A Foodie’s Guide to New York: Best Restaurants, Bagels, and Brunch

Manchster-based Travel Writer, Author and NYC expert Chloe Dickenson is head over heels in love with New York city. She’s written endless guides to New York online, but exclusively for Travelista, she shares a round up of some of the best food in NYC – all tried and tested of course! 

It’s no secret that New York is hands down one of my favourite cities in the world. Home to some of the most iconic skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, an abundance of outdoor spaces interspersed amongst the thriving metropolis, not to mention its incredible food scene; it’s no wonder that NYC is one of the most sought-after cities in the world.

In this ultimate New York food guide below, I’ve put together my top personal recommendations of the best places to eat in NYC. From a cheap bite at the best bagel joints in Manhattan to the top brunch hotspots and the city’s most iconic dining experiences, our New York food guide includes everything you need to know about eating well in the Big Apple – whatever your budget!

A Foodie’s Guide to New York: Best Restaurants, Bagels, and Brunch

Jump to exactly what you’re looking for…or devour the full article:

1. Best bagels in New York

2. Best brunch spots in New York

3. Top pizza hot spots in New York

4. Best affordable to mid-range restaurants in New York 

5. Best Iconic, Unique and Upscale Restaurants in New York 

6. Best food markets in New York 

7. Best rooftop bars in New York City

8. Where to stay – Best hotels in NYC for all budgets

Best bagels in New York 

The New York bagel is almost as classic as the New York slice of pizza and when it comes to the top bagel places in NYC, we know our stuff!

Tompkins Square Bagels

Multiple venues across New York including the East Village, Union Square, Upper East Side and Midtown.

Tompkins Square Bagels is our favourite bagel haunt in the whole of New York City. There are two locations to get your Tompkins bagel fix in the city; one is located on the corner of Tompkins Square Park and the other is just a couple of blocks away on 2nd Ave and East 12th Street.

Black Seed Bagels

Multiple venues across New York including Nolita, NoMad, Hudson Yards, Chelsea, Williamsburg and Battery Park City.

Black Seed Bagels have at least ten locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, so it’s the perfect go-to bagel spot wherever you are in the city.

Ess-a-Bagel

Multiple venues across New York including Midtown East, Koreatown, the Financial District, Upper West Side and DUMBO.

Situated on 3rd Avenue between 50th & 51st Street, Ess-a-Bagel is another one of our favourite bagel shops in NYC. With an expansive menu and dozens of different fillings to choose from, you really can’t go wrong with Ess-a-Bagel.

Murray’s Bagels

500 6th Avenue, Greenwich Village

Located in the highly coveted Greenwich Village neighbourhood, Murray’s Bagels has been making stomachs happy since 1996. It’s one of our favourite bagel spots thanks to its vast bagel varieties, an abundance of fillings and excellent hot drink selection.

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

Multiple venues across New York including Astoria, Chelsea, Queens Plaza, Hell’s Kitchen and the Upper West Side.

Another New York bagel institution with multiple locations, you can’t go wrong with a hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagel from Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company. Our personal favourite is the Everything bagel with the hot egg breakfast.

Already in NYC? Find out what to do in New York City today.

Best brunch in New York 

Sarabeth’s – Editor’s Pick*

Multiple venues across New York, including Central Park South, Upper West Side, Tribeca, Park Avenue South and the Upper East Side.

No New York brunch guide would be complete without Sarabeth’s. Having welcomed locals and visitors alike for over 40 years, it’s one of the city’s most iconic breakfast and brunch destinations, renowned for its elegant atmosphere and consistently excellent food.

The menu is packed with classic American brunch favourites, from fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes and eggs Benedict to avocado toast and French toast. We also highly recommend trying one of Sarabeth’s famous preserves, which are served alongside their freshly baked pastries and have become something of a New York institution in their own right. Expect a wait at peak times, particularly at weekends, but we promise it’s well worth it.

Jack’s Wife Freda – Editor’s Favourite*

Multiple venues across New York, including SoHo, Chelsea, Williamsburg and the West Village.

There are multiple branches of Jack’s Wife Freda located all over New York, including in highly coveted neighbourhoods such as Soho, Chelsea and the West Village. There’s something to cater to everyone’s dietary requirements, preferences and allergies at Jack’s, so we guarantee you’ll find something you love!

Bubby’s

Multiple venues across New York, including Tribeca and the High Line.

