What Food to Eat in New York City: A Guide to Iconic Dishes
Updated 2026-10-26. Written with AI assistance and checked against our editorial rules; entry rules and prices change, so confirm with the official source before you travel.
In New York City, try classic New York-style pizza, bagels with lox, knishes and black and white cookies. Then explore the city's neighborhoods, from Chinatown and Little Italy to Koreatown and Astoria.
Quick answer
New York City mixes cuisines from around the world. Start with these iconic foods and eateries.
Classic New York dishes
- Grab a slice of New York-style pizza at a well-known spot like Lombardi's or Joe's Pizza.
- Order a bagel with cream cheese and lox at an appetizing shop like Russ & Daughters.
- Try a soft pretzel or a bag of roasted nuts from a street cart.
Iconic eateries
- Try a classic egg cream at a diner or soda fountain, or visit Ellen's Stardust Diner, where the staff sing.
- Sample a knish at Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery on the Lower East Side.
- Visit a classic diner for an American breakfast of eggs, pancakes and coffee.
Global flavors
- Explore Chinatown for dumplings, noodles and bakery buns.
- Visit Little Italy for Italian-American food and pastries like cannoli.
- Taste Caribbean flavors, such as jerk chicken and curry goat, in Brooklyn neighborhoods like Flatbush and Crown Heights.
Essential New York-style cuisine
Some dishes are pure New York. You'll find them in diners, delis, bakeries and pizzerias across the city.
Classic NYC Dishes
You can't leave New York without a slice of pizza. It has a thin crust you can fold, and it usually comes topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Pepperoni is a popular extra. Visit a classic pizzeria to taste the real thing.
Bagels and Deli Favorites
A New York-style bagel is a must-try. Bakers boil the dough in water before baking it, which gives the bagel its chewy texture. Eat one for breakfast or as a snack. Pair it with cream cheese or lox for a classic combination.
- Try an egg cream, a foamy drink made with milk, soda water and chocolate syrup.
- Order a potato knish, a savory baked or fried pastry with a soft filling.
- For something sweet, try a black and white cookie, a soft cookie iced half in chocolate and half in vanilla. If you're planning a trip to New York in the fall, see our guide to the Best Places to Travel in October: Where to Go and Why for more ideas.
Exploring international flavors
New York's neighborhoods let you taste food from Asia, Europe and Latin America in a single day. In Chinatown, you can sample Sichuan hot pot, steamed dumplings and noodle soups. Little Italy offers Neapolitan-style pies and Italian pastries.
Try these international flavors
- In Chinatown, try a steamed bao, a soft, fluffy bun filled with pork or vegetables.
- Head to Koreatown in Midtown for Korean barbecue, with grilled pork or chicken, rice and kimchi.
- In Washington Heights, find Dominican and Puerto Rican dishes like empanadas, arroz con pollo and mofongo.
- In the East Village, eat your way through Mexican tacos, Indian curries and Middle Eastern falafel.
- Visit a Greek restaurant in Astoria, Queens, for souvlaki, grilled octopus and spanakopita.
- In Jackson Heights, Queens, look for Indian, Nepali, Tibetan and Latin American food.
Food markets and street food
The city's food markets and street carts are a great way to taste local flavors without a sit-down meal.
Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is a popular outdoor food market in Brooklyn, held on weekends in the warmer months. Many vendors sell dishes from different cuisines, from grilled cheese to seafood. Check the market's own site for current dates and locations.
Street cart vendors
Street carts are part of daily life in New York. Look for soft pretzels, roasted nuts and halal carts that serve chicken over rice with white sauce. Check current prices before you go, and read our Best Time to Book Flights in Advance: A Simple Guide to plan your trip.
Other popular markets
- Chelsea Market: an indoor market with food vendors and shops
- Grand Central Market: a food market inside Grand Central Terminal in Midtown
- Essex Market: a market on the Lower East Side with food stalls and grocers
Tips for eating street food
- Read ratings and reviews before you choose a vendor.
- Pick busy stalls, where food turns over quickly.
- Be polite and patient with vendors.
- Try flavors you haven't tasted before.
Vegetarian and vegan options
New York has a wide range of vegetarian and vegan places. Many restaurants and cafes cater to plant-based diets.
Classic New York-style vegetarian options
Many diners and Italian-American restaurants serve meat-free dishes. Try eggplant parmesan, a cheese pizza slice or a bagel with vegetable cream cheese.
International vegetarian and vegan options
The city's neighborhoods offer Indian, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Middle Eastern food. You can find meat-free versions of pad thai, falafel and Korean bibimbap.
Some vegetarian-friendly places in NYC include:
- Hangawi: a vegetarian Korean restaurant
- Mamoun's: a falafel shop with many meat-free options
- Dirt Candy: a vegetable-focused restaurant with creative dishes
- The Butcher's Daughter: a plant-based cafe with salads and sandwiches
Food safety and etiquette
Staying safe while eating out
Choose restaurants with a good reputation. In New York City, restaurants post letter grades from health inspections in their windows, so look for an "A". If a place looks dirty, skip it.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping is expected in New York. Aim to tip servers 15% to 20% of the bill before tax. Give bar staff a dollar or two per drink. For taxi drivers, a tip of around 15% to 20% is common.
Dining etiquette
At most sit-down restaurants, wait for a host to seat you. Keep your phone on silent and step outside to take calls.
- Avoid blocking busy sidewalks while you eat.
- Don't leave food unattended, as it can attract pests.
- Follow local rules for recycling and trash.
Key takeaways
Be prepared for diverse options
New York offers cuisines for every taste and budget. Try a classic bagel or pizza slice, then explore the international food scene.
Know your neighborhoods
Each neighborhood has its own food scene. Explore Chinatown for Chinese food, Little Italy for Italian-American dishes, Astoria for Greek food and Jackson Heights for flavors from across Asia and Latin America.
- Ask locals for recommendations.
- Consider a food tour or guidebook.
- Expect crowds and lines at popular spots.
- Eat at off-peak hours or book ahead to avoid waits.
Frequently asked questions
What are some popular foods to try in New York City?
Try New York-style pizza, bagels with lox, knishes, egg creams and black and white cookies. You'll find them in delis, diners, bakeries and pizzerias across the city.
Where can I find the best pizza in New York City?
Try a well-known pizzeria like Lombardi's or Joe's Pizza for a slice of New York-style pizza. A plain cheese slice or a margherita is a good place to start.
What is a classic New York-style bagel?
A New York-style bagel is boiled before baking, which gives it a chewy texture. Eat it with cream cheese or lox.
What is a knish?
A knish is a savory pastry with a filling, often potato. It's a long-standing part of the city's Jewish food heritage. Try one on the Lower East Side.
What international food can I try in New York City?
Try Chinese food in Chinatown, Korean food in Koreatown, Greek food in Astoria, Dominican food in Washington Heights and Caribbean food in Flatbush.
Is street food safe in NYC?
Street food can be a good choice. Pick busy carts and check reviews first.
How much should I tip in NYC restaurants?
Tip 15% to 20% of the bill before tax for table service.
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in New York?
Yes. Try Hangawi, Dirt Candy or Mamoun's, or order eggplant parmesan at an Italian-American restaurant.
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