Compared to European countries like France or Italy, the USA is not famous for its cuisine; however, New York is arguably an exception when it comes to dining out. The city is packed with foodies who are continually looking for newly opened restaurants or the latest trend in street food or baked goods. Here's everything you need to know about New York's food specialties and the must-go-to restaurants for a mouthwatering cultural experience.
Food is a multicultural experience in New York
The dining scene in New York City offers expats a culinary journey through a mosaic of cultures. From street food vendors dishing out global flavors to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city caters to every palate. Ethnic enclaves like Chinatown, Little Italy, and Koreatown serve up authentic dishes, while upscale eateries along Restaurant Row showcase world-class gastronomy. Food trucks add a vibrant touch, offering everything from gourmet burgers to artisanal tacos. Expats can savor diverse cuisines, including Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American, and beyond, in an environment where culinary innovation and tradition are both valued. New York is a gourmand's paradise!
Dining out in New York
New York's dining scene offers something for everyone. You can experience Michelin-starred fine dining to casual neighborhood eateries and late-night pizza counters selling pizza by the slice. Reservations are recommended at popular restaurants, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn, while many smaller spots welcome walk-ins or operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Quality ingredients, sustainability, and plant-based innovation are now central to New York dining. Many chefs highlight local produce, and there is a current trend for wellness-focused “functional” dishes intended to promote gut health or lower stress. Though drinking alcohol with a meal is common, low- and non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha, botanical sodas, and craft teas are appearing on menus across the city.
Street food in New York
If there's one thing you definitely can't miss in New York, it's the huge number of food carts! They are everywhere but are most noticeable in the borough of Midtown, where lots of people work. During lunchtime, these carts provide easy and quick food options for those hurrying back to the office. Food carts range from predictable options like hot dogs, gyros, and burgers to more international and inventive options like jerk chicken and oxtail, arepas and empanadas, Korean barbecue skewers, and even artisanal desserts. If you have difficulty figuring out what food truck to pick, have a look at which cart has the longest queue. Often, the longer the queue, the more mouthwatering the flavors.
Bagels in New York
For expats in New York, delving into the city's culinary delights isn't complete without experiencing its famous bagels. These circular, doughy treats are an integral part of the local food culture and were first introduced to the city by Jewish immigrants. New York-style bagels are known for their distinct characteristics. They're typically denser and chewier than their counterparts elsewhere.
Bagels come in many flavors, ranging from the classic plain and everything bagels (topped with a mix of seeds and spices) to variations like sesame and poppy seed and even more experimental options like blueberry or chocolate chip. They're often served with various spreads, or “schmears,” as Americans call them, such as cream cheese, butter, or lox (smoked salmon), and can be combined with various fillings to create delicious sandwiches.
New York is dotted with bagel shops and bakeries, both famous chains and local gems, where you can experience the authentic delight of these iconic treats. Whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast or indulging in a hearty lunch, a New York bagel is a must-try experience that captures the city's essence in a single bite.
Popular options include PopUp Bagels, Russ & Daughters, Ess-a-Bagel, Black Seed Bagels, Absolute Bagels, and H&H Bagels.
Pizza in New York
Pizza in New York City is practically legendary and holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of locals and expats alike. The city's pizza culture is an experience like no other.
New York-style pizza is characterized by its large, thin, foldable slices. The crust is typically hand-tossed and has a wonderful balance between chewiness and crispiness. It's often covered with a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce and generous amounts of gooey mozzarella cheese.
The slices are usually big enough that you'll need to fold them in half to eat them the New York way, and grabbing a slice to go is a quintessential city experience.
There's an ongoing debate about the best pizzerias in the city, with famous names like Lombardi's, Di Fara, Joe's Pizza, and Artichoke Basille's Pizza frequently popping up.
Pastrami sandwiches in New York
Along with the bagel, the pastrami sandwich has its roots in Jewish culinary traditions. It consists of marinated beef served with bread as a hot sandwich. To get a taste of the best pastrami sandwiches, head to the Jewish delis of New York, where you will most likely taste the best. Katz's Deli has gained fame for its tantalizing pastrami sandwich and for being the setting of one of the most classic scenes from “When Harry Met Sally.” Another option would be the 2nd Avenue Deli, which also offers great pastrami sandwiches. Newcomers like Agis Counter in Crown Heights add a Hungarian-Jewish brunch twist to this New York classic.
Cheesecake in New York
The New York cheesecake is an integral part of the city's gastronomy. Prepared with cream cheese (a sort of fresh cheese invented on a farm in the state of New York), the New York cheesecake is creamier and richer than other takes on this classic cake. Cheesecake is served everywhere in New York as a dessert in restaurants, cafes, or specialty shops. If you only had to taste one, we would recommend Eileen's Special Cheesecake, a brand that has been around for almost 40 years.
Useful links:
The Infatuation - Interactive guide of New York's best restaurants
Time Out New York – Food & Drink
Michelin Guide – New York City Restaurants
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