Bubby’s is one of the most famous brunch spots in NYC and it’s also one of our top picks too! We’ve dined at Bubby’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so we know what we’re talking about when it comes to the best things to order!

Some of our personal favourites include the turkey pastrami reuben, the griddle special and the pancake flight.

Dudley’s

85 Orchard Street, Lower East Side

Serving American dishes with an Australian twist, Dudley’s is another one of our favourite brunch spots, so we just had to include it in our NYC food guide! Try the shrooms benedict or the big brekkie and thank us later! You’ll find Dudley’s on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side, not too far from Essex Market.

Russ & Daughters

Multiple venues across New York, including the Lower East Side, Hudson Yards and Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Russ & Daughters is another iconic brunch institution in NYC that won’t disappoint. They have several locations in New York, but the one on Orchard Street is the only one you can dine inside. Specialising in Jewish comfort food dishes such as bagels, pastrami and pickled herring, Russ & Daughters is an excellent place for brunch.

Astro Restaurant – Editor’s Pick*

1361 Avenue of the Americas, Midtown Manhattan

A New York institution since 1980, Astro Restaurant is the perfect place to experience a classic American diner breakfast. From fluffy pancakes and Belgian waffles to eggs Benedict, omelettes and freshly brewed coffee, the generous portions and all-day breakfast menu make it an excellent choice before a day of sightseeing.

With its retro diner feel, friendly service and central Midtown location just a short walk from Times Square and Rockefeller Center, Astro offers an authentic slice of old-school New York that’s both affordable and consistently popular with locals and visitors alike. This is the authentic and no-frills New York diner experience that ever visitor needs to tick off their list.

Jessica ruth gibson, editor of travelista

Top pizza hotspots in NYC

The exact number of pizzerias in New York City isn’t quite known, but it’s considered to be in the thousands! Thankfully, over the course of our many visits to NYC over the years, we’ve tried and tested some of the best pizza places in the city to compile our top five (it was difficult, but we just about managed it!)!

Joe’s Pizza – Editor’s Favourite

Multiple venues across New York, including Greenwich Village, Times Square, Williamsburg, Union Square and the Financial District.

Joe’s Pizza is a legendary institution when it comes to pizza slices in NYC. There are several branches located in the city, but our personal favourite is the one on Carmine Street. At $4.50 a slice, it’s much more expensive than it used to be, but it’s still cheap compared to some of its competitors who often charge as much as $7 a slice!

“I went to Joe’s Pizza in New York under Chloe’s recommendation and it was genuinely the best pizza I have ever tasted. I couldn’t believe how delicious and how cheap it is. I loved going to the Carmine Street venue and seeing all the photos of the famous customers on the wall including Leo DiCaprio. Joe’s Pizza is a non-negotiable NYC experience!’

Jessica Ruth Gibson, editor of travelista

Sal & Carmine Pizza

2671 Broadway, Upper West Side

Located on the Upper West Side between 101st and 102nd Streets, Sal & Carmine Pizza is a little out of the way if you’re staying in Downtown or Midtown Manhattan, but we guarantee that it’s worth the journey for a $4 slice of pepperoni!

East Village Pizza

145 First Avenue, East Village

Renowned for their viral cheesy garlic knots, East Village Pizza is one of our favourite late-night pizza joints in New York thanks to their excellent pizza slices, mozzarella rolls and cheesy meatball parm!

Prince Street Pizza

Multiple venues across New York, including Nolita and SoHo.

A pizza shop that even the most famous of celebrities can’t miss, Prince Street Pizza will see you queuing out the doors for quite some time, but we promise that it’s worth it! Prince Street Pizza specialises in square pizza pies as opposed to round pizzas and a slice will cost you around $6.

Sofia Pizza Shoppe

989 First Avenue, Midtown East

A plain margherita slice of pizza at Sofia Pizza Shoppe costs as little as $4, so not only is it one of our favourite places in the city for a slice of the good stuff, but it’s also an affordable choice if you’re visiting New York on a budget.

Best affordable to mid-range restaurants in New York

Pure Thai Cookhouse – Editor’s Favourite

766 9th Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen

If you’re searching for an affordable restaurant that consistently delivers incredible food, Pure Thai Cookhouse should be at the top of your list. This small, unassuming restaurant serves some of the best Thai food we’ve ever eaten and proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well in New York.

The restaurant specialises in authentic Thai street food, with handmade noodles, fragrant curries and rich broths taking centre stage. It’s often busy, but the food is well worth the wait and remains one of our favourite budget-friendly restaurants in the city.

