Heading to New York City for the first time? Get ready for an epic food adventure! This concrete jungle is packed with an astounding 24,000+ restaurants serving up flavors from around the globe. With so many incredible options, deciding where to eat can feel overwhelming for a New York newbie.
As a born-and-bred New Yorker and passionate foodie, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to the absolute best restaurants every first-timer needs to experience in NYC. From long-running classics to the hottest new spots, these eateries will introduce you to New York’s world-renowned culinary scene. Get those taste buds ready!
New York Dining Institutions
Gramercy Tavern – A NYC Classic for Over 20 Years Let’s kick things off with an iconic New York institution – Gramercy Tavern. This beloved restaurant has been a city favorite for over two decades, beloved by locals and visitors alike for its warm hospitality and exceptional American cuisine.
The cozy tavern area is perfect for sampling seasonal dishes and sipping on craft cocktails. But the real prize is scoring a table in the elegant, Michelin-starred dining room. Here you can indulge in masterfully prepared tasting menus or a la carte offerings from renowned Chef Michael Anthony.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the legendary Tavern Burger, quite possibly the best cheeseburger in NYC…maybe even the world!
Balthazar – The Iconic NYC Brunch Spot No first visit to New York City is complete without experiencing the iconic brunch scene at Balthazar. Helmed by infamous restaurateur Keith McNally, this SoHo brasserie draws crowds for its delectable French-American fare and lively ambiance.
From eggs benedict to duck confit, the all-day brunch menu is stacked with crave-worthy dishes. Balthazar’s buzzy atmosphere is enhanced by the star-studded crowd of devoted regulars. Prepare for a wait and indulge in stellar people-watching as you sip mimosas.
J.G. Melon – An Upper East Side Staple Since 1972
For an iconic, no-frills New York experience, head to the Upper East Side’s J.G. Melon. This cash-only pub has been a neighborhood staple since 1972, slinging out some of NYC’s best burgers and crispy coin-shaped ‘cottage fries.’
The vibe at J.G. Melon is pure old-school cool – it’s seen everything from businessmen to Park Avenue princesses at its well-worn bar over the decades. Their juicy cheeseburgers are the stuff of legends, especially when paired with an ice-cold cherry coke.
New York’s Hottest New Restaurants
Lilia – The Hardest Brooklyn Reservation to Score If you can score a coveted reservation at Lilia, you’re in for a treat. This buzzy Italian hotspot from Chef Missy Robbins draws endless lines in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood thanks to transcendent handmade pasta dishes.
The pink peppercorn mafaldine is an absolute must-order, along with the heavenly seasonal focaccia with green butter. For dessert, the off-menu ‘Italian Job’ soft serve is an explosion of sweet-savory flavors like fennel pollen, honey, and olive oil that will blow your mind.
Cosme – Innovative Mexican Cuisine & Tequila Cocktails
For an upscale yet approachable take on contemporary Mexican cuisine, make your way to the stylish Cosme. This dimly-lit hotspot from acclaimed Chef Enrique Olvera offers creative sharing plates and phenomenal tequila cocktails.
Let your knowledgeable server guide you through the intriguing menu of dishes like duck carnitas tacos and Berkshire pork chop with chicatanas. The sophisticated vibe and beautiful crowd only enhance the exceptional fare.
Cote – A Korean Barbecue Steakhouse Experience Craving a good old-fashioned steakhouse dinner? You have to try Cote, which puts an incredible Korean barbecue spin on the classic steakhouse experience.
At this Michelin-starred gem, you’ll have your own built-in smokeless grill to watch as the highest quality prime beef is grilled and seasoned to perfection before your eyes. Go all out with the Butcher’s Feast tasting menu to sample various cuts and mouthwatering sides.
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Favorites
King – For a Serene Taste of Southern France & Italy When you need an oasis from New York’s frenetic energy, slip into the intimately charming King restaurant in SoHo. This Franco-Italian gem offers a concise menu packed with elegant, seasonal fare beautifully plated.
Savor dishes like handmade ricotta ravioli with pesto, grilled pork chops over thyme, or yellow peach salads. The quietly sophisticated ambiance and attentive service provide the perfect setting to savor each exquisite bite.
Frankie’s 457 – A Cozy Brooklyn Italian Favorite For a lively neighborhood vibe and phenomenal Italian-American fare, make your way to Frankie’s 457 Spuntino in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens.
From the warm lighting and exposed brick walls to the aromas of garlic and frying sausage, everything about this beloved local spot exudes rustic warmth. While famous for their house cavatelli pasta, their excellent sharing boards and crostini make perfect starters.
Joe’s Shanghai – An Iconic NYC Chinatown Experience You can’t leave New York without indulging in a classic NYC slice from Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown. This no-frills institution leans into untraditional toppings like General Tso’s chicken and broccoli atop their delightfully crispy pizza.
But Joe’s is perhaps even more renowned for their perfect soup dumplings, overflowing with hot, savory broth. Slurp them down alongside scallion pancakes and you’ll experience a true taste of New York’s melting pot cuisine.
Can’t-Miss NYC Splurge Meals
Manhatta – Dazzling Skyline Views & Fine Dining For a breathtaking splurge meal with views to match, book a table at Manhatta. Perched on the 60th floor in the Financial District, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of New York’s iconic skyscrapers as you dine on seasonally-driven three-course prix fixe menus.
Nibble butter-poached lobster with wheat berries one moment, gazing out at the Empire State Building lights, then swoon over corn pudding with chicken the next. Add Manhatta to your must-visit NYC list for the stunning ambiance and impressive modern American fare.
The Grand Central Oyster Bar – Timeless Seafood & Cocktails Transport yourself to an elegant age at The Grand Central Oyster Bar, an iconic, antique-tiled institution that’s been shucking fresh oysters in the belly of Grand Central Terminal for over a century.
With 440 seats spanning multiple dining areas, it’s easy to post up at the grand, curved oyster bar or score a table for pristine seafood platters and timeless cocktails like Martinis and Dark ‘n’ Stormies. No matter where you dine at the Oyster Bar, you’ll experience a quintessential slice of New York history.
New York’s Best Comfort Foods
Russ & Daughters – A Classic Bagel & Appetizing Haven No trip to NYC is complete without indulging in a few quintessential New York foods, and Russ & Daughters is a required stop for bagel lovers. This century-old, family-owned ‘appetizing’ deli on the Lower East Side has been the city’s bagel and lox destination for generations.
Whether you opt for a classic bagel schmear or one of their stuffed breakfast sandwiches, you’ll experience authentic New York bagel bliss. Grab a sack of rugelach for later and revel in the sights and sounds of this bustling New York institution.
Katz’s Deli – An NYC Pastrami Paradise
Another New York comfort food icon is Katz’s Delicatessen, which has been masterfully curing pastrami and stacking it onto sandwiches since 1888.
Step inside this raucous deli and you’ll see photos of customers past like Meg Ryan after THAT famous scene in When Harry Met Sally. Pastrami is king here – order a hand-sliced stunner piled high between mustard-slathered rye bread and prepare for deli bliss. Don’t skip