What to eat in New York

New York City is a paradise for food lovers, offering a mix of iconic classics and innovative creations that reflect the city’s diversity and passion for bold flavours. From street food served hot and fresh at bustling carts to delicious bites from historic delis and family-run bakeries, and timeless meals in popular restaurants and traditional diners, New York’s culinary scene is as vibrant and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you are craving something savoury, sweet, comforting, or adventurous, New York has a dish to satisfy every appetite and craving. In this guide, we dive into some of the city’s most celebrated food. 

Craving something hearty and savoury in the city that never sleeps? With its unmatched energy, world-famous landmarks and rich cultural mix, New York is just as celebrated for its food as it is for its skyline. From street food favourites and deli staples to renowned dining spots, the city serves up endless flavours to discover. Here, we take a closer look at some of the most popular dishes that capture an authentic taste of New York. 

Since arriving in the Big Apple in the late 1800s, pizza has become one of New York City’s most iconic foods, evolving into a unique style of its own. Famous for its thin crust that is crisp at the edges yet soft and foldable in the middle, New York pizza redefined the tradition of the Italian whole pie. Local pizzerias popularised selling it by the slice, making it quick, affordable, and perfectly suited to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. But, don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll still be hungry after just a single slice; New York slices are famously large and filling, often enough for a meal on their own. There’s truly nothing quite like a hot, cheesy slice of pizza; it’s the ultimate comfort food. 

Keen to discover the best spots for pizza in New York? Read our blog post: Where to find the best pizza in New York City. 

Few foods capture the spirit of New York City quite like the bagel. With a chewy interior and lightly crisp exterior, New York bagels are in a league of their own. Big, hearty, and satisfying, they stand as the kind of breakfast that will keep you going all morning, making it easy to see why they’re such a city staple. You might go for classic with silky smoked salmon layered over cool cream cheese, or enjoy a warm bagel packed with fluffy scrambled eggs and melted cheese. For something more indulgent, there’s crispy bacon paired with creamy avocado, or a generous helping of tuna salad topped with gooey cheese. Meat lovers often opt for thick slices of pastrami stacked high with mustard, while those with a sweet tooth can choose from rich Nutella, butter melting into the warm dough, or the American favourite, peanut butter and jelly. Pair it with a hot coffee and you’ll understand why a fresh bagel is a daily ritual for so many New Yorkers. 

Hot dogs are widely considered to be a quintessential part of New York City’s food scene. This popular bite to eat is often served straight from the city’s iconic street carts; names like Nathan’s Famous and Crif Dogs have become institutions, but you will also find them in classic diners and bustling delis across the five boroughs. A true New York hot dog is usually made exclusively with beef, tucked into a soft bun and finished with timeless toppings such as a sharp drizzle of mustard, a heap of tangy sauerkraut and the city’s signature tomato-based onion sauce. Beyond the streets, hot dogs are also part of the city’s culture and are the perfect snack at a ballgame, especially basketball, which is one of New York’s most iconic pastimes. 

There’s nothing quite like biting into a succulent burger that is bursting with flavour, served with a side of golden fries that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly salted. New York City is home to countless burger spots, many of which are celebrated for serving some of the best burgers in the world. You might choose to stick with a classic traditional hamburger, opt for a smash burger with its thin, caramelised edges and juicy centre, or try a dome burger, where the patty is steamed under a metal cover for extra tenderness and perfectly melted cheese. Popular toppings include melted cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, while indulgent extras like smoked bacon or crunchy onion rings add an extra layer of flavour. Sauces range from ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise to creamy aioli and the city’s famous ‘special sauce’, which is a thousand island style dressing that New Yorkers love. 

For the ultimate in comfort food, chicken and waffles bring together the best of sweet and savoury. Light, fluffy waffles are topped with perfectly seasoned, crispy fried chicken and finished with a drizzle of sweet syrup. The dish can be found in diners and eateries across New York, but it is most famously linked to Harlem’s Wells Supper Club, which helped popularise the modern version in the 1930s and became a favourite spot for jazz musicians. Chicken and waffles are wonderfully versatile, enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or as a late-night bite. In fact, eating this delicious dish late at night is a tradition often tried by musicians refuelling after a performance. 

New York City is the birthplace of the New York Strip, a classic cut of beef that rose to fame in the city’s legendary steakhouses and remains a staple on menus today. Other favourites such as the rich, juicy ribeye and tender filet mignon are also widely enjoyed, giving steak lovers plenty of choice. A true New York steak is seared to perfection on the outside while staying tender and full of flavour inside, and is often paired with timeless sides like creamed spinach, crispy fries, or buttery mashed potatoes. Whether you prefer it rare or well done, few dining experiences feel more special than savouring a perfectly cooked steak in the heart of the city.  

Manhattan clam chowder is a hearty soup made with a rich tomato-based broth filled with clams, potatoes, onions, celery and carrots. It is usually seasoned with herbs like thyme, oregano and bay leaf, with black pepper for depth and a touch of cayenne or chilli flakes for gentle heat. Some variations also include garlic, salt, and rosemary to build even more flavour. Unlike the creamy New England version, Manhattan clam chowder is lighter yet robust, and it remains a favourite across the city. From traditional seafood restaurants to casual eateries, this signature dish continues to be a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking for a taste of New York. 

This classic sandwich is a staple of the New York City deli scene and is often regarded as one of the city’s most iconic bites. Pastrami is made from beef brisket or navel that is cured, coated in fragrant spice rub, smoked, and then steamed until tender. The meat is piled high on slices of rye bread, whose subtle tang perfectly balances the richness of the pastrami. A sharp smear of mustard and a side of crisp dill pickles complete this beloved New York favourite. 

