The Ultimate NYC Food Bucket List – 100+ Best Places To Eat

Last Updated on 17th September 2025

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Are you looking for some of the best places to eat and drink in New York City? You’ve come to the right place! In my ultimate NYC food bucket list, I’m sharing just some of my favourite food and drink spots in NYC!

It’s no secret that New York City is one of the best foodie cities in the world, but with so many amazing places to eat and drink in NYC, how do you choose the best spots on a short visit?! Thankfully, I’ve eaten at dozens of the must eat at places in NYC, and in my NYC restaurant bucket list below, I’ve shared some of the top spots for food and drink in the city!

If you’ve got a trip planned to the Big Apple anytime soon, I hope this ultimate NYC food bucket list helps you out when it comes to finding great places to eat! I’ll also be sure to keep updating this post whenever I visit NYC so that it’s always full of the good stuff!

Looking for more NYC food bucket list recommendations? Get a copy of my Ultimate NYC Food & Drink ebook which includes 420+ best places to eat and drink in NYC! Use the code FOOD20 to get 20% off!

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The ultimate NYC food bucket list

In my ultimate NYC food bucket list, you’ll discover just some of the best places to eat in New York City! From the best bagel spots, pizza slices, and breakfast places to some of the most iconic places to eat in NYC, I’ve got you covered when it comes to finding all the must eat places in New York City!

Of course, this New York food bucket list isn’t completely exhaustive as there are over 20,000 restaurants in the city of New York, which by my estimations, would take over 18 years to try every single one, if you were to try a different place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day!

However, I’ve tried to include some of my personal favourite must eat places in NYC, as well as some of the most famous food to eat in New York City to help you enjoy the best food experience in the city!

I have also provided a pricing structure key using dollar signs, so that you can see approximately how much a main dish (or drink/cocktail) is at each place.

Please see the key below as a general frame of reference:

• $ = up to $15
• $$ = $16 to $25
• $$$ = $26 to $35
• $$$$ = $36+

Looking for more NYC food bucket list ideas? Check out more of my New York food and drink guides here!

• 18 Best Cheap Eats In NYC (Less Than $10)
• The Best Happy Hour Deals & Cheap Bars In NYC
• Greenwich Village Food Tour Review With Secret Food Tours NYC
• Glass Ceiling Rooftop – Best Bottomless Brunch in NYC
• The Best Food Tours in NYC

Best breakfast spots in NYC

Breakfast in New York is an epic affair with some truly incredible restaurants, cafes, and diners specialising in breakfast food alone. While some people may prefer to opt for breakfast at their hotel, I personally always want to try as many places in the city as possible, so a good breakfast spot is a must for me!

The following section includes NYC must eat places such as Pershing Square and Clinton St. Baking Company, as well as lesser frequented spots, such as Citizens and Regular NYC.

Regular NYC – $$

Specialising in classic Australian-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes, Regular NYC is the place to be if you’re looking for reasonably priced croissants, bagels, and granola bowls. The sandwiches are a little pricier at around $20 each, but the breakfast menu largely features dishes for around $10 to $15.

• Website: regular.nyc
• Address: 19 Rector St, Financial District
• Reviews/rating: 4.9 | Reservations not essential

Citizens – $$

Another Aussie-inspired spot, with branches in both SoHo and Chelsea, Citizens serves breakfast dishes such as avo on toast, shakshuka, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and more. The Chelsea branch is just one block from the High Line, so it’s a great spot to visit for breakfast before you go and explore the west side of Manhattan.

• Website: citizensallday.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.7 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome

Clinton St. Baking Company – $$

Clinton St. Baking Company is a New York breakfast institution, serving classic dishes such as French toast pancakes, egg dishes, chicken and waffles, sandwiches, and more.

Most breakfast/brunch dishes range from $15 to $20, so it’s not outrageously expensive and the portions are very generous. There are two branches of Clinton St. Baking Company in NYC; one on the Lower East Side and one inside Time Out Market in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

• Website: clintonstreetbaking.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/ratings: 4.4 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome

Pershing Square – $$$

Located opposite Grand Central Terminal, Pershing Square is a diner institution in Midtown Manhattan. It’s open daily from 8 AM to 9-10 PM (depending on the exact day), so it’s the perfect place to eat whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day, or a late-night snack after exploring the nearby sights.

It’s one of the more expensive breakfast places, with most dishes such as pancakes, eggs benedict, and omelettes priced between $20 and $30.

• Website: pershingsquare.com
• Address: 90 East 42nd St, Midtown East
• Reviews/rating: 4.2 | Reservations strongly recommended, walk-ins if available

Daily Provisions – $

With eight locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, chances are, you’ll never be too far from a Daily Provisions branch!

This iconic breakfast spot is incredibly reasonably priced, especially by New York standards, with most breakfast dishes priced between $9 and $14. It’s not the most extensive breakfast menu in NYC, but it is excellent value for money, with plenty of restaurants dotted around the city.

• Website: dailyprovisionsnyc.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations not essential, walk-ins welcome

Best brunch/lunch food to try in New York

The following section includes some of the best brunch and lunch spots in New York City, including a few of my personal favourite restaurants, such as Bubby’s and Ruby’s.

It also includes cult classic brunch spots, such as Russ & Daughters and Veselka, so you’re in for a real treat when it comes to finding delicious sandwiches, pasta dishes, salads, pancakes, and more!

Bubby’s – $$/$

Bubby’s is one of the places that’s featured on so many other NYC restaurant bucket list round-ups, and for good reason! It’s also one of my personal favourite must eat NYC restaurants, and it’s somewhere that I recommend to so many first-time visitors to the city.

Despite it not being the cheapest place to eat in NYC (most dishes are priced around $25 to $30), it does have one of the best brunch menus, with highlights such as pancakes, pastrami reuben sandwiches, salmon, and more.

They also have a kids’ menu, featuring grilled cheese, fruit salads, and more. If you’re looking for one of the best New York famous food places that actually lives up to the hype, be sure to add Bubby’s to your NYC food bucket list!

• Website: bubbys.com
• Address: 120 Hudson St, Tribeca
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Walk-ins only for weekend brunch

Pisillo Italian Panini – $$

There are three locations of Pisillo Italian Panini in NYC; in Times Square, Chelsea, and the Financial District, all of which serve some of the best Italian sandwiches in the city!

It’s not the cheapest spot for lunch, with most sandwiches ranging from $12 to $18, but the sandwiches are absolutely enormous and positively packed with various meats and cheeses; they’re so big that they could easily be shared by two people!

• Website: pisillopanini.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.8 | Reservations not required, walk-ins only

Ruby’s – $$

With five locations across Manhattan and Williamsburg, Ruby’s is another one of my go-to lunch spots whenever I’m in the city (the Murray Hill branch is the best, in my opinion!).

It’s an Australian-inspired restaurant, serving dishes such as salads, rice bowls, fried chicken burgers, and my personal favourite, pasta dishes; get the spicy Italian sausage, Ruby’s ragu, or the spicy vodka pasta, and thank me later!

• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Walk-ins only on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
• Website: rubyscafe.com
• Address: Multiple locations

Russ & Daughters – $$

This renowned Jewish comfort food spot is an institution in New York City, specialising in Jewish Deli classics such as potato latkes, matzo ball soup, pickled herring, and, of course, bagels!

There are four locations of Russ & Daughters in NYC, with their main dine-in cafe on Orchard Street on the Lower East Side.

