What Are The Must-Have Foods To Eat In NYC?

Discover the must-have foods to eat in NYC with FOODS.EDU.VN! From iconic pizzas to mouthwatering desserts, we’ve curated a list of culinary experiences you can’t miss. Craving more gastronomic adventures and insider tips? Explore FOODS.EDU.VN for detailed recipes, chef interviews, and the latest food trends.

1. Pizza: A Slice of New York Heaven

Are you ready to experience pizza like never before? Forget the chain restaurants; New York City boasts some of the best pizza in the country. According to Eater NY, the city is filled with iconic pizzerias that every visitor should try.

Motorino Pizza: Located in the East Village, this spot is known for its artisanal, Neapolitan-style pizzas with a perfectly charred crust. Try the Margherita or Brussels Sprout pies. The Prosciutto de Parma is also a standout. They have locations in Williamsburg and the Upper West Side too.
Roberta’s Pizza: This popular Brooklyn pizzeria offers serious wood-fired pizzas in a cool atmosphere. Don’t miss the Bee Sting Pizza, a soppressata pie drizzled with honey. You can also find a location at Urbanspace Vanderbilt.
John’s Pizza: Visit the iconic Bleeker Street location for their signature brick-oven pies.
Lucali: While a bit pricey at $24 per pie, this Brooklyn pizzeria has a huge following for its thin-crust pizza.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza: With multiple locations, grab a slice of their hearty artichoke pizza, loaded with artichoke hearts, spinach, cream sauce, mozzarella, and pecorino romano cheese.

For a comprehensive list, check out Eater NY’s guide to the best iconic pizza in NYC.

2. Bagels: The Quintessential NYC Breakfast

What makes New York bagels so amazing? Many say it’s the water. Whatever the reason, NYC bagels are a must-try.

Russ & Daughters: While the bagels are good, you’re here for the legendary lox sandwiches with scallion cream cheese. Expect a line at this Lower East Side institution, which has been in business for over 100 years.
Absolute Bagels, Murray’s Bagels, Hudson Bagels, and Ess-A-Bagel: These are all great choices for classic NYC bagels. Look for a firm, crunchy crust and a dense, chewy interior.

3. Burgers and Sandwiches: A Meaty Delight

Craving a juicy burger or a flavorful sandwich? NYC has you covered.

Minetta Tavern: Order the Black Label Burger, a blend of brisket, short rib, skirt steak, and dry-aged ribeye. Reservations are recommended.
Umami Burger: With two Manhattan locations, try the Truffle Burger at this popular California chain.
Shake Shack: A NYC icon, get the Shack Stack, a burger topped with a cheese-stuffed fried mushroom. Don’t leave without trying a Concrete, made with their super thick, creamy custard.
Burger Joint: With two locations and a cult following, these no-frills burgers are sure to satisfy.
Bareburger: Feeling adventurous? Try an organic elk, bison, or even ostrich burger. The chocolate peanut butter shake is a must.
Numpang: These sandwiches are life-changing. The mini-baguette, pickled carrots, fresh cucumber, and spicy mayo make for perfect toppings. Try the Duroc Pulled Pork.
Taim: Home to the best falafel in NYC, Taim’s falafel sandwich is a must-try.
Katz’s Delicatessen: An iconic NYC establishment, Katz’s Deli serves up monstrous pastrami sandwiches.
Momofuku Ssam Bar: Try the Steamed Pork Buns, stuffed with moist pork belly, quick pickled cucumbers, and house-made hoisin sauce. Visit Momofuku Milk Bar for whimsical sweet treats like Crack Pie or Cereal Milk Ice Cream.
FUKU: Momofuku’s version of a fried chicken sandwich joint, now located at Hudson Yards.

4. Ramen: A Noodle Sensation

Are you ready to dive into a bowl of authentic ramen? Real ramen is taking New Yorkers by storm, with new shops popping up all over the city.

Ivan Ramen: A Jew from Long Island became one of the world’s leading experts on ramen. Try the Triple Pork Triple Garlic Mazemen, one of the best dishes ever. The pork meatball appetizer is also excellent.
Ippudo Ramen: Offering a classic, traditional approach to ramen, Ippudo serves up perfect bowls every time. Try the spicy one. Locations in the East Village and Times Square.
Kuro-Obi by Ippudo @ Urbanspace Vanderbilt: A fantastic little ramen joint within Urbanspace Vanderbilt.
Chuko Ramen: Created by two of Morimoto’s chefs in Brooklyn, this ramen spot is a must-try.
Yuji Ramen: Another Brooklyn ramen spot, Yuji Ramen offers a phenomenal bacon and egg ramen.
Momofuku Noodle Bar: A great option in the East Village, also offering pork buns.
Ramen Lab: Houses a rotating list of chefs that use the space as a ramen pop-up.
Mu Ramen: Recently had a great bowl at Mu Ramen.

5. Food Trucks: Gourmet on Wheels

Do you love the convenience and variety of food trucks? NYC is home to some truly great ones.

Wafels + Dinges: For real deal Belgian liege wafels, topped with speculoos. They have a store front in the East Village and carts around Central Park.
Kimchi Taco: Blending Korean and Mexican flavors, the Kimchi Nachos are a must-try. They also have a storefront in Brooklyn.
Coolhaus: Custom ice cream sandwiches made to order. Try the potato chip cookies stuffed with brown butter candied bacon ice cream.
The Halal Guys: The original carts in Midtown have been around for over 30 years, serving halal chicken and lamb over rice platters with lots of white sauce. Be careful with the hot sauce!

6. Tacos: A Taste of Mexico in NYC

Have you heard that NYC tacos are now rivaling those in California? The city offers some legit taco options.

Los Tacos No. 1: Located in Chelsea Market, try “the especial,” a fried quesadilla stuffed with goodness. Add meat, especially the carne asada. For fish tacos, head next door to Los Mariscos.
Otto’s Tacos: The East Village taqueria serves up delicious mini tacos with plump, freshly made corn tortillas.
Dos Toros: With multiple locations, try their carne asada tacos topped with guacamole and their spiciest hot sauce.
Empellon Taqueria: A great spot to sit down and enjoy upscale tacos with lots of different salsas.

7. Barbecue: Smoked to Perfection

Can you believe NYC offers incredible barbecue? Prepare to be amazed.

Hometown Bar-B-Que: The best BBQ in NY, with ridiculous beef rib and brisket. The Vietnamese Chicken Wings are also mind-blowing. Expect a long wait at their Red Hook location.
Mighty Quinn’s: With locations all over the city, this joint knows brisket. It’s super moist, juicy, and tender, and comes with your choice of pickled vegetables.
Blue Smoke: A standard in the NYC bbq world, this is a great place to enjoy some ‘cue.

8. Desserts: Sweet Endings

Are you a fan of sweets? NYC offers a plethora of dessert options.

LeVain Bakery: For the city’s best cookie, try the chocolate peanut butter or double chocolate chip. Get a glass of milk too. Locations throughout the city.
Molly’s Cupcakes: A cute Greenwich Village cupcake shop with swings and board games. Try the peach cobbler or ron bennington (chocolate pb) cupcakes.
Two Little Red Hens: Check out this little bakery on the Upper East Side for great red velvet and Brooklyn blackout cupcakes.
Sugar Sweet Sunshine: A cute Lower East Side bakery with simple but perfect cupcakes and fantastic pudding. Try the Strawberry Cupcake with PB Buttercream or the schmapple pudding.
Beard Papa: This Japanese company on the Upper West Side knows cream puffs. The perfectly light, airy, and crisp puffs are filled to order with a super luscious and flavorful vanilla custard.
Jacques Torres Chocolate: For great chocolate, Jacques Torres has multiple locations with something to satisfy any chocolate craving. In the summer, try one of his gigantic ice cream sandwiches.
La Maison du Chocolat: This Upper East Side chocolate boutique boasts absolutely stunning pieces of chocolate. Try their hot chocolate in the winter.

9. Ice Cream: Frozen Delights

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? NYC’s ice cream scene is vibrant and diverse.

Ample Hills Creamery: With multiple locations, the ice cream is creamy, smooth, and the flavors are creative and perfect. Try Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and Nonna’s Oatmeal Lace.
Il Laboratorio Del Gelato: Head to this Lower East Side gelato shop for the best ever dark chocolate gelato, and sample some of their other whimsical offerings like avocado gelato.
Big Gay Ice Cream: Think Mr. Softee gone rogue. Try the Salty Pimp (vanilla cone with dulce de leche, sea salt, and chocolate dip) or the Bea Arthur (vanilla cone, dulce de leche, and nilla wafers).
Morgenstern’s Ice Cream: A Lower East Side gem with crazy unique flavors and amazing toppings.
Whipped Urban Dessert Lab: A vegan ice cream joint with unforgettable oat-based ice cream.
Van Leeuwen: They have both fantastic dairy ice creams AND vegan ice creams here!

For more recommendations, check out this list of the Top 10 Ice Cream and Frozen Treats in NYC.

