The best food in New York: 21 tips for restaurants, breakfasts and bars.
Foodies of the world, gather round, welcome to the centre of all culinary cravings: welcome to New York. Welcome to our New York Food Guide. All our restaurant recommendations & tips for New York, tested and nibbled yourself.
New York is a place of longing for many people. Besides the classic sights like the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge, there is a lot to see in New York.
Food is an important part of a perfect NYC trip. Many food trends are born here, which conquer the whole world from New York. Whether it's the Cronut, Rainbow Bagel, Food Truck or Crack Pie. There are no limits to the imagination here.
And if you think the USA only consists of burgers and fries, you're wrong. Especially in New York, something new is created on a menu every day. New Yorkers celebrate and celebrate the diversity of their cuisine. Discover the Big Apple with me in a culinary way and let me take you to the best food spots in the city.
Here are the best restaurants from Manhattan to Brooklyn!
TRIGGER WARNING: Reading this article may cause acute hunger pangs, imitate at your own risk. Potentially 3-6 kg weight gain can be expected here. Good hunger.
1. eat-a-bagel
A good day starts with an exceptionally good breakfast. On a trip to New York, bagels are simply a must for us. That's why our first port of call is always Ess-a-Bagel.
The often long queue in front of the door already suggests that there are delicious bagels here. It's not classically cosy inside, but the taste of the bagels is unbeatable.
The bagels are freshly prepared on site. Bagels have been baked here according to the original Jewish recipe for over 40 years. Many locals pack a bagel to take home. So did we. However, the hunger was so great that even this one did not survive and was eaten up immediately.
By the way, 15 January is International Bagel Day. If you are in New York at this time, you always have a good chance of getting a bagel for free at the big bagel shops. Or you can get a special that is not available elsewhere.
Address: 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday to Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Prices: From to, is the motto here. A Plain Bagel starts from $1.45, depending on how you want the bagel to be topped the price goes up. The Ess-a-BLTA (bacon, tomato, lettuce, avocado with sauce), for example, costs $8.15. The bagels are not a bargain, but they are so filling that it is definitely worth it. And, of course, they taste great.
Website: ess-a-bagel.com
Ess-a-Bagel - the place to be for breakfast! 2. rainbow bagel
Instagram made me do it. The Rainbow Bagel is "instragrammable" food at its best. If you're gearing up for a New York trip on Instagram, rainbow bagels are practically jumping out at you from all angles. Who can blame them, they also look way too crazy not to photograph.
You can now find the colourful bagels in many stores, but they originated in an inconspicuous shop in Brooklyn. At "The Bagel Store", colourful dough curls are a dream come true.
Whether Galaxy, Captain America, Unicorn or Groove Neon Bagel, you can't eat bagels any crazier. If you think these things taste so sweet you'll run away, no, not at all. Despite the bright colours, the bagels taste quite normal. Depending on the filling, the bagel becomes a sweet or savoury sin.
We tested the bagels with Peanut Butter and Confetti Cream. Phew, a bit of a sugar shock. But also soooo fun. Luckily, the bagels are cut in two, making them perfect for sharing.
Unfortunately, the Original Bagel Store is currently closed. Check the website regularly to keep up to date on when it will reopen. For those who can't wait, you can also get Rainbow Bagels at Liberty Bagels in Midtown.
Address: 69 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Opening hours: currently closed. Follow the Instagram channel or sign up for email updates on the website.
Prices: You should expect to pay around $4-8 per bagel. Fair price for these crazy bites.
Website: https://www.thebagelstoreonline.com/
Rainbow Bagels - don't taste like sugar, but look like it. Just pretty to look at! 3rd Dough Donuts
Opinions are divided on this subject. Where can you find the best donuts in New York? Sticky, sweet calorie bombs that send us into seventh candy heaven. Whether we've found the best, we sure hope so.
You can find Dough Donuts in Brooklyn. Later, branches were added in Manhattan, this great donut store has settled down. Donuts have been made by hand here for 10 years, making not only New York policemen happy. Dunkin Donuts and Kreams Donuts can't compete with this New York original. The owner, Fany Gerson, brings a Latin American touch to the donut business.
The varieties Hibiscus, Tropical Fruits, Dulce de leche or Chocolate Chipotle are only available here. Now you just have to decide. Of course, we also tested the classics Glazed and Cinnabon. A real poem. By the way, the donuts are much bigger than the German versions. One is enough to fill you up.
