New York City doesn’t just have food—it has opinions.
Ask ten locals where to eat, and you’ll get ten different answers, plus an argument and probably a recommendation you didn’t ask for.
That’s part of the fun. Whether you’re here for the first time or you’ve already mastered the subway like a pro, this guide to the best restaurants to visit in New York, New York covers iconic legends, neighborhood gems, and places that make you sit back and say, “Yep… that was worth it.”
Let’s eat.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen – Lower East Side
Walking into Katz’s feels like stepping straight into a New York time capsule. The neon signs, the cafeteria-style chaos, the deli counter guys yelling orders—it’s loud, messy, and absolutely perfect.
This is where pastrami dreams come true.
The pastrami on rye is absurdly thick, juicy, and peppery in a way that ruins all other deli sandwiches for you. You’ll see tourists, locals, celebrities, and first-timers all standing shoulder to shoulder, clutching trays like it’s a competitive sport. And honestly? It kind of is.
Yes, it’s pricey.
Yes, it’s crowded.
And yes, it still earns its spot among the best restaurants to visit in New York, New York every single time. Order the pastrami, don’t skip the mustard, and grab a Dr. Brown’s soda.
Pro tip: keep your paper ticket safe. Lose it, and you’ll pay the price—literally.
This isn’t fine dining.
2. Le Bernardin – Midtown Manhattan
If New York had a crown jewel of fine dining, Le Bernardin would be wearing it. This Michelin-starred powerhouse is elegant without being stuffy, refined without being boring, and consistently jaw-dropping.
Seafood is the star here, and it’s treated with serious respect. Every plate feels precise, intentional, and almost too pretty to eat—almost. The tasting menus are an experience, not just a meal.
You’re not rushing. You’re settling in. You’re letting each course have its moment. It’s the kind of place you go to celebrate something big—or to remind yourself why the best restaurants in New York, New York are talked about worldwide.
Service is polished but warm, like they genuinely want you there. And somehow, despite the white tablecloths, it never feels intimidating.
This is New York luxury done right. Quiet confidence. Zero gimmicks.
3. Joe’s Pizza – Greenwich Village
No list of the best restaurants to visit in New York, New York is legit without pizza. And Joe’s Pizza is the baseline. The standard. The gold slice. This is classic New York pizza—thin crust, crispy fold, perfect ratio of sauce to cheese. No weird toppings. No experiments. Just pizza that knows exactly what it is.
You walk in, you order a slice, you step aside, and two minutes later you’re eating one of the most reliable bites in the city. Locals swear by it. Tourists hunt it down.
And somehow, it still feels like a neighborhood joint. Eat it standing up. Eat it at 2 p.m. Eat it at 2 a.m. Joe’s doesn’t judge. Sometimes the best food experiences aren’t fancy. They’re just honest.
4. Carbone – Greenwich Village
Carbone is pure Italian-American swagger. Red sauce, tuxedoed waiters, dramatic lighting, and plates that look like they belong in a Scorsese film.
The spicy rigatoni vodka has achieved cult status for a reason. It’s rich, bold, and unapologetically indulgent. This place leans into nostalgia hard—and it works.
It feels old-school without feeling outdated, which is harder to pull off than it looks. Getting a reservation can feel like winning the lottery. But once you’re in, you get why it’s considered one of the best restaurants to visit in New York, New York.
Order big. Share everything. Don’t rush. This is dinner as a production.
5. The River Café – Brooklyn
Few restaurants can compete with this view.
Sitting right on the East River, The River Café gives you postcard-perfect shots of Manhattan while you dine. It’s romantic, polished, and timeless.
This is where proposals happen. Anniversaries get celebrated. Memories get locked in. The menu leans seasonal and elegant, with beautifully executed American cuisine. Everything tastes thoughtful and intentional.
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, there’s a dress code.
And yes, it earns its place among the best restaurants in New York, New York without breaking a sweat.
Sometimes, ambiance really does matter. And this one delivers.
6. Peter Luger Steak House – Williamsburg
If you want steak, this is the move. Peter Luger doesn’t chase trends. It is the trend.
The porterhouse is legendary—charred on the outside, buttery on the inside, and big enough to make you question your life choices in the best way. The vibe is old-school and no-nonsense. Cash preferred. Attitude included. It’s not fancy. It’s confident.
And that confidence has kept it ranked among the best restaurants to visit in New York, New York for decades.
Come hungry. Leave full.
Argue later about whether it’s still the best. That’s part of the experience.
7. Momofuku Ko – East Village
This is where creativity goes wild.
Momofuku Ko pushes boundaries without being pretentious, which is rare. The tasting menu changes constantly, keeping even repeat visitors on their toes. It’s playful, surprising, and deeply satisfying.
You’re here for the experience, not just the food. Every course feels like a conversation.
It’s modern New York dining at its finest—and absolutely one of the best restaurants in New York, New York if you like your meals a little adventurous.
8. Russ & Daughters Café – Lower East Side
This place is pure New York heritage. Jewish comfort food done right, with zero shortcuts. The smoked fish, babka, latkes, and caviar service are all standouts. It feels like a love letter to the city’s immigrant roots.
Sit down, slow down, and savor it. Not everything needs reinvention.
That’s why it remains one of the best restaurants to visit in New York, New York year after year.
9. Eleven Madison Park – Flatiron District
This is culinary theater. Eleven Madison Park is thoughtful, cerebral, and meticulously executed. The plant-based menu proves that fine dining doesn’t need meat to impress. Every dish tells a story.
It’s quiet, refined, and deeply intentional—perfect for food lovers who appreciate nuance.
This is why New York is considered a global food capital.
And why this belongs among the best restaurants in New York, New York.
10. Shake Shack – Multiple Locations
Hear me out. Shake Shack deserves its spot.
Sometimes you want a burger, fries, and a shake—and you want them done right. It’s casual, consistent, and ridiculously satisfying.
New York fast food at its finest. Not every great meal needs a reservation.
That’s why it still counts among the best restaurants to visit in New York, New York.
11. Balthazar – SoHo
Balthazar is classic, buzzy, and endlessly cool. French bistro vibes with New York energy. The brunch is iconic. The people-watching is elite. And somehow, it never goes out of style.
This place feels alive. That’s why it sticks.
12. Tao Downtown – Chelsea
Tao is dinner and a vibe. Pan-Asian flavors, dramatic decor, and a crowd that’s dressed to impress. It’s loud, lively, and perfect for a night out.
Come hungry and ready to stay awhile. New York nightlife meets dining—done right.
Easily one of the best restaurants in New York, New York for energy alone.
13. Sylvia’s – Harlem
You don’t leave New York without soul food. Sylvia’s is iconic for a reason.
Fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread—this is comfort food with history. It feels like home, even if it’s your first visit. This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a cultural landmark.
And it absolutely earns its place among the best restaurants to visit in New York, New York.
Conclusion
New York City offers a dining scene that truly reflects its diversity, energy, and creativity. From historic delis and neighborhood pizza spots to elegant fine dining and cultural landmarks, each restaurant delivers a unique experience worth remembering. Exploring these best restaurants in New York, New York is more than just eating out; it is about discovering the flavors and stories that make the city one of the world’s greatest food destinations.