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The Best of New York · Eat · Iconic and old New York

The best iconic restaurants in New York City

Updated September 2026. 15 places.

Some 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 team and close six months later. I’m talking about the places where the walls have stories, the staff has seen things, and the food hasn’t changed because it never needed to. These iconic New York City restaurants are the real deal and every local needs to try them at least once. Let’s dig in.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best iconic restaurants in New York City, 2026

  1. Delmonico’sRestaurant · Financial District
  2. Fraunces TavernRestaurant · Financial DistrictFraunces Tavern holds historical significance that can’t be beat.
  3. JG MelonRestaurant · Upper East SideFormer mayor Michael Bloomberg calls these the best burgers in New York City.
  4. Katz DelicatessenDeli · Lower East SideKatz is officially the oldest deli in NYC serving the best pastrami sandwiches in New York.
  5. Keens SteakhouseRestaurant · MidtownContrary to what the name suggests, Keens Steakhouse is best known for incredible 1.5-pound mutton chops (the restaurant averages 400+ orders a week).
  6. Lombardi’s PizzaRestaurant · SoHoLombardi’s makes some of the best pizza in New York City.
  7. Minetta TavernRestaurant · Greenwich VillageThe burger strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication, it’s a personal favorite of mine.
  8. Nom Wah Tea ParlorRestaurant · ChinatownOpened in 1920 (more than 100 years ago), Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC.
  9. Peter LugerRestaurant · WilliamsburgPeter Luger has earned the loyalty of stalwart locals for dishing out some of the best steaks in New York.
  10. Russ & DaughtersBagel shop · Lower East SideIt seems that Russ & Daughters attracts mostly tourists these days (the lines are too long for locals), but it’s still worth a detour.
  11. Wo HopRestaurant · ChinatownGenerous portions, fair prices and efficient service, there’s a reason Wo Hop’s iconic red booths and flickering fluorescent lights have been the backdrop for many late night meals.
  12. Barney GreengrassRestaurant · Upper West SideThey churn out some of the best lox in New York City and the Upper West Side is lucky to have them.
  13. Grand Central Oyster BarRestaurant · MidtownHell, at this point most would agree the Grand Central Oyster Bar is as much a NYC institution as Grand Central Station itself.
  14. John’s of Bleecker StreetRestaurant · Greenwich VillageJohn’s holds a special place in the heart of locals.
  15. Tavern on the GreenRestaurant · Central ParkHistoric and picturesque, the building originally served as a sheepfold before transforming into a dinning venue for New York’s high society.

On the map

Where they are

10 neighborhoods, Financial District and Lower East Side most of all.

Chinatown

Financial District

Greenwich Village

Lower East Side

Midtown

Central Park

SoHo

Upper East Side

Upper West Side

Williamsburg

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try.