Address: 14 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011, United States.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Fridays 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday to Sunday 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Prices: Approx. $3 per donut. Top price-performance ratio.
Website: https://www.doughdoughnuts.com/
Delicious doughnuts at Dough Donuts in Brooklyn. 4. Katz's Delicatessen
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Katz's Delicatessen is one of the most famous restaurants in New York. It has been serving classic sandwiches since 1888. Katz even made it to the big screen in the classic "When Harry met Sally". But there's really only one reason to come here: the pastrami sandwich! We recommend the pickled cucumbers as a side dish. Delicious!
This sandwich is sensationally good. The finest pastrami with a crust of black pepper and a secret blend of spices.
Get ready to wait in a long line. Upon entering Katz's Delicatessen, you will be handed a yellow ticket. Give this ticket to one of the staff behind the counter. He will take your order and prepare your sandwiches. Sometimes you get a small piece of pastrami to try while your sandwich is being prepared. By the way, the preparer expects a small tip, as is customary in the USA.
If there is room, you can sit down at a table and enjoy your sandwich.
Our tip: For lunch, don't even try to get a seat. Katz's Deli is really bursting at the seams then. The queues in front of the shop are long. Go by at an atypical time. For example, for breakfast or in the early afternoon.
Address: Lower East Side Manhattan: 205 E Houston Street, New York.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday from 8:00 to 22:45, Thursday from 8:00 - 2:45, Friday from 8:00 - 24:00. Saturdays: Open 24 h. Sunday from 00:00 to 22:45.
Prices: Katz's Deli is very expensive. A sandwich costs $20. You pay not only for the sensational taste but also for the history of the place.
Website: https://katzsdelicatessen.com/
Chelsea Market
Ohhh one of my absolute favourite places in New York. The Chelsea Market is located in the former Meatpacking District. In the past, meat was traded there. Rather rough characters dominated the streetscape. Today you can find hip boutiques, small cafés, the famous Highline and the Chelsea Market.
The old building has a delicious past. Biscuits used to be made here and the famous Oreo biscuit was invented in this building. To this day, food has a high priority in the Chelsea Market. Since it opened in 1997, countless shops and restaurants have moved into the old biscuit factory. But also small boutiques, a market for art and design and other shops with beautiful things.
It's a wonderful place to stroll around even on rainy days and let yourself drift through the shops. We have been to Chelsea Market several times and every time we discover something new that we didn't notice the last time. Our personal favourites in Chelsea Market are:
"Lobster Place" for oysters and lobsters, "Spices & Tease" for spices from all over the world. The bookstore "Posman Books" and "Anthropologie" for interiors and beautiful clothes.
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 02:00, Friday from 7:00 - 24:00, Saturday from 7:00 - 02:00. Sunday from 8:00 to 22:00.
Prices: Prices vary depending on what you're craving. You can get a good oyster for $5 a piece. A coffee for $4. Snacking on more snacks is good for your travel budget.
Website: https://www.chelseamarket.com/
You can eat seafood (especially oysters) very well at Chelsea Market. 
Spices are also available at Chelsea Market. You are also welcome to try some. Meatball Shop
Meatballs are a classic from Italy that immigrants brought with them to their new home in New York City. The polpetta, or meatballs, are not only popular with Italians.
In the three Meatball Shops, the old polpetta recipes have been completely reinterpreted. Meatball bowls are at the centre of the menu. These are available in the classic version, but also with chicken, salmon, vegetarian or vegan. You choose a sauce and a base. The base can be pasta or vegetables or pulses.
For purists, the balls are also available plain with sauce. Less is sometimes more. Every day there is a ball de jour, a ball of the day. Be sure to ask the waiter for his recommendation. During our visit, we tried various bowls but also the classic meatball sub, a sandwich with meatballs. We had a wonderful afternoon here and the displeasure of not being able to get a seat at Russ & Daughters disappeared in a flash.
Address: Attn: 84 Stanton St, New York, NY 10002, United States.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 17:00 to 01:00, Friday from 17:00 - 02:00, Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 to 02:00.
Prices: A normal bowl costs $ 15, a sandwich also $ 16. You should calculate about $ 20 per person including drink.
