TOP 10 BEST AND MOST ICONIC FOOD SPOTS IN NEW YORK CITY
- Lauren Firth
- Mar 8
- 17 min read
New York City is known for its plethora of amazing and diverse food, with something to satisfy every craving. It is said that with its vast number of dining options, if you ate at a different restaurant every day it would take approximately 22.7 years to try every food spot in the city, overwhelming right? Whether it is your first visit or you're a seasoned New Yorker there is always something new to taste in the Big Apple. With that being said, in this guide we have collated 10 of the most iconic foods that you must try when you visit the city. This guide covers food spots that range from the city's best pizza to the most gooey chocolate chip cookies.
When we visited New York back in 2023 and 2024, we visited each and everyone of these spots (sometimes more than once) and felt it is only right that we share our knowledge on the places that are not to be missed. So, let’s dive in.
CONTENTS
10 - THE BEST AMERICAN DINER - Ellen’s Stardust Diner
A retro themed American Diner is a must when in the city and Ellen’s Stardust Diner is on this list because of its incredibly fun atmosphere and singing waitstaff. I will admit that this place is very touristy and overpriced - so if you are looking for a local hotspot then this is not for you, however, in our opinion it still deserves a place on this list because where else can you be served breakfast while enjoying performances of classic tunes and Broadway hits?
Why it’s iconic
Opened in 1987, Ellen wanted to create a space where aspiring Broadway performers could showcase their talents while serving food to the people of New York. Over the years this spot has become incredibly famous for its lively atmosphere and its unique dining experience.
The Menu
The menu is traditional American diner staples ranging from burgers to milkshakes and it is particularly popular for its breakfast items that are served all day long. Some of the most popular items include ‘The Stardust burger’, ‘The Broadway Breakfast’ and the ‘Famous “Singing Sandwiches’. We opted for another one of their classics, their ‘Showstopper Pancakes’. These hot of the griddle pancakes can be customised with a range of toppings or ordered off their Showstopper menu, which is what we did, and we ordered a batch of their Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. They were fluffy, sweet and absolutely massive - so go hungry!
Things to know before you go
We opted to visit at around 8am (I know…) as there was virtually no line and the lines got quite long later in the day. To be honest, we felt that the early start made this experience even more enjoyable, there is something about eating a sugar filled breakfast, listening to songs from Lion King and having confetti thrown at you that really wakes you up in the morning and gets you raring for the rest of the day in the City. If you do go later in the day expect to wait in long lines.
Another thing to note about the experience is that tables are quite close together so it can feel a little tight, however, this didn’t really bother us as we love to chat to fellow tourists and this gave us the perfect opportunity, but just keep this in mind.
You may also be asked to provide a donation towards supporting the waitstaff who are aspiring Broadway performers. The ‘Stardust Fund’ will help support their careers by paying for lessons or acting classes. We found the staff extremely appreciative of any donation we were able to give and it was a great way to show our appreciation to their amazing talents.
9 - THE BEST NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE - Eileen's Special Cheesecake
When visiting New York it is essential that you try a New York Style cheesecake! Eileen’s is the perfect place for this and has become equally loved by tourists and locals since it opened its doors in 1975.
Why is it iconic
Eileen’s is known for its light, fluffy and perfect cheesecakes that use the highest quality ingredients and are baked to perfection. It is a true gem of NYC and offers some of the best cheesecakes in the city! Its long standing reputation speaks for itself and keeps customers coming back time and time again.
The Menu
You have to try the Classic New York-Style Cheesecake when you visit Eileen’s, there is no debate about that, it is what it is famous for! This simple but quintessential treat is the most popular item on the menu and for good reason. This is what we had when we visited and it is by far one of the best cheesecakes we have ever had. Elieen’s also offers a range of flavoured cheesecakes such as lemon, chocolate and raspberry and even mini cheesecakes that are perfect if you want to sample a few flavours.
Things to know before you go
Similar to the other spots on this list, there is no seating so be prepared to take your cheesecake to go - the way the New Yorkers do! Also, you can order whole cheesecake in a range of different sizes and flavours if you prefer, but remember that these have to be pre-ordered.
