We’ve put together this list of Must-Try NYC Restaurants so travelers can easily follow along and enjoy the best of New York City’s dining scene, curated by Khonsu’s local experts.
September 11, 2024
Welcome to our definitive guide to the Must-Try NYC Restaurants for Travelers! If you're planning a trip to New York City and want to experience the very best the city has to offer, this list is your go-to resource. As local experts at Khonsu, we've meticulously curated this selection of dining spots that epitomize the NYC culinary scene. Whether you're searching for iconic establishments or seeking out hidden gems, these restaurants represent the pinnacle of New York's diverse and dynamic food landscape.
If this is your first time reading our travel blog, here's our introduction. We connect local advisors to overnight travelers so they can save time planning things to do with a personalized travel itinerary. Space is limited. Reserve time with our team early.
Ok … On to the list
A Brooklyn favorite, L'Industrie Pizza is a must-visit for pizza lovers. Their burrata-topped slice steals the spotlight, but don’t overlook their unique subs and specialty slices inspired by Italian-American classics. The line might be longer than your typical corner pizzeria, but the wait is well worth it for a slice that consistently tops NYC’s best pizza lists.
7th Street Burger is where you go when you want a no-nonsense, tasty smash burger. With multiple locations around the city, it’s always convenient, and the burgers are reliably satisfying. The burgers are simple, greasy, and hit the spot when you need a quick meal without breaking the bank.
A New York institution since 1888, Katz’s Deli is legendary for its massive pastrami sandwiches. The pastrami is thick-cut, well-seasoned, and piled high on rye bread. It’s a bit pricey, but the generous portions are perfect for sharing. There’s a reason both locals and tourists flock to Katz’s when lunchtime rolls around in NYC.
Absolute Bagels is a no-frills spot delivering some of the best bagels and cream cheese in NYC. It’s straightforward, but when it comes to classic bagel goodness, this place hits the mark every time.
Serving hearty Cantonese comfort food in Chinatown since 1938, Wo Hop is an iconic spot. Named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2022, it’s known for its satisfying dishes like chop suey, lo mein, and orange chicken. The generous portions, fair prices, and cash-lined walls of the downstairs dining area make it a favorite for late-night eats.
A true New York classic, Keens Steakhouse has welcomed historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt, JP Morgan, Albert Einstein, and Babe Ruth. Renowned for its dry-aged meats, including the iconic 1.5-pound mutton chops, which see over 400 orders a week, Keens offers more than just great food. The restaurant's old-world charm is highlighted by the 90,000 smoking pipes adorning its walls, a quirky nod to the days when patrons would check their pipes before meals.
Fraunces Tavern has been a historic fixture since 1762, famously hosting George Washington’s farewell to his troops in 1783. Frequented by figures like Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, it holds significant historical value. The small museum upstairs, depicting the room where Washington’s speech took place, is a must-see for history buffs. Located in the city’s historic Financial District, it’s a great spot for a simple lunch during a day of sightseeing, offering classic pub fare like fish and chips and meat pie.
Lombardi’s Pizza is much more than a historic landmark. As the first pizzeria in America, Lombardi’s set a trend, and its alumni went on to create numerous fantastic pizzerias in New York City, including Patsy’s and John’s of Bleecker Street. This legacy has cemented Lombardi’s reputation as a must-try restaurant and New York City’s status as a top pizza destination in the world.
For a less touristy pastrami experience, Sarge’s Deli offers a unique twist with thinner slices and an even more loaded sandwich. It’s a different style from Katz’s, but it stands out in its own right, offering a satisfying alternative for pastrami lovers.
Joe’s Pizza is a classic NYC spot, famous for its greasy, delicious slices. While there are several Joe’s locations around the city, the Greenwich Village spot stands out, having appeared in "Spider-Man." This location offers a more authentic NYC pizza experience compared to the Times Square branch, though both draw large crowds.
Los Tacos No. 1 is renowned for its excellent tacos, including the flavorful Al Pastor and refreshing Nopal (cactus) tacos. Their Aguas Frescas are a perfect complement, and their breakfast burritos to-go from their “El Donkey” burrito carts are a great option for a quick morning bite.
Clinton St. Baking Co. is famous for its blueberry topped pancakes, which often draw long lines in the morning. The bakery’s fluffy, delicious pancakes are a top reason to visit, making it a popular spot for breakfast enthusiasts.
Gray’s Papaya is a beloved spot for hot dogs and fresh fruit juice, perfect for a quick lunch after exploring the American Museum of Natural History or Central Park. Its iconic hot dogs and refreshing drinks make it a staple for both locals and visitors alike.
Owned by Harlem native Melba Wilson, who previously worked at Sylvia’s Restaurant, Melba’s is a soul food hotspot in Harlem. Known for its Southern-style American dishes, it offers a rare taste of authentic Southern cooking that's otherwise hard to find in the region. Melba’s draws locals, tourists, and celebrities alike with its well-executed comfort food, perfect for brunch.
Our team of local advisors builds personalized travel itineraries for travelers from around the world visiting NYC. We’ve built a wide range of plans for family trips, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions, even for solo travelers treating themselves. Each itinerary is built with a 3-step process:
Step 1: Bucket your must-see attractions
Step 2: Add in restaurants, rooftops & other hidden gems
Step 3: Create a custom map and provide transportation tips, so you know the best way to navigate the city.
