:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-juniors-FAMOUSNYCREST0923-a0cd2113a17a45e88b77c73e06dffb9f.jpg "25 Famous New York City Restaurants That Prove It's One of the Nation's Best Food Cities")
Top 5 Can’t Miss
- A seat at one of Rao’s 10 tables is almost impossible to snag, but those who do will feast on plates of hearty Italian fare.
- You’ll see bamboo steamers of soup dumplings on every table at Chinatown favorite Joe’s Shanghai.
- Rubirosa in Nolita is known for its pies, among them the tie-dye pizza, made with vodka sauce, tomato sauce, pesto, and fresh mozzarella.
- SoHo mainstay Balthazar is great for people-watching; you’re likely to see at least one celebrity while tucking into your steak frites.
- Brave the long lines at Katz’s Delicatessen for a towering pastrami sandwich on rye with a side of sour pickles.
New York City is a cultural melting pot, featuring cuisines from around the globe. The metropolis is home to roughly 28,000 restaurants, where you can feast on everything from Mexican seafood to Korean tacos. There’s also a great variety in the types of restaurants you’ll find here—including glitzy steakhouses, old-school pizza parlors, famous delicatessens, and brunch joints where the long line outside attests to the quality of the food.
With so many choices, it can be hard to decide where to start. So, with the help of travel experts and local chefs, we’ve compiled a list of iconic NYC restaurants that both locals and visitors should have on their lists, plus what you should order at each one. We’ve also included a handful of lesser-known, chef-approved picks throughout all five boroughs.
Rao’s
“When I hear ‘famous restaurant in New York,’ without fail, I think Rao’s,” says Fora travel advisor Kay Hart. “There is truly nowhere as cozy and as classic feeling.” Snagging a reservation at this 10-table haunt is next to impossible; visitors should aim to book a table at least six months in advance to increase their chances. However, if you’re a local, Hart recommends trying to get a spot last-minute. “That’s what works for me,” she says.
Must order: Lasagna
Joe’s Shanghai
Rob Kim/Getty Images
Diners feast on Shanghainese cuisine at this Manhattan Chinatown hot spot, which is a favorite of large groups. The more people at your table, the more you can try from the expansive menu, which includes dozens of classics like Kung Pao chicken, crispy shredded beef, lo mein, and whole Peking duck. You’ll also find tasty items like Hong Kong-style hot and sour soup and fish head casserole.
Must order: Soup dumplings
Rubirosa
Courtesy of Rubirosa
New York City is renowned for its pizza, and according to Fora travel advisor Michelle Zelena, Rubirosa serves some of the best—and most Instagrammable—pies in the city. The tie-dye pizza, made with vodka sauce, tomato sauce, pesto, and fresh mozzarella, is as photogenic as it is delicious. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood, the Italian eatery’s quaint ambience makes it “perfect for date night or a small group of friends.” Since this is a popular place for groups, reservations are recommended, but if you can’t snag one, consider popping in right when it opens. Alternatively, put your name down and stroll around the area before returning for your pie.
Must order: Tie-dye pizza
Booking Tip
Given the high demand for tables at some of these iconic restaurants, like Rao’s and Rubirosa, it’s crucial to book your reservations well in advance to have the best chance of securing a spot. If you’re a local, consider checking if last-minute openings are available.
Balthazar
Paul Frangipane/Bloomberg via Getty Images
For prime people-watching paired with mouthwatering cuisine, chef TJ Steele, owner of the renowned Brooklyn Oaxacan restaurant Claro, recommends Balthazar. Set in SoHo, this swanky, vintage-style brasserie is a favorite among trend-forward travelers and locals, including many a celebrity. “I love sitting at the bar and having a martini, steak tartare, and fries,” Steele says.
Must order: Steak frites
Katz’s Delicatessen
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
One of the most famous NYC restaurants featured in movies, this traditional Jewish deli was the location of the notorious “I’ll-have-what-she’s-having” scene from “When Harry Met Sally.” Katz’s, which opened in 1888, is crowded, slightly chaotic, and fluorescent-lit, all part of its nostalgic charm. Place your order at the counter before snagging a table to dig in. The Lower East Side favorite is renowned for its thick-cut pastrami and corned beef, best enjoyed piled high on rye. Be sure to try one of the crunchy pickles, which come in half- and full-sour options.
Must order: Pastrami sandwich
The Odeon
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“The Odeon in Tribeca is a quintessential NYC restaurant,” says pastry chef and James Beard Award finalist Caroline Schiff. “You just feel fabulous sitting at The Odeon; perched at the bar, enjoying an order of profiteroles blanketed in glossy chocolate sauce is my idea of heaven.” To beat the crowds, Schiff recommends ducking in for a weekday lunch, which “feels particularly luxurious.”
