Insider Food in Manhattan, New York: 25 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Pastrami on Rye
  Pastrami on RyeThe quintessential New York deli staple, featuring beef brisket that is salt-cured, seasoned with a secret spice rub, smoked, and steamed until it melts in your mouth. Traditionally served hand-sliced and piled high on seedless rye bread with a smear of spicy brown mustard, with Katz’s Delicatessen remaining the gold standard for this 19th-century classic.
• New York Slice
  New York SliceA wide, thin-crust pizza slice that is foldable yet crispy, characterized by a high-gluten bread flour crust, light tomato sauce, and full-fat dry mozzarella. While 'dollar slices' are a city rite of passage, iconic institutions like Joe’s Pizza or trending spots like L'Industrie define the standard with their perfect balance of char and 'cheese-pull'.
• Bagel with Lox and Schmear
  Bagel with Lox and SchmearA dense, chewy, and malt-boiled bagel topped with a generous layer of cream cheese (schmear) and silky translucent slices of salt-cured salmon (lox). Often garnished with capers, red onion, and tomato, this Jewish-American classic is best experienced at heritage appetizing shops like Russ & Daughters or Absolute Bagels.
• Halal Chicken and Rice Platter
  Halal Chicken and Rice PlatterThe ultimate street food fuel, consisting of yellow basmati rice topped with chopped grilled chicken, a side of iceberg lettuce and pita, and the legendary, secretive 'white sauce' (plus a dangerously spicy red sauce). While The Halal Guys started the craze, neighborhood carts across the five boroughs are the go-to for locals seeking a quick, savory meal.
• Chopped Cheese
  Chopped CheeseOriginating from Upper Manhattan and Bronx bodegas, this cult-favorite sandwich features ground beef, onions, and melted American cheese grilled together on a flat-top, then chopped and served on a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It is the authentic, unpretentious soul of NYC street culture.
• Black and White Cookie
  Black and White CookieA soft, cake-like sponge cookie topped with a split icing of chocolate fondant and vanilla. A bakery icon immortalized in local pop culture, it represents the 'harmony' of the city and is a staple at every traditional Jewish bakery and neighborhood deli.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkNew York City, located at the mouth of the Hudson River, was established as a Dutch trading post named New Amsterdam in 1624. Control transferred to the English in 1664, at which time the settlement was renamed New York. The city served as the first capital of the United States under the Constitution from 1789 to 1790.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit New York is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October, which offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery without the extreme humidity of summer or the biting cold of winter. While the holiday season in December is the peak period for tourism and festive atmosphere.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Air Travel (JFK, LGA, EWR) Most international and domestic visitors arrive via John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark Liberty (EWR). From JFK and Newark.
  • NYC Subway & OMNY System The subway is the most efficient way to navigate the city, operating 24/7 across all five boroughs. You can pay using OMNY by tapping any contactless credit card or smartphone at the turnstiles; a fare cap applies.
  • Regional Rail (Amtrak, LIRR, Metro-North) For travelers coming from the East Coast or suburbs, Amtrak and commuter rails like the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North provide frequent service into major hubs like Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Treat sidewalks like highways by staying to the right and pulling over to the side before stopping to check maps or take photos.
  • Tipping is essential in full-service restaurants, where a gratuity of 18% to 22% of the total bill is the standard expectation.
  • When using the subway, always let passengers exit the train completely before you attempt to board.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • Shaver Hall: A massive new 35,000-square-foot food hall in the former Lord & Taylor building featuring the first U.S. location of London’s Pick & Cheese and the Japanese spot Mako.
  • Somssi: A viral new Greenwich Village opening from Ahris Kim (NA:EUN Hospitality) featuring social media-famous dishes like the 'Potato, Potato.
• New York City Tourism + Conventions↗
  New York City Tourism + ConventionsThe official destination marketing organization and visitor guide for the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan.