A tried and tested breakdown of the best spots in NYC to eat and drink...
New York has one of the best food scenes in the world- honestly, we were thinking about our next meal before we’d even finished the last. These are our favourites from the trip, plus a very long list for next time (because you simply can’t do it all).
Bagels & Breakfast Spots (Tried & Loved)
You can’t come to NYC and not fully lean into the bagels.
- Leon’s Bagels – A classic. Go for the sausage, egg & cheese or lox.
- Leo’s Bagels – Our favourite of the trip. Felt way more local and the “Whole Shebang” is unreal.
- Zabar’s – Proper NYC institution with a huge lox bagel.
- Sarabeth’s – A classic sit-down brunch option.
For coffee + something sweet:
- Urban Backyard – Cute spot opposite Leon’s.
- Levain Bakery – Iconic cookies (worth it).
- Magnolia Bakery – Banana pudding = a must.
- Sunday Morning – Cinnamon rolls… so good.
Lunch Spots & Casual Eats (Tried & Loved)
- Chelsea Market – So many good options under one roof.
- L’Industrie Pizzeria – Very good pizza (but not our #1).
- Katz’s Delicatessen – A must-do NYC experience. One pastrami sandwich between two is enough.
- Mo’s General – Best pizza of the trip. Detroit-style slices + mozzarella sticks = 10/10.
Dinner Spots (Tried & Loved)
- Fiaschetteria Pistoia – Cosy, authentic, amazing pasta (get the beef ragu + tiramisu).
- La Esquina Brasserie – Fun basement spot with great tacos + margaritas.
West Village (On the list for next time)
West Village has so many good spots- you honestly can’t go wrong. Wander along Hudson Street or Grove Street and you’ll find somewhere you want to go.
Drinks:
- St Jardim
- Bar Pisellino
- Entwine Cocktail Bar
- Employees Only
- Stafili Wine Bar
- Brass Monkey
- Wilfie & Nell
Food:
- Via Carota
- L’Artusi / b’artusi
- Anton’s
- Dante West Village
- Nami Nori
- Little Owl
- Emmett’s on Grove
- Sallaluna
- Bandits Burger + Dive
- Malaparte
Greenwich Village (On the list for next time)
We only really wandered through but it had great vibes and is definitely on the list for next time:
- Parcelle
- The Corner Store
East Village (On the list for next time)
Known for its buzzing nightlife, especially around Tompkins Square Park.
Drinks:
- Schmuck
- Bibi Wine Bar
- Nine Cases
- Rosso
Food:
- El Camino
- Carnitas Ramirez
- Nowon
- Ops
- Soothr
- Misirizzi
- Virginia’s
- Rosella
Lower East Side & Dimes Square (On the list for next time)
Head to Dimes Square and explore from there- loads of cool spots.
Drinks:
- Bar Valentina
- Bar Contra
- Bar Revival
- Elvis
- Le Dive
- The Ten Bells
Food:
- Cervo’s
- Wayla
- Sunn’s
Brooklyn (On the list for next time)
Brooklyn felt less touristy and a bit more local- definitely worth exploring.
Drinks:
- Bar Birba
- The Ten Bells Brooklyn
- Cherry on Top
Food:
- Frankel’s Delicatessen
- Bernie’s
- Red Hook Tavern
- Disco Birdies
- Bricolage
- Be Pasta
- Lucali
- River Deli
- L’Appartement 4F
- Roman’s
- Forma Pasta Factory
- Hart’s
- Nowon Bushwick
If you’re anything like us, NYC quickly becomes a food trip disguised as a city break- and honestly, that’s exactly how it should be.