10. Fine Dining: A Culinary Journey

Are you ready to experience the best chefs in the world? NYC is home to Michelin Stars, James Beard winners, and culinary pioneers.

Blue Hill: Chef Dan Barber is a culinary legend and pioneer in the farm-to-table movement. Try Blue Hill at Stone Barns for an unreal dining experience.
Barbuto: Chef Jonathan Waxman serves up one of the best roast chicken dishes and amazing pasta. Ask for the Pasta Carbonara, even if it’s not on the menu.
Gramercy Tavern: This Michelin-starred restaurant is a NYC icon in fine dining. The tasting menu is amazing.
Eleven Madison Park: One of only a few NYC restaurants with a 3-Michelin Star rating, the tasting-only menu is a great way to celebrate something special.
Hearth: Chef Marco Canora creates an atmosphere that feels like a cozy neighborhood restaurant, while serving up seasonal Italian food.
Acme, ABC Kitchen, Contra, Dovetail, Uncle Boons: Recently had some seriously great meals at these restaurants.
Beauty + Essex: Located behind a pawn shop, this Lower East Side restaurant features awesome cocktails and a great menu of small plates meant to share.
Le Coucou: A fantastic choice for upscale French food.
Dirt Candy: A GREAT vegetarian restaurant with inventive cocktails.

11. Other Must-Eats: Hidden Gems

Discover some of NYC’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Xi’an Famous Foods: Does noodles like nobody’s business. The Spicy Hot Oil Noodles are addicting! The lamb and pork “burgers” are also great.
Souvlaki GR: One of the best places to get quick Greek food in the city. The chicken souvlaki is amazing, the lamb chops are ridiculously good, and the pita and tzatziki is unreal. Also check out the spicy feta dip!
Au’ Zaatar or ilili: These two Lebanese restaurants are a must-try. At Au’ Zaatar, order a bunch of mezze like Fattoush, Batata Harra, and Arnabeet Bi Tarator. At ilili, don’t miss the Brussels Sprouts and the puffed pita.
Crif Dog: Get one of these artisan beauties from Crif Dog instead of a dirty water dog from a street vendor. Try the Chihuahua Dog (bacon wrapped hot dog with avocado and sour cream) and the Tsunami Dog (bacon wrapped hot dog with pineapple, scallions, and teriyaki sauce).
Clinton Street Baking Company: There is always a wait at this Lower East Side restaurant, but they serve up the best pancakes.
Doughnut Plant: You haven’t tasted doughnut perfection until you’ve tried a doughnut from this place. Try the PB+J, Tres Leches, or Creme Brulee.
Dough: The place knows doughnuts. They are big, plump, and every flavor is great.
Vanessa’s Dumplings: A great spot for your dumpling and sesame pancake fix! Perfect cheap eats!

FAQ: Must-Have Foods in NYC

1. What is the most iconic food to eat in NYC?

Pizza is arguably the most iconic food to eat in NYC. New York-style pizza is known for its thin, foldable crust and simple yet delicious toppings.

2. Where can I find the best bagels in NYC?

Some of the best bagel spots in NYC include Russ & Daughters, Absolute Bagels, Murray’s Bagels, Hudson Bagels, and Ess-A-Bagel.

3. What are some must-try burgers in NYC?

Must-try burgers in NYC can be found at Minetta Tavern (Black Label Burger), Umami Burger (Truffle Burger), and Shake Shack (Shack Stack).

4. Where can I find authentic ramen in NYC?

For authentic ramen in NYC, visit Ivan Ramen, Ippudo Ramen, Chuko Ramen, and Momofuku Noodle Bar.

5. What are some popular food trucks in NYC?

Popular food trucks in NYC include Wafels + Dinges, Kimchi Taco, Coolhaus, and The Halal Guys.

6. Where can I find the best tacos in NYC?

The best tacos in NYC can be found at Los Tacos No. 1, Otto’s Tacos, and Dos Toros.

7. What are some top barbecue spots in NYC?

Top barbecue spots in NYC include Hometown Bar-B-Que, Mighty Quinn’s, and Blue Smoke.

8. What are some must-try desserts in NYC?

Must-try desserts in NYC include cookies from LeVain Bakery, cupcakes from Molly’s Cupcakes, and doughnuts from Doughnut Plant.

9. Where can I find the best ice cream in NYC?

The best ice cream in NYC can be found at Ample Hills Creamery, Il Laboratorio Del Gelato, and Big Gay Ice Cream.

10. What are some fine dining experiences I should try in NYC?

For fine dining experiences in NYC, consider Blue Hill, Barbuto, Gramercy Tavern, and Eleven Madison Park.

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