Guides · 117 guides
NYC Eats
My NYC Eats guides, with my verdict on each.
Start with these
What I’d read first in NYC Eats- New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try15 places, 15 worth it
- Christmas-Decorated Restaurants in New York City11 places, 10 worth it
- Spots to Grab Brunch Near Central Park19 places, 17 worth it
- Burgers in New York City16 places, 16 worth it
- Restaurants in the Financial District11 places, 10 worth it
- Bagels on the Upper West Side6 places, 6 worth it
The Best of New York
Every list- The best iconic restaurants in New York City
- The best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York City
- The best brunch near Central Park
- The best burgers in New York City
- The best restaurants in the Financial District
- The best bagels on the Upper West Side
- The best bakeries in New York City
- The best dim sum in New York City
- The best food markets in New York City
- The best hot chocolate in New York City
- The best brunch on the Upper East Side
- The best brunch on the Lower East Side
What readers asked about NYC Eats
Ask meClosed due to a fire.
Thank you so much for telling me, Linda! You’re right. Papillon had a kitchen fire in July and it’s still closed, with no reopening date yet. I’m so sad about it, because it’s my top pick at Christmas. If you want a…
Christmas-Decorated Restaurants in New YorkCan you comment on Our Daily Bread & The Gluten Free Bakery , Chatham NY please? showed up on my feed . Looks great but no reviews. thank You for a quick response!
Hi Sandy, thanks for reading! I haven't made it up to Chatham yet so I can't vouch for it personally, this list sticks to the five boroughs. A dedicated gluten free bakery in that part of New York sounds promising…
Gluten-Free Bakeries in New YorkJust FYI to update or edit your post of 8 months ago… Levain Hot Chocolate is not $3.00, but rather $5.45, and more with specialty milk. (Almond. Etc) Thank you 😊
Hot Chocolate in New YorkEvery guide in NYC Eats
117, by topicBrunch 18
- Spots to Grab Brunch Near Central ParkBrunch near Central Park used to stress me out because every place was either a two-hour wait or a mediocre eggs Benedict with a view of Columbus…19 places, 17 worth it
- Upper East Side Brunch SpotsAs a local, I’ve practically spent my life’s savings in search of the best brunch on the Upper East Side. From catching up with friends over mimosas…9 places, 9 worth it
- Lower East Side Brunch RestaurantsThe Lower East Side is my go-to neighborhood whenever I feel restless and need a bit of inspiration. After countless meals across the five boroughs,…8 places, 7 worth it
- Brunch Joints in ChelseaAuthors Note. If there's an amazing Chelsea brunch spot that you feel like is missing from this list please drop me a comment below and I'll check it…7 places, 7 worth it
- Bottomless Brunch in New York CityI get genuinely excited talking about bottomless brunch in New York City. This area punches way above its weight when it comes to quality, and I…10 places, 10 worth it
- Brunch Spots in New York City Worth the WaitI’m a firm believer in the power of a proper brunch and as a New Yorker, I’m spoiled for choice. If you’re looking for the best brunch in New York…12 places, 12 worth it
- Best Brunch in ManhattanI have eaten brunch at an unreasonable number of restaurants in Manhattan. This is not something I’m proud of (okay, maybe a little). But the result…10 places, 10 worth it
- Brunch in Williamsburg8 places, 8 worth it
- Brunch Restaurants in SoHoThere’s something special about SoHo that keeps me coming back, and the brunch restaurants scene is a big part of it. I’ve walked these streets more…13 places, 12 worth it
- Tribeca Brunch RestaurantsNew York’s bohemian alcove, Tribeca is a hot-spot for stylish locals who want to see and be seen come the weekend. Home to some of the city’s. From…10 places, 10 worth it
- Brunch Spots in WilliamsburgI know the internet has about a thousand lists for Brunch Spots in Williamsburg. This one’s different. I’ve personally eaten at every single place on…13 places, 12 worth it
- Brunch Spots in the Financial DistrictWhen friends visit and ask me where to find great brunch spots in Financial District, I always have a list ready. These aren’t random picks from the…10 places, 9 worth it
- West Village Brunch SpotsIf you’re looking for the best brunch in the West Village, you’re in the right place, there’s no shortage of charming brunch spots to choose from.9 places, 9 worth it
- Upper West Side Brunch SpotsAs a local with an insatiable appetite for pancakes and mimosas, I know a thing or two about the best brunch on the Upper West Side (UWS). Whether…10 places, 10 worth it