Pretzels are one of New York’s most popular street foods, sold fresh from the city’s iconic carts as well as in popular bakeries and family-run delis. They are a classic, affordable snack made for eating on the go, and running errands or exploring with a warm pretzel in hand has long been part of New York’s everyday rhythm. An authentic New York pretzel is typically large, with a soft and fluffy interior contrasted by a shiny, dark crust. It is generously sprinkled with coarse sea salt crystals and often enjoyed with yellow mustard for dipping or spreading. 

New Yorkers are known to appreciate not just flavour but also versatility when it comes to food, and ramen delivers both in abundance. This comforting dish can be crafted with different types of noodles and paired with broths that range from light and delicate to rich and deeply savoury. The toppings are just as diverse, from soft-boiled eggs and crisp vegetables to fragrant herbs and tender slices of pork, chicken, or seafood, creating endless combinations to suit every taste. Ramen has become a favourite across the city, not only for its bold, satisfying flavours but also for its adaptability, whether enjoyed as a quick midday bite or a steaming bowl savoured late at night. With ramen shops found all over New York, from cosy counter spots to stylish restaurants, it has secured its place as one of the city’s ultimate comfort foods. 

Dim sum is a beloved part of New York’s dining culture, especially in the vibrant neighbourhoods of Chinatown and Flushing. Served as an array of small plates, it offers an incredible variety of flavours and textures, from delicate dumplings filled with shrimp or pork to fluffy buns, crispy spring rolls, and savoury rice noodle rolls. The experience is just as important as the food, with dishes shared around the table and enjoyed together. Dim sum is a social meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it a favourite for families, groups of friends, and anyone eager to sample a little of everything. 

In the mood for something sweet after all the savoury goodness? New York City is bursting with desserts that are just as iconic as its bagels, pizzas, and hot dogs. From rich and creamy classics to playful modern creations, the city offers a treat for every sweet tooth. Here, we highlight some of the most popular desserts to try during your time in New York. 

Cheesecake is one of New York’s most cherished desserts, known for its rich, creamy texture and indulgent flavour. What distinguishes the New York version from others is its dense yet silky consistency that melts in your mouth. While it is often enjoyed plain to let the flavour shine, it can also be topped with fresh berries, drizzled with fruit sauce, or layered with chocolate for added sweetness. Today, you can find it everywhere from bustling restaurants and classic diners to historic delis and neighbourhood bakeries, each serving its own distinctive take on this timeless dessert.

Gooey, rich, and simply irresistible, cookies are one of New York’s favourite sweet treats. They are known for their signature texture, crisp on the outside with a soft and chewy centre that makes them the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. Popular flavours include classic chocolate chip, indulgent double chocolate chunk, and the much-loved combination of chocolate and peanut butter. For many, no visit to the city is complete without stopping at Levain Bakery, which has become legendary for its oversized, decadent cookies. 

Cronuts are a famous modern pastry that blends the buttery layers of a croissant with the sweetness of a doughnut. They have a delicate, flaky texture with buttery layers on the inside and a golden, slightly crisp exterior. Often filled with flavoured cream and topped with sugar or glaze, cronuts are as beautiful as they are delicious. Created in 2013 by French pastry chef Dominique Ansel at his New York bakery, the cronut became an instant global sensation, and even today, eager fans still line up to taste this decadent treat in the city where it was first baked. 

While cronuts may have stolen the spotlight in recent years, traditional doughnuts continue to be a beloved part of the food scene. These classic treats are prized for their soft, pillowy texture and wide variety of flavours. Whether dusted with sugar, glazed to perfection, or filled with jam, custard, cream or chocolate, they strike the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. You will find them everywhere, from long-standing bakeries that have been serving generations of New Yorkers to modern shops experimenting with bold flavours and playful toppings. Pairing a doughnut with a coffee is a simple yet enduring ritual in the city. 

Ice cream sundaes are another classic treat that has long delighted visitors and locals alike. Built on a base of creamy scoops of ice cream, they are topped with sauces such as rich chocolate, caramel, or strawberry, then finished with whipped cream, sprinkles, and the all-important cherry on top. Some versions go even further, adding crunchy nuts, chunks of brownie, or fresh fruit for extra texture and sweetness. From traditional ice cream parlours to trendy dessert bars, sundaes remain a nostalgic favourite that brings a sense of fun and indulgence to the city’s food scene. Sharing one with friends or enjoying it solo is a simple pleasure that never goes out of style.  

Key lime pie brings a refreshing twist to the dessert scene with its balance of tangy and sweet flavours. Made with zesty lime juice, creamy filling, and a butter graham cracker crust, it is often topped with a swirl of whipped cream for extra indulgence. The pie’s vibrant citrus flavour makes it especially popular in the warmer months, offering a light yet satisfying finish to any meal. Found on menus from casual cafés to elegant restaurants, this classic dessert has earned its place as a crowd favourite in the city. 

Chocolate fondue is a dessert that turns indulgence into an experience. Warm, melted chocolate is served in a pot with an array of treats that are perfect for dipping, including strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and cubes of cake. It is as much about sharing as it is about flavour, making it a popular choice for many. Dessert bars and restaurants across New York offer their own takes on fondue, turning this simple idea into a memorable part of dining out.

Cupcakes are a sweet staple in New York, celebrated for their variety of flavours and colourful designs. These small but decadent cakes are often topped with swirls of buttercream or cream cheese frosting, decorated with sprinkles, fruit, or even edible glitter. From timeless favourites like vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous options such as red velvet or salted caramel, there is a cupcake to suit every taste. Bakeries across the city continue to put their own spin on this classic treat, making cupcakes a go-to choice for celebrations or simply as an everyday indulgence. 

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