• Website: russanddaughterscafe.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Does not accept reservations, walk-ins only

Veselka – $$

There are several locations of this iconic Ukrainian restaurant across the city, but it’s the East Village spot on 2nd Avenue that it’s most notably famed for.

Veselka serve their famous pierogis, paprikash, and kielbasa on their all-day menu, but they also have a dedicated brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 3 PM which is definitely worth exploring.

• Website: veselka.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations not essential, walk-ins welcome

Best bagels in New York City

Bagels are a quintessential New York staple, and not just for breakfast, either; New Yorkers will tuck into a BEC (bagel, egg, and cheese) almost any time of the day!

The following list features some of my absolute favourite bagel spots in New York City, including places like Tompkins Square Bagels, Leon’s Bagels, and Broad Nosh Bagels.

Leon’s Bagels – $$

The sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel from Leon’s might just be one of my favourite breakfasts in the world! It’s not the cheapest order at approximately $12, but I promise it is one of the best!

There are three Leon’s Bagels in New York (SoHo, Nolita, and Williamsburg), so I would definitely recommend checking them out if you happen to be hungry when you’re in/near any of these neighbourhoods! Order the sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel and thank me later!

• Website: leonsbagels.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.4

Broad Nosh Bagels – $

Broad Nosh is one of my absolute favourite bagel spots in NYC, and thankfully, there are three locations in Manhattan to choose from (the 42nd Street – 9th Ave location is my go-to).

You can get a single plain bagel for less than $2, but I’d highly recommend opting for the bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel; I firmly believe it’s one of the best in the city!

Most breakfast bagels are between $5 and $10, while the fancier smoked salmon/lox bagels are around $15 to $20.

• Website: broadnosh.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.9

Tompkins Square Bagels – $$

Tompkins Square Bagels has long been one of my favourite places to eat in NYC, ever since I had the classic bacon, egg, and cheese bagel from there when I lived in the East Village for a month.

It’s certainly one of the more expensive bagel spots in the city, with most of the speciality bagel sandwiches priced between $10 and $13, but the bagels are absolutely huge and can easily be shared between two people if you don’t have a substantial appetite.

• Reviews/rating: 4.5
• Website: tompkinssquarebagels.com
• Address: Multiple locations

PopUp Bagels – $$

The concept of PopUp Bagels is entirely unique compared to all other bagel shops in NYC in that instead of choosing a filling to put in your bagel, you can only purchase packs of 3, 6, or 12 bagels that come with an accompanying schmear (spread) and then you dip the bagels into the schmear.

The choice of schmears changes every few days, with plain and scallion usually remaining a constant. Some of the past flavours include carrot cake, chocolate chip, truffle butter, birthday cake, and brown sugar cinnamon.

• Website: popupbagels.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.5

Ess-a-Bagel – $$

You can find branches of Ess-a-Bagel all over the city, including in Time Out Market, in the Financial District, and multiple locations in Midtown.

They’re also one of the oldest bagel joints in NYC, having opened their first branch almost fifty years ago!

The menu at Ess-a-Bagel is also probably the largest and most varied of any bagel shops featured in this NYC food bucket list, and it includes everything from classic cream cheese bagels to meat sandwiches, salads, soup, knishes, cakes, and more, almost all of which are $15 and under!

• Website: essabagel.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.4

Best pizza slices

Tucking into a slice of New York pizza is a must on any trip to the Big Apple, in my opinion, and thankfully, there are thousands of places to enjoy a slice of classic New York pizza throughout the city, but the ones listed in the following section are my personal favourites and ones that I recommend to everyone!

From iconic pizzerias such as Joe’s Pizza, Two Boots Pizza, and Prince Street Pizza to the best garlic knots in the city from East Village Pizza, there’s always a slice to go around in NYC!

Read more: 15 Best Pizza Slices in Manhattan RANKED

Joe’s Pizza – $$

Joe’s Pizza is one of the most famous pizzerias in New York City, and while some people would argue that it’s not worth the hype, I 100% think it is!

There are five Joe’s Pizza locations in NYC, with the most famous location being the original branch of Joe’s on Carmine Street in Greenwich Village.

It also makes a brief cameo in Spider-Man 2 when Peter Parker works there as a delivery driver!

• Website: joespizzanyc.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6

My Pie Pizzeria Romana – $$

The pizza slices at My Pie Pizzeria Romana are square, instead of round, and they’re slightly more expensive than many other slices featured in this NYC food bucket list at $6+ a slice.

However, I am a huge fan of My Pie Pizzeria Romana, and I particularly love how many toppings they have available, including all the usuals, plus chicken alfredo, potato gorgonzola, caramelised onion, and more.

• Website: mypiepizzeria.com
• Address: 690 Lexington Ave, Midtown East
• Reviews/rating: 4.7

Two Boots Pizza – $

I was lucky enough to first discover Two Boots Pizza on walking food tour of Greenwich Village and I’m so happy I did because it’s definitely one of the best spots to grab a slice of pizza! The name “Two Boots’ is also super cool as it’s named after the geographical shapes of Italy and Louisiana!

There are actually five locations of Two Boots Pizza in NYC, with each location having their own signature “home pie”. Each pizza also has a unique and quirky name such as “Mr. Pink”, “The Newman”, and “The Duchess”, each with an interesting and fun meaning behind it!

• Website: twoboots.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.5

East Village Pizza – $$

East Village Pizza is one of my favourite spots in the city, because of both their pizza slices and their unreal cheesy garlic knots!

The six garlic knots are swimming in thick, melted cheese, marinara sauce, and garlic. They’re outrageously decadent, but so incredibly delicious; I’d definitely recommend sharing the portion between 2-3 people! Pizza slices range from $5 to $7, while the garlic knots are between $13 and $17, depending on what toppings you choose.

• Website: eastvillagepizza.net
• Address: 145 1st Ave, East Village
• Reviews/rating: 4.6

Prince Street Pizza – $$

Prince Street Pizza is another culinary institution in New York City, and its Sicilian-style slices are known for attracting celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest, Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Liam Hemsworth, and many more.

As a result of its infamous reputation, you can expect super long queues for most of the day, but I would argue that it’s still very much worth it. Most slices are around $6 to $7, while whole pies are much more expensive at around $35 to $40 each.

• Website: princestreetpizza.com
• Address: 27 Prince St, Nolita
• Reviews/rating: 4.4

Best cheap food places in NYC

New York City is renowned for its world-class restaurants and high-end dining establishments, but just because it’s known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, doesn’t mean that you can’t find cheap restaurants in New York as well!

In the following section, I’ve got you covered with my top recommendations for cheap eats in the city, including iconic places, such as Los Tacos No.1, Gray’s Papaya, and Mamoun’s Falafel.

Most of the spots in this section feature dishes that are $15 and under, and they’re mostly walk-in places.

Of course, there are also plenty of fast-food chains offering super affordable food in NYC, but I’ve tried to avoid recommending too fast-food establishments throughout this guide, as I wanted to include as many exclusively New York-based spots as possible.

Read more: 18 Best Cheap Eats in New York City For Less Than $10

Royale Bar – $

Royale is a top NYC hidden gems food spot in the East Village that serves some of the cheapest and tastiest food in the area.

With burgers starting at just $12, salads from $13, and quesadillas from $14, it’s a great spot for an affordable and delicious bite to eat.

• Website: royalebarnyc.com
• Address: 157 Loisaida Ave, East Village
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome

Empanada Mama – $

Empanada Mama is the place to go if you’re looking for more of a quick grab-and-go bite to eat, rather than a sit-down restaurant meal as their mini empanadas are ideal for dining on the go.

