20 Best Places to Eat in New York City: A First Timer’s Guide

It's lobster in Portland Maine, clam chowder in Boston, gumbo in New Orleans, but in New York City there's more than just one iconic dish. Not only will you find the best pizza, barbecue ribs, lobster rolls, bagels, and steaks, you'll get a chance to eat around the world in New York City.

Kevin, one of our Trippy users, asked:
New York for foodies!!!
My wife and I are headed to the city this summer—it’s our first time, and we take food very, very seriously. We’d love some suggestions about where to go! Holes in the wall are great, but we also want some experiences that are more on the “fine dining” side, too.

Plan your foodie tour of New York City using this list of 20 best places to eat:

1. Eleven Madison Park Restaurant


Trippy user Andrew from Minneapolis recommended Eleven Madison Park Restaurant. He wrote:
Expect a modernist take on French cuisine, catered to your individual tastes. Here’s how it works: Diners receive a grid listing 16 words that represent every dish’s principle ingredient. Select four words from the menu that resonate with you, then discuss preferences and any food allergies with your server. The kitchen tailors the menu to the desires of each individual guest. It's awesome.

Be prepared to spend over $300 per person for an eight to 10 -course meal. You must make a reservation in advance.

2. ABC Kitchen


Michelin star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the chef that brings the freshest and most healthy dishes at ABC Kitchen. This organic restaurant comes highly recommended by Trippy users Andrew and Rachel. Andrew said:
ABC Kitchen is what happens when superchef Jean-Georges decides to do pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and burgers with freshest organic & local ingredients possible? ABC Kitchen. Trust me; this isn't your average neighborhood eatery.

Rachel echoed:
ABC Kitchen is the newest Fashion hotspot -- it's the perfect venue for post-show after parties, and the food is insane.

3. Katz's Delicatessen


Courtney from Los Angeles recommended:
Katz's Delicatessen—Don’t leave town without going to a deli! Katz’s is my favorite!

Since 1888, Katz's Deli has been the place for the best pastrami and the American classic Reuben sandwich. A Reuben sandwich comprises of corned beef, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, sauerkraut and grilled slices of rye bread.

4. Lombardi's


Founded in 1905, Lombardi's is America's first pizzeria and is one of the few pizzerias in New York City with a coal oven. Located in Little Italy, this historical place still serves up a good New York pizza with a thin crispy crust.

It's a cash-only eatery.

5. Balthazar Restaurant


Either go for breakfast or a late night dinner at Balthazar Restaurant, an iconic French brasserie in New York City. Order eggs benedict or a croissant with a big cup of coffee for breakfast. And for supper or late night dining, go for the warm goat cheese and caramelized onion tart.

Balthazar is one of my favorite places for breakfast.


6. The Smith Restaurant and Bar


The Smith, a casual American Brasserie has four locations around the city. Alex from New York City said if you're going for the best bang for your buck go to The Smith. You can get breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks or just dessert.

Salad and seafood lovers will be delighted to have The Smith's lobster salad. It's not your ordinary salad of greens and a tiny bit of meat for dinner. You'll get a whole Maine lobster, charred corn and more.

7. Crif Dogs


You can't leave New York City without trying a hot dog. The best place for hot dogs is at Crif Dogs located on St Marks Place. Expect to stand in line, but you won't be disappointed when you bite into a juicy hot dog and soft bun.


8. Absolute Bagels


Bagels rank among the top foods to eat when visiting New York City. The best place to get one is at Absolute Bagels. These hand-rolled bagels are soft on the inside and crunchy outside and are delivered fresh from the oven every day.

This is a hidden gem on the Upper West Manhattan. Lines are long during the weekends, but Absolute Bagels won't disappoint.

9. Del Posto


Trippy user Rachel wrote:
Another favorite is Del Posto Ristorante where I just pulled off a surprise celebration for my mom and dad's 70th & 75th birthdays! It's one of my family's favorite spots!

Italian food lovers will enjoy Del Posto, a fine dining restaurant located on 10th Avenue in the Meatpacking District. Do note that Del Posto does not accommodate kids below six years old.

