Any grumbling about New York not quite reaching the same gastronomic heights as Paris or London can be dismissed as culinary snobbery, as the city undoubtedly offers world-class dining. Alongside the trend for upscale fast food, there are a whole host of fantastic restaurants that boast cutting-edge cuisine, sumptuous dining rooms, and some of the most acclaimed chefs in the world.
There is also plenty of diversity, so whether you want to splash the cash in a fancy restaurant or try some authentic ethnic food downtown, New York has it all.
Food in New York is not limited to restaurants. Take advantage of the wide range of fantastic produce on offer to buy and taste at farmer’s markets and pay bakeries and traditional food stands a visit before you leave.
Here is a guide to how to eat your way across New York City, including some must visit foodie destinations where you will be able to indulge in some of the finest food the city has to offer.
“Club A” Steakhouse
Situated on East 58th Street, Club A Steakhouse is rated the number one restaurant out of over 11,000 on Tripadvisor and the steak here is likely to be among the best you’ve ever eaten.
The hospitality goes above and beyond in an effort to make you feel special and waiters are attentive but not obtrusive. Romantic lighting and plenty of candles make for a truly special dining experience, which is relaxed and not at all overly formal. Book early to secure a table!
Explore Farmer’s Markets
Check out Union Square Greenmarket, the largest food market in Manhattan, for a wide selection of fresh produce grown in the local area. From award winning cheeses and artisan breads to freshly cut flowers and locally brewed wine, there is something for everybody here.
On any given day the market will attract around 60,000 shoppers and many of the top chefs from some of New York’s hottest restaurants source their ingredients here.
Visit Union Square Greenmarket on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8am until 6pm. It’s open all year round.
Le Bernardin
For a special meal, head to Le Bernardin. This internationally acclaimed three Michelin starred seafood restaurant also boasts the accolade of the maximum of four stars awarded by the New York Times.
The restaurant itself is an elegant classic, featuring a bar where you can enjoy an aperitif before sitting down to dinner. The food, as you might expect from all of the awards it has won, is nothing short of sublime.
The Le Bernardin tasting menu will cost you $155 per person or $246 with wine pairings.
Visit The Food Halls
Another foodie destination is the trendy Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District, which calls itself a ‘neighborhood market with a global perspective’. It attracts a whopping 6 million visitors each year.
Spend a few hours wending your way through food stalls and tasting enough samples to keep you going until dinner.
The Best Bakery In NYC
NYC, which is after all the place of origin of the ‘cronut’, is packed full of bakeries where you can pick up a pastry to go with your morning coffee. Ceci Cela at 55 Spring Street is one of the best.
This hidden gem makes French style pastries that are affordably priced, with prices ranging from $1-$6. Get there early before they sell out of their highly sought after croissants.
Grab A Bite To Eat
Of course, for a taste of the real city, you have to try a hot dog, bagel, pretzel, or pizza slice from one of the many iconic street vendor’s stalls dotted along the sidewalks.
It might not be the most gourmet of meals, but having one of these as a quick bite or a late night snack will make you feel like a native New Yorker.