Click here to have our team tailor your New York trip itinerary today or check out a few of our sample plans here.
Welcome to our definitive guide to the Must-Try NYC Restaurants for Travelers! If you're planning a trip to New York City and want to experience the very best the city has to offer, this list is your go-to resource. As local experts at Khonsu, we've meticulously curated this selection of dining spots that epitomize the NYC culinary scene. Whether you're searching for iconic establishments or seeking out hidden gems, these restaurants represent the pinnacle of New York's diverse and dynamic food landscape.
If this is your first time reading our travel blog, here's our introduction. We connect local advisors to overnight travelers so they can save time planning things to do with a personalized travel itinerary. Space is limited. Reserve time with our team early.
Ok … On to the list
A Brooklyn favorite, L'Industrie Pizza is a must-visit for pizza lovers. Their burrata-topped slice steals the spotlight, but don’t overlook their unique subs and specialty slices inspired by Italian-American classics. The line might be longer than your typical corner pizzeria, but the wait is well worth it for a slice that consistently tops NYC’s best pizza lists.
7th Street Burger is where you go when you want a no-nonsense, tasty smash burger. With multiple locations around the city, it’s always convenient, and the burgers are reliably satisfying. The burgers are simple, greasy, and hit the spot when you need a quick meal without breaking the bank.
A New York institution since 1888, Katz’s Deli is legendary for its massive pastrami sandwiches. The pastrami is thick-cut, well-seasoned, and piled high on rye bread. It’s a bit pricey, but the generous portions are perfect for sharing. There’s a reason both locals and tourists flock to Katz’s when lunchtime rolls around in NYC.
Absolute Bagels is a no-frills spot delivering some of the best bagels and cream cheese in NYC. It’s straightforward, but when it comes to classic bagel goodness, this place hits the mark every time.
Serving hearty Cantonese comfort food in Chinatown since 1938, Wo Hop is an iconic spot. Named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2022, it’s known for its satisfying dishes like chop suey, lo mein, and orange chicken. The generous portions, fair prices, and cash-lined walls of the downstairs dining area make it a favorite for late-night eats.
A true New York classic, Keens Steakhouse has welcomed historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt, JP Morgan, Albert Einstein, and Babe Ruth. Renowned for its dry-aged meats, including the iconic 1.5-pound mutton chops, which see over 400 orders a week, Keens offers more than just great food. The restaurant's old-world charm is highlighted by the 90,000 smoking pipes adorning its walls, a quirky nod to the days when patrons would check their pipes before meals.
Fraunces Tavern has been a historic fixture since 1762, famously hosting George Washington’s farewell to his troops in 1783. Frequented by figures like Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, it holds significant historical value. The small museum upstairs, depicting the room where Washington’s speech took place, is a must-see for history buffs. Located in the city’s historic Financial District, it’s a great spot for a simple lunch during a day of sightseeing, offering classic pub fare like fish and chips and meat pie.
Lombardi’s Pizza is much more than a historic landmark. As the first pizzeria in America, Lombardi’s set a trend, and its alumni went on to create numerous fantastic pizzerias in New York City, including Patsy’s and John’s of Bleecker Street. This legacy has cemented Lombardi’s reputation as a must-try restaurant and New York City’s status as a top pizza destination in the world.
For a less touristy pastrami experience, Sarge’s Deli offers a unique twist with thinner slices and an even more loaded sandwich. It’s a different style from Katz’s, but it stands out in its own right, offering a satisfying alternative for pastrami lovers.
Joe’s Pizza is a classic NYC spot, famous for its greasy, delicious slices. While there are several Joe’s locations around the city, the Greenwich Village spot stands out, having appeared in "Spider-Man." This location offers a more authentic NYC pizza experience compared to the Times Square branch, though both draw large crowds.
Los Tacos No. 1 is renowned for its excellent tacos, including the flavorful Al Pastor and refreshing Nopal (cactus) tacos. Their Aguas Frescas are a perfect complement, and their breakfast burritos to-go from their “El Donkey” burrito carts are a great option for a quick morning bite.
Clinton St. Baking Co. is famous for its blueberry topped pancakes, which often draw long lines in the morning. The bakery’s fluffy, delicious pancakes are a top reason to visit, making it a popular spot for breakfast enthusiasts.
Gray’s Papaya is a beloved spot for hot dogs and fresh fruit juice, perfect for a quick lunch after exploring the American Museum of Natural History or Central Park. Its iconic hot dogs and refreshing drinks make it a staple for both locals and visitors alike.
Owned by Harlem native Melba Wilson, who previously worked at Sylvia’s Restaurant, Melba’s is a soul food hotspot in Harlem. Known for its Southern-style American dishes, it offers a rare taste of authentic Southern cooking that's otherwise hard to find in the region. Melba’s draws locals, tourists, and celebrities alike with its well-executed comfort food, perfect for brunch.
Our team of local advisors builds personalized travel itineraries for travelers from around the world visiting NYC. We’ve built a wide range of plans for family trips, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions, even for solo travelers treating themselves. Each itinerary is built with a 3-step process:
Step 1: Bucket your must-see attractions
Step 2: Add in restaurants, rooftops & other hidden gems
Step 3: Create a custom map and provide transportation tips, so you know the best way to navigate the city.
Click here to have our team tailor your New York trip itinerary today or check out a few of our sample plans here.
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