Best Foodie Itinerary: New York City

My favorite thing to do in this city is to wander!

My Must Go Tos:

Monkey Bar - This restaurant has an old mobster vibe with great steaks, burgers, martinis, and manhattans. It's a fun, traditional spot with delicious food and drinks.

Joe's Pizza - Get classic New York style floppy pizza by the slice at this no-frills spot. Joe's has many locations throughout the city.

Popup Bagels - Be prepared to wait in line at this popular bagel shop with no seating. The bagels are worth the wait and are highly recommended.

The best bagel spots in NYC:

Bagels are a quintessential New York food, and the city offers no shortage of top-notch spots to get your bagel fix. Russ and Daughters on the Lower East Side is a venerable Jewish deli serving hand-rolled bagels and tasty schmears since 1914. Get there early to avoid long lines. Popup Bagels has no seating but superb fresh bagels worth waiting for. Ess-A-Bagel is a local favorite with multiple locations churning out chewy, delicious bagels around the clock. Expect lines, but they move quickly. Sadelle's in Soho draws crowds for its trendy brunch accompanied by quality bagels and house-cured salmon. While a bit overhyped, it's a fun scene. Also it wouldn't be NYC without talking about a bacon egg and cheese, please try this from Tompkins Square Bagels, it changed my life. For a true New York bagel experience, go to Russ and Daughters or Ess-A-Bagel and be prepared to wait for a fresh, mouthwatering bagel.

Best Coffee and Treats in NYC Travel Guide

For excellent coffee, check out Seven Grams Coffee. This local spot has multiple locations across the city and is known for its high-quality coffee drinks and delicious chocolate chip cookies.

If you're looking for a tasty pastry with your coffee, head to Supermoon BakeHouse for their scrumptious pumpkin croissants.

When it comes to cakes, Billy's Bakery is a top choice, especially for birthday, wedding, and other special occasion cakes. Their cake flavors and designs are creative and delicious.

For a fun, unique treat, visit Red Gate Bakery, which is loved for its smores buns and funfetti cakes. Their smores cake is also supposed to be incredible.

Die-hard cake fans line up to order from Byclio Bakery, which requires cakes to be ordered about a month in advance due to high demand. Their cakes have a cult-like following.

You can't miss Little Cupcake Bakery for the best cupcakes in the city, as well as mouthwatering cookie dough cakes.

Of course, Levain bakery cookies and Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding are Classics!

Finally, check out the buzzed-about new bakery Radio Bakery, which many consider the best new bakery in NYC for freshly baked breads and pastries.

So if you have a sweet tooth, be sure to visit these top-notch coffee shops and bakeries on your next trip to New York City! Let your tastebuds delight in the best coffee, cakes, cookies, and more.

Best pizza in NYC:

New York City is famous for its delicious, thin-crust pizza. For the best slices in the city, head to Prince Street Pizza in Nolita. Their pepperoni and vodka slices are to-die-for. Lombardi's in Little Italy claims to be the first pizzeria in the U.S. - stop by this historic spot for classic New York-style pies. Joe's Pizza has several locations throughout the city serving up huge, floppy, cheesy slices. Don't miss the white pizza at Village Square Pizza in Greenwich Village. Emily in the West Village offers creative pizza options like truffle mushroom and pink pizza. For a unique experience, check out Wizard Hat Pizza, a pizza pop-up serving delicious pies in Brooklyn. From classic NY slices to gourmet creations, NYC has some of the best pizza offerings in the world.

Best sandwiches in NYC:

First up is Montagu's Gusto, known for their BIG sized sandwiches packed with bold flavors. Using quality ingredients like smoked ham, spicy coppa, and aged provolone, Montagu's offers sandwiches that are as delicious as they are filling. Their signature Gusto sandwich with coppa, soppressata, prosciutto, provolone, shredded lettuce, onion, pepperoncini, oil & vinegar is a standout.

For Italian-style sandwiches on focaccia bread, head to All'Antico Vinaio. This Florence-based sandwich shop brings hearty Tuscan flavors to NYC, layering their bread with cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables. Top choices are the classic Italian porchetta sandwich, or go for one of their daily specials featuring ingredients like truffled egg salad or Italian tuna. The focaccia is baked fresh daily and makes the perfect crunchy yet chewy base for these loaded sandwiches.

