New York City is known as a foodie paradise, with countless restaurants serving up some of the best food in the world. From street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something for every palate and budget. If you’re a foodie, it’s essential to have a bucket list of the best restaurants to try in the city. Here are some of the must-visit spots that every foodie needs to check out.
1. Eleven Madison Park
Located in the Flatiron District, Eleven Madison Park is arguably one of the best restaurants in the city. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its innovative and seasonal tasting menus that are always changing. The menu includes dishes like foie gras and duck, caviar-topped oysters, and wagyu beef.
2. Peter Luger Steak House
A Brooklyn institution for over 130 years, Peter Luger Steak House is famous for its dry-aged steaks and classic sides like creamed spinach and German-style potatoes. This cash-only spot is always packed, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
3. Di Fara Pizza
Located in the Midwood section of Brooklyn, Di Fara Pizza is a tiny pizzeria that has been serving up some of the best pies in New York City for over 50 years. The owner, Dom DeMarco, is a master pizza maker who uses only the freshest ingredients and takes his time making each pie by hand.
4. Russ & Daughters
Russ & Daughters is a Lower East Side institution known for its smoked fish, lox, and bagels. The family-owned deli has been around since 1914 and is still going strong. Be sure to try the house-cured salmon or sturgeon with a freshly baked bagel and cream cheese.
5. Xi’an Famous Foods
If you’re a fan of spicy and savory flavors, you need to check out Xi’an Famous Foods. This small chain started as a tiny basement stall in Flushing, Queens, and has since grown to several locations throughout the city. The menu includes noodle dishes like lamb cumin hand-ripped noodles and spicy cumin lamb burgers.
6. Mamouns Falafel
For a quick and delicious bite, head to Mamouns Falafel in Greenwich Village. This family-owned spot has been serving up delicious Middle Eastern fare since 1971. The falafel is crispy and flavorful, and the chicken shawarma is cooked to perfection.
7. Prince Street Pizza
If you’re looking for a classic slice of New York-style pizza, look no further than Prince Street Pizza in SoHo. The signature slice is the spicy pepperoni, which is piled high with crispy slices of pepperoni and a tangy tomato sauce.
8. Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exquisite seafood dishes. Chef Eric Ripert’s menu includes dishes like poached lobster, seared scallops, and crispy skin black bass. The elegant space and impeccable service make it the perfect spot for a special occasion.
9. Joe’s Pizza
Another classic New York City pizza spot is Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village. The no-frills slice shop has been around since 1975 and is known for its thin-crust pizza and tangy tomato sauce. It’s the perfect spot for a quick and delicious bite.
10. Katz’s Delicatessen
No foodie bucket list would be complete without a visit to Katz’s Delicatessen. The Lower East Side institution has been serving up classic deli sandwiches like pastrami and corned beef since 1888. The gigantic sandwiches are piled high with meat and served on freshly baked bread.
In conclusion, New York City is a foodie’s paradise, and these restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best spots to eat in the city. From high-end dining to classic street food, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple.