Eat · Iconic and old New York · 2026
The best iconic restaurants in New York.
Every one from my own visits, 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.
- 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.
- Delmonico’sRestaurant · Financial District
- Fraunces TavernRestaurant · Financial DistrictFraunces Tavern holds historical significance that can’t be beat.
- 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.
- JG MelonRestaurant · Upper East SideFormer mayor Michael Bloomberg calls these the best burgers in New York City.
- John’s of Bleecker StreetRestaurant · Greenwich VillageJohn’s holds a special place in the heart of locals.
- Katz DelicatessenRestaurant · Lower East SideKatz is officially the oldest deli in NYC serving the best pastrami sandwiches in New York.
- 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).
- Lombardi’s PizzaRestaurant · SoHoLombardi’s makes some of the best pizza in New York City.
- Minetta TavernRestaurant · Greenwich VillageThe burger strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication, it’s a personal favorite of mine.
- Nom Wah Tea ParlorRestaurant · ChinatownOpened in 1920 (more than 100 years ago), Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC.
- Peter LugerRestaurant · WilliamsburgPeter Luger has earned the loyalty of stalwart locals for dishing out some of the best steaks in New York.
- Russ & DaughtersRestaurant · 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Barney Greengrass
Restaurant · Upper West Side · 541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
They churn out some of the best lox in New York City and the Upper West Side is lucky to have them.
Delmonico’s
Restaurant · Financial District · 56 Beaver St, New York, NY
Delmonico’s was a pioneering force in fine dining in the United States during the 19th century and was the first restaurant to introduce an à la carte menu in 1834 (before then restaurants served set meals).
Fraunces Tavern
Restaurant · Financial District · 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
Fraunces Tavern holds historical significance that can’t be beat.
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Restaurant · Midtown · 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY
Hell, at this point most would agree the Grand Central Oyster Bar is as much a NYC institution as Grand Central Station itself.
JG Melon
Restaurant · Upper East Side · 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY
Former mayor Michael Bloomberg calls these the best burgers in New York City.
John’s of Bleecker Street
Restaurant · Greenwich Village · 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY
John’s holds a special place in the heart of locals.
Katz Delicatessen
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 205 E Houston St, New York, NY
Katz is officially the oldest deli in NYC serving the best pastrami sandwiches in New York.
Keens Steakhouse
Restaurant · Midtown · 72 W 36th St, New York, NY
Contrary to what the name suggests, Keens Steakhouse is best known for incredible 1.5-pound mutton chops (the restaurant averages 400+ orders a week).
Lombardi’s Pizza
Restaurant · SoHo · 32 Spring St, New York, NY
Lombardi’s makes some of the best pizza in New York City.
Minetta Tavern
Restaurant · Greenwich Village · 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY
The burger strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication, it’s a personal favorite of mine.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Restaurant · Chinatown · 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Opened in 1920 (more than 100 years ago), Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC.
Peter Luger
Restaurant · Williamsburg · 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Peter Luger has earned the loyalty of stalwart locals for dishing out some of the best steaks in New York.
Russ & Daughters
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 179 E Houston St, New York
It seems that Russ & Daughters attracts mostly tourists these days (the lines are too long for locals), but it’s still worth a detour.
Tavern on the Green
Restaurant · Central Park · W 67th St, New York, NY
Historic and picturesque, the building originally served as a sheepfold before transforming into a dinning venue for New York’s high society.
Wo Hop
Restaurant · Chinatown · 17 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Generous 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.
Best iconic restaurants in 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.