Serafina Fabulous Pizza

1022 Madison Avenue, Upper East Side

Serafina is one of our favourite places for lunch after exploring Central Park or Museum Mile. Popular with locals as much as visitors, it’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy excellent Italian food in a relaxed setting.

While the pizzas are the obvious choice, the fresh pasta, salads and classic Italian dishes are equally delicious. If you’re spending the morning wandering through Central Park or visiting one of the nearby museums, Serafina makes an ideal lunchtime stop.

Shuka – Editor’s Pick

38 MacDougal Street, Soho

One of the prettiest restaurants in Lower Manhattan, Shuka serves vibrant Eastern Mediterranean dishes in a beautiful space filled with warm colours, greenery and natural light. It’s one of our favourite lunch spots before an afternoon spent shopping around Soho and Nolita.

The menu is designed for sharing, with favourites including the whipped beetroot hummus, crispy halloumi and freshly baked pita bread. Everything feels fresh, colourful and packed with flavour, making Shuka one of our top recommendations for a relaxed lunch in downtown Manhattan.

Best Iconic, Unique and Upscale Restaurants in New York 

While we’re huge fans of finding great food for as cheap as possible in a city as expensive as NYC, we do also have a few favourite high-end restaurants as well that we wanted to include in our New York food guide.

Carbone – Editor’s Pick* 

181 Thompson Street, Greenwich Village

Arguably the most sought-after restaurant reservation in all of New York City, Carbone is an iconic Italian-American restaurant that has achieved almost cult status. Securing a table isn’t easy, but if you manage to get one, you’ll quickly understand what all the fuss is about.

From the slick service to signature dishes such as the spicy-yet-creamy vodka pasta and veal parmesan, every part of the experience at Carbone feels special and ultra exclusive. Tables are booked out for months and months in advance, so you really need an ‘in’ to get a table. Prices are unsurprisingly at the very top end, but if you’re well connected enough, Carbone is one of those bucket-list restaurants that’s worth experiencing.

Did you know? There’s also now a Carbone across the pond in London, located within the The Chancery Rosewood Hotel in Mayfair.

TAO Downtown

92 9th Avenue, Chelsea

If you’re looking for somewhere that perfectly combines dinner with a glamorous night out, TAO Downtown is hard to beat. Serving contemporary Asian cuisine in a dramatic dining room complete with towering Buddha statues and atmospheric lighting, it’s one of our favourite places in New York when we’re in the mood to dress up.

The cocktails are just as impressive as the food, with everything from sushi and dim sum to steaks and seafood on the extensive menu. As the evening progresses, the music gets louder and the whole venue takes on more of a party atmosphere, making it feel like the perfect cross between a luxury restaurant and an upscale nightclub.

La Esquina – Editor’s Pick*

114 Kenmare Street, Nolita

At first glance, La Esquina looks like nothing more than a casual Mexican café tucked away on the corner of Kenmare Street. However, those in the know head through the discreet entrance and downstairs to discover one of New York’s coolest hidden restaurants.

The speakeasy-style basement dining room is intimate, lively and full of atmosphere, serving some of the best Mexican food we’ve eaten in the city. We highly recommend ordering a selection of tacos alongside one of their famous margaritas for the full experience.

Harry Cipriani

781 Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side

An institution on New York’s dining scene since the 1980s, Harry Cipriani is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into another era. Nestled inside the iconic Sherry-Netherland Hotel overlooking Central Park, it combines crisp white tablecloths, impeccable service and timeless Italian elegance in a dining room that’s played host to New York’s socialites, celebrities and regulars for decades.

The menu celebrates the classic dishes that made the Cipriani name famous, from their legendary carpaccio and baked tagliolini with ham to perfectly cooked veal Milanese and silky vanilla meringue cake. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch after shopping on Fifth Avenue or celebrating a special occasion over dinner, Harry Cipriani is one of those quintessential New York restaurants that never goes out of style.

Gramercy Tavern

42 East 20th Street, Flatiron District

Situated in the heart of the Flatiron District, Gramercy Tavern is one of the top restaurants to enjoy a fancy tasting menu in New York. Their special seasonal menu can cost upwards of $168 per person, but if you opt for the lunchtime Greenmarket lunch, you can enjoy two courses for as little as $58.