8 - THE BEST TACO - Los Tacos No.1
This authentic Mexican street food spot is popular for good reason. Priding itself on the use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods it claims to serve Tacos much like what you would find in the streets of Mexico.
Why it’s iconic
Opened in 2013 at its first location in Chelsea Market, this restaurant has become famous among tourists and locals alike and offers a ‘no nonsense’ approach to its tacos. This casual restaurant allows diners to get fresh and authentic Mexican food served quickly and straight to your hand. With their rise in popularity, Los Tacos No.1 expanded and opened spots in the Financial District and Midtown Manhattan so it is even easier to find this fantastic lunch spot when in the city.
The Menu
The menu at Los Tacos No.1 allows you to pick from a range of Taco/ quesadilla fillings including grilled steak, grilled chicken, marinated pork or grilled cactus. Tacos can come topped with onion, cilantro, salsa and guacamole, however, all tacos are made to order so this can be easily customised. We opted for a grilled chicken and grilled steak taco and they were absolutely delicious, the authentic and fresh ingredients make this spot so special and somewhere we always recommend.
Things to know before you go
Los Tacos No.1 also has a few ‘secret menu’ items that locals and well researched tourists will know about. We ordered the ‘Queso Taco’ (pictured below) which skips the traditional taco shell altogether and instead gives you a shell made entirely out of cheese - the stuff dreams are made of.
Again, with a place as popular as this you do have to expect to wait in line. However, we found that service was extremely quick and we didn’t have to wait too long. Be aware that this restaurant does not offer seating so either expect to eat your taco at a standing counter or take it on the go.
7- THE BEST DOUGHNUT - Dough Doughnuts
If doughnuts are more your thing, then look no further than Dough Doughnuts. These fluffy, giant rounds of dough cause envy in all other doughnuts, and for good reason! Handmade in small batches, they are always fresh and full of flavour.
Why is it iconic
Dough Doughnuts is known for its gourmet doughnuts that are made fresh daily with unique flavors. They are handcrafted and made in small batches, meaning you can expect the highest quality from this bakery. From following Dough on Instagram since returning from New York, I can confirm that they are always coming up with New and interesting flavours that often make me want to board a flight and return to the Big Apple to sample one! A particular concoction that sticks in my mind is the Kraken Rum doughnuts… no words!
The Menu
Dough doughnuts offer a wide range of flavours that regularly rotate. Some of their best selling include; Caramel Sea Salt, Hibiscus, Brown butter Hazelnut and Cinnamon Sugar. They also do seasonal doughnut flavours such as Pumpkin spice in fall and maple bacon in the winter time. Every flavour we have tried (which is a fair few) has been absolutely delicious and I just can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
Things to know before you go
As previously mentioned, flavours at Dough are regularly rotated and seasonal items are sold, this may mean that when you visit they may not have the exact flavours you are expecting, especially if you have seen something you want to try online. Seasonal flavours do often sell out first, so, if you want to get your hands on these make sure to arrive early. However, they will have an amazing selection whenever you visit and something to suit everyone's cravings! Also, these doughnuts are HUGE, if you are not up to eating one by yourself, maybe opt to share one with a friend.
6 - THE BEST NEW YORK SLICE - Joe's Pizza
Joe’s pizza is the legendary hotspot to enjoy an authentic New York street slice in the city. It has been serving slices to New Yorkers since 1975 and has quickly earned its reputation for one of the best places to grab a slice.
Joe’s pizza has made it on this list as it is without a doubt the most ‘iconic’ spot to get your pizza fix. However, it is important to note that while it is the most famous, we would argue it is not necessarily the ‘best’ pizza you can get in the city even though it is still extremely delicious . We would also recommend Bleecker Street Pizza, in particular their ‘Nonna Maria Pizza’ (pictured on the right). This place has won many awards for good reason and it is our favourite pizza spot on our trip to NYC. So we could technically say this is the top 11 iconic food spots in New York.