With creatively stacked ingredients and high quality meats and cheeses, Montagu's Gusto and All'Antico Vinaio offer two very different but equally delicious takes on the sandwich in NYC. Hungry sandwich lovers will be satisfied by the flavors and portions from these spots.

Best memorable dining experience:

Here are some of the most buzzed-about sit down restaurants that you'll want to book a reservation for:

Noksu - This intimate Korean tasting menu spot is a hidden gem worth discovering. With innovative takes on Korean cuisine, it's earned a cult following.

Da Toscano - Touted as one of the best under-the-radar Italian restaurants, this TikTok favorite promises transportive Tuscan flavors and cozy ambiance. A top 2023 pick.

Double Chicken Please - This unique speakeasy-style restaurant has creative cocktails up front and fried chicken in the back. Hard to snag a reservation but worth the effort.

Atoboy - One of the most sought-after Korean restaurants for 2023, Atoboy wows with inventive banchan and modern interpretations of Korean classics.

Cafe Chelsea - For a quintessential French dining experience in NYC, Cafe Chelsea charms with Parisian vibes. Order the chocolate souffle with your mains and don't skip the dessert menu.

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi - The eclectic Afro-Caribbean menu shines with standouts like egusi dumplings, curried goat patties, and honeynut piri piri salad. End with the bodega special dessert.

Ci Siamo - For quality Italian in a chic setting, this upscale spot hits the mark for date nights out.

Don Angie - Booking the lively Don Angie takes effort but rewards with fun Italian-American mashups and lively ambiance.

4 Charles Prime Rib - Come for the prime rib and stay for the burgers, latkes, and overall old-school steakhouse vibe.

Best casual food to try:

Taste of Heaven - This Jamaican restaurant comes highly recommended for its jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and ribs. A must-try for the flavorful Caribbean fare.

Red Hook Tavern - This Brooklyn tavern is known for its iconic burger and was named one of the top reservations to book in 2023. It's a casual spot with delicious burgers that is worth visiting.

Wizard Hat Pizza - This is a popular Brooklyn pizza pop-up that serves creative pizzas with fun toppings. As a temporary pizza spot, it's a unique dining experience for pizza lovers to check out.

Best of Brooklyn:

Brooklyn has become a dining destination, with restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Some of the best restaurants in Brooklyn for 2023 according to reviews on Rezy include:

Gate and Tollner - This revived 19th century American restaurant serves classic dishes like roast chicken and dry-aged steaks in a preserved historic dining room. With its vintage interior and refined cuisine, Gate and Tollner is a top pick.

Bar Bete - For excellent French fare, Bar Bete is a go-to. The intimate space dishes out classics like coq au vin and trout amandine. The pre-theater prix fixe menu is a great value.

Bonnie's - Bonnie's serves up Caribbean and Cajun cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Jerk chicken, jambalaya, and po' boys are house specialties. The backyard garden seating makes it a top pick.

Laser Wolf is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The restaurant features a hip, laidback vibe with an open kitchen and communal tables. The menu consists of small plates inspired by the cuisines of Israel, Turkey and Lebanon. Popular dishes include hummus, falafel, kebabs, and pita bread. Laser Wolf has an extensive wine list and creative cocktails featuring ingredients like za'atar and sumac. The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere and late night dining and drinks.

In addition, keep an eye out for Wizard Hat Pizza, a popular pizza pop-up serving delicious thin-crust pies around Brooklyn. With its constantly changing locations, it's a unique experience for pizza lovers.

Best of Chinatown, NYC:

Chinatown is home to some of the best and most authentic Chinese food in New York City. For a fun and casual dining experience, check out Canal Street Market. This indoor market has various food vendors serving up bites like dumplings, noodles, and more. Grab a seat at one of the communal tables and enjoy the artsy, industrial vibe.

One of the most popular spots for noodles is Spicy Village. This casual hole-in-the-wall joint is known for its hand-pulled noodles and spicy beef dry noodles. Be prepared for a wait, but the cheap prices and tasty food are worth it.

If you're looking for dumplings, head to Tasty Dumpling. This no-frills spot serves up steaming hot dumplings for just $1 each. It's a great place to get your dumpling fix on the cheap.

