The top 50 places to eat in New York

New York City is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse array of cuisine and dining experiences to suit every taste and budget. From trendy new hotspots to classic old favorites, the city offers a culinary adventure like no other. Here are the top ten places to eat in New York City.

1. Eleven Madison Park: This three Michelin-starred restaurant offers a contemporary American tasting menu that is sure to impress. With an emphasis on local ingredients and innovative techniques, the dishes are both beautiful and delicious.
2. Le Bernardin: Widely considered one of the best seafood restaurants in the world, Le Bernardin has held three Michelin stars for over a decade. Chef Eric Ripert’s dishes are elegant and refined, showcasing the freshest fish and shellfish from around the world.
3. Di Fara Pizza: This Brooklyn institution is known for its classic New York-style pizza, made with homemade mozzarella and a thin, crispy crust. The wait can be long, but the pizza is well worth it.
4. Katz’s Delicatessen: A true New York classic, Katz’s has been serving up pastrami sandwiches, hot dogs, and matzo ball soup since 1888. The deli’s bustling atmosphere and iconic neon sign make it a must-visit for any foodie.
5. Xi’an Famous Foods: This small chain started as a food stall in Queens and has since expanded to multiple locations across the city. Their specialty is hand-pulled noodles and spicy, flavorful dishes from the Xi’an region of China.
6. Momofuku Ssäm Bar: Chef David Chang’s flagship restaurant offers a constantly evolving menu of creative, Asian-inspired dishes. The pork buns are a must-try, but everything on the menu is delicious.
7. Carbone: This retro Italian-American restaurant in Greenwich Village serves up classic dishes like shrimp scampi, veal parmesan, and Caesar salad tableside. The ambiance is old-school and the portions are generous.
8. Russ & Daughters: This Lower East Side institution has been selling smoked fish, bagels, and other Jewish delicacies since 1914. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic bagel and lox or something more adventurous like a caviar-topped latke, Russ & Daughters has you covered.
9. L’Artusi: This contemporary Italian restaurant in the West Village offers a menu of seasonal dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The pastas are particularly noteworthy, and the wine list is extensive.
10. Shake Shack: This fast-casual burger chain started in New York City and has since expanded to locations around the world. The ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, and thick milkshakes are all delicious and affordable.

These ten restaurants represent the best of New York City’s culinary scene, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you’re looking for haute cuisine or street food, there is no shortage of amazing dining options in the city that never sleeps.

11. Peter Luger Steak House: This Brooklyn institution has been serving up some of the best steaks in the city for over 130 years. The dry-aged porterhouse is a must-try, and the classic German sides like creamed spinach and potato pancakes are the perfect accompaniment.
12. Balthazar: This iconic brasserie in SoHo is always buzzing with activity, serving up classic French dishes like steak frites and escargots. The atmosphere is lively and the people-watching is top-notch.
13. Roberta’s: This Bushwick pizzeria has become a destination for foodies from around the world. The wood-fired pizzas are made with high-quality, seasonal ingredients and the outdoor garden is the perfect place to enjoy them.
14. Mission Chinese Food: This popular restaurant started as a pop-up in San Francisco and has since expanded to locations in New York City and Brooklyn. The dishes are bold and spicy, blending Sichuan and American flavors.
15. Gramercy Tavern: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a menu of contemporary American cuisine. The seasonal tasting menu is a great way to sample the best of the kitchen’s offerings.
16. Joe’s Pizza: This Greenwich Village pizzeria has been serving up classic New York slices since 1975. The thin, crispy crust and tangy tomato sauce are the perfect representation of a quintessential New York slice.
17. Ess-a-Bagel: This Midtown East bagel shop is known for its large, fluffy bagels and extensive selection of spreads and toppings. The lox and cream cheese is a classic choice, but the egg and cheese with bacon is a delicious breakfast option as well.
18. Los Tacos No. 1: This Chelsea Market taco stand serves up some of the best tacos in the city. The adobada and carne asada tacos are particularly noteworthy, and the salsas and toppings are all made in-house.
19. Jean-Georges: This Michelin-starred restaurant in Columbus Circle offers a menu of French and Asian-inspired dishes. The prix-fixe lunch is a great value, and the views of Central Park are stunning.
20. Joe’s Shanghai: This Chinatown restaurant is known for its soup dumplings, or xiao long bao. The delicate dumplings are filled with hot broth and pork or crab meat, making them a delicious and comforting meal.

These additional ten restaurants are just a small sampling of the incredible dining options available in New York City. With such a diverse culinary scene, there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re in the mood for a fancy tasting menu or a quick bite from a food truck.

21. The Halal Guys: This food cart started in the 1990s and has since expanded to multiple locations across the city. The gyro and chicken over rice plates are a filling and flavorful meal, topped with their famous white and hot sauces.
22. Spicy Village: This tiny Chinatown restaurant is known for its cumin lamb noodles, a spicy and aromatic dish that packs a punch. The dumplings and sesame pancake sandwiches are also delicious and affordable.
23. Emily: This Clinton Hill pizzeria is known for its unique toppings, like honey and pistachios on the Colony pie or pepperoni and honey on the Emily pie. The burgers and fried chicken sandwiches are also popular choices.
24. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream: This Lower East Side ice cream parlor offers a rotating selection of creative and delicious flavors, like burnt honey vanilla and black sesame. The sundaes and ice cream sandwiches are also worth trying.
25. Ippudo: This East Village ramen shop has become a favorite among New Yorkers for its rich and flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The pork buns and spicy cucumbers are great starters, and the sake list is extensive.
26. Le Coucou: This Michelin-starred French restaurant in SoHo offers a menu of classic dishes like escargots and beef tartare, as well as more modern takes like scallops with brown butter and hazelnuts. The elegant atmosphere is perfect for a special occasion.
27. Prince Street Pizza: This Nolita pizzeria is known for its spicy pepperoni slice, made with cupping pepperoni that crisps up in the oven. The square Sicilian slices are also delicious, particularly the vodka sauce and meatball varieties.
28. Fish Cheeks: This East Village Thai restaurant specializes in seafood dishes like grilled prawns and whole fried fish. The flavors are bold and authentic, and the cocktails are refreshing and creative.
29. Llama Inn: This Peruvian-inspired restaurant in Williamsburg offers a menu of ceviches, anticuchos, and other dishes that showcase the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. The rooftop bar is a great place to enjoy a pisco sour and some snacks.
30. Mamouns Falafel: This Greenwich Village falafel stand has been a staple since 1971, serving up crispy falafel sandwiches and creamy hummus. The prices are affordable and the lines move quickly.

With so many incredible dining options in New York City, it’s impossible to narrow it down to just ten or twenty places. These additional ten restaurants offer even more diversity and deliciousness to the already impressive list of must-try eateries in the city.

31. Xi’an Famous Foods: This small chain started as a food stall in Flushing, Queens and has since expanded to multiple locations throughout the city. The hand-pulled noodles and spicy lamb burgers are popular choices, but the menu is full of flavorful and unique dishes.
32. Russ & Daughters: This Lower East Side institution has been serving up smoked fish and bagels since 1914. The classic lox and cream cheese bagel is a must-try, but the caviar and smoked fish platters are also excellent.
33. Katz’s Delicatessen: This iconic deli on the Lower East Side has been serving up massive pastrami sandwiches and other Jewish deli classics since 1888. The atmosphere is lively and the portions are generous.
34. Momofuku Noodle Bar: This East Village restaurant is known for its pork buns and ramen, as well as its rotating selection of seasonal dishes. The inventive cocktails and desserts are also worth trying.
35. Caracas Arepa Bar: This Venezuelan restaurant has locations in Brooklyn and the East Village, serving up crispy arepas stuffed with fillings like shredded beef and black beans. The sweet plantains and fresh juices are also delicious.
36. Di Fara Pizza: This Midwood pizzeria has been run by the same family since 1965, and the owner, Dom DeMarco, is known for making each pie by hand. The wait can be long, but the pizza is worth it.
37. The Spotted Pig: This West Village gastropub offers a menu of British and Italian-inspired dishes, as well as a great selection of beers and wines. The burgers and shoestring fries are a standout.
38. L’Artusi: This West Village Italian restaurant offers a menu of homemade pastas, seasonal vegetables, and other dishes that showcase the simplicity and freshness of Italian cuisine. The wine list is extensive and the desserts are decadent.
39. Shake Shack: This fast food chain started in New York City and has since expanded to locations around the world. The ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard are all classic choices.
40. Szechuan Mountain House: This Flushing restaurant specializes in spicy Sichuan cuisine, with dishes like dan dan noodles and spicy fish filet. The flavors are bold and the portions are generous.

Whether you’re a tourist or a longtime New Yorker, these ten additional restaurants offer even more culinary delights to discover in the city. From classic deli sandwiches to spicy noodles and everything in between, the dining scene in New York City truly has something for everyone.

41. Superiority Burger: This vegetarian burger joint in the East Village serves up some of the best veggie burgers in the city, along with creative salads and sides. The menu changes frequently, but the burnt broccoli salad and tahini ranch dressing are perennial favorites.
42. Joe’s Pizza: This Greenwich Village pizzeria has been serving up classic New York-style pizza since 1975. The slices are thin and crispy, with just the right amount of cheese and sauce.
43. Xi’an Famous Foods: This chain started as a food stall in Flushing, Queens and has since expanded to multiple locations throughout the city. The hand-pulled noodles and spicy lamb burgers are popular choices, but the menu is full of flavorful and unique dishes.
44. The NoMad Restaurant: This elegant restaurant in the NoMad Hotel serves up modern American cuisine with French influences. The roast chicken for two, served with foie gras and black truffle, is a must-try.
45. Le Bernardin: This three-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant in Midtown offers a tasting menu of dishes like langoustine tartare and butter-poached lobster. The elegant atmosphere and attentive service make for a special dining experience.
46. Blue Hill: This farm-to-table restaurant in Greenwich Village sources its ingredients from its own farm in upstate New York. The tasting menu changes frequently based on the season and the availability of ingredients.
47. Tacombi: This casual Mexican restaurant has several locations around the city, serving up tacos and other street food classics. The corn esquites and churros are also delicious.
48. Jollibee: This Filipino fast food chain has a cult following, with locations in Queens and Manhattan. The fried chicken and spaghetti are popular choices, but the menu also includes unique items like peach mango pie and halo-halo.
49. Cote: This Korean steakhouse in the Flatiron District offers a menu of high-quality meats and Korean-inspired sides. The butcher’s feast, which includes several cuts of beef and an array of banchan, is a great way to try a little bit of everything.
50. Peter Luger Steak House: This iconic Brooklyn steakhouse has been serving up some of the best steaks in the city since 1887. The porterhouse for two or three is a classic choice, served with a side of creamed spinach and crispy bacon.

These additional ten restaurants offer even more variety and excellence to the already impressive list of top dining destinations in New York City. Whether you’re in the mood for classic pizza or innovative vegetarian fare, there’s no shortage of delicious options to choose from.