Quick answers — eating in New York
- Best restaurant overall
- Per Se
- Best value
- Lil' Frankie's (Approx. $40-$70 USD per person)
- Strongest cuisines
- French, Korean, Italian, American, Vegetarian & plant-based
- Dishes to try
- New York-style Pizza, Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese, Pastrami on Rye, New York Cheesecake
- Booking window
- For three-Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance precisely when reservations open, typically at a specific time on the first day of the month for subsequent months. Use Tock or Resy alerts.
Booking at top establishments often requires reservations several weeks or months in advance, typically online or via Tock. Dress codes range from smart casual to formal, with jackets sometimes recommended. Tipping is standard, usually 18-22% on the pre-tax bill. Dinner hours typically begin between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, with the last seating around 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
French
Best French restaurants in New York
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Le Bernardin
Three MICHELIN StarsFrench Seafood · Midtown West · Approx. $260-$400 USD per person
Eric Ripert
For decades, Le Bernardin has been the pinnacle of seafood dining in New York, with Chef Ripert's philosophy of 'fish, almost raw, barely touched, and lightly cooked.' The tasting menus showcase pristine ingredients prepared with refined French technique, presented in an elegant, serene dining room. The service is impeccably precise yet unobtrusive, creating a timeless experience.
Order: Barely Cooked Atlantic Cod; Seared Langoustine
Joomak Banjum
One MICHELIN StarKorean-French · Koreatown · Approx. $155-$200 USD per person
Jiho Kim, Kelly Nam
Joomak Banjum presents a unique blend of Korean and French influences, known for its creative and playful tasting menus. Chefs Jiho Kim and Kelly Nam expertly fuse global flavors, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and surprising. The restaurant offers a vibrant, modern atmosphere and a distinct culinary perspective, making it a rising star in the city's diverse scene.
Order: Jjajang Myeon Pasta; Seared Duck with Gochujang Glaze
Korean
Best Korean restaurants in New York
Korean tables are built for sharing: banchan arrive first, grilled meat or stews follow, and the fermented elements — kimchi, doenjang, gochujang — carry the flavour.
Atomix
Two MICHELIN StarsKorean Counter Dining · Koreatown · Approx. $325 USD per person
Junghyun Park
Atomix offers an intimate and highly personalized dining experience at its stunning 14-seat counter. Chef Park's tasting menu is a modern interpretation of Korean cuisine, presented with detailed 'cards' explaining each dish's ingredients and cultural significance. It’s an immersive, educational, and delicious journey through innovative flavors and techniques, redefining Korean fine dining.
Order: Uni Bibimbap; Scallop with Doenjang Vinaigrette
Kochi
One MICHELIN StarKorean Skewers · Hell's Kitchen · Approx. $125-$150 USD per person
Sungchul Shim
Kochi delivers a focused and exquisite nine-course skewer-based tasting menu rooted in traditional Korean flavors. Chef Sungchul Shim elevates humble ingredients into sophisticated, artfully presented dishes, each a bite-sized marvel. The intimate setting and thoughtful progression of flavors create a memorable and distinctive dining experience that reimagines Korean cuisine for a modern palate.
Order: Scallop Skewer with Truffle; Beef Tenderloin Skewer
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in New York
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Via Carota
Bib GourmandItalian · West Village · Approx. $60-$100 USD per person
Jody Williams, Rita Sodi
This perennially popular trattoria, from Chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi, exudes a rustic, timeless charm reminiscent of a traditional Florentine osteria. The menu features expertly prepared Italian classics, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and unfussy execution. Its lively atmosphere and consistently delicious pasta and vegetable dishes make it a West Village institution for satisfying, soulful dining.
Order: Cacio e Pepe; Sgombro Fritto
Lil' Frankie's
Bib GourmandItalian · East Village · Approx. $40-$70 USD per person
Frank Prisinzano
Lil' Frankie's is an East Village stalwart cherished for its authentic, unpretentious Italian fare and vibrant, casual atmosphere. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta dishes, and generous portions, it delivers a consistent, satisfying experience without breaking the bank. It's a go-to spot for genuine neighborhood charm and delicious, comforting food.
Order: Frankie's Pizza; Spaghetti Limone
American
Best American restaurants in New York
Modern American cooking is regional and ingredient-driven, and it is where a lot of the world's tasting-menu formats were loosened into something more relaxed.
Per Se
Three MICHELIN StarsModern American · Columbus Circle · Approx. $425-$500 USD per person
Thomas Keller
Thomas Keller's New York outpost offers a sublime, meticulously choreographed dining experience overlooking Central Park. The nine-course tasting menu, featuring classic dishes like 'Oysters and Pearls,' showcases exquisite technique and the finest ingredients, delivered with impeccable, warm service in an elegant, hushed environment. It's a bastion of American haute cuisine.
Order: Oysters and Pearls; Salmon Confit
Vegetarian & plant-based
Best vegetarian and plant-based restaurants in New York
Vegetable-led tasting menus are no longer a side option. These kitchens build whole menus from produce, and most will happily go fully vegan with notice.
Eleven Madison Park
Three MICHELIN StarsPlant-Based · Flatiron · Approx. $395-$450 USD per person
Daniel Humm
This iconic restaurant boldly transitioned to an entirely plant-based tasting menu, challenging fine dining conventions. Chef Daniel Humm crafts an intricate, artistic experience where vegetables are elevated to extraordinary heights through innovative techniques and presentations. The grand Art Deco dining room and sophisticated service remain central to its luxurious, thoughtful appeal.