Website: https://www.themeatballshop.com/
Deep fried meatballs and a classic meatball sandwich. 7. shake shack
Forget the In-N-Out burger chain of the West Coast of America. When it comes to debates about the best burger chain in the US, New York's Shake Shack clearly has the snout for us.
We usually prefer fresh and handmade burgers to fast food chains. But at Shake Shack, we can't resist. The design of the burger shops alone sets them apart from the normal fast food chains. You could almost describe the interior as hipster-like.
There are over 30 branches in New York. The nearest Shake Shack is certainly near you. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs and fries on the side. What makes Shake Shack different from other fast food places? There is also wine and delicious beer on the menu, for example.
The first burger joint was located in Madison Square Park. You can find more locations all over New York and Brooklyn. If you want to avoid the long queues, you should go to the branch in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Bridge or on the Upper East Side.
Address: e.g. 1 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States.
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: Double Shack Burger $8.09 plus $2.99 for fries.
See locations on Google Maps (there are many locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens).
Burger & Cheese Fries at Shake Shack. 8. pizza at Grimaldis
Big is better. This is especially true for this pizzeria. Not far from the Brooklyn Bridge, there are several places advertising the best pizza in Brooklyn. If you have a choice, you're spoilt for choice. But pizza is to New York what currywurst is to Berlin. So we tried pizza, this time at Grimaldis in Brooklyn.
In the charcoal oven, wafer-thin traditional pizzas are baked at over 1,200 degrees. The 100-year-old dough recipe in particular is the hallmark of the pizzeria below the Brooklyn Bridge. Pizza fans have been happy here since 1990.
On our first evening in New York, we spontaneously stopped in without a reservation and were lucky to get a table. The great thing is that you can share very well here. The three of us always shared a large pizza and had it topped according to our personal wishes. And big means really big here. Just typical America. Our pizza was served on huge aluminium plates. And we all had enough. Pizza New York Style, very authentic and good value for money.
Address: 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:30am to 11:00pm, Friday and Saturday until 00:00am.
Price: Small pizza (6 pieces for 1-2 people) base with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil $ 17. Additional toppings $ 2-4. Large pizza base (8 pieces for 3-4 people $ 19. Attention here only cash payment is possible.
Website: https://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/
Our pizza for 3 people at Grimaldis. Simply huge. 9th Smorgasburg Food Market
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
A good tip has unfortunately not yet been conquered by us. But on my personal to-do list for New York for years is the Smorgasburg Market in Brooklyn.
Actually, Smorgasburg is not a market, but rather a food fair. You can try culinary experiences of all kinds at over 100 stalls. Whether typical Italian, Japanese noodles or American style. Foodie dreams come true here. By the way, the "Smorga" is the largest weekly open-air food market in America.
In summer, the Smorgasburg takes place outdoors in Williamsburg and Prospect Park. In winter, a kind of winter market opens in Williamsburg. Smorgasburg attracts over 30,000 people every week. So it gets crowded here quickly. Still, it's an absolute highlight that you should definitely visit. Don't eat anything before you go, you will definitely want to try more than you can actually eat.
Address: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States.
Opening hours: Saturday and/or Sunday. Be sure to check the website for the current opening hours at each location.
Price: From to, depending on the booth. There is something for every budget. Be sure to bring cash, not every stand has a card payment machine.
Website: https://www.smorgasburg.com/
10 Union Square Greenmarket
Several times a week, part of Union Square is transformed into an open air market. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 8 am and 6 pm, producers from the region offer their products for sale.
What's particularly positive is that everything here is organic. Some stalls even use solar panels to supply their stalls with electricity. Up to 140 stalls offer fruit, vegetables, ready-made products, baked goods, flowers and other foodstuffs.
Don't necessarily visit the market on a Saturday, when Union Square gets really crowded. Otherwise, grab a coffee to go, stroll through the square, enjoy a few rays of sunshine and enjoy the flair of New York. Seeing and being seen included.
Address: E 17th St &, Union Square W, New York, NY 10003, United States.
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 08:00 - 18:00 hrs.
Price: It's certainly not cheap here. But here you only get small appetisers, which is also easy on the travel budget.