There are five locations of Empanada Mama in Manhattan, all specialising in tasty handheld treats. Each empanada is less than $5 and I would suggest ordering 4-5 between two people. The shredded chicken, pepperoni pizza, and shredded beef empanadas are my go-to.

• Website: empanadamama.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Walk-ins only

Los Tacos No.1 – $

For the best affordable tacos in NYC, there’s only one place that should be on your NYC food bucket list; Los Tacos No.1!

There are currently nine locations of Los Tacos in Manhattan, including six in Midtown Manhattan and three in Lower Manhattan.

Tacos start at just $4.75 for one, and I would recommend getting 3-4 to share between two people (unless you’re super hungry!). The adobada, pollo asado, and carne asada tacos are my go-to order.

• Website: lostacos1.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.8 | Walk-ins only

Mamoun’s Falafel – $

I first discovered Mamoun’s Falafel on a food tour of Greenwich Village and despite claiming to not like falafel at the time, it turned out to be one of my favourite spots on the food tour!

This incredible Middle Eastern eatery is now a place that I recommend to everyone looking for cheap eats in the city.

Most items on the menu are less than $10, so it’s a great (and delicious!) place to eat on a budget in New York.

• Website: mamouns.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Walk-ins only

Gray’s Papaya – $

Gray’s Papaya has been a popular spot amongst locals since the early 1970s, and with breakfast specials comprising a coffee and a breakfast sandwich from just $3 and hot dogs for as little as $3.25, it’s not hard to see why it’s remained an iconic institution for over 50 years!

You can also get a coffee for just $1, so if you’re not bothered about extravagant Starbucks creations, this is the spot to visit for your caffeine fix!

• Website: grayspapaya.nyc
• Address: 2090 Broadway, Upper West Side
• Reviews/rating: 4.2 | Walk-ins only

Best family-friendly restaurants

While many of the restaurants, cafes, diners, and even some bars featured throughout this NYC food bucket list can be visited with kids in tow, there are actually few eateries in NYC that have an allocated kids’ menu.

Aside from the typical fast-food chains, there are hundreds of places that accommodate the dietary needs and preferences of young children.

Whether you’re looking for the best plain burger or just a simple chicken and fries dish, I’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly places to eat in NYC, most of which have dedicated kids’ menus, or at least are very much catered towards young children/families in general.

Read more: 50 Best Things To Do In NYC With Kids

Barking Dog Hell’s Kitchen – $$

There are actually two branches of Barking Dog in NYC, but it’s the Hell’s Kitchen location that has an allocated kids’ menu.

On it you’ll find typical children’s dishes like chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, mini burgers, and pasta. They also have a fantastic adult menu, theatre menu, and even a menu specifically catered to dogs (if you happen to be visiting New York with your pet in tow!).

• Website: barkingdognyc.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome

Junior’s Restaurant – $$/$

Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery is a super famous spot in NYC with two locations in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn.

They’re most notably famed for their decadent cheesecakes (which I’d definitely recommend trying!), but they also have a great family-friendly restaurant too, with a dedicated “junior” menu with a main and drink for less than $15. They also have a luxurious milkshake menu if a slice of cheesecake isn’t enough of a sugar rush!

• Website: juniorscheesecake.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Does not accept reservations, walk-ins only

Serendipity 3 – $$$

Serendipity 3 is a New York hotspot that’s largely famous as a result of being featured in the 2001 romcom Serendipity.

This enchanting establishment on the Upper East Side (although there is one in Times Square now, as well) boasts the most extravagant desserts, sweet treats, and drinks, most notably their Frrrozen Hot Chocolate®.

It’s pricey, with hot chocolates, waffles, and hot dogs/sandwiches costing upwards of $20, but it is a great place to visit with kids if you’re looking for a fun and over-the-top place to eat!

• Website: serendipity3.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.1 | Reservations encouraged, walk-ins welcome

The Wilson – $$/$

The Wilson is undoubtedly one of the more sophisticated family-friendly restaurants on this list, but it is also one of the top spots to visit thanks to its excellent kids’ menu with hilarious dishes titled things like “I don’t know” (pancakes) and “I’m not hungry” (chicken fingers)!

They also have happy hour between 3 PM and 6 PM on weekdays, so time your visit with that to take advantage of great food and drink deals!

• Website: eatatthewilson.com/nyc
• Address: 132 W 27th St, Chelsea
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Reservations recommended

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – $$$

Located on Broadway, in the heart of Times Square, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a restaurant inspired by the famous 1994 movie, Forrest Gump.

Even if your kids haven’t seen the movie, this restaurant is still the perfect family-friendly place to eat as it boasts one of the biggest, most varied, and cheapest kids’ menus featured in this guide. You can get the likes of fish sticks, pizza, and mac and cheese with a side, all for less than $10.

• Website: bubbagump.com
• Address: 1501 Broadway, Times Square
• Reviews/rating: 4.3 | Reservations not essential, walk-ins welcome

Best vegetarian/vegan for good food in New York City

While I’m very aware that most of the food recommendations throughout this NYC food bucket list have been heavily focused on places that primarily offer meat dishes so far, that doesn’t mean to say that there aren’t plenty of veggie/vegan alternatives on most menus.

Not only that, but there are also dozens of places that exclusively offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, and in the following section, I’ve recommended some of the top places to eat in New York City for vegans and vegetarians.

Le Botaniste – $/$$

Le Botaniste specialises in 100% plant-based food, including healthy salads, soup, and even sushi rolls, all of which are very reasonably priced at around $15 or under.

There are currently six locations of Le Botaniste in New York City, including on the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, three in Midtown Manhattan, and one in SoHo.

• Website: lebotaniste.us
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.7 | Walk-ins only

Anixi – $$$

This Chelsea-based eatery is not only an incredible place for vegans, but it’s also a certified Kosher and gluten-free establishment, too!

Influenced by flavours from Turkey, Greece, Syria, and Lebanon, Anixi specialises in dishes such as eggplant stew, fatteh, mezze, and more. It is pretty pricey, however, with most main dishes at around $30.

• Website: anixinyc.com
• Address: 290 8th Ave, Chelsea
• Reviews/rating: 4.7 | Reservations strongly recommended

Planta Queen – $$

This NoMad 100% plant-based vegan restaurant is just a few blocks from Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Building, and the Empire State Building, so it’s the perfect place for lunch or dinner if you’re busy exploring the nearby sights.

The restaurant itself is stunning, and the food is also pretty impressive, with dishes such as wraps, sandwiches, salads, and hand rolls.

• Website: plantarestaurants.com
• Address: 15 W 27th St, NoMad
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations strongly recommended

Willow – $$/$

Willow is another kosher-certified vegan restaurant that provides an exciting vegan twist on classic American dishes such as truffle mac and cheese, popcorn “chicken”, grilled “steak” fillet, “lamb” burger, BBQ “beef” brisket, and more!

It’s a little pricier than some other vegan spots on this list, with most main dishes priced around $25 to $30.

• Website: willownewyork.com
• Address: 199 8th Ave, Chelsea
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations strongly recommended

Spicy Moon – $$

There’s a Spicy Moon branch in the West Village, East Village, Chelsea, and Bowery, so there’s plenty of options for you to choose from!

You’ll find dozens of vegan Chinese-inspired dishes on the menu, including fried rice dishes, noodle dishes, soup, spring rolls, and dumplings.

• Website: spicymoonnyc.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations strongly recommended, some walk-ins available

Best American restaurants

While dozens of the restaurants featured in various other sections throughout this NYC food bucket list guide can be classed as “American” restaurants, I wanted to include an entire section solely dedicated to quintessential American cuisine such as burgers, mac and cheese, fried chicken and waffles, cheesesteak, and more!

Read more: What Is New York Known For?

PJ Clarke’s on the Hudson – $$$

P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson is one of my favourite spots in the city to watch the sunset with a refreshing glass of wine, but there are also two other locations in the city, with the original 3rd Avenue location dating back to 1884!

The menu consists of oysters, corned beef reuben sandwiches, and steak frites. It’s one of the more expensive spots, but 100% worth it in my opinion!

• Website: pjclarkes.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome

Fraunces Tavern – $$$/$

Located next door to the Fraunces Tavern Museum, the namesake restaurant is considered to be oldest and most historic bar in the city, making it a must- visit for classic American cuisine accompanied by a serving of historic charm!

There are five different bars/dining areas inside Fraunces Tavern, including a dedicated piano bar and whiskey bar, as well as dining rooms serving fish and chips, pulled pork sliders, burgers, New York strip steak, and more.

• Website: frauncestavern.com
• Address: 54 Pearl St, Financial District
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome

Pete’s Tavern – $$$

Pete’s Tavern is one of my personal favourite restaurants in New York City, not only because the food is fantastic and the staff are so wonderful, but because it’s the restaurant we ate at on the evening of our engagement in January 2025!

The mushroom risotto arancini is the best I’ve ever had, and the penne alla vodka is also one of my favourites in the city! Pete’s Tavern is just such a special restaurant and I would highly recommend it to anyone!

• Website: petestavern.com
• Address: 129 E 18th St, Gramercy
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Reservations for lunch Monday to Friday only

The Grey Dog – $$

The Grey Dog has five locations in NYC, most of which are in Lower Manhattan, and they all share the same menu with very reasonable prices.

They menu includes burgers, soup, salads, and plenty of sharing plates and bites. They also offer plenty of vegan alternatives for certain dishes, as well as gluten-free options (although food is prepared in spaces where cross-contact is possible, so they can’t guarantee 100% GF).

• Website: thegreydog.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations accepted, but walk-ins encouraged

Parker & Quinn – $$/$

You’ll find Parker & Quinn just one block from Bryant Park, so it’s an ideal dinner spot if you’ve spent the day exploring Midtown Manhattan.

With a charming interior and a fantastic menu consisting of classic American dishes like steak frites, roasted chicken, pork chops, and glazed short ribs, Parker & Quinn is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely dining experience, complete with one of their signature cocktails.

• Website: parkerandquinn.com
• Address: 64 W 39th St, Midtown
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations recommended

Best pre/post theatre restaurants

Similarly to pre-theatre menus found at restaurants in the West End in London , many of New York’s restaurant in and around Broadway and the Theater District also boast their very own pre/post-theatre menus, and the section below includes some of the top places to eat in NYC before or after a show!

Read more: 40 Best Things To Do In NYC At Night

Carmine’s – $$$

Carmine’s is one of the most famous restaurants in New York City, renowned for their family-style sharing dishes and substantial portions.

There are two locations in NYC, including one on the Upper West Side, but the Times Square location is the best for a pre-theatre dinner. The dishes at Carmine’s are super expensive at $35+ for most dishes, but they are intended to be shared between 2-3 people.

• Website: carminesnyc.com
• Address: 200 W 44th St, Times Square
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome

Carnegie Diner & Cafe – $$/$

The two Carnegie Diner locations in NYC are just a 15-minute walk apart, but if you’re intending to go for a pre-theatre dinner, I’d recommend opting for the Times Square location as you’ll be closer to Broadway.

They have a dedicated theatre menu where you can get two courses from $29.95 per person, but they also have an extensive regular menu featuring pasta, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads, steak, and more.

• Website: carnegiediner.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations recommended

Ellen’s Stardust Diner – $$/$

Ellen’s is one of the most famous restaurants in NYC, and while it might not be known for its incredible cuisine (although I would argue that most dishes are actually very delicious!), it’s loved by many as a result of the aspiring Broadway singing servers that put on a continuous show during service.

They operate on a walk-in basis only, so the queues can often be long, but it’s worth it if you want to enjoy professional entertainment as you dine!

• Website: ellensstardustdiner.com
• Address: 1650 Broadway, Times Square
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | No reservations, walk-ins only

Joe Allen – $$$

Joe Allen is a popular Restaurant Row establishment that’s ideal for pre or post-theatre dinners. While Joe Allen doesn’t offer an actual theatre menu, it is one of the top spots for pre-theatre dining thanks to its close proximity to Broadway.

The menu changes on an almost daily basis, but you can expect typical American comfort food along the lines of burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and steak frites. Most mains range from around $25 to $35.

• Website: joeallenrestaurant.com
• Address: 326 W 46th St, Restaurant Row
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations recommended, open up one week in advance

Gayle’s Broadway Rose – $$$

Gayle’s Broadway Rose is a live music event inside the iconic Friedman’s restaurant at the Edison Hotel, where aspiring Broadway stars act as singing servers from 5 PM to 8 PM daily.

The menu features classic American dishes, including pastrami sandwiches, grilled cheese, and fried chicken and waffles, and they’re also renowned for their extravagant milkshakes.

• Website: gaylesbroadwayrose.com
• Address: Friedmans at the Edison Hotel, 228 W 47th St, Times Square
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome

Best steak restaurants

Of course, it’s to be expected that steak restaurants, particularly in NYC, are outrageously expensive, hence the many $$$$ featured next to almost every single steak restaurant recommendation in the next section!

I have tried to include a few top-rated steak restaurants that aren’t eye-wateringly expensive, but unfortunately, you’re going to pay a premium for the best-quality steaks in NYC, I’m afraid!

Please note that any prices for menu items/lunchtime/pre-theatre specials are subject to change, so check the restaurant’s website for the most up-to-date opening times and prices etc!

STK Steakhouse – $$$$

STK is another popular steakhouse that also has multiple locations in NYC, including one in Midtown and one in the Meatpacking District, which is also home to the STK Rooftop Lodge.

There are several menus to choose from at STK, including a slightly more affordable lunch menu, a pre-theatre menu, happy hour menu, a weekend brunch menu, and, of course, their regular dinner menu with over a dozen types of steak, accompanied by incredible side dishes, sauces, and butters.

• Website: stksteakhouse.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.8 | Reservations are strongly recommended

Keens Steakhouse – $$$$

Keens Steakhouse is just a few blocks from Bryant Park, Macy’s, and the Empire State Building, so it’s a great spot in Midtown Manhattan.

They have an excellent menu consisting of sirloin steaks, chateaubriand, porterhouse, and more, and they also have a great raw bar featuring oysters, shrimp cocktail, and lobster.

• Website: keens.com
• Address: 72 W 36th St., Midtown South
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations recommended

Medium Rare – $$$

While I wouldn’t necessarily say that Medium Rare is the best steakhouse in NYC, it is one of my go-to places for more affordable steak, which is why I’ve included it in this round-up!

They offer a one choice prix fixe dinner menu where you get rustic bread, a mixed green salad, and two servings of their award-winning culotte steak, fries, and secret sauce from just $35, as well as a brunch menu with bottomless drinks for less than $40.

