Travelsavvywanderer
Where and what to eat in New York City?
New York City is celebrated for its incredible and varied food scene. From the famous New York-style pizza to iconic bagels, you have loads of mouthwatering choices. Whether you’re a local or visiting, the city’s bustling food landscape has something for everyone. Given the travel trend for 2024, which emphasizes food tasting and cultural immersion, you’re in for a treat. In this post, we’ll cover the top foods to try, popular spots locals frequent, celebrity dining places, and even some vegan options to ensure you enjoy NYC’s best culinary offerings.
Starting with a classic, New York-style pizza is a must-try. These large, thin-crust slices topped with gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce are found all over the city. Plus, they’re a budget-friendly option—the perfect treat without hefty spending.
Bagels are another iconic NYC food. Known for being chewy inside and crispy outside, New York-style bagels are often topped with cream cheese, lox (smoked salmon), or deli meats, offering a delightful breakfast or snack.
Thanks to Hollywood, NYC is also well-known for its hot dogs. Hot dog carts are a part of the city’s food culture and are perfect for grabbing a tasty snack on the go.
Now, where do locals eat? New Yorkers dine at an array of places, from classic diners to trendy hotspots. Here’s a list of some popular local eateries:
– Joe’s Pizza
– Absolute Bagels
– Nathan’s Famous at Coney Island
– The Halal Guys food truck
– Carbone for Italian classics
These are just a few examples, and there are countless other hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the diverse food scene of New York City.
Curious about where celebrities like to dine? Many visitors hope to bump into a star or eat where the celebrities frequent. Here are a few places known for celebrity sightings:
For a classic bagel breakfast, head to Absolute Bagels on the Upper West Side. Known for its chewy, dense, slightly salty bagels, it’s a local favorite and definitely worth the wait in line.
For an Italian lunch, Carbone offers heavenly dishes like Spicy Rigatoni and Veal Parmesan. The vibrant decor and Sinatra tunes will transport you back in time.
If you fancy a hot dog, Nathan’s Famous at Coney Island is a great spot. Enjoy a hot dog (around $4) while sitting on the beach.
For some fantastic street food, visit The Halal Guys. Their chicken and rice platter with famous red and white sauce is addictive and reasonably priced.
For an upscale dinner experience, try Le Bernardin, a Michelin 3-star seafood restaurant, where Chef Eric Ripert creates magic with his seafood dishes. The lobster and baked merluza come highly recommended.
To end on a sweet note, visit Magnolia Bakery. Its cozy environment and heavenly banana pudding, made with creamy banana cream and vanilla wafers, will delight your taste buds.
Don’t forget the tipping culture in NYC. It’s customary to tip service staff, so make sure to check how it works.
If you prefer vegan options, NYC has plenty to offer:
Start your day at Absolute Bagels, where most bagels are vegan-friendly. Pair them with Tofutti vegan cream cheese for a classic New York breakfast.
For lunch, Double Zero in the East Village serves vegan pizzas with innovative toppings. The Truffle Cashew Cream pizza and Farro-Fennel Sausage pizza are top picks.
Satisfy your street food cravings at The Hummus & Pita Co., known for its vegan and gluten-free hummus bowls. The Chickpea Shawarma is a flavorful and nutritious choice.
For fine dining, visit Avant Garden in the East Village. Dishes like cremini mushroom toast and creative takes on paella showcase that vegan cuisine doesn’t lack variety or taste.
End your day with dessert at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop. Their vegan ice cream flavors, made from cashew milk and coconut cream, are delightful. Favorites include Vegan Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam and Vegan Chocolate.
Fast Food Highlights:
Nathan’s Famous – try their juicy hot dogs with salty fries.
The Halal Guys – don’t miss their chicken and rice platter.
Shake Shack – an iconic spot for delicious burgers and crinkle-cut fries.
Dominique Ansel Bakery – known for the Cronut, a croissant-doughnut hybrid.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza – their Artichoke Pizza is a city favorite.
Katz’s Delicatessen – grab a corned beef or pastrami sandwich on rye.
New York City is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. From classic pizza to famous bagels and vegan delights, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, come hungry and leave satisfied after exploring the city’s exciting food scene. Bon Appetit!