For a classic Chinatown diner experience, check out Mabu Cafe NYC. This neighborhood staple has been serving up classic Chinese-American fare since the 1960s. It's an iconic spot to grab comfort foods like egg rolls, fried rice, and more.

And for excellent hot and sour soup, Uncle Lou is a top choice. This cozy restaurant specializes in hearty soups and is a go-to for this classic Chinese soup.

So whether you're looking for cheap eats, comfort foods, or authentic Chinatown flavors, these spots have you covered. They offer a tasty sampling of what this exciting neighborhood has to offer food-wise.

Best of Lower East Side, NYC:

Lower East Side is home to some of the best pizza spots in NYC. Prince Street Pizza is known for its delicious slices, especially the pepperoni and vodka slice. Lombardi's Pizza is one of the oldest pizzerias in the city.

For Korean fried chicken, Chick of Us comes highly recommended. Russ & Daughters is a must-visit for bagels and smoked fish, though expect a wait.

Katz's Delicatessen is famous for its massive, mouthwatering pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Just be prepared for the hefty price tag.

For Indian cuisine, Dhamaka gets rave reviews for its inventive dishes and fun vibe.

With its mix of classic NYC spots and trendy new hotspots, the Lower East Side offers some of the best dining in the city across cuisines. Pizza, deli sandwiches, Korean fried chicken and more - this neighborhood has it all.

Best of East Village, NYC:

The East Village is home to some of the best dining in New York City, with cuisines from all over the world represented. For delicious fried chicken and Southern comfort food, head to Bobwhite Counter. This spot is known for its crispy, juicy chicken and hearty sides like mac and cheese. Looking for a tasty slice? Village Square Pizza serves up mouthwatering white pizza loaded with ricotta and mozzarella.

For Asian fusion small plates, Thursday Kitchen is a must-try. Their Korean-inspired tapas like paella, gnocchi, and popcorn chicken are creative and full of flavor. If you're craving a massive burrito, check out Zaragoza in an East Village market. This tiny spot slings giant, overloaded burritos that are perfect for a hungry appetite. End your dining tour at Soothr for Thai noodles, soups, and curries that are fragrant and complex. From pizza to tacos and everything in between, the East Village is a food lover's paradise.

Best of in West Village, NYC:

The West Village is home to some of New York City's most renowned restaurants and bars. Dante West Village is a stylish seafood and grill restaurant that made the 2022 best bar list. Similarly, Employees Only is a prohibition-style cocktail bar known for its inventive drinks and retro atmosphere, also earning a spot on the best bar list. For delicious Tuscan fare paired with wines and cocktails, I Sodi comes highly recommended, especially the lasagna and chocolate cake. However, reservations are a must at this popular spot. Pizza lovers can't miss Emily West Village, renowned for its red, white, and pink pizzas, with the truffle mushroom pizza being a standout. Emily's also serves a legendary burger. Finally, Bird Dog offers Southern comfort food with great flavors and options. With this diverse range of excellent dining and drinking establishments, the West Village offers something for every palate and is a must-visit for foodies.

Best place to get an espresso martini ...I mean cocktail for late 20s/30s crowds in New York City:

Looking for a lively pre-club spot or a casual cocktail bar? New York City has no shortage of great options for drinks in your late 20s and 30s.

For espresso martinis with a view, head to Manhatta near Central Park. Their creative martini flights are a can't-miss. Pebble Bar in Nolita is another hot spot for martinis in a chic, intimate setting.

If you're feeling the speakeasy vibe, make a reservation at Please Don't Tell in the East Village or Employees Only in the West Village. Both have extensive old fashioned menus in dark, moody spaces.

For a taste of old New York, pull up a seat at the classic mahogany bar at Temple Bar in Gramercy. Their beer and shot combos are a throwback to vintage NYC.

In Midtown, Isla & Co. offers midtown workers a tropical escape from the hustle and bustle, with fun tiki cocktails and espresso martini flights at happy hour.

Down in the Meatpacking District, grab a pre-club drink at Nightmoves, a lively bar and lounge playing throwback hits. Nearby, Roxy Bar offers bottle service and a dance scene for a taste of classic late night Meatpacking.

Wherever you go, you'll find great drinks and vibes for the over-25 crowd in this city that never sleeps. Enjoy!