15+ Best Restaurants in New York City for First Time Travelers

Ah, New York City – a melting pot not just of cultures but of some of the best culinary delights in the world. If you’re a first-time visitor, the sheer volume of dining options can seem as packed as the subway at rush hour. Fear not! We’ve sifted through the city’s endless menu offerings to serve you a platter of the best restaurants in New York City, perfect for every palate.

Key Dining Destinations in NYC

New York City’s restaurant scene is as diverse as its population. From the historic establishments serving classic American dishes to the innovative kitchens pushing culinary boundaries, there’s a taste or two for everyone. Here’s a guide to help you navigate where to book your next meal in the Big Apple, featuring only the best restaurants in New York City.

A Tour of New York City’s Must-Visit Restaurants

1. Katz’s Delicatessen

• Exact Location: 205 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002
• Cuisine: Jewish Delicatessen
• Menu Highlights: The legendary pastrami on rye
• Google Reviews Note: A landmark spot known for its massive, mouth-watering sandwiches.
• Katz’s Delicatessen

2. Le Bernardin

• Exact Location: 155 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019
• Cuisine: Seafood
• Menu Highlights: The Chef’s Tasting Menu
• Google Reviews Note: Praised for its refined approach to seafood, impeccable service, and elegant setting.
• Le Bernardin

3. Di Fara Pizza

• Exact Location: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230
• Cuisine: Italian (Pizza)
• Menu Highlights: Classic Neapolitan pizza
• Google Reviews Note: Celebrated for pizza that many claim is well worth the wait for a bite of Brooklyn’s finest.
• Di Fara Pizza

4. Sylvia’s Restaurant

• Location: 328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027
• Cuisine: Soul Food
• Menu Highlights: Fried chicken and waffles
• Google Reviews Note: A Harlem classic that’s been dishing up comfort food since 1962.
• Sylvia’s Restaurant

5. Joe’s Shanghai

• Exact Location: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Menu Highlights: Soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
• Google Reviews Note: Famed for its delicious dumplings and vibrant atmosphere.
• Joe’s Shanghai

6. Rezdôra

• Exact Location: 27 East 20th Street, New York, NY 10003
• Cuisine: Italian
• Menu Highlights: House-made pasta dishes
• Google Reviews Note: Known for a pasta tasting menu that takes diners on a delightful culinary journey through Northern Italy.
• Rezdôra

7. Eleven Madison Park

• Location: 11 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
• Cuisine: New American
• Menu Highlights: Multi-course tasting menu with a focus on plant-based dishes
• Google Reviews Note: A luxurious dining experience noted for innovation and sustainability.
• Eleven Madison Park

8. The Halal Guys

• Exact Location: Original location at West 53rd Street & 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Menu Highlights: Chicken and gyro over rice
• Google Reviews Note: Street food sensation known for generous servings and vibrant flavors that draw locals and tourists alike.
• The Halal Guys

9. Los Tacos No. 1

• Exact Location: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Menu Highlights: Adobada tacos
• Google Reviews Note: A bustling spot famous for its authentic tacos and speedy service.
• Los Tacos No. 1

10. Nom Wah Tea Parlor

• Exact Location: 13 Doyers Street, New York, NY 10013
• Cuisine: Chinese (Dim Sum)
• Menu Highlights: Shrimp dumplings
• Google Reviews Note: The oldest dim sum house in NYC, offering a charming vintage vibe and delicious bites.
• Nom Wah Tea Parlor

11. Via Carota

• Location: West Village
• Cuisine: Italian
• Menu Highlights: Insalata verde
• Google Reviews Note: A cozy spot with a rustic feel, serving up simple yet exquisite Italian dishes.
• Via Carota

13. Peter Luger Steak House

• Exact Location: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
• Cuisine: Steakhouse
• Menu Highlights: Dry-aged steaks
• Google Reviews Note: An iconic steakhouse known for its no-frills presentation and top-quality meats.
• Peter Luger Steak House

13. Russ & Daughters

• Exact Location: 179 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002
• Cuisine: Jewish Delicatessen
• Menu Highlights: The Classic Bagel and Lox
• Google Reviews Note: A century-old deli famed for its smoked fish and traditional Jewish foods.
• Russ & Daughters

14. Balthazar

• Exact Location: 80 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012
• Cuisine: French
• Menu Highlights: Steak frites
• Google Reviews Note: A bustling brasserie that offers a slice of Paris in the heart of NYC.
• Balthazar

15. Momofuku Noodle Bar

• Exact Location: East Village, 171 First Avenue, New York, NY 10003
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Menu Highlights: Pork Buns and Ramen
• Google Reviews Note: David Chang’s flagship restaurant, known for its innovative take on traditional Asian dishes.
• Momofuku Noodle Bar

16. Dhamaka

• Exact Location: Essex Market, 88 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002
• Cuisine: Indian
• Menu Highlights: Regional Indian specialties
• Google Reviews Note: Celebrated for bringing lesser-known Indian dishes to the forefront of NYC’s culinary scene.
• Dhamaka

These dining spots are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to New York City’s food scene. Each restaurant offers not just meals but experiences that embody the diversity and dynamism of one of the world’s greatest cities. Whether you’re biting into a slice of pizza, enjoying an elaborate tasting menu, or savoring a bagel with lox, these eateries promise to make your first visit to New York truly memorable.

Sources:

• https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/100-best-new-york-restaurants
• https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-new-york-restaurants-38-map
• https://guide.michelin.com/ca/en/best-of/best-restaurants-for-a-first-date-in-new-york-city-michelin-guide
• https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-restaurants-nyc
• https://www.overhereny.com/best-restaurants-staten-island/