Website: https://www.grownyc.org/greenmarket/manhattan-union-square-m
It doesn't get any fresher than this. Be sure to enjoy a stroll through a Farmers Market. 11 The Dutch
In Greenwich Village
Want something a little nicer? Then we recommend The Dutch in Greenwich Village. If you think it's going to be Dutch here, you're in for a disappointment. The Dutch simply serves good American cuisine. High-quality, regional and seasonal.
The menu offers a variety of grilled meats, good fish and oysters, a selection of side dishes and starters such as steak tartare, tuna poke, soups and sticky pork ribs.
We tried our way through the menu and sampled various dishes. We were thoroughly satisfied and for me it was even the second visit to The Dutch. We don't want to raise false expectations, The Dutch is a good choice. But it is definitely not exceptional cuisine with high Instagram potential. But if you're happy to do without that and prefer to enjoy good quality in a pleasant ambience, this is the place for you.
Insider tip: The Dutch offers the Corkage Fee principle. This means you can bring up to two bottles of your own wine with your meal. Costs a flat rate of "only" $35.
Address: 131 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012, United States.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30am - 10:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am.
Price: Main dishes $25 - $50. The most expensive dish on the menu is the Dry-Aged Rib Eye Steak for 2 people for $135.
Website: https://www.thedutchnyc.com/
Roast beef and ribs at The Dutch in Greenwich Village. 12. Nathan's Famous
Coney Island and Brighton Beach
About an hour outside New York, at the southernmost tip of Brooklyn, lies the borough of Coney Island. Every summer, a huge entertainment district is built here. Especially at the Broadwalk, the famous Ferris wheel and the amusement park Luna Park, people cavort away from the centre of New York.
Right near the Broadwalk, in 1916 the Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker founded what has since become the most famous hot dog chain in the world. The hot dog restaurant became famous with simple frankfurters. Later, the annual hot dog eating contest followed, making Nathan's famous nationwide.
Today you can try Nathan's sausages either in the original restaurant or at the stand directly on the Broadwalk. They come with fries with or without cheese, corn dogs or onion rings. This is definitely a piece of New York history.
Address: 1205 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States
Opening hours: daily 10:30 am to 11:00 pm
Price: Hot dog $5 and fries $5. Not cheap for fast food, but you're also paying for the history and location.
Website: https://nathansfamous.com/
At Nathan's you can enjoy the most famous hot dogs in New York. Milk Bar
Who has seen "The Chefs Table" with Christina Tosi on Netflix? With incredible dedication and love, Christina describes what motivated her to open a bakery. And what enthusiasm her milk that tastes like cornflakes triggered in chef David Chang.
Of course, we had to test that, too. Milk Bar has been in New York since 2008. From here in the East Village, it has started its triumphal march and now has branches in LA, Boston, Washington, Las Vegas and Toronto. The Naked Birthday Cake and Crack Pie takes fans everywhere to sugar shock heaven.
We tried the dulce de corpse ice cream, the Birthday Cake Truffles and, of course, a slice of the Crack Pie. Sorry, Netflix made us do it.
Address: Attn: 251 E 13th St, New York, NY 10003, United States.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 to 00:00, to Saturday from 10:00 to 01:00.
Prices: A dozen Cake Truffles cost $24, but can of course be ordered individually
Website: https://milkbarstore.com/
Milk Bar Pie (also known as Crack Pie) and Birthday Cake Bites. It doesn't get any sweeter than this. 14 Sylvia's
This is my insider tip for those who want to experience the real Harlem. This is exactly how I imagined the real soul food restaurants in the US to be. After taking a walking tour of Harlem, I asked our guide for an authentic and delicious restaurant. I was looking for a recommendation where to find typical American soul food. Exactly what used to be on every menu in Harlem before gentrification hit.
Joclyn then led us to Sylvia's. This is where the African-American community goes to eat. A place reserved for family gatherings. A restaurant where exactly what the over 80-year-old Joclyn knows from her childhood is still served.
Chicken and waffles, fried chicken or grilled U.S. prime steak. Everything that nourishes the soul is on the menu here, typical soul food. Admittedly, vegetarians have a rather limited choice here. Vegan dishes were not yet available. Just ask the friendly staff.
What makes Sylvia's so unique? It's just like something out of a film. Loud, hearty, kids running around everywhere and back then the chairs still had funny plastic covers. So it's not fancy or fancy at all, but it's incredibly real and delicious. My little insider tip in Harlem.