If exclusive tasting menus don’t sate your appetite, stick to their a la carte menu in The Tavern instead, where dishes such as grilled pork shoulder, sea bass and duck meatloaf cost as little as $36.

Le Bernardin

155 West 51st Street, Midtown Manhattan

Another luxury restaurant in New York that you’ll benefit from visiting at lunchtime is Le Bernardin. Their fancy fixed-priced dinner menu starts at $198 per person, but you can enjoy their lunchtime special for $120 instead.

While it’s still a hefty price tag, especially for lunch, we think it’s worth it for the scrumptious seafood, black truffle sauce pasta and the filet mignon.

Located just minutes from the Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art, it’s also situated in one of our favourite areas of the city.

Best food markets in New York City

When we’re in the mood for something in between a slice of pizza and a 12-course fine dining experience, we love to opt for some of New York City’s best food markets so that we can enjoy a combination of the two.

Below, we’ve put together a list of our favourite food halls, complete with our top recommendations for the best stalls in each place that you need to try on a food tour in NYC.

Time Out Market New York

55 Water Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn

Time Out Market New York is our favourite food market in the city for several reasons. Firstly, it houses some truly fantastic food vendors such as Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors (one of our favoured burger joints), Felice Pasta Bar and Ess-a-Bagel.

Secondly, it’s located just a couple of blocks from DUMBO in Brooklyn and in turn, its rooftop bar boasts remarkable views of the Manhattan Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

It’s such a great place to grab some food, enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop and take in the magical views of the New York skyline.

Chelsea Market – Editor’s Pick*

75 9th Avenue, Meatpacking District

Another food court that we just had to feature on our ultimate New York food guide is Chelsea Market. Residing in the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market is a food and retail establishment that houses dozens of incredible vendors.

Some of our favourite eateries inside the market include Berlin Currywurst, Black Seed Bagels, Doughnuttery (some of the best doughnuts we’ve ever eaten!), Los Tacos No.1 (another Editor’s favourite) and Filaga Pizzeria.

Chelsea Market is also located adjacent to the High Line, so you can enjoy a gorgeous stroll along the old, abandoned railway once you’ve enjoyed all the food and retail stalls.

Essex Market

88 Essex Street, Lower East Side

Renowned for being the most historic public market in New York City, Essex Market is a must-visit while in the city.

It boasts a vast and diverse collection of food vendors, specialising in cuisines and dishes from all over the world, including France, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Italy, Morocco, India, Germany and many more.

You’ll find Essex Market on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, just a couple of blocks from the Tenement Museum and the infamous Katz’s Delicatessen.

Eataly

Multiple venues across New York, including Flatiron, SoHo and Lower Manhattan (World Trade Center).

We couldn’t write our New York food guide without including the world-renowned Eataly on our list of the best food markets in NYC.

While Eataly isn’t exclusive to New York (there are dozens of branches all over the world), there are several Eataly franchises located throughout the city that make for the perfect pitstop for Italian food while you’re exploring.

Eataly NYC Downtown is our personal favourite as it’s located within the World Trade Center and their on-site restaurant affords marvellous views of the iconic One World Trade Building.

Best rooftop bars in New York City

If there’s one thing New York is famous for, it’s the towering skyscrapers that punctuate the city’s skyline. We’re huge fans of a delicious cocktail, a refreshing glass of wine and a gorgeous backdrop as we sip our drinks.

Check out some of our top rooftop bars in New York City below.

Le Bain at The Standard, High Line – Editor’s Pick*

848 Washington Street, Meatpacking District

Perched on the rooftop of The Standard, High Line hotel, Le Bain is one of our favourite places in the city for sunset drinks. The rooftop boasts incredible views across the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan, making it the perfect place to escape the busy streets below.

Whether you’re stopping by for a cocktail before dinner or spending the evening soaking up the atmosphere, Le Bain always feels effortlessly cool. We’d recommend timing your visit for golden hour before taking a stroll along the nearby High Line, although if you stay later into the evening you’ll find one of New York’s liveliest rooftop party scenes.

Panorama Room

22 North Loop Road, Roosevelt Island

Having only opened in late 2021, the Panorama Room is one of New York’s newest additions to its rooftop bar scene. Located on Roosevelt Island, the journey to get to the Panorama Room is an adventure in itself.

Once you’re on the 18th floor of the Graduate Hotel at the top of the outdoor terrace, you’ll be treated to panoramic (hence the name!) views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as the East River and Roosevelt Island itself.

