a stone oven.

I first visited this lovely Italian spot during the holiday season, which was perfect on a cold winter’s day. (It was also decorated festively!)

At Il Brigante, you can have delicious seafood pasta, pizza and incredible wines. It’s the ideal spot for a date night, family get-together and many other special occasions.

Sveta:

(West Village)

Sveta in the West Village is a beautiful brunch spot for a girls’ get-together. It’s a modern Eastern European restaurant in the perfect “Instagrammable” location.

Not only can you enjoy bottomless brunches with different-flavored cotton candy mimosas, but you can also appreciate delicious Russian and Ukrainian dishes, from borscht to vareniki, along with traditional brunch items like chicken and waffles, lobster eggs benedict and French toast.

There are numerous photo opportunities at Sveta and outdoor seating to enjoy on a lovely spring or summer day.

Tompkins Square Bagels:

(East Village, Union Square & Alphabet City)

A trip to New York City is incomplete without getting a bagel. Thompkins Square Bagels is one of the best bagel shops in NYC and must be added to your foodie bucket list.

What makes a New York-styled bagel different from any other bagel in the world is the water it’s boiled in. In NYC, bagels are made with barley malt, creating their signature texture.

At Thompkins Square Bagels, you can enjoy breakfast bagels with ham, egg and cheese, smoked fish sandwiches and different cream cheese flavors. This iconic bagel shop also has great coffee!

Oak Tuscan Truffle Lounge:

(SoHo)

If you love truffles, add Oak Tuscan Truffle Lounge in SoHo to your NYC foodie bucket list! Chef Rudy Accornero and partner Svetlana met in Rome, combined their passion for truffles and opened their dream restaurant in New York. Chef Luis Santos also uses his culinary talents to craft incredible truffle dishes.

At Oak Tuscan Truffle Lounge, you can savor delicious truffle pasta dishes, meats, burgers and salads. This romantic Italian restaurant also has a wonderful wine menu.

More Incredible Restaurants to Add to Your NYC Foodie Bucket List:

In addition to the top 30 restaurants to add to your NYC foodie bucket list, here are other great eateries to visit during a New York vacation:

Eataly: (Flatiron, SoHo & Financial District) Eataly is an Italian marketplace comprising restaurants, pizzerias, bakeries, bars, retail stores, markets and a cooking school. The Flatiron location has a seasonal rooftop called SERRA by Birreria, which makes for a great social spot.

Da Claudio Ristorante: (Financial District) This white-tiled restaurant is known for its fine Italian imports and wine.

Hillstone: (Flatiron) This restaurant is an upscale chain steakhouse based in a stylish setting. It is a great spot for singles to mix and mingle! Additionally, the vegetarian appetizers and craft cocktails are two must-haves.

Bar Pitti: (West Village) Bar Pitti is a classic Italian restaurant that has been famous on social media for several years. It is known for its delicious pasta and wines.

The Dutch: (SoHo) This trendy American restaurant is known for its oysters, steaks, seafood and cocktails.

Joe’s Pizza: (Multiple Manhattan Locations) One of the most popular New York pizzerias is Joe’s Pizza. It’s where you can get an authentic New York slice! The original location is in Greenwich Village and it was established in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, who was from Naples, Italy.

Becco: (Hells Kitchen) Becco is a Midtown Italian restaurant famous for its unlimited three-daily pasta preparations. It’s a popular place to enjoy a delicious meal before seeing a Broadway show.

Route 66 Smokehouse: (Financial District) Located on historic Stone Street, Route 66 Smokehouse is a fun American BBQ joint with a year-round beer garden, game room and 20 craft beers.

Ketchy Shuby: (SoHo) This eclectic restaurant and lounge was established by Jaimie Mulholland, who previously owned the famous Surf Lodge in Montauk. It’s a colorful beachy restaurant with a diverse menu and incredible cocktails.