Must order: Steak tartare
Ferdinando’s Focacceria
Founded in 1904, Ferdinando’s Focacceria is “about as close to old Sicily as you can get before hopping on a plane,” says Schiff. Open since 1904, the low-key haunt in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, is the oldest Sicilian restaurant in the city. Folks flock here from all over to feast on classics like arancini and vastedda (Sicilian-style sandwiches). Per Schiff, “The panelle are so delicious and not to be missed—crispy chickpea fritters, hot out of the oil, with the milkiest ricotta around.”
Must order: Panelle
The Grill
Gabriela Herman/Bloomberg via Getty Images
“I love The Grill because it brings you back to what it was like eating in New York City in the ‘60s, with big band music playing while your captain flambés a baked Alaska tableside,” says Chris Caliso, executive chef at Rosemary’s. A few of his favorite menu items at this Midtown Manhattan spot include caviar served with “a plethora of accoutrements, like Jidori egg and small potato pancakes,” plus littleneck crabs, avocado crab Louis, and steak tartare.
Must order: New York strip
Le Coucou
Ditte Isager
When it opened in 2016, this airy eatery in the heart of SoHo was the place to spot celebrities eating dinner in NYC. And it’s still the place to go downtown for upscale French food in an equally chic setting. Helmed by chef Daniel Rose, “Le Coucou is a great place to celebrate a special occasion because the atmosphere and service do not miss,” says Caliso. “My favorite dish there is sweetbreads with maitake mushrooms—such a rich and satisfying dish that you would probably find in France.”
Must order: Buckwheat fried monkfish, with cucumbers and curry vinaigrette
Wu’s Wonton King
According to Caliso, this BYOB Chinese eatery in Manhattan’s Lower East Side neighborhood is especially popular among people in the restaurant industry. Caliso-approved menu picks include the roast suckling pig, the razor clams with black bean sauce, and the wonton soup. “It’s called Wonton King for a reason,” he says.
Must order: Roast suckling pig
JG Melon
Eric Medsker/Bloomberg via Getty Images
JG Melon is a classic NYC restaurant on the Upper East Side, open since 1972. The old-school, cash-only tavern serves classic cheeseburgers that Caliso describes as “simple, straightforward, and always solid.” His other tips? “Put on your favorite song at the jukebox, order a cheeseburger, a side of cottage fries, and a Bloody Bull or martini.”
Must order: Cheeseburger and cottage fries
Russ & Daughters Cafe
Courtesy of Russ & Daughters
You can’t talk about classic New York spots without mentioning Russ & Daughters. The family-owned shop on Houston Street on the Lower East Side has been selling traditional Jewish delicacies—notably smoked and cured fish—since 1914. In its centennial year, Russ opened a sit-down restaurant a few blocks south on Orchard Street, offering the signature bagel sandwiches and platters, plus a full bar (there are now four locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn). When Steele is here, he orders an Aquavit Bloody Mary with a platter of assorted fish and spreads. “While [the shop is] obviously known for bagels, I am gluten-free, and they are always very accommodating,” he adds.
Must order: Smoked salmon and cream cheese on a bagel or bialy
Indochine
Courtesy of Indochine
Established in 1984, “Indochine is a…cornerstone of the New York City dining scene,” says Fora travel advisor Julia Flood, who notes that the restaurant was once “the stomping grounds of Warhol and Basquiat.” According to the travel pro, this restaurant is not only the “epitome of timeless New York cool,” but also serves some seriously delicious food. “Don’t skip the fried spring rolls or [a drink from] the gorgeous cocktail menu.”
Must order: Fried spring rolls
Keens Steakhouse
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
Keens has “the atmosphere of old school New York,” says Caliso. The iconic steakhouse is home to the world’s largest collection of churchwarden tobacco pipes, which only adds to its clubby ambience. Prepare to drool over the dry-aged porterhouse steaks, which, Caliso says, “come sizzling to the table with melted butter.” He also recommends ordering the thick-cut smoked bacon to start, as well as a side of creamed spinach.
Must order: Prime porterhouse for two
Mario’s
For some of the best Italian eats in the city, look no further than Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Mario’s has been a mainstay of the borough’s Little Italy neighborhood since its 1919 debut. Entering the restaurant—with its long banquette tables, white tablecloths, and dim lighting—feels like a glorious step back in time. The same family has owned Mario’s for five generations and counting, and the restaurant remains beloved for dishes like lasagna, margarita pizza, sausage with peppers and onions, and heaping portions of chicken and eggplant parmigiana.