- Brunch Spots in the East VillageI used to think brunch was overrated. Two hours for eggs and an $18 mimosa? Pass. Then I found the places on this list and everything changed. These…10 places, 10 worth it
- Perfected Pancakes in New York CityFriends and family have asked me more than once where to find the best pancakes in New York City, and after years of first hand experience, I’ve…6 places, 6 worth it
- Brunch Spots in BrooklynAll rules go out the window and who doesn’t like to let their hair down every once in a while?10 places, 9 worth it
- The Brunch Spots in NYC I Actually Go ToI used to think brunch was overrated. Two hours for eggs and an $18 mimosa? Pass. Then I found the places on this list and everything changed. These…10 places, 10 worth it
Restaurants by neighborhood 10
- Restaurants in the Financial DistrictI spent three years working near Wall Street, which meant eating lunch in the Financial District five days a week. I tried everything from the sad…11 places, 10 worth it
- East Village RestaurantsThe East Village has the lion’s share of incredible restaurants, from on-the-go options to Michelin-starred gems.The biggest challenge? Weeding…14 places, 14 worth it
- Restaurants in the Lower East SideThe Lower East Side (LES) is a colorful, exuberant neighborhood full of culture, charm and flavors. It’s my favorite neighborhood in NYC to grab a…13 places, 13 worth it
- Where to Eat Near Times Square Without Hating YourselfWhere to actually eat near Times Square without wasting money on tourist traps. Real restaurants within walking distance of Broadway, with prices and…9 places, 9 worth it
- West Village Restaurants Worth the WaitLongtime readers know the West Village is my favorite neighborhood in New York City. Full of endearing corner cafes, cozy eateries and cute local…11 places, 11 worth it
- Restaurants on the Upper East SideOn the hunt for a great Upper East Side restaurant? As a resident local, I can help with that.15 places, 15 worth it
- Where to Eat Before a Broadway MatineeMy husband and I have a rule about Broadway matinees. We eat first, we eat close, and we are in our seats before the ushers give us that look. I…11 places, 8 worth it
- Restaurants in DUMBODUMBO (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) isn’t just about cobblestone streets and stunning skyline views, it’s also home to…12 places, 12 worth it
- Restaurants in TribecaLook I don’t make the rules, I just play by them. I moved to New York City a few years ago and quickly found a magnetic pull to the trendy…16 places, 16 worth it
- Tantalizing Restaurants in Chelsea New York CityIn a neighborhood known for its colorful art exhibits and galleries, the best restaurants in Chelsea use plates as canvas’ and ingredients as paint.14 places, 14 worth it
Bakeries 10
- Delightful New York City BakeriesI’m a self-professed bakery enthusiasts. There’s nothing I enjoy more than seeking out local bakeries and acting surprised when I accidentally order…8 places, 8 worth it
- Toothsome Chelsea BakeriesWhether you’re craving a quiet afternoon or planning a Chelsea bakeries crawl with friends, Chelsea has you covered. I’ve put together this guide…8 places, 8 worth it
- Bakeries in Williamsburg, BrooklynYou don’t need me to tell you that NYC has great food. But finding genuinely good 14 Wonderful. Some of them will blow your mind. That takes some…14 places, 13 worth it
- Brooklyn Bakeries Locals LoveAnybody that considers carbs a love language will be spoiled for choice by the bakeries in Brooklyn. From local gems helmed by Michelin-starred…10 places, 10 worth it
- Delicious Upper West Side BakeriesIf you’re anything like me, your insatiable sweet-tooth is always on the hunt for something new. I currently live in the neighborhood and find myself…11 places, 11 worth it
- East Village BakeriesWith a reputation for late nights, sultry cocktails bars (some of the best in NYC) and scores of dive bars, it’s easy to overlook the great bakeries…10 places, 8 worth it
- Tantalizing Tribeca BakeriesTribeca is one of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods which means the shops, restaurants and bakeries all have high standards to uphold. Even…9 places, 8 worth it
- Bakeries in the Lower East SideFrom Portuguese pastries to croissant/muffin hybrids, there are bakeries in the Lower East Side (LES) to satiate every craving.9 places, 9 worth it
- Delicious Upper East Side BakeriesAs a long-time local, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of the best bakeries on the Upper East Side. Excelling at most things, this upscale…8 places, 8 worth it