The Smith: (Upper West Side, Midtown East, Flatiron & East Village) This casual and classic American brasserie is a New York favorite. You can savor everything from pasta to steak and oysters to sumptuous desserts.

Momofuku Noodle Bar: (East Village & Upper West Side/Columbus Circle) One of the most notable Asian-fusion restaurants to add to your NYC foodie bucket list is Momofuku Noodle Bar. Chef David Chang is famous for his roster of different noodle dishes, steamed breads, soft-serve ice cream and more.

Dominique Ansel: (SoHo & Flatiron) This popular NYC bakery is famous for its Cronut (croissant donut), Cookie Shot, Blossoming Hot Chocolate and Frozen S’mores. It’s one of the best places for dessert in Manhattan.

Loreley Beer Garden: (Bowery) Modeled after a Brauhaus in Cologne, Germany, Loreley Beer Garden is an “Instagrammable” German restaurant with elevated bar food and great beer. The venue is always decorated according to the season.

Artichoke Basille’s Pizza: (Multiple Manhattan Locations) Another famous NYC pizzeria is Artichoke Pizza. Its original location is in the East Village and each pizzeria offers many different options, from the artichoke slice to the Margherita and the Staten Island to the Sicilian pizza.

Famous New York Food and Restaurants to Try:

Here are more favorite eats and restaurants from local New Yorkers that I have yet to visit but are on my bucket list!

Xi’an Famous Foods: (Multiple Manhattan Locations) This father-son Chinese noodle shop was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite places to eat in New York. The original location is in Flushing Queens and in addition to noodles, you can also savor delicious dumplings and burgers at Xi’an locations.

Katz’s Delicatessen: (Lower East Side) Established in 1888, Katz’s is NYC’s oldest deli. It’s famous for its top-tier sandwiches, such as the pastrami, corned beef and Reuben.

The Halal Guys: (Multiple Manhattan Locations) Founded by three Egyptian-Americans in 1990, The Halal Guys started as a hot dog cart in NYC. Then, they pivoted to selling halal food to Muslim taxi drivers. When you visit The Halal Guys, you must get their famous chicken and gyro platters, along with the falafel sandwiches.

Big Gay Ice Cream: (Upper West Side, South Street Seaport & Midtown/Madison Square Garden) What started as a seasonal food truck is now named the best ice cream parlor in NYC. Founders Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff mix high-quality ingredients with guilty pleasures through their sweet treats.

Prince Street Pizza: (Nolita) This iconic NYC pizza shop is famous for its square pies, especially its pepperoni slice.

Los Tacos: (Multiple Manhattan Locations) Recognized as the best taco spot in NYC, three close friends from Mexico created Los Tacos. It’s the best place to grab made-to-order tacos from carne asada to chicken!

Rao’s: (Harlem) This famed haunt for Italian American dining is one of the hardest restaurants to reserve in NYC. If you are lucky enough to dine at this 1896 restaurant, you will not be disappointed. Rao’s is famous for its tomato sauce.

Carbone: (Greenwich Village) Carbone is an A-list Italian restaurant with locations all over the world that you must add to your NYC foodie bucket list. It’s famous for its spicy rigatoni and celebrity spottings, from Justin and Hailey Bieber to Rihanna.

Raoul’s: (SoHo) Known as one of the best French restaurants in the city, Raoul’s is the perfect place to enjoy a lovely dinner. Two brothers started it from Alsace, France and it offers incredible Alsatian cooking that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

The Waverly Inn: (West Village) This upscale American comfort food restaurant offers intimate seating and is famous for its celebrity sightings, including Taylor Swift, Adele and Liam Hemsworth.

Beauty & Essex: (Lower East Side) Owned by Tao Group, Beauty and Essex is similar to a speakeasy. You’ll first walk through a pawn shop before entering a restaurant where you can enjoy a great brunch.

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I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best restaurants to add to your NYC foodie bucket list. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

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Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NY State Capital: Albany, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

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