Address: 328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027, United States.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 22:30, Sunday to Tuesday from 11:00 to 22:30.
Prices: Main dishes cost between $10-30, a pitcher of lemonade $9.50.
Website: http://sylviasrestaurant.com/
15 Tina's Place
We found this breakfast place in the middle of Bushwick. It was supposed to be cheap, typical American breakfast. With pancakes, free refill coffee and stained newspapers on the counter.
That's exactly what we found at Tina's. Between the last night owls, construction workers and many locals, we squeezed into a much too small shop. But that has to happen sometimes and is somehow part of it.
Don't expect fancy hipster bowls or caramel-flavoured latte macchiatos here. Everything here is rather basic. Scrambled eggs with sausages, pancakes with maple syrup and sausages with fried eggs. Served with black coffee, there wasn't even any plant milk. If that still doesn't scare you off, Tina will give you a solid basis for a walking street art tour through Bushwick, for example.
Address: 1002 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206, United States.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 05:00 to 15:30, Saturday to Sunday from 03:30 to 15:30.
Prices: Per person per breakfast, expect $10-20 depending on what you choose. E.g. French toast $4, spinach omelette $6.00 or pancakes $4.00.
Simple, cheap, authentic, delicious. Breakfast at Tina's Place. 16 Hometown BBQ
In Red Hook, Brooklyn
Self-praise famously stinks, but I always get a lot of praise for my restaurant choices. My Hometown BBQ, however, I've outdone myself.
At the end of Brooklyn, in the waterfront neighbourhood of Red Hook, you'll find Hometown BBQ. Since its appearance on national TV, it is unfortunately no longer an insider tip, but this barbecue paradise does not yet appear in most travel guides.
Here you get the best spare ribs we've ever had. We overdid it a bit and shared a Whole Rack with two other people. A half rack would have done by far. We had Mac Cheese, Hometown Slaw, beans and potato salad. Everything was of excellent quality and tasted unique.
Unfortunately, you can't make reservations at Hometown BBQ. You have to stand in line, order, get a number and pick up your food at the counter. Especially on weekends, when live music is played at Hometown BBQ, it gets incredibly crowded. It's worth arriving early and planning enough waiting time.
A little tip: it's best to take an Uber or bus to Hometown BBQ. Unfortunately, there is no underground here. The advantage of the location is that very few tourists get lost here.
Address: 454 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States- Opening hours: Daily from 12:00 to 22:00.
Prices: half a pound of spare ribs $14, side dishes in small $6 in large $10.
Website: https://hometownbbq.com/
Hometown BBQ. Truth: 4 people, 3 sparerib racks, 4 side dishes and 45 min later all gone. 17 Le Pain Quotidien
America is the paradise of lavish breakfast plates. Everything is a bit bigger, which is fun for a while, but at some point you long for the old familiar. That's what happened to us in New York. The day came when we just wanted a yoghurt with fruit, normal bread and a really good coffee.
Since the hipster breakfast spots have sprung up, you have much more choice and are more likely to get a European-style breakfast. A few years ago, the only place where this was possible was Le Pain Quotidien.
What started in Belgium made its way to New York in 1997. To this day, you can eat sourdough bread, delicious croissants, savoury breakfast variations and sweet cakes at Le Pain Quotidien. There are now numerous branches in New York, so there's sure to be one near you. Not a must-do, but certainly a good way to start the day.
Address: e.g. 1271 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, United States.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 20:00. Saturday and Sunday from 08:00.
Prices: Croissant $3.99, avocado toast $11.99, granola parfait $9.79. Lunch dishes $10-20.
Website: https://www.lepainquotidien.com/
FoodFresh Crossaints and yoghurt with fruit at Le Pain Quotidien. 18. Juniors Cheesecake
In Midtown, Manhattan
Ah yes, I like things authentic. My favourite thing is to dive in between locals and watch the hustle and bustle. Juniors was a recommendation in search of an original New York Cheesecake.
There are three branches of the bakery in New York. But I would recommend everyone to visit the original in Brooklyn. Dessert dreams have been coming true here since 1929. The "World's Most Fabulous Cheesecake" is baked here according to an old family recipe. In a self-test, we were literally slain by it. It's definitely not a small piece of cake in the afternoon, more like a whole meal.
Inside the restaurant, everything is typically American style. The interior is red and white, and when we visited, everything was a bit outdated. But that doesn't detract from the whole experience and only makes it more authentic. Between families celebrating family events, we sat on funny chairs and spooned huge Sundae cups and admired countless pieces of cake on trays.
If, like me, you prefer other types of cake than New York Cheesecake, you'll still find what you're looking for here. The menu also includes Red Velvet Cake, Carrot Cake, various hot dishes and huge sandwiches. They also serve breakfast all day. Perfect for late risers.
Address: 386 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States.
Opening hours: Open daily from 06:30 to 00:00.
Prices: A slice of cheesecake $7.95, sandwiches $10-20, a cup of coffee $4.
Website: https://www.juniorscheesecake.com/
19. Whole Foods
Those of you who follow us diligently on social media know that certain traditions have become established. In new places we always visit a local supermarket. Yes, exactly a normal supermarket, where the normal inhabitants of a town go shopping. Not a kiosk or take-away shop, but the local supermarket.
Why? Because you get to know real life here. For example, what do New Yorkers buy for their fridge at home. What products are there that we don't know yet. The crazier the place, the more exciting it gets. The planned 10 minutes can quickly turn into an hour of exploring. Almost always we find things where we ask ourselves: why is this not available in Germany? Or we reach our tasting limits and sometimes reach for products that we can hardly get down. But that's what makes it fun and we can only recommend everyone to do the same.
Whole Foods is a supermarket chain from the USA that has become famous for its lavish healthy range. When we visited them for the first time, the fruit and vegetable section alone literally blew us away. And it was the same in all the other departments. Big is better is probably the motto here.
The take-away counters at Whole Foods are especially great for tourists. Here you can get hot and cold food to take away. Pack up a tasty selection and take your booty to the park. It's a great place to picnic in the sun. And you'll save a few dollars that way, too. If you're staying at an Air BnB, you can also get groceries delivered at Whole Foods. There are special deals for Prime members to save money.
Address: e.g. 10 Columbus Circle Ste Sc101, New York, NY 10019, United States
Opening hours: daily from 07:00 to 23:00
Prices: The prices at Whole Foods have it all. Expect to pay 30-50% more than for shopping in Germany.
Website: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
20 Momofuku Noodle Bar
If you like looking for food shows on Netflix as much as I do, you know Momofuku. David Chang is the owner of Momofuku and also host of the Netflix series Ugly Delicious. David is an incredibly likeable chef with a great sense of humour and a certain down-to-earthness that you wouldn't expect. After all, his restaurants in the USA are known far beyond the country's borders.
Momofuku is all about noodles. After his time in Japan, David Chang was inspired by Japanese ramen bars and opened one in New York without further ado. The ramen menu is complemented by small snacks and is based on classic ramen recipes. However, with an American twist. For example, there are also ramen with beef brisket or scallops.
Despite the fame of the restaurants, the prices are kept within reasonable limits. Here you can get a portion of noodles plus a drink for under $30. Of course, it is much more difficult to get a table. Traditionally, Momofoku is a walk-in restaurant. But you can also reserve tables for up to 5 people via the website. Reservations are always open 30 days in advance, so be quick. All Japan fans will be happy here.
Address: e.g. 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, United States
Opening hours: daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Prices: $ 10-30 per normal noodle dish
Website: https://momofukunoodlebar.com/
21 Dylan's Candy Bar
By chance we ended up here on our first New York trip. The daughter of designer Ralph Lauren, Dylan Lauren, has built a veritable candy paradise here. Here you can find everything your sweet tooth desires, from M&M's in all colours to gumdrops and sour and sugared sweets.
In the meantime, Dylan's Candy Bar has grown into a small sweet empire. With several branches in New York, but also in Miami, Los Angeles, Hawaii and the Bahamas, Dylan has created little temples of sweetness.
The shop became famous through Gossip Girl. In one scene, Vanessa and Dan buy an anniversary present for Nate. The fans among you surely know what is meant. For everyone else: it's sweet, colourful and tasty. Sometimes that has to be enough.
Address: e.g. 1011 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am. Open until 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 11:00 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
Prices: The more you buy the more expensive. For example, a Dylan's Candy Bar Mega Candy Necklace costs $6.50. Quite steep for a sugar pearl necklace.