The food menu at the Panorama Room isn’t exactly extensive as they’ve opted for smaller dishes and sharing plates such as oysters, fries and nachos, but it’s the drinks and views that make it a worthwhile visit. A cocktail will set you back around $20 which certainly isn’t cheap, but we think it’s worth paying the extortionate prices for the breathtaking views alone.

Daintree Rooftop & Lounge

25 West 38th Street, Midtown Manhattan

Situated at the top of Hotel Hendricks, just two blocks from Bryant Park, this plush rooftop terrace is one of the best rooftops in the city for its views, food and drink.

The Empire State Building almost looks like a green screen as it’s just a few blocks away from Hotel Hendricks and the luxurious interiors make us want to save everything to our Pinterest inspiration boards!

As with most rooftop bars in New York, the food and drink are a little pricey, but it’s worth it for the amazing views of the city skyline.

The Skylark

200 West 39th Street, Midtown Manhattan

Perched 30 floors high above Times Square with views that boast the impressive Manhattan skyline, The Skylark is a classy indoor and outdoor rooftop lounge and terrace.

From the top, you can see iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, One Vanderbilt and Edge at Hudson Yards. On the menu you’ll find signature cocktails for $20 and nibbles such as a charcuterie board, tuna tacos and spicy salmon on crispy rice. You’ll go for the food and drink, but you’ll stay for the views.

Arlo Rooftop at NoMad

11 East 31st Street, NoMad

Our final recommendation of the best rooftop bars on our NYC food and drink guide is the Arlo Rooftop at the NoMad Hotel.

We love the location of this rooftop bar as it’s just a few blocks away from the Empire State Building in one direction and Madison Square Park in the other. It’s also one of our favourites thanks to its unique “skywalk” glass floor installation that offers views down to the street 31 stories below!

Where to Stay – Hotels in New York

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or planning another trip to the Big Apple, choosing the right hotel can make all the difference. From stylish boutique stays to luxurious five-star icons, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite hotels in New York to suit every budget and travel style.

Browse all hotels in New York or check out our Area Guide to New York City

Budget Hotels

Pod 51 ★★★

230 East 51st Street, Midtown East

One of the best-value hotels in Manhattan, Pod 51 offers compact yet cleverly designed rooms in an unbeatable location. With a rooftop terrace, lively communal spaces and easy access to Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center and Grand Central, it’s perfect if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring the city.

Chelsea Savoy Hotel ★★★

204 West 23rd Street, Chelsea

Offering spacious rooms and complimentary breakfast, Chelsea Savoy is an excellent choice for travellers looking for comfort without the hefty Manhattan price tag. The interiors are dated, but the hotel gets great reviews and offers value for money. Its location places you within easy walking distance of Chelsea Market, the High Line and Madison Square Garden.

Boutique Hotels

The Ludlow Hotel ★★★★

180 Ludlow Street, Lower East Side

With its industrial-chic interiors, oversized windows and luxurious marble bathrooms, The Ludlow perfectly captures downtown Manhattan’s creative spirit. Surrounded by independent cafés, cocktail bars and some of the city’s best restaurants, it’s one of our favourite boutique stays in New York.

Walker Hotel Greenwich Village ★★★★

52 West 13th Street, Greenwich Village

Inspired by the elegance of the Jazz Age, Walker Hotel combines beautiful Art Deco interiors with an intimate boutique feel. Nestled between Greenwich Village and Chelsea, it’s the perfect base for exploring charming brownstone-lined streets, independent boutiques and Washington Square Park.

Luxury Hotels

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue ★★★★★

400 Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan

For an unforgettable luxury stay, The Langham is hard to beat. Home to some of the largest guest rooms in Manhattan, impeccable service and a prime Fifth Avenue location, it’s the perfect choice for a special occasion in New York.

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown ★★★★★

27 Barclay Street, Tribeca

Located in the heart of Tribeca, the Four Seasons Downtown offers understated luxury, world-class service and one of the city’s finest spas. Elegant rooms, exceptional dining and easy access to One World Observatory and the Financial District make it a fantastic choice for a luxurious city break.

Final Thoughts

From iconic pizza slices and classic New York diners to world-renowned fine dining and hidden neighbourhood gems, New York is a city that rewards every appetite. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to discover somewhere new, we hope this guide helps you eat your way through the Big Apple with confidence. Be sure to save your favourites, book ahead where possible, and most importantly, leave room for dessert – because in New York, your next unforgettable meal is never far away.