10. Ellen's Stardust Diner


For a unique dining experience where the waitstaff sing and perform, head over to Ellen's Stardust Diner on 51st Street, about a five-minute walk from Radio City Music Hall. Known as the Home of the SInging Waitstaff, this restaurant is inexpensive and delivers superior old-fashioned ice cream sundaes with hot fudge.


11. Stanton Social


Brian from New York City recommended Stanton Social, where the menu is unconventional, and the cocktails are top notch. Most people like the French onion soup dumplings and Beef Wellington.

Stanton Social is a three-level space with private rooms and lounge. Go with a group of friends at night and enjoy the vibrant place.

12. Red Rooster


Andrew recommended Red Rooster. He said:
Marcus Samuelsson's labor of love in the neighborhood he calls home, Harlem. Gorgeous people, fun vibe, amazing food. The menu is like the city itself, a patchwork from all sort of different cultures (tacos, fried chicken, Swedish meatballs and even a riff on apple pie) that somehow work perfectly together.

13. Boulud Sud


Chef Daniel Boulud's Mediterranean-inspired Boulud Sud restaurant features flavors from countries on the Mediterranean coast – Spain, France, Italy, North Africa, and Greece. Olive oil, citrus, grilled fish, vegetables and grains are the mainstays of the restaurant.

14. Momofuku Noodle Bar


For the love of noodles or fried chicken, find your way to Momofuku Noodle Bar. You must make a reservation for the fried chicken that feeds up to eight people. You get a southern style and a Korean style whole fried chicken, mu shu pancakes, four sauces, and an herb basket.

There is also a choice of ramen noodles and pork buns.

15. Per Se


You don't have to travel to Paris for the best French restaurant. Just head to New York City's Per Se. Here's what Andrew said about Per Se:

Thomas Keller is the man behind two of the country’s most highly regarded destination dining spots: The French Laundry and Per Se. If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime meal, look no further.

Per Se is not your everyday restaurant. It's one of the most luxurious fine dining restaurants in New York City. Chef Keller offers two prix fixe nine-course tasting menus, which changes daily.

Marinated Scallops with Turnips, Mint, Yuzu, and Brown Butter. #scallops pic.twitter.com/pq0mMOvBNQ


— Per Se (@PerSeNY) September 20, 2018



Enjoy the views of Central Park and Columbus Circle in a romantic setting. Men must wear a jacket and jeans are not allowed.

16. Jacob's Pickles


Want southern-style comfort food? Go to Jacob's Pickles located on Amsterdam Avenue in the Upper West Side, close to the Natural History Museum.

17. Untitled at the Whitney


Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, located inside the Whitney Museum, Untitled is a contemporary restaurant that offers seasonal American menus that pair perfectly with their wine list and cocktails.

It's a non-tipping restaurant. Servings are tiny but delicious.


18. The Mermaid Inn


Pescetarians will love The Mermaid Inn. There are three locations in New York City – Upper West, East Village, and Greenwich. We recommend brunch at Upper West. Order the smoked fish board with smoked trout, spiced cured salmon, bagel chips, capers, and red onion. Don't forget to try their brunch cocktails.

#NationalCheeseburgerDay
I would normally post a picture of our delicious burger, but it’s only available on the weekends during brunch.
It’s Tuesday and that would be rude.
Here’s a picture of a delicious Lobster Roll.
We have Lobster Rolls every day. pic.twitter.com/pOSmic0Wod


— The Mermaid Inn, NYC (@themermaidnyc) September 18, 2018


19. Nha Trang One


Tucked in one of the streets in Chinatown is Nha Trang One Vietnamese restaurant. It’s one of the best places in New York City to get pho, a Vietnamese beef soup noodles. This simple eatery is affordable and is one of the authentic Vietnamese restaurants.

20. Pure Thai Cookhouse


Trippy user, Tim recommended Pure Thai Cookhouse's pork dry noodles. Pure Thai Cookhouse features homemade noodles and is one of the most exceptional Thai restaurants in New York City.

Have a question about a restaurant in New York City? Get your question answered. Become a Trippy user today.




© 2024  Trippy

     

Questions   ·   Drive   ·   Fly   ·  

About   ·   Privacy   ·   Terms