- Gluten-Free Bakeries in New York CityMy best friend has celiac disease, but that doesn’t stop her insatiable craving for baked goods. When she visited NYC last spring we went on a…10 places, 10 worth it
Desserts 10
- The Best Hot Chocolate in New York CityI love hot chocolate just as much as the next person, so believe me when I tell you I did my due diligence when searching for the best hot chocolate…14 places, 13 worth it
- Top-Tier Chocolate Cakes in New York CityI have an embarrassing confession. I’ve eaten chocolate cake at every single bakery on this list more than once, sometimes twice in the same week.9 places, 9 worth it
- Tantalizing Cheesecakes in New York CityThe one person who loves cheesecake more than me is my mother-in-law. Finding great cheesecake in NYC can be tricky, but after years of eating my way…11 places, 10 worth it · Updated Oct 21
- Amazing Apple Cider Donuts in NYCNew York City may not have the small-town charm of Vermont or Massachusetts, but that doesn’t mean it can’t deliver on flavor. If apple cider donuts…17 places, 16 worth it
- Black and White Cookies in New York CityOriginating from Eastern European Jewish immigrants, the black and white cookie has risen from humble beginnings to become a beloved staple in New…6 places, 6 worth it
- Tantalizing New York City CookiesI’m a glutton for sweets (I promise I have some redeeming qualities) and if there’s one dessert that brings me to my knees, it’s a warm chocolate…9 places, 9 worth it
- Can’t Miss Cannolis in New York CityThere are a handful of foods synonymous with New York City, like pizza, bagels, and cheesecakes. Finding great cannoli in NYC can be tricky, but…10 places, 9 worth it
- Doughnuts in New York CityThe Big Apple is home to plenty of bakeries that have mastered the incredible fried treat. And all of the best donuts in New York City have something…16 places, 16 worth it
- New York City DessertsI’ve been known to plan entire afternoons around a single dessert. A crosstown subway ride for a cronut? Done it. A 45-minute wait for banana…12 places, 12 worth it
- Birthday Cakes in New York CityEvery year around my birthday I face the same delicious dilemma. Which cake? In a city with this many bakeries, picking one feels like choosing a…11 places, 11 worth it
Pizza 8
- Gluten-Free Pizza Spots in New York CityLet me save you some time. New York City has no shortage of Gluten-Free Pizza Spots options, but most of them aren’t worth the walk. The good news…11 places, 11 worth it
- Pizza Spots on the Upper East SideThe Upper East Side might be known for its museums and old-money brownstones, but I’ve always thought the pizza up here is wildly underrated. I lived…10 places, 9 worth it
- Pizza Joints in New York CityAs a local New Yorker, pizza might as well be my middle name. I’ve spent countless hours searching for the best pizza in New York City. Spoiler…16 places, 16 worth it
- Pizza Joints in BrooklynNarrowing down Brooklyn’s best pizza is a fool’s errand bound to cause an argument. The borough has the lion’s share of detour-worthy pies so if…11 places, 11 worth it
- Upper West Side Pizza JointsWhether you’re looking for a quick slice or planning a picnic in Central Park, it’s good to know about the best pizza on the Upper West Side. As a…7 places, 7 worth it
- Spots For Vegan Pizza in NYCInstead of gatekeeping what I’ve come to discover over the last few years, I thought I’d write this post to share some of the best spots I’ve tried.9 places, 9 worth it
- Williamsburg Pizza JointsIf you asked most New Yorkers where to find the best in NYC, they’d probably shrug. The good news is, the neighborhood keeps getting better. But I’ve…9 places, 9 worth it
- The Best Pizza in Greenwich VillageI hold views on pizza that have cost me friendships. Not real ones. But you learn quickly that the fastest way to start a fight in Greenwich Village…7 places, 7 worth it
Iconic and old New York 7
- New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to TrySome restaurants in this city have been around longer than most of us have been alive. I’m not talking about the trendy spots that open with a PR…15 places, 15 worth it
- Best Delis in NYC: From Old School Counters to the New WaveThe best delis in NYC, from Katz’s pastrami to the bodega chopped cheese. The ones that have been here forever, and what to actually order at each.8 places, 8 worth it