Website: https://www.dylanscandybar.com/
Tipping in New York
Eating and drinking well in the USA is always more expensive than in Germany. We have already got used to this on our numerous trips abroad. In New York, many service staff only get a relatively low hourly wage and practically live off tips.
As soon as the bill arrives, don't be alarmed. Often the net prices are on the menu and the tax is also listed on the bill. Then there is the tip. This should average 15-20% of the bill. Sometimes this is included in the total bill. You can recognise this by the word "Service Charge". Some restaurants also recommend tipping and charge you a percentage of 10, 15 or 20 %. Otherwise, make a rough estimate in your head and round up. You can then enter the tip in a special field.
Useful information on eating out
Here I have summarised some general information for you. From tipping to reserving a table.
When to eat in New York
Eating times in restaurants are similar to ours. Breakfast on weekends from 9.30am to 11.30am or longer transitioning to brunch. Lunch between 12 - 2 pm and in the evening you go to a restaurant between 6 - 10 pm. On weekdays often right after work, on weekends later. However, there are many restaurants that reserve breakfast all day or offer hot food late at night.
I like to check opening hours on Yelp or Google before visiting.
Booking a table
Often you can make a reservation for the restaurant you want on the website. Sometimes you can register at the entrance. Then you can often make an online reservation with OpenTable or Yelp.
For some restaurants, the earlier the better. The best restaurants are often booked up for months.
At the restaurant when you arrive
When you arrive at the restaurant (this also applies to cafés or bars), wait at the entrance according to the "wait to be seated" principle. Wait at the entrance until a member of staff shows you to a free table. If you have not made a reservation, you will have to wait longer.
Paying at the restaurant
In the USA, everyone pays by credit card. The waiter will come with a box or case containing the bill. Check the bill and put the credit card (or cash) in the case. The waiter takes this and brings two receipts. On one for the restaurant you can then write the tip. Usually about twice the tax (about 17%).
Tips on tipping
As a general rule, waiters live on tips, not on their salary. Therefore, it is obligatory. Germans, by the way, are considered stingy when it comes to tipping. I put it down to ignorance.
Here, 10 - 15 per cent is the rule (most people tip less). In the USA it's 15 - 20 per cent. Employees depend on tips because the basic salary is often less than 5 euros per hour.
We were given the rule of thumb "double tax" as a guideline by a friend. Double the VAT and give this as a tip.
For a drink in a bar, calculate about 1-2 dollars per drink as a tip.
By the way, it is not appreciated to leave a tip on the table when paying in cash. If you do, please give it in notes.
Sometimes the tip is already included in the bill.
The new trend that we have been noticing more and more frequently for a few years now is that the restaurant already includes a tip in the price. This is then also noted on the bill. Pay attention to this, then you don't have to give an extra tip.
Map for eating out in New York
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Conclusion
These are just 21 of the best restaurants in New York City that we ate at during our multiple visits to NYC.
The variety of good food in New York is incredible. You could spend the whole day walking from food spot to food spot. On foot, of course, as you have to work off those calories somehow.
Don't necessarily limit yourself to our tips, because New York offers far more delicious food. Nevertheless, we have created a Google Maps map in which we have entered our favourite restaurants and cafés. When you get hungry, all you have to do is open the map and see if you are near one of the locations.
Have fun and enjoy your stay in New York! This article was more fun than ever and in the meantime we had to eat a snack or two, that's how hungry we got.
Do you have any more tasty tips for eating in New York? Write us your recommendations in the comments. The next trip to NYC is definitely coming up soon.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about eating out in New York
What do you have to eat in New York?
For us, the following specialities belong on the menu in New York:
1. Pizza (because of the Italian immigrants, you can find really good pizzas in New York. Tips can be found at the top of the article)
2. Bagels: What would a New York trip be without a visit to Ess-A-Bagel?
3. burgers (Shake Shack)
4. New York Cheesecake. Just so delicious and deliciously unhealthy.
5. Donuts / Cronuts (the mix of bagel and donut)
6. Hot dog at Nathan's or any of the hot dog stands
7. Cupcakes
8. Typical American breakfast (see article for tips)
9. Pastrami sandwich. Okay, that's only for meat eaters.
10, Explore food halls. For example, Chelsea Market and eat your way through.
Planning a trip to New York? Then you might also be interested in these articles:
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Travelogue: 1 week New York with a plan
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