Order: Tomato Tart; Glazed Eggplant
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in New York
Joe's Shanghai
Famous for its delectable soup dumplings (xiao long bao) with savory pork filling. Expect a lively, bustling atmosphere and quick service. A basket of eight dumplings costs around $10-$12.
Vanessa's Dumpling House
A beloved Chinatown institution serving incredibly cheap and delicious handmade dumplings, noodles, and sesame pancake sandwiches. Try the pork and chive dumplings for under $5 a plate.
Xi'an Famous Foods
Specializing in Northwestern Chinese cuisine, particularly hand-ripped noodles and spicy cumin lamb. The intense flavors and chewy textures make it a must-try. Most dishes are $10-$15.
Mamoun's Falafel
A Greenwich Village legend, serving authentic, crispy falafel sandwiches and platters since 1971. Quick, satisfying, and incredibly affordable, a falafel sandwich is around $6-$8.
Los Tacos No. 1
Consistently praised for authentic Mexican street tacos, particularly their adobada (marinated pork) and carne asada. Located in Chelsea Market, expect lines but swift service. Tacos are $4-$5 each.
Local dishes
What to eat in New York
New York-style Pizza
Characterized by its large, thin, foldable slices with a crispy crust. It's often sold by the slice and topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Locals enjoy it as a quick, satisfying meal. Find excellent slices at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village or Lombardi's in Nolita.
Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese
A quintessential New York breakfast. A dense, chewy bagel, often hand-rolled and boiled before baking, slathered with cream cheese and topped with thin slices of smoked salmon (lox), capers, and red onion. Absolute must-try at Russ & Daughters or Ess-a-Bagel.
Pastrami on Rye
A towering sandwich featuring hot, thinly sliced, spiced and smoked beef brisket, served on rye bread with mustard and a pickle. This deli classic is a hearty and flavorful New York institution. Katz's Delicatessen is the legendary spot for this iconic sandwich.
New York Cheesecake
Denser and richer than other cheesecakes, typically made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture on a graham cracker crust. It's often served plain or with a simple fruit topping. Eileen's Special Cheesecake is a beloved spot.
Dim Sum
A culinary tradition of small, bite-sized portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Enjoy a variety of dumplings, buns, and other Cantonese delights, often shared among friends for brunch. Excellent in Chinatown at establishments like Nom Wah Tea Parlor or Golden Unicorn.
Lobster Roll
A simple yet delicious sandwich featuring fresh lobster meat, lightly dressed with mayonnaise or butter, served in a toasted, buttered hot dog bun. It's a taste of coastal New England in the heart of the city. Luke's Lobster offers fresh, high-quality rolls at various locations.
Street Meat (Halal Cart)
A popular late-night or quick-lunch option. Chicken or lamb gyros or platters served over rice with a distinctive white sauce and hot sauce from a street cart. The Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th are legendary for their flavorful and affordable offerings.
Soul Food
Hearty and flavorful cuisine originating from the American South, deeply rooted in African American culinary traditions. Expect dishes like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams. Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem is a historic and celebrated spot for authentic soul food.
How to book a table in New York
- · For three-Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance precisely when reservations open, typically at a specific time on the first day of the month for subsequent months. Use Tock or Resy alerts.
- · Many top establishments, particularly those with tasting menus, require a deposit or full pre-payment upon booking. Be aware of strict cancellation policies, often non-refundable within 72 hours.
- · Consider weekday lunch menus at starred restaurants; they often offer a more accessible price point for a similar culinary experience. Reservations for lunch are generally easier to secure.
- · No-show policies are rigorously enforced; ensure you cancel within the specified timeframe to avoid substantial charges. Confirm your reservation 24-48 hours prior if requested by the restaurant.
FAQ
New York restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in New York?
Per Se in Columbus Circle is the benchmark table — Modern American, led by Thomas Keller, three michelin stars, around Approx. $425-$500 USD per person per person. Order the Oysters and Pearls; Salmon Confit
Where is the best French restaurant in New York?
Le Bernardin in Midtown West is the French table to book in New York (Approx. $260-$400 USD per person per person). Other strong options: Joomak Banjum.
Where is the best Korean restaurant in New York?
Atomix in Koreatown is the Korean table to book in New York (Approx. $325 USD per person per person). Other strong options: Kochi.
Where is the best Italian restaurant in New York?
Via Carota in West Village is the Italian table to book in New York (Approx. $60-$100 USD per person per person). Other strong options: Lil' Frankie's.
Where is the best American restaurant in New York?
Per Se in Columbus Circle is the American table to book in New York (Approx. $425-$500 USD per person per person).
Where is the best vegetarian and plant-based restaurant in New York?
Eleven Madison Park in Flatiron is the vegetarian and plant-based table to book in New York (Approx. $395-$450 USD per person per person).
Where can I eat well in New York without spending a fortune?
Lil' Frankie's is the best-value table on this list at roughly Approx. $40-$70 USD per person per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Joe's Shanghai, Vanessa's Dumpling House, Xi'an Famous Foods.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in New York?
For three-Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance precisely when reservations open, typically at a specific time on the first day of the month for subsequent months. Use Tock or Resy alerts. Many top establishments, particularly those with tasting menus, require a deposit or full pre-payment upon booking. Be aware of strict cancellation policies, often non-refundable within 72 hours.
What food is New York famous for?
New York-style Pizza, Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese, Pastrami on Rye, New York Cheesecake, Dim Sum — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Characterized by its large, thin, foldable slices with a crispy crust. It's often sold by the slice and topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Locals enjoy it as a quick, satisfying meal. Find excellent slices at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village or Lombardi's in Nolita.
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