- Celebrity-Owned Restaurants in New York City Worth the DetourI’ll be honest with you. Most celebrity-owned restaurants in New York City are banking on the name alone, and you can taste the difference between a…11 places, 11 worth it
- Foods New York City is Known ForEvery city has its signature dishes, but New York takes it personally. The iconic foods here aren’t just menu items, they’re arguments waiting to…23 places, 19 worth it
- The 10 Oldest Restaurants in New York CityNew York City has one of the most exciting food scenes in the world. Here’s my honest take on oldest restaurants in New York City. the tips, the…10 places, 7 worth it
- Dog Friendly Restaurants in New York CityIt’s evident that New Yorkers have a special love for their canine companions. Whether spotted in strollers, backpacks, or adorned in raincoats and…15 places, 14 worth it
- Reservations to Score in New York CityNo, it’s not just you. Reservations are getting harder to score, and some restaurants in New York City are so exclusive they’re ready to meet your…15 places, 13 worth it
Bagels 7
- Bagels on the Upper West SideI moved to the Upper West Side and immediately set out to answer the only question that mattered. Where are the best bagels? Three years and an…6 places, 6 worth it
- Bagels in New York CityI’ve probably spent more on bagels this year than most people spend on groceries. No shame. When you live in a city with this many options, you have…11 places, 11 worth it
- Every NYC Bagel I’ve TriedAs a local New Yorker, bagels might as well be my middle name. I’ve been eating them almost every morning since I moved to this city and I have…15 places, 10 worth it
- Bagels in BrooklynBoiled and baked, a proper New York bagel is like the city itself. a bit tough on the outside, but it will invariably keep you coming back for more.…9 places, 9 worth it
- Tasty Upper East Side BagelsWhen friends visit and ask me where to find great Upper East Side bagels in Upper East Side, I always have a list ready. These aren’t random picks…9 places, 9 worth it
- Bagels & Lox in New York CityAsk any local about the best bagel and lox in New York City and raised voices are bound to follow. New Yorkers are a passionate bunch. All this to…7 places, 7 worth it
- The Best Bagels in MidtownHere is a thing nobody warns you about Midtown. The bagel is easy. The line is not. My husband and I lived in New York for six years, and for a good…5 places, 5 worth it
By cuisine 6
- Best Tacos in NYCI’ve eaten more tacos in this city than I care to admit. Street carts at midnight, sit-down spots where the mole takes 48 hours to make, the random…10 places, 10 worth it
- Best Sushi in NYC for Every Budget11 places, 10 worth it
- Tasty Ramen Restaurants in New York CityI still remember the first time I had truly great ramen in New York City, it changed what I thought was possible. Since then, I’ve been on a mission…11 places, 10 worth it
- The Best Greek Food in AstoriaAstoria ruined me for Greek food everywhere else, and I mean that as a compliment to Astoria and a genuine problem for me. I know that sounds…8 places, 8 worth it
- Vegan Restaurants in New York CityIt’s estimated somewhere between three to four percent of the population in the United States is vegan. That might only seem like a small few, but…15 places, 15 worth it
- Falafel Spots in New York CityAfter a trip to Egypt last year, I developed a deep love for falafel, transforming my interest into a full-blown obsession. Living in NYC, a melting…12 places, 12 worth it
Christmas 3
- Christmas-Decorated Restaurants in New York CityI love the way restaurants decorate for Christmas in New York City. On par with the city’s reputation for extravagant decor, restaurants don’t play…11 places, 10 worth it
- Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York CityNote from Antonina about 2024 Christmas Itineraries. Some of you have asked if I’ll be offering the custom 4-day itineraries that sold out last year.…14 places, 14 worth it
- Holiday Treats You Must Try During Christmas in New York CitySome would argue that having a food bucket list is just as important as having an experience bucket list. Finding great Christmas desserts in NYC can…10 places, 8 worth it
Coffee 3
- Best Coffee in BrooklynI’ve lived in Brooklyn long enough to have opinions about coffee. Strong ones. And I’ve wasted enough mornings at places that look amazing on…11 places, 9 worth it
- Cafes in New York CityFew things make me happier than discovering a new favorite cafes spot in New York City in this city. I’ve spent more time (and money) than I care to…15 places, 13 worth it
- The Best Coffee Shops in NYCI should probably start this by admitting that I have a coffee problem. I don’t mean I enjoy coffee. I mean I need it to function as a person and…12 places, 12 worth it
Happy hour 3
- Best Happy Hour on the Lower East SideI’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on drinks in this city. Like, genuinely embarrassing. But the Lower East Side is one of the few…11 places, 11 worth it
- Best Cheap Drinks in NYC. Where to Go When Your Wallet Says No.New York is an expensive city. This is not news. A cocktail at most Manhattan bars is $17-22. A beer at a tourist spot near Times Square can be $12.…12 places, 12 worth it
- The Best Happy Hours in Midtown12 places, 12 worth it
Burgers and hot dogs 2
- Burgers in New York CityThere’s nothing quite like burgers in New York City. I’ve been obsessed with finding the best burger New York City for as long as I’ve lived here,…16 places, 16 worth it
- Delicious Hotdogs in New York CityI won’t argue that pizza is the number one “must try” food in New York City, but number two? That’s debatable.9 places, 8 worth it
Chinatown 2
- Best Dim Sum in NYC: A Chinatown Deep DiveFinding great dim sum in New York City is not actually hard. Finding great dim sum without accidentally ending up at a place that’s coasting on its…7 places, 5 worth it
- Where to Eat in ChinatownI have been eating my way through Chinatown for the better part of six years. What started as weekend dumpling runs turned into a full-blown…11 places, 10 worth it
Cheap eats 2
- Cheap Eats in New York CityEating well in New York doesn’t have to drain your bank account. I know because I spent my first year here surviving on dollar slices and halal…16 places, 13 worth it
- Food Carts in New York CityIn New York City street food is a part of the daily routine for millions of locals. It’s what keeps the city running, and with such great variety…14 places, 14 worth it
Date night 2
- Waterfront Restaurants in NYC to Enjoy This SummerIt’s no surprise that New York City is home to a plethora of outstanding waterfront restaurants, after all, Manhattan is an island surrounded by…19 places, 19 worth it
- Restaurants in New York CityNew York City is a paradise for foodies, and sharing a decadent meal with your plus one, is a great way to enjoy all the city has to offer. Luckily,…15 places, 15 worth it
Markets 1
Thanksgiving 1
Rooftop bars 1
Ice cream 1
Fall 1
Late night 1
New Year’s 1
More 17
- West Village Bakeries Worth Getting Excited AboutAs a longtime local, I've embarked on a personal mission to track down the best bakeries in the West Village. Whether you're craving cookies and…
- Upper East Side Food GuideThe Upper East Side has a reputation. Rich people, museums, old money restaurants where the waiters look at you like you wandered in from the subway…
- Where to Eat Near the Brooklyn BridgeThe Brooklyn Bridge crossing is one of the best walks in New York, and I say this as someone who has done it approximately a hundred times and still…
- NYC Date Night
- Where to Eat Near the Empire State BuildingLet me be honest with you. The blocks immediately surrounding the Empire State Building are some of the worst eating in all of Manhattan. It's a…
- Astoria Food Guide: Queens Has Been Eating Better Than YouAn honest guide to eating in Astoria, Queens. The most diverse, affordable, and underappreciated food neighborhood in New York City.
- Where to Eat Near Yankee StadiumMy husband is a Mets fan, which in our marriage is roughly the equivalent of a mixed-faith household. But even he will admit the food situation…
- Brilliant Bakeries in SoHoEnjoying a chocolate donut at Balthazar Bakery in SoHo Between the cast-iron buildings and cobblestone streets, SoHo's charm is indisputable. But…
- Delicious Bakeries in DUMBO, BrooklynLet's talk about the best bakeries in DUMBO. Whether you need a cake for a special occasion or mid-day treat, you're sure to find something to your…
- The Flushing Food CrawlThe 7 train is the best restaurant reservation in New York, and it doesn't take reservations. You get on at Times Square, you ride the elevated…
- Where to Eat Near the Brooklyn Bridge
- Where to Eat Near the High LineAs a New Yorker who lived in the city for six years, I have walked the High Line more times than I can count. With out-of-town friends. On dates with…
- Where to Eat Near Rockefeller Center
- Where to Eat Near the Met
- Where to Eat Near Grand Central
- Where to Eat Near the American Museum of Natural History
- Where to Eat Near Central ParkI live near Central Park and I eat near it almost every day. After years of trial and error and more mediocre overpriced meals near tourist landmarks…