• Website: mediumrarerestaurant.com
• Address: 488 3rd Ave, Kips Bay
• Reviews/rating: 4.3 | Reservations not required, walk-ins welcome

Gallaghers Steakhouse – $$$/$

Gallaghers is another Times Square establishment that’s been operating for over 90 years, when it originally opened as a speakeasy!

They have an incredible and surprisingly reasonably priced dinner menu, as well as a three course lunch special from just $34, making it one of the more affordable steakhouses in this guide!

• Website: gallaghersnysteakhouse.com
• Address: 228 W 52nd St, Times Square
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations recommended

Strip House Steakhouse – $$$$

Strip House Steakhouse can be found in both Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, with the Downtown location also featuring its very own speakeasy.

Their menu isn’t quite as extensive as some of the other steakhouses featured in this guide, as they only have 5-6 steaks to choose from, but they do also have a raw bar, salads, and various different entrées if someone in your group isn’t in the mood for steak.

• Website: striphouse.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations recommended

Best gluten-free NYC bucket list food

Similarly to finding vegetarian/vegan alternatives on menus in New York City, it is also possible to find many gluten-friendly options too, but if you’re looking for places that cater exclusively to a gluten-free diet, I’ve rounded up some of the best spots in the city in the following section of this NYC food bucket list.

Senza Gluten – $$$/$

Located in the heart of foodie heaven in Greenwich Village, Senza Gluten is another restaurant that boasts a 100% gluten-free Italian-inspired menu.

Senza Gluten is not the cheapest spot, with even their burgers, sandwiches, and appetisers costing upwards of $30, and many main dishes priced between $40 and $50, but it is arguably one of the best Italian restaurants in the neighbourhood, and one that focuses entirely on gluten-free ingredients.

• Website: senzaglutennyc.com
• Address: 206 Sullivan St, Greenwich Village
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations strongly recommended, walk-ins may be available

By the Way Bakery – $

By the Way Bakery can be found on both the Upper West and Upper East Sides, both less than 15 minutes on the subway from Times Square.

As the name suggests, BTW Bakery isn’t a sit-down restaurant, but it does offer incredible gluten-free and dairy-free cakes, cookies, scones, muffins, cupcakes, and bread, making it one of the best bakeries in the city for those with allergies and dietary requirements!

• Website: btwbakery.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Walk-ins only

Wild – $$$

The menu at Wild might just be one of my favourites in this guide as not only is everything 100% gluten-free, but it features incredible dishes such as chicken parmigiano, handmade gluten-free vegan crust pizzas, pasta alla vodka, and pan-seared salmon, just to name a few!

It’s not super cheap, with most main dishes around $25 to $30, but it is super high-quality and delicious food that is 100% gluten-free!

• Website: wildrestaurantnyc.com
• Address: 535 Hudson St, West Village
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Reservations recommended

Friedman’s Restaurant – $$/$

Friedman’s most notable location is inside the Edison Hotel in Times Square, but there are actually six other locations across the city, all specialising in primarily gluten-free food (approximately 99% of the menu is GF).

Each restaurant has a slightly different menu, with some of them catering more towards breakfast/lunch, but all seven locations in NYC have incredible dishes, most of which can be tailored to a gluten-free diet.

• Website: friedmansrestaurant.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.3 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins available

Modern Bread and Bagel – $/$$

Modern Bread and Bagel claim to have “The best gluten-free bagels on the planet”, so if you’re looking for amazing GF goods, you know where to go!

With three locations in NYC, including the “Modern @ Night” evening menu on the Upper West Side and the “Modern Italia” menu on the Upper East Side, Modern Bread and Bagel is one of the best gluten-free spots in the city!

• Website: modernbreadandbagel.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.3 | Does not accept reservations, walk-ins only

Best Italian bucket list food NYC

When carrying out my initial research for this ultimate NYC food bucket list guide, I originally had over 50 Italian restaurants shortlisted!

I soon realised that might have been a few too many Italian restaurants for you to choose from, which is how I ended up narrowing it down to just five top picks (although you can find more Italian restaurant recommendations in my NYC Food & Drink ebook!).

The Italian food scene in New York is absolutely out of this world, so while the restaurants featured in the following section truly are amongst the very best in the city, there are still dozens more I could have added.

Tony’s Di Napoli – $$$/$

The Times Square branch of Tony’s Di Napoli is immensely popular amongst tourists staying in the area, particularly before a Broadway performance (there’s even a dedicated post-theatre menu available from 10 PM to close), as it’s renowned for its family-style Italian sharing dishes which can easily feed 2-3 people.

The menu is pretty substantial, and features all the Italian-American classics, such as chicken parmigiana, steak, seafood, and pasta.

• Website: tonysnyc.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations strongly recommended, walk-ins available

Osteria Barocca – $$/$

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Little Italy, Osteria Barocca is the perfect choice for some of the finest Italian cuisine.

Their menu consists of the usual suspects of pizza, pasta, steak, seafood, and salads, and they also have an impeccable wine cellar with a brilliant range of red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, and champagne.

• Website: ob-ny.com
• Address: 133 Mulberry St, Little Italy
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations recommended, but not essential

Nizza – $$/$

Nizza, located in Hell’s Kitchen, is one of the cheaper Italian restaurants featured in this guide, with $12 paninis on their lunch menu, pizzas for less than $20, pasta dishes for around $25, and most main dishes for less than $30.

They also have an extensive gluten-free lunch and dinner menu, as well as a weekend “bottomless spritz” deal from $25 with any brunch entrée from 11 AM to 3 PM.

• Website: nizzanyc.com
• Address: 630 9th Ave, Hell’s Kitchen
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations not required, but recommended

Don Angie – $$$

Don Angie is often cited as one of the top 10 places to eat in New York City, making it incredibly difficult to get a reservation.

If you do manage to get a reservation at this critically-acclaimed Italian- American joint, you’ll be treated to a terrific menu consisting of pasta, veal, steak, lasagne, pork shoulder, and even an entire lobster for two from $135!

• Website: donangie.com
• Address: 103 Greenwich Ave, West Village
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations very hard to obtain, join the waitlist ASAP

Norma – $$/$

There are three locations of Norma in Manhattan; in Hell’s Kitchen, Murray Hill, and Turtle Bay.

All three restaurants offer a remarkable menu featuring salads, pasta dishes, arancini, and pizza, as well as an outstanding Sicilian wine selection, in a beautiful and romantic dining setting.

• Website: normarestaurant.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | No reservations available, walk-ins only

Best seafood restaurants – NYC food bucket list

While I personally wouldn’t say that seafood is a must try food in NYC (largely because I am not a fan of it at all!), I do know that the seafood restaurant scene in the city is pretty epic, and in the next section of this NYC food bucket list, you’ll find recommendations for some of the top seafood restaurants if you’re looking for nice places to eat in NYC.

Aqua Boil – $$$

This Hell’s Kitchen restaurant specialises in cajun-inspired cuisine, primarily seafood boils that encourage diners to “get messy!”.

The seafood boils include a myriad of choices, including clams, mussels, shrimp, crab, and more, with prices starting at around $20 per pound.

Aqua Boil also offer many other dishes, including fried seafood and chicken baskets, lobster rolls, po’ boys, and more.

• Website: aquaboilnyc.com
• Address: 750 9th Ave, Hell’s Kitchen
• Reviews/rating: 4.7 | Reservations recommended

Mermaid Oyster Bar – $$$

Mermaid Oyster Bar has two locations in NYC; one in Times Square, and one in Greenwich Village, and they also have the Mermaid Inn in Chelsea and the Upper West Side, which primarily specialise in brunch dishes.