Must order: Chicken Francese
Le Bernardin
Daniel Kreiger
Helmed by chef Eric Ripert, Le Bernardin is one of just five New York City restaurants to hold three Michelin stars and has earned several James Beard Awards since opening in 1986. An iconic NYC restaurant in Midtown, it serves indulgent dishes in an equally luxe setting. The seafood-forward menu features everything from charred octopus and crispy black sea bass to steamed lobster. The multicourse chef’s tasting menu is the true star of the show here, and there’s even a vegetarian option.
Must order: Tuna carpaccio (layers of thinly pounded yellowfin tuna, foie gras, toasted baguette, chives)
Union Square Cafe
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
Before launching Shake Shack, restaurateur Danny Meyer opened Union Square Cafe in 1985. After closing 30 years later, it reopened in 2016 in much larger digs. Now located a few blocks from Union Square in Manhattan’s Gramercy neighborhood, it’s a comfortable, casual spot for elevated modern American fare. Tuck into dishes like braised short ribs or spaghetti fra diavola while sipping cocktails like the zingy Gin n’ Green Juice, made with gin, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime. The eatery’s bustling ambience is a bonus.
Must order: USC Seafood Platter (oysters, shrimp cocktail, mussels, marinated clams, and daily crudo)
Junior’s
Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
Head straight to Junior’s for classic diner fare plus a selection of incredible cheesecakes—you’ll definitely want to save room for dessert here. While there are two locations in Manhattan, consider going to the original Downtown Brooklyn diner on Flatbush Avenue. Dating to 1950, it has retained its retro vibes. The menu truly offers something for everyone, be it disco fries and deli sandwiches or steaks and seafood.
Must order: Plain cheesecake
Nathan’s Famous
Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
What’s a trip to New York City without at least one hot dog? Cap off a day at the beach with a visit to the original Nathan’s Famous location in Coney Island, Brooklyn, which opened in 1916. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your beef frank or corn dog below the trademark signage.
Must order: Hot dog with a side of plain or cheese crinkle-cut fries
Enoteca Maria
Johannes Schmitt-Tegge/picture alliance via Getty Images
For a fun excursion from Manhattan, take the free ferry to Staten Island—catching a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty on the way—to have lunch or dinner at Enoteca Maria. Alongside Italian classics, you can order dishes made by rotating grandma chefs who hail from all over the world, from Japan and Italy to Bangladesh and Argentina. The menu is ever-changing depending on the “Nonnas Calendar.” No matter who’s in the kitchen, you can expect fresh, flavorful, and made-from-scratch fare prepared with lots of love. Note that the restaurant is cash-only and only open Friday to Sunday, so it’s advisable to book well in advance.
SriPraPhai
Since opening in 1990, this Woodside, Queens, restaurant has become popular with in-the-know foodies from all over the city. SriPraPhai is “an all-time favorite” of Steele, who says, “The backyard is charming, the southern-style Thai food is crazy spicy, and they have terrific vegetarian options.” His menu picks include the fried watercress salad and the spicy tom-zap soup made with beef, tripe, and liver. If you’ve got a big party, “get sautéed pork with long beans and a whole fish to finish.”
Must order: Tom-zap soup
Grand Central Oyster Bar
UGC/Getty
Grand Central Oyster Bar has been a fixture of the famous railway terminal since it opened in 1913. The restaurant sits on the lower level, beneath a vaulted ceiling of Guastavino tiles. Open on weekdays only, the vintage eatery is filled with commuters, New Yorkers, and tourists tucking into all manner of raw and cooked seafood. There are typically more than 20 varieties of oysters on the menu, including several from the region, such as Peconic Gold from Long Island.
Must order: Maine lobster cocktail
Veselka
cgc76/Flickr
Since its opening in 1954, Veselka has been slinging Ukrainian dishes such as pierogies and borscht alongside diner favorites like stacks of pancakes and enormous omelets. It’s an East Village institution, as popular with college kids as with people who’ve been in the neighborhood for decades, and the long lines on weekends attest to this.
Must order: Pierogies
Sylvia’s
A Harlem mainstay since 1962, Sylvia’s is one of NYC’s most iconic uptown restaurants. The dining room here is packed with a mix of Harlemites, New Yorkers from other neighborhoods, and tourists from around the globe who come for the Sunday Gospel brunch. Expect soul food favorites such as chicken and waffles and grilled catfish paired with sides like baked macaroni and cheese and collard greens.
Must order: Banana pudding
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
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Nom Wah opened in Chinatown in 1920 as a bakery and tea parlor. The iconic downtown restaurant eventually moved next door and expanded; it now has three NYC locations, one in Philadelphia, and one in Las Vegas. There are more than 30 dim sum dishes on the menu, including steamed rice rolls with shrimp, siu mai, and soup dumplings.
Must order: Shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings
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