Why is it iconic
While Joe’s is iconic for serving up fresh and authentic New York Style Pizza with a classic thin crust, it has also become more famous globally since it’s appearance in “Spiderman 2” where even Peter Parker himself had to work a shift to earn his slice, but fortunately for you, this wont be the case. So while there are multiple locations across the city, we recommend visiting the most iconic, Carmine Street, for a chance to run in with your friendly neighbourhood spiderman.
The Menu
When getting a New York Style Pizza from Joes, it is essential that you try the Plain Cheese Pizza, it is what it is known for! You can buy this by the slice or even order a whole pizza pie. Joe’s offers a range of pizzas also with different toppings including pepperoni, mushrooms and peppers. If you order by the slice, which we recommend, it will be served up in minutes, fresh from the oven and is best eaten straight away while it is hot.
Things to know before you go
As with most of these iconic spots you may have to wait in line, especially if opting to eat at their most famous store on Carmine Street. There is also limited seating as the intention of the New York Slice is to eat on the go or standing up at a counter. This is also a perfect spot for a late night craving as Joe’s is open till late. The perfect end to a night out if you ask me!
If you have never eaten a New York slice before then you may not know that there is a signature way to eat it. Fold your pizza as you eat to maintain the balance of the crust and toppings, it's all part of the experience and it will make sure you will fit in with the locals.
5 - THE BEST BAGEL - Liberty Bagels
When in New York, it is essential that you grab yourself a classic New York bagel. When walking into this bagel shop the first thing that impressed us was the huge variety! The variety of bagels, cream cheese toppings and even a wide range of fillings. These fresh, high quality bagels were baked to perfection and left us wanting more.
Why is it iconic
This wide range of flavours and high quality ingredients has put Liberty Bagels on the map in NYC. Liberty bagels is not only one of the top-rated bagel spots in Manhattan but it is also home to ‘The Rainbow Bagel’. Even though this bagel is potentially full of more artificial colours than I can count, it remains one of top recommendations of foods to try in the city.
The Menu
In addition to ‘The Rainbow Bagel’, they also make a wide range of other bagels including the ‘everything bagel’, ‘Cinnamon Raisin Bagel’ and ‘Poppy Bagel’. These can be topped with a wide section of cream cheeses and even made into delicious bagel sandwiches. The most authentic New York bagel to try here is the Lox and Cream Cheese on the everything bagel or you can go totally crazy and have a birthday cake flavoured cream cheese topped bagel (which i'm not ashamed to admit is what we did).
Things to know before you go
If you are going to Liberty bagels in hunt of the Rainbow Bagel like us, just remember that though extremely instagramable, the flavour is not much different to the plain bagel. This is definitely more about the experience than the flavour but is still highly recommended because where else can you get food this bright?
Bagel shops in New York City will not generally ask if you want your bagel toasting (which is the best!); so if you do, make sure to ask for this when you order.
4 - THE BEST CHINESE DUMPLINGS - Joe Shanghai NYC
This is one of our favourite finds in New York. This is a must visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Chinese dumplings in NYC. Authentic, flavourful and even affordable! What more could you want from a restaurant? We even sat in this restaurant (which is a rarity for us in New York) and had such an amazing time, we have even visited multiple times for a hit of our favourite chinese comfort food,
Why is it iconic
Joe’s Shanghai is famous for its Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao). These delicious, flavourful dumplings are served hot and honestly still remains a food I crave over a year later when sat at home. They are prepared by hand and it is for this reason that the food quality is so high and they taste so incredible. In addition to this, the service is incredibly friendly and the restaurant offers a very welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
The Menu
In addition to their dumplings, you can also choose many other authentic style Chinese dishes such as Shanghainese Noodles, Scallion Pancakes and Braised Pork Belly. The restaurant showcases flavours and techniques that reflect the culinary traditions of Shanghai. Every dish we have eaten from Joe’s has been mouthwatering and is even better when it is not breaking the bank!
Things to know before you go
If you are ordering the dumplings (which I highly recommend you do), order them as soon as you sit down as you will have to wait for them to be prepared fresh. The wait times can be long, but they are definitely worth it. Also, be careful not to burn your mouth on the dumplings as they are extremely hot…we learned that the hard way.