Each location has a slightly different menu and offers, including happy hour deals, raw bar offers, and even a kids’ menu at the Times Square location, so I’d recommend checking each location’s menu online first.

• Website: themermaidnyc.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations recommended

Grand Central Oyster Bar – $$$$

The Grand Central Oyster Bar is a super iconic eatery in NYC, right in the heart of one of the most famous train stations in the world.

There are dozens of different types of fish, oysters, and shellfish on the menu, as well as a daily specialty catch, such as branzino, catfish, red snapper, and many more. They also live up to their name, as the oyster selection on their raw bar menu includes almost two dozen varieties!

• Website: oysterbarny.com
• Address: 89 E 42nd St, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown
• Reviews/rating: 4.2 | Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome when available

Shaking Crab – $$$$

Branches of Shaking Crab can be found in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, with the Hell’s Kitchen location being the most highly-rated.

They have an incredible menu boasting seafood platters, baskets, sandwiches, crab legs, and even whole lobsters, but it’s their famous cajun seafood boils that they’re most known for, which start at around $30 and go all the way up to $150+.

• Website: shakingcrab.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations not essential

The Sea Fire Grill – $$$$

The Sea Fire Grill is another expensive restaurant that specialises in both seafood and steak dishes, less than a 5-minute walk from Grand Central.

While the dinner menu is pretty pricey (you can expect to pay upwards of $50 for freshly-caught dishes such as salmon, swordfish, and tuna), they do also have a 3-course lunch prix fixe menu from just $45, as well as 3-course weekend menu from $69 per person.

• Website: theseafiregrill.com
• Address: 158 E 48th St., 3rd Ave, Midtown East
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations recommended

Michelin Star food bucket list NYC

As of 2025, there are around 70 Michelin star restaurants in New York City, so while the following list could have easily been 14X as long, I have tried to narrow it down to just the top 5 spots with the prestigious Michelin accolade.

Michelin stars are awarded annually, so the restaurants in the following section may be subject to change as Michelin stars are not a lifelong award or a guarantee each year.

Aquavit – $$$$

Located in Park Avenue Tower in Midtown East, Aquavit is a two Michelin- starred restaurant that specialises in creative Nordic cuisine.

The Dining Room features a lunch tasting menu from $155pp, a 2-course prix fixe from $80pp or three courses from $95pp, plus a regular tasting menu from $175pp, and a chef’s tasting menu from $275pp, while the Bar Room boasts an extraordinary à la carte menu.

• Website: aquavit.org
• Address: 65 E 55th St, Midtown East
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations required

The Modern – $$$$

The Modern is a two Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan.

There are three main menus at The Modern, including a prix fixe menu in The Modern dining room, an à la carte menu in the Bar Room, and a beautifully- curated tasting menu at The Kitchen Table, from a whopping $345pp.

The dishes on all three menus change frequently, but you can always expect the highest-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art creations.

• Website: themodernnyc.com
• Address: 9 W 53rd St, Midtown
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Reservations required

Per Se – $$$$

With three Michelin stars maintained since 2005, and tasting menus ranging from $400pp to a staggering $850pp, Per Se is one of the most highly-acclaimed and expensive restaurants in New York City.

The menus at Per Se change regularly, but with the gastronomy innovation of Chef Thomas Keller and views of Central Park and Columbus Circle, it’s fair to say you’re destined to have a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience!

• Website: thomaskeller.com/perseny
• Address: 10 Columbus Circle, Midtown
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations required, can be very hard to obtain

Eleven Madison Park – $$$$

Eleven Madison Park, just over the road from Madison Square Park, is the only three-star Michelin restaurant with a fully plant-based menu.

The restaurant actually offers three menus, including the Full Tasting Menu encompassing 8-9 courses from $365pp, a 5-course tasting menu from $285pp, and the Bar Tasting Menu from $225pp, consisting of 4-5 courses, which are also available à la carte.

• Website: elevenmadisonpark.com
• Address: 11 Madison Ave, NoMad
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Reservations required, can be very hard to obtain

Sushi Noz – $$$$

Sushi Noz is the brainchild of Chef Nozomu Abe who wanted to create an outstanding dining experience with traditional Japanese-style interiors.

Chef Noz himself will serve you at the 200-year-old Hinoki wood sushi counter where you’ll indulge in the signature Edomae-style tasting menu, comprising 5-6 otsumami (small plates), followed by 12-14 additional courses, from $550pp.

• Website: sushinoz.com
• Address: 181 E 78th St, Upper East Side
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations required, can be hard to obtain

Best food markets in New York City

In addition to the city’s many incredible bars, cafes, and restaurants, there are also tonnes of indoor and outdoor food markets throughout the city where you can purchase locally sourced and home-grown produce.

There are also a number of markets in New York City that specialise in food stalls from dozens of different vendors, most notably places like the Queens Night Market and Smorgasburg.

One of my favourite indoor markets, Chelsea Market, is also featured in this line-up as it’s home to some of my most-loved eateries in the city, including Doughnuttery and Los Tacos No.1.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is one of my favourite markets in NYC for food and local produce, and it also makes for an excellent free toilet stop, which can often be quite hard to come by!

My favourite thing to do is head to Doughnuttery (the best mini doughnuts I’ve ever had!), Los Tacos No.1 (for the best tacos in the city), or Berlin Currywurst (or all three!) inside the market before making my way to the nearby High Line or Little Island for a picnic.

• Website: chelseamarket.com
• Address: 75 9th Ave, Chelsea
• Reviews/rating: 4.5

Queens Night Market

Queens Night Market is an annual summer event that typically runs most Saturdays from mid-April to mid-August, and then again from mid- September to mid-October.

There are over 100 local vendors selling works of art, food, and handmade crafts, and there are also often various cultural performances to enjoy throughout the day. It takes 45 minutes from Times Square or Grand Central to get to the Queens Night Market via subway.

• Website: queensnightmarket.com
• Address: 4701 111th St, Corona, Queens
• Reviews/rating: 4.6

Time Out Market New York

Time Out Market New York is one of my favourite places to eat and drink in DUMBO as it houses almost two dozen food and drink stalls, as well as its very own rooftop bar boasting impeccable views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and the New York skyline.

Some of my go-to eateries inside the substantial 21,000-square-foot space include Bark Barbecue, Clinton St. Baking Company, Doughnuttery, Felice Pasta Bar, Pastrami Factory, and Fornino.

• Website: timeoutmarket.com
• Address: 55 Water St, DUMBO, Brooklyn
• Reviews/rating: 4.5

Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is a giant European-style marketplace with tonnes of local vendors selling home-grown produce and freshly-prepared food.

Vendors such as Eli Zabar’s Bread & Pastry, Ceriello Fine Foods, Li-Lac Chocolates, and Murray’s Cheese can be found inside the market on the main level of Grand Central Terminal, and they’re all great places to pick up local produce to create your own picnic to take to nearby Bryant Park, or even venture into Central Park.

• Website: grandcentralterminal.com
• Address: 89 E 42nd St, Grand Central Terminal, Midtown East
• Reviews/rating: 4.5

Tin Building by Jean-Georges

The Seaport is one of my favourite areas in Manhattan, and the Tin Building by Jean-Georges right next to Pier 17 is an awesome market and food hall with numerous restaurants, bars, and local vendors.

