Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies
1. Katz's Delicatessen
New York’s quintessential Jewish deli where hand-carved pastrami, corned beef, and matzo ball soup anchor a century-old Lower East Side tradition. The fluorescent-lit, bustling room feels like a living food museum—loud, fast, and unforgettable.
✓ Why Go:
Few bites say “NYC” like a pastrami on rye from Katz’s. It’s a crash course in deli culture and a rite of passage for food lovers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays before noon or late night to avoid peak lines; weekends get crowded around lunch.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab the paper ticket at the entrance and don’t lose it. Tip your cutter and ask for a fatty pastrami cut for extra-juicy slices.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors gush about the melt-in-your-mouth pastrami, nostalgic vibe, and generous portions—many call it a bucket-list NYC meal.
2. Chelsea Market
An indoor food hall in a former Nabisco factory where taco stands, sushi counters, bakeries, and spice shops line atmospheric brick corridors. It’s a one-stop tasting tour with something for every palate.
✓ Why Go:
You can sample multiple NYC favorites under one roof, from hand-pulled noodles to fresh seafood, then stroll the nearby High Line.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or late afternoons for lighter crowds; lunch rush and weekends are the busiest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Come hungry and share bites so you can try more stalls. Loop back for dessert—gelato or doughnuts—after a High Line walk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the variety, design, and convenience; some note crowds but agree the food choices are worth the buzz.
3. Di Fara Pizza
A Brooklyn temple to classic New York pies, where each pizza is meticulously built with imported ingredients and fresh basil snipped to order. The result: blistered crust, balanced sauce, and craveable chew.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a pilgrimage for pizza purists; many consider Di Fara among the city’s finest, especially the square slice.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Aim for mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid peak waits; expect lines on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a whole square pie if you’re with a group—it travels well and showcases the caramelized edge.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about the flavor and craft, calling it a must for serious pizza lovers despite the wait.
4. Arthur Avenue Retail Market
The heart of the Bronx’s Little Italy: a bustling indoor arcade of butchers, pasta makers, bakeries, and espresso bars. Aromas of fresh mozzarella, cured meats, and roasted peppers fill the air.
✓ Why Go:
It’s old-school Italian-American food culture, alive and thriving—perfect for grazing, shopping, and people-watching.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to early afternoon, Tuesday through Saturday, when stalls are in full swing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a sandwich at the deli counter, then pick up fresh pasta and salumi to take home; many vendors will vacuum-seal for travel.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the authenticity, friendly vendors, and top-quality ingredients, calling it a delicious step back in time.
5. New World Mall Food Court
Flushing’s sprawling food court packs dozens of stalls offering regional Chinese specialties alongside Korean, Thai, and Southeast Asian bites. Steam, sizzle, and spice signal a true Queens feast.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of NYC’s most diverse, affordable, and exciting places to eat—ideal for adventurous palates and group grazing.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunch and early dinner on weekdays for shorter lines; weekends buzz with energy and more stalls open.
✓ Insider Tip:
Go with friends and order widely—dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, clay pots—then share so you can sample more flavors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Foodies celebrate the variety, value, and authenticity; many call it a highlight of a Queens food crawl.
6. SriPraPhai
A beloved Thai institution in Woodside known for vibrant, balanced flavors and a menu that ranges from street-food favorites to regional specialties. The leafy garden adds a serene backdrop in warm months.
✓ Why Go:
Dishes are deeply spiced, bright, and nuanced—proof that Queens is the city’s flavor frontier.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early dinner on weekdays to avoid lines; prime for garden seating in late spring through early fall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the crispy watercress salad and ask for your preferred spice level—the kitchen nails “medium” and up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about spot-on seasoning and consistency, calling it a destination-worthy Thai meal.
7. Hometown Bar-B-Que
A Red Hook smokehouse delivering Texas-style brisket, pork ribs, and market-style meats carved to order. Communal tables, craft beer, and live-fire aromas set a laid-back Brooklyn scene.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s benchmark for smoky, tender barbecue—worth the detour for carnivores.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive at opening, especially on weekends; popular cuts can sell out by evening.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with brisket and add a rib by the bone; sides like pickles and cornbread round out the tray.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans applaud the smoke ring, juicy slices, and casual vibe—many call it their favorite NYC BBQ.
8. Grand Central Oyster Bar
An iconic seafood counter beneath Grand Central’s vaulted Guastavino tiles, pouring chowders and shucking dozens of oyster varieties daily. Historic setting meets peak-fresh shellfish.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a classic New York dining room and a master class in East Coast oysters—perfect before a show or after sightseeing.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midweek afternoons for fewer crowds; lunch offers lively counter service without the dinner rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit at the oyster counter and ask for a mixed dozen spanning briny to buttery profiles; don’t skip the pan roast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the timeless ambiance and pristine seafood; some come yearly just for the oysters under the arches.
9. Russ & Daughters
A century-old appetizing shop devoted to smoked fish, caviar, and classic New York bagel spreads. Glass cases glitter with silky salmon and old-world specialties.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the gold standard for lox and bagels—an edible thread through NYC’s immigrant food history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning to beat lines; holidays and Sundays are the busiest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order “The Classic” with Gaspe nova and scallion cream cheese on an everything bagel; pre-order if you’re in a hurry.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors wax poetic about the quality and tradition, calling it a must for breakfast lovers.
10. Levain Bakery
Home of the famously gooey, hulking cookies with a crisp exterior and molten center. The compact shop on the Upper West Side sparks lines that move quickly.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a dessert destination that lives up to the hype—perfect for a sweet capstone to a day of eating.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late evening for shorter waits; cookies are baked throughout the day.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split the chocolate chip walnut cookie if you’re sampling widely; it’s rich, warm, and highly shareable.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers rave about the texture and flavor, calling it the city’s most memorable cookie.