When in ChinaTown make sure to stop at Joes for some of the best dumplings you will have. This Authentic style Chinese restaurant has made it onto our itinerary every time we have visited New York and remains of those meals that at home I constantly crave but can’t have!
3 - THE BEST BURGER - Burger Joint
A secret spot that has become a global hit. Hidden inside the luxurious hotel, the Thomson Central Park, is a red velvet curtain and behind it you will find an urban style Burger joint serving up some of the best burgers in the world. We absolutely love this place and will always recommend it to anyone visiting the big apple.
Why is it iconic
Burger Joint’s discrete location makes it a hidden gem of New York. If you didn’t know it was there you would never see it. The only giveaway is a small neon burger sign at the back of the hotel lobby. The whole experience of discovering this place adds to its charm. Aside from this, it also serves some of the best burgers we have ever had! It focuses on high quality, simple ingredients and the result is an absolutely epic burger.
The Menu
The menu at the Burger Joint is very simple and offers the class burger, cheeseburger and bacon burger. They also sell a range of milkshakes and sides. The simplicity of this place was what we loved and it shows that they are able to really focus on the quality of each burger that they produce without offering lots of options. We ordered ‘the works’ and this comes with all the toppings they offer, amazing!
Things to know before you go
As previously mentioned, this place is hidden. You have to be willing to look for it in order to be rewarded with a fantastic burger in return. Burger joint has a great urban feeling atmosphere and offers seating for you to enjoy your meal but it is limited, so be aware of this is you are visiting at peak times.
2 - THE BEST NEW YORK STYLE COOKIE - Levain Bakery
If you are going to New York City, I am sure that New York Style Cookies is high on your list of things to try. The incredibly famous Levain Bakery offers the perfect range of handmade cookies that are equally large and gooey, a spot not to be missed.
Why is it iconic
Levain’s cookies are everything a New York Style cookie should be. They are thick, sweet, gooey and absolutely full of chocolate chips! Levain originally opened in 1994 and sold mainly bread, but through a happy little accident, the Levain cookie was born and from then on they quickly became very famous for their New York Style cookies. Over the years Levain has expanded its locations and opened many bakeries across the city as well as in other states in the US.
The Menu
The main item that keeps customers returning to Levain is their large cookies that weigh around six ounces each. They have a crispy exterior while remaining deliciously gooey in the centre. Their most popular cookie is the chocolate chip walnut cookie, but they offer many other flavours including dark chocolate, lemon, oatmeal raisin and many more. We opted to try a few of these on different visits to the bakery. We tried the chocolate chip, dark chocolate and lemon chip cookies. All were unbelievably delicious and packed to the brim with chocolate, what more could you want? Levain also sells many other items such as breads and pastries.
Things to know before you go
Levain cookies are made fresh, if you have a particular flavour you are wanting to try I would suggest getting them early to avoid disappointment. We have never had to wait in a long line at Levain, however, it is said that this can be common during peak times.
Be ready to eat the cookies right away! They are served fresh with a gooey centre and to enjoy them as they were intended it is best to eat them immediately (I don’t know how anyone couldn’t!). They are also quite large, so if you are not hungry, it might be best sharing one with a friend.
1 - THE BEST DELI - Katz’s Delicatessen
This has to be one of the most iconic food spots in the whole of New York City! Being one of the oldest delis in NYC, serving sandwiches since 1888, has made this place legendary among tourists and locals and is a must-try spot on anyone's New York trip.
Why is it iconic
Katz’s is most famous for its ‘Pastrami on Rye’ and is considered to be the best pastrami sandwich in NYC. This juicy, flavourful meat that is packed between two slices of rye is a true icon of New York and has been attracting food enthusiasts for years. Katz’s also had a fair few connections to popular TV shows and movies; it was featured by ‘Man vs Food’ as he tried their delicious pastrami and even was the location of the famous orgasm scene from ‘When Harry Met Sally’ in 1989. If you don't believe how good these sandwiches really are, then just watch what they did to Meg Ryan!