There are some incredible places to eat inside the Tin Building, including Double Yolk for breakfast and lunch, The Frenchman’s Dough for an exciting Italian-French hybrid lunch or dinner, and the Outdoor Bar for happy hour.

• Website: tinbuilding.com
• Address: 96 South St, Seaport
• Reviews/rating: 4.5

Best bakeries – NYC food bucket list

The sweet treat scene in New York City is truly fantastic, so if you’re partial to an after-dinner delicacy (or just an any time of day indulgence!), you’re sure to enjoy the next section of this NYC food bucket list which is all about the best bakeries in the city!

Mille-Feuille Bakery – $

If you’re looking for scrumptious pastries and sweet treats such as croissants, French macarons, and cinnamon buns, as well as affordable coffee, look no further than Mille-Feuille Bakery!

There are two locations in Manhattan; one on the Upper West Side and one in Greenwich Village, as well as one in Prospect Heights in Brooklyn.

• Website: millefeuille-nyc.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.8

Salswee – $$

Salswee is just over the road from Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, and they’re also opening a new branch in late 2025.

This boujiee bakery has some pretty pricey items on their menu, including strawberry, mango, and matcha croissants for around $8, themed biscuits for around $11, and even relatively small cakes for $18.

Their signature drinks are also a little more expensive at $6.50+ a drink, but their regular hot and iced coffees are fairly standard at around $5.

• Website: salswee.com
• Address: 180 5th Ave, Flatiron
• Reviews/rating: 4.7

Levain Bakery – $

There are nine branches of Levain Bakery in NYC, but the original location on West 74th Street is always my go-to.

The Two Chip Chocolate Chip cookie is my personal favourite, but they also have flavours such as rocky road, chocolate chip walnut, caramel coconut, dark chocolate peanut butter and oatmeal raisin. Some locations also sell muffins, scones, brioche, and more.

• Website: levainbakery.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.7

Supermoon Bakehouse – $

Supermoon Bakehouse on the Lower East Side are known for their cruffins; a delicious and imaginative blend between croissants and muffins.

Alongside their famous cruffins, Supermoon Bakehouse also offer plenty of other sweet treats, including ice cream sandwiches, eclairs, doughnuts, gelato, cookies, and even numerous savoury items such as Danish pastries, ham and cheese croissants, and sandwiches.

• Website: supermoonbakehouse.com
• Address: 120 Rivington St, Lower East Side
• Reviews/rating: 4.6

Angelina Bakery – $

There are currently eight locations of Angelina Bakery in Manhattan, including in Grand Central, Hell’s Kitchen, NoMad, and even two bakeries in Times Square!

Angelina’s is renowned for its extensive selection of cakes, tarts, cannoli’s, and gelato, but they also have a great savoury menu with plenty of paninis, pastas, and even pizza, making it an excellent lunch spot.

• Website: angelinabakery.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.5

Best coffee shops

Coffee in New York City often gets a bad reputation, especially according to many tourists, usually those from Australia where there is a huge emphasis on high-quality coffee!

In the following section of my NYC food bucket list, I’ve tried to feature just a few of the best coffee shops in New York City.

787 Coffee – $$

787 Coffee is a franchise coffee shop with 18 different locations in New York City, so it’s a great place to grab a hot (or cold) drink!

Prices for coffee will likely vary at each location, but as a general rule of thumb, you can typically expect to pay around $5 for an espresso, $6 for a standard latte, and $7 for a matcha.

• Website: 787coffee.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.9

Blank Street Coffee – $

Blank Street is a super popular coffee chain in New York City with over two dozen locations across the city, so you’re guaranteed to never be too far from a delicious cup of coffee!

They’re known for their classic coffees, including all the usual lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, espressos, and more, but they’re also famous for their signature drinks, especially their matcha with different flavours on constant rotation.

• Website: blankstreet.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.8

Culture Espresso – $$

Culture Espresso has three Midtown locations, all within a three-block radius of one another.

They only offer a handful of drinks, including an espresso and Americano from $4, hot chocolate from $5, and a latte from $5.50. They also offer an assortment of cookies, scones, and muffins.

• Website: cultureespresso.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6

Black Fox Coffee – $$

Black Fox Coffee is one of the top coffee spots for locals in New York City, with locations in FiDi, Hudson Yards, and two spots in Midtown.

Each location of Black Fox Coffee is elegant and charming, with a brilliant, albeit pretty expensive menu to boot. Their regular coffees are pretty typical of New York coffee prices, while some of the signature drinks such as the vanilla latte and butterscotch latte are priced at $8+.

• Website: blackfoxcoffee.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.6

La Cabra – $

La Cabra has a shop in the East Village, SoHo, and Bushwick, Brooklyn. The coffee menu is pretty standardly priced, and they also offer a variety of teas, hot chocolate, and soft drinks.

Both La Cabra coffee shops also double-up as a bakery, where you can purchase freshly-baked pastries, doughnuts, cookies, and more.

• Website: lacabra.com
• Address: Multiple locations
• Reviews/rating: 4.5

Best cheap bars in NYC

As you’re probably already aware, drinking in New York City is not exactly a cheap affair.

However, on my quest to enjoy New York as often as possible, I made it my mission to find plenty of more affordable bars in the city that don’t require you to remortgage your house just to enjoy a nice glass of wine!

With that in mind, in the following section, I’ve put together some of my top recommendations for the best cheap bars throughout the city.

Read more: The Best Happy Hour Deals & Cheap Bars In NYC

Rudy’s Bar & Grill – $

Rudy’s Bar & Grill is famed for being one of the cheapest dive bars in New York City and not only do they serve pints of beer for as little as $3, they also serve free hot dogs with any purchase; just remember to ask for your hot dog when paying for your beer (with cash only).

While beer is their main alcoholic beverage, they also serve $4 shots, $6 wines, and $7 pickle backs.

• Website: rudysbarnyc.com
• Address: 627 9th Ave, Hell’s Kitchen
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Walk-ins only. 21+ only

Jimmy’s Corner – $

Jimmy’s Corner is another one of the most renowned dive bars in NYC, with crazy cheap drinks priced between $3 and $6!

It’s located right in the heart of Times Square, so it’s an ideal option for a late night drink after a Broadway show. It has a very no-frills approach, so don’t expect 5* service, but it is a fun and laid-back spot for a beer or two, and it’s remarkably cheap by New York standards!

• Website: N/A
• Address: 140 W 44th St, Times Square
• Reviews/rating: 4.6 | Walk-ins only. 21+ only

McSorley’s Old Ale House – $

McSorley’s Old Ale House is one of the coolest, oldest, and most original bars in NYC.

The bar was established in 1854 and remains almost unchanged in the 170+ years since it first opened, complete with sawdust strewn all over the floor!

McSorley’s serve just two drinks; light or dark beer ($8 for two), and if you order one beer, it will be served in two glasses and they only accept cash payments. They also serve food at certain times.

• Website: mcsorleysoldalehouse.nyc
• Address: 15 E 7th St, East Village
• Reviews/rating: 4.7 | Walk-ins only. U21s before 6 PM

La Caverna – $

This underground tavern is one of my personal favourite bars in NYC, and it also happens to feature epic happy hour deals from 5 PM to 8 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays and from 5 PM to 7 PM on Fridays.

La Caverna’s happy hour deals include $6 beer, $8 wine, and $50 margarita pitchers, while their “Taco Tuesday” deal involves $3 tacos, $6 beers, and $8 margaritas.

