Best Restaurants in NYC: What to Eat in NYC and Where to Find It
Stop spending hours trying to find the right places - we will have a local expert build you a guide to all the best NYC gems!
New York City is world-famous for its incredible food scene, from hidden neighborhood gems to Michelin-starred dining. But let's be real—figuring out exactly what to eat in NYC can feel overwhelming. With thousands of restaurants, street vendors, cafes, and food trucks scattered across countless neighborhoods, where do you even start? If you're struggling to find the perfect slice of pizza or that iconic bagel everyone keeps talking about, you're certainly not alone.
Quit spending hours and hours of research - we will have a local expert build you a guide to NYC that is just for you helping narrow in on just the right spots for you and your trip!
Pizza Panic in the Big Apple
Pizza in NYC is a must! But how do you narrow it down? What’s touristy and what’s a local favorite?
What’s the Best Pizza in NYC? Finding great pizza in NYC seems easy at first glance—after all, this is the pizza capital of America. Yet, ask any local, and you'll quickly realize just how tricky it can be to find the right slice. Do you go classic with Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village, adventurous with Roberta's in Bushwick, or upscale with Lucali in Brooklyn? Thin crust or thick? Wood-fired or coal oven? The choices are endless, and the stakes (and slices) are high. One wrong turn, and you're munching on something tragically average instead of pizza heaven.
Popular Pizza Options:
Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village): Iconic, classic NY slice.
Roberta’s (Bushwick): Hip atmosphere with innovative toppings.
Lucali (Brooklyn): Upscale, rustic pizzas in a charming setting.
Bagel Battles in NYC
There’s a bagel on every corner - but they are NOT created equal.
How do you pick the best bagel in NYC!? And don't get me started on bagels. Every corner deli claims their bagel is the "best in NYC," but the truth is far more nuanced. Do you prefer the old-school chewy perfection of Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown, or are you drawn to the modern, Instagram-worthy bagels of Black Seed? Or perhaps you want to join the morning line at Russ & Daughters, patiently waiting for that legendary bagel and lox. Choosing a bagel in New York City isn’t just about breakfast—it’s about culture, tradition, and getting your morning started right.
Popular Bagel Options:
Ess-a-Bagel (Midtown): Traditional, chewy bagels loaded with toppings.
Black Seed (Various Locations): Modern, wood-fired, Montreal-style bagels.
Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side): Famous for their bagel and lox sandwiches.
Navigating NYC's Neighborhoods
Beyond just cuisines, there are countless neighborhoods!
Beyond pizza and bagels, choosing where to eat means decoding the endless neighborhoods of NYC. Are you diving into trendy Williamsburg or eclectic Bushwick? Should you trust the high-end dining in Tribeca or explore the cozy eateries tucked away in Greenwich Village? From vibrant Chinatown and Little Italy to the trendy vibes of SoHo, the sophisticated eateries in the West Village, and the bustling food scene of Brooklyn, each area has its culinary charm. But knowing which neighborhoods to prioritize can feel like a full-time job.
Top Neighborhoods for First Timers:
Greenwich Village: Iconic eateries and vibrant nightlife.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Trendy spots, rooftop bars, and hipster cafés.
Chinatown & Little Italy: Diverse, flavorful street food and traditional restaurants.
A Better Way to Eat Your Way Through NYC
Our NYC guides are built by a local and no two guides are the same! They are totally unique to you.
That's exactly why we created personalized guides to NYC's best restaurants. Our guides eliminate the overwhelm, providing hand-picked recommendations tailored specifically to your tastes and travel plans. Whether you're hunting for that ideal thin-crust pizza spot or the fluffiest bagel in Brooklyn, our expertly curated NYC guide is your ticket to food bliss.
Meet Your Guide to NYC: Karissa from KarissaEats
Speaking of experts, meet Karissa Dumbacher, the vibrant personality behind KarissaEats. With over 4.1 million followers on TikTok, Karissa is renowned for her engaging food videos that capture the essence of culinary adventures. Her journey began while living in China, where she started sharing her food experiences, quickly gaining a massive following. Karissa's content is characterized by her genuine love for food and her fearless approach to trying new cuisines. Whether it's street food in Beijing or a classic New York slice, she brings authenticity and enthusiasm to every bite.
Ready to Taste NYC Like a Local?
With Karissa’s expert recommendations, you'll never waste another meal again. Forget endless Google searches or questionable Yelp reviews; our personalized guides have done all the legwork, so you can simply relax and enjoy the city’s culinary delights. Pizza panic? Gone. Bagel indecision? Solved. Neighborhood overload? Handled.
Discover Your NYC Food Adventure Today
Ready to eat like a true New Yorker? Dive into our guide to the best restaurants in NYC and find out what you've been missing. Your taste buds—and travel plans—will thank you!