The Menu
The Pastrami on Rye is our go-to when ordering from Katz’s. This delicious, juicy meat is packed with flavour and is served on thick slices of rye with tangy mustard. Perfection. They also serve Corned Beef sandwiches, hot dogs and a range of other savory meals. If I am being totally honest I was a little hesitant to visit Katz’s as I am not usually a big red meat eater - but wow, this changed me.
Things to know before you go
Portions at Katz’s are absolutely massive so make sure you go hungry! It can be a little pricey, but you do get a lot for your money. We actually managed to share a sandwich and we are both people with big appetites so make sure to keep this in mind when ordering.
Katz’s also has a unique ordering system. When you enter the restaurant you need to collect a ticket from the machine and then order your sandwich. Don't forget to tip your server as they might just give you a nice juicy sample of your meat of choice while you wait patiently in line. Once you have finished, you hand your ticket back to the achier and pay the bill before you leave, so don’t lose the ticket!
ADDITIONAL ICONIC FOOD SPOTS IN NYC
New York has so much to offer, there really is something for everyone. There are so many amazing places that we struggled to get it down to just 10 and there are many other places that we tried during our time there that we would also urge you to add to your list.
All’Antico Vinaio - Originally from Florence, these Italian sandwiches are fresh, delicious and altogether just an incredible experience. With import charges it can be an expensive trip in NYC, which is why we opted to keep it off this list and save it for a future Florence post, but, we still never manage to walk past in New York and not pick up a sandwich, they are just that good!
Magnolia Bakery - Famous for the ‘Banana Pudding’ and its American Style cupcakes, this is another bakery that is not to be missed. Just get the Banana pudding, I promise you will not be disappointed.
Angelina Bakery - This Italian style bakery stocks some of the most beautiful pastries in the city. We were drawn in by the delicately decorated croissants displayed in the window and were not disappointed. The time and care that has been taken to produce each item really shows and tastes even better for it.
Margon - If you are looking for an authentic Cuban sandwich then look no further than the family owned hidden gem that is Margon. Boasting generous portions at very affordable prices they have become a go to spot for locals and tourists alike.
Adels Famous Halal Food - One of the best known food carts in NYC offering popular and flavour filled halal dishes. Queues can be long for this spot but their commitments to delivering fast, casual and delicious food is second to none. Their most popular dish is the chicken and lamb over rice with white sauce and this remains a staple late night option for many New Yorkers.
Funny Face Bakery - When we originally spotted this bakery on Instagram we knew that we had to give it a try! This quirky and unique shop is famous for its fun-shaped cookies which have a variety of faces, characters and creative designs. They also stock a range of other delicious treats to satisfy every craving.
Dominique Ansel Bakery - Dominique Ansel Bakery has quickly risen in popularity for its innovative creations and fantastic pastries. It is no lie that this bakery has become famous for the genius invention of the Cronut. The cross between a doughnut and a croissant became an overnight sensation, so much so that it was even trademarked by Ansel himself.
Grays Papaya - This legendary hot dog spot in New York is a must for anyone craving classic NYC street food. They are known for their cheap and delicious hogs and their Famous Papaya drink that is a perfect pairing with those savoury snacks.
SUMMARY
As you can probably tell, WE LOVE FOOD, love talking about food, love researching new food spots and most of all love eating food. New York City was the perfect place for us foodies to explore and I don’t think we have ever eaten as much in one week, but it was worth every calorie. It is impossible to fit all the amazing food spots that NYC has to offer in one list but we hope you enjoyed finding out about our top 10 most iconic food spots in the city (or top 19 by the time I was done). In summary, if you want to try New York City's best iconic food then be prepared to wait in line, to stand to eat and in some cases to pay a little extra but also be prepared to have the best time eating the amazing food that the city has to offer.
That’s it for today’s foodie feast! From savory to sweet, there’s always something new to try. So, until next time, keep exploring those hidden food gems and satisfying your cravings. Stay hungry for more adventures!
-Lauren and Dan
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