• Website: lacavernanyc.com
• Address: 122 Rivington St, Lower East Side
• Reviews/rating: 4.2 | | Reservations recommended. 21+ only

The Liberty NYC – $$

The Liberty NYC is just a few blocks from Times Square and has daily happy hour deals from 4 PM to 8 PM that include $7 beers, $8 wines, $12 mules, and $13 bites.

As The Liberty is a sports bar/pub, they welcome families with children of all ages and they also welcome walk-ins, so no reservations necessary!

• Website: thelibertynyc.com
• Address: 29 W 35th St, Midtown South
• Reviews/rating: 4.2 | Reservations not essential, walk-ins welcome

Best rooftop bars in New York City

While I haven’t quite managed to visit every single rooftop bar in the city (yet!), I have visited many of the top spots, and in the following section of my NYC food bucket list, you’ll find some of the best rooftop bars in New York City, as well as some of my very own personal favourite rooftops!

Vintage Green – $$$

Vintage Green is undoubtedly one of the most stunning rooftop bars in New York City, and one of my own personal favourite spots, thanks to its rooftop garden oasis and spectacular views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, the East River, Edge, and more!

Most cocktails are priced between $18 and $21, while food items are around $15 to $25. They do also have a “fancier cocktail” menu where prices range from a whopping $30 to $50!

• Website: vintagegreen.nyc
• Address: 303 Lexington Ave 16th Floor, Shelburne Sonesta Hotel, Murray Hill
• Reviews/rating: 4.9 | Reservations not essential, walk-ins welcome. No U21s

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – $$

230 Fifth is one of favourite rooftops in NYC, and it’s also where I celebrated my engagement in January 2025, and Christmas Day brunch in 2021, so it holds many special memories for me!

Cocktails are around $16 to $18, which is actually pretty affordable by New York’s rooftop standards, and they also have an excellent food menu (the penne alla vodka is my go-to!).

• Website: 230-fifth.com
• Address: 1150 Broadway, Flatiron
• Reviews/rating: 4.3 | Reservations not essential, walk-ins welcome. U21s before 7 PM

Mr. Purple – $$$

Mr. Purple features its very own rooftop bar, lounge, and outdoor rooftop pool on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, and has some of the most dramatic and sweeping views of the New York City skyline.

Happy hour is offered Monday to Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM and involves $6 bites and $11 cocktails and wine. Standard cocktails are usually $20 to $22, and they also have a regular brunch and lunch menu.

• Website: mrpurplenyc.com
• Address: 180 Orchard St 15th floor, Hotel Indigo Lower East Side
• Reviews/rating: 4.1 | Walk-ins welcome, res required for pool. U21s before 9 PM

Vue 180 Rooftop Bar & Lounge – $$

Vue 180 is one of my favourite hidden gem rooftops in NYC (although maybe not-so hidden after this guide is released!), as it boasts some of the best rooftop bar food in the city, as well as epic views of the Empire State Building and Edge/Hudson Yards.

Cocktails are around $18, but they have happy hour deals from 7 PM to close, Monday to Friday where you can get select cocktails from just $12.

• Website: vue180nyc.com
• Address: 525 8th Ave, DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square South
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Reservations not essential, walk-ins welcome. No U21s

Somewhere Nowhere – $$

Somewhere Nowhere is probably my favourite rooftop in NYC for the views alone as it showcases unparalleled vistas of the skyline, with a special view of the Empire State Building and Edge.

There’s also an exclusive rooftop bar, nightclub, and lounge at Somewhere Nowhere, and cocktails are around $20 each, or just $12 during the Martini Power House from 5 PM to 7 PM daily.

• Website: somewherenowherenyc.com
• Address: 112 W 25th St, Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel
• Reviews/rating: 3.5 | Reservations required. 21+ only with ID.

Best sports bars in NYC

Many of the sports bars in the section below also serve food, which is ideal if there’s a game on around dinner time.

Sports bars such as Yard House, Mustang Harry’s, and Carragher’s are also family-friendly, as long as kids are seated at tables with food, and not in the bar areas.

Yard House – $$$

If you’re looking for a super centrally-located sports bar, right in the heart of Times Square, that serves excellent beer, a huge food menu, and is kid- friendly, look no further than Yard House!

Yard House Times Square is home to more than 20 wall-mounted TVs and over 100 different drafts on tap, so if there’s a particular sports game you want to watch while you’re in New York, Yard House is the place to go!

• Website: yardhouse.com
• Address: 575 7th Ave, Times Square
• Reviews/rating: 4.5 | Reservations not essential, walk-ins welcome

Dalton’s Bar & Grill – $$

Dalton’s is just a few doors down from Rudy’s Bar, so it makes for an excellent addition to a bar crawl in this area (which is what we often do!).

There are over 25 TV screens at Dalton’s, making it a great choice for game day viewing. They have a brilliant food and drink menu, with bottomless drinks served on weekends from just $25pp, as well as happy hour on weekdays from 11 AM to 7 PM, where you can get $5 beers and $6 wine and select cocktails.

• Website: daltonsbarnyc.com
• Address: 611 9th Ave, Hell’s Kitchen
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Reservations recommended for game days, walk-ins welcome

Mustang Harry’s – $$

Mustang Harry’s is just a couple of blocks from Madison Square Garden, so it’s the perfect spot for pre-game or concert food and drink.

The food menu features all the typical pub-grub dishes, such as burgers, nachos, and fish and chips, and it’s also a family-friendly spot, with a dedicated kids’ menu! A daily happy hour is available from 2 PM to 5 PM, and from midnight to 2 AM, and includes $6 select beers.

• Website: mustangharrys.com
• Address: 352 7th Ave, Midtown South
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Reservations essential if there’s an event at MSG

Carragher’s – $$

Carragher’s is a sports bar in the Financial District entirely dedicated to Liverpool FC, and they take their dedication so seriously that wearing opposing team gear during Liverpool matches is strictly prohibited!

Families are welcome at Carragher’s with a reservation, but they must be seated at a table with a food order (there is a kids menu available). You can expect traditional Irish/British cuisine at Carragher’s, such as fish and chips, sausage and mash, traditional all-day breakfast, and more.

• Website: carraghersnyc.com
• Address: Basement Bar, 17 John St, Financial District
• Reviews/rating: 4.4 | Reservations essential during Liverpool matches

Mercury Bar West – $$

Mercury Bar West on 9th Avenue is less than 200m from Rudy’s and Dalton’s sports bars, so it’s a great spot to add to your bar crawl itinerary.

Kids are allowed at Mercury Bar West when seated with food, and they also offer various food and drink specials, including “Taco Tuesday” which involves $5 tacos, and weekday happy hours from 11 AM to 8 PM, featuring $5 beer, $6 wine, and $13 margaritas.

• Website: mercurybarnyc.com
• Address: 659 9th Ave, Hell’s Kitchen
• Reviews/rating: 4.3 | Reservations recommended during sports games

NYC food bucket list – top tips for eating out in New York

• If you’re visiting New York on a budget, don’t order drinks with your meal – you will get free table water almost everywhere you go and it will help to cut back on the cost of meals significantly.
• You will be expected to pay a tip for everything in New York (and in America in general). The usually recommended tip is between 18% and 25%, but it’s up to your discretion how much you want to tip.
• The price of the food is very rarely what you’ll actually end up paying – always prepare for additional service fees, taxes and charges to be added on to your bill at the end of your meal.

Pin for later – NYC food bucket list

Do you have any places to add to this list of the best places to eat in New York City? Let me know in the comments or in my New York Facebook Group!