New York City is a real feast for food lovers! Every neighborhood and street corner bursts with mouthwatering options that bring the world to your plate. One moment, you could be enjoying sensational dim sum in Chinatown, and the next, indulging in a lavish Italian spread in Little Italy.
So, if you're ready to take your taste buds on a worldwide tour without leaving the city, here are the top 10 places to eat in New York that you have to check out!
Website: Katz's Deli
Location: East Houston Street
When we talk about classic Jewish delis, Katz's Delicatessen (an exception that hasn't disappeared yet) pops up in our minds. This famous restaurant has been there since 1888. It's not only rich with history but also in their culinary heritage. It is famous for its massive pastrami on rye sandwiches.
As for the cost, their sandwiches are generally priced around $20.
Website: Le Bernardin
Location: West 51st Street
Le Bernardin is a total legend place, especially if you're into seafood. The star of the show is their poached halibut. Chef Eric Ripert is the genius behind it all; he has kept things top-notch for over thirty years. One of the best things about Le Bernardin is how they bring those fresh, natural flavors of seafood in every dish—nothing's overdone or overpowered.
Le Bernardin with lunch priced at $90 and dinner at $160.
Website: 21 Club
Location: West 52nd Street
This place has quite the backstory— it was established as a speakeasy during Prohibition. When you step in, you can probably understand what makes it an absolute favorite of famous movie stars and presidents. The vibe and the dining experience you might have at 21 Club is to stretch your wallet for.
You won't regret giving 21 Club a chance since their entries hover around the $50 mark.
Website: Il Gattopardo
Location: West 54th Street
Il Gattopardo really nails that genuine Italian dining experience. The food there is absolutely divine, and there is a lot on the menu to try. They've got a great range of pasta with flavors of rich Genovese sauce. Apart from that, their lasagna stuffed with mini meatballs, ricotta, and smoked mozzarella is also something people rave about.
Keeping their aesthetics and quality in mind, it's worth spending $30 to $50 for a main dish there.
Website: Porter House Bar and Grill
Location: Columbus Circle
Porter House Bar & Grill has something that makes it a go-to spot for decades now. Their steaks and the stunning view of Central Park make it worth going there despite the endless options on their high-end market. We have to say that their service is top-notch, and they offer some of the best USDA Prime steaks around.
Dining at Porter House has a premium range, with entrees ranging from $50 to over $100.
Website: Xi'an Famous Foods
Location: Golden Mall in Flushing, Queens
If you're tired of trying Italian and other steaks and want to try your hands on something different, Xi'an Famous Foods is your place. This restaurant brings the world-famous bold flavors straight from Xi'an, a city in northwestern China. Their dishes are rich in spice and flavor that will light up your taste buds in ways you never imagined.
Xi'an Famous Foods has kept the pricing fair, with their famous hand-pulled noodles costing only $7 to $9 per serving.
Website: The Modern
Location: West 53rd Street
The Modern at MoMA gives you a mix of vibes, with their dining area giving you semi-formal vibes and the bar area being a perfect calming space. You can enjoy some great contemporary American cuisine here. Their long island duck breast is a big reason why people love to keep coming back.
Dinner options at The Modern start around $100 per person.
Website: Grand Central Oyster Bar
Location: Grand Central Terminal
The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant has been a seafood haven since 1913. Here, the daily catch dictates the menu. It has up to 20 varieties of oysters and seasonal delights like soft-shell crabs and bay scallops. The place is always lively, with commuters, tourists, and locals all around, trying to find a spot to sit.
Oyster Bar has kept the prices reasonable, with dishes starting from $20.
Website: Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
Location: Beaver Street
We are sure you must be aware that Delmonico's is the first place to come up with the idea of full-service restaurants in America. Their ambiance, drinks, staff, and food- everything has its own legacy. If trying out iconic dishes where they were first made up is your thing, Delmonico's is definitely the spot for you.
For a taste of classic dining, their "Taste of the Classics" lunch menu is $45, and dinner entrees generally range from $30 to over $50.
Website: River Cafe
Location: Water Street, Brooklyn
Right on the Thames, River Café is like a little slice of sunny Tuscany in London. It's laid-back yet glamorous and attracts all sorts—from celebs to locals. They're known for amazing Bellinis and dishes that taste like they're straight from Italy. What sets River Cafe apart is its stunning location by the water, with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline.
Their dinner options start from around $145 per person.
So, you've now got a list of top 10 places to eat in New York. You can head to any of these for your next hangout in New York. Want quick snacks or gourmet meals? Pick a restaurant that suits your aesthetics and go there without a second thought. Lastly, when dining at these top NYC spots, remember to make reservations where possible, especially for popular places like River Café and Le Bernardin.