Impossible, but I’m trying!
Follow Me Foodie to New York:
Restaurants, bars, food & drinks worth flying for!
This list will continue to grow for sure. It’s New York, arguably “the best” food city in North America. I really dislike “best of” lists and I think “the best food city” is dependent on what kind of food you want, but generally many would agree that New York has it all – and they do.
It has an international population of 8.3 million and 1.6 million in Manhattan alone. That’s a lot of people to feed, mind you not everyone is eating out, although a lot are. I don’t even live here, but when I go, food is priority – no surprise there.
People from all over go to New York with the intention of “making it big” and competition is fierce. It certainly applies to the restaurant scene, although bad restaurants still exist because bad tastes exist. I don’t mind pointing out places to “pass” so you don’t waste precious time in The Big Apple, but I also want to share my Follow Me Foodie to New York hit list.
It will get you familiar with New York’s food scene, although it barely scratches the surface in a bigger picture. There is just so much selection, and since I’m not there eating out everyday and “the best” is relative, there could always be better. Well it’s not my last post on New York, but until then, bon appétit.
I’ll mention again that I hate “best of” lists and lists, but sometimes they are inevitable when summing things up. That being said, when I do them I give them as much context as I can, so just remember to click each item and read each post for a better understanding of why it is listed.
I’ve included everything from classics to hot spots, restaurants to bars, authentic to eclectic, hole-in-the-wall dives to fine dining, savoury to sweet, street food to white tablecloth, fast food to slow food, American to ethnic, comfort food to modernist cuisine, mom and pop run to corporate operations and everything in between. So regardless of dining solo or with a group, and regardless of your budget, I’ll have something incredible for you to try. I’ve also factored in service, ambiance and all that jazz. I got your back… or belly?
NOTE: It’s not necessarily “THE BEST“ (read my rant on “the best” here). Food is personal and I can only discover so much every visit to New York (see everywhere I’ve written about in New York so far here). “The best” is relative to what I have tried, which is definitely not everything albeit I’ve made a respectable dent. These are just some memorable dishes and places worth mentioning and trying at least once.
Follow Me Foodie to New York:
Restaurants, bars, food & drinks worth flying for!
Listed in no particular order.
1. Katz’s Deli – Pastrami Sandwich on Rye
2. Shake Shack – Cheeseburger
3. Russ & Daughters – Smoked Sablefish
4. The Spotted Pig – Chicken Liver Toast, Gnudi
5. Per Se
6. Jean-Georges
7. ABC Kitchen – Akaushi Cheeseburger
8. Somtum Der – Thai Spicy Papaya Salad with Salted Egg, Der Styled Deep Fried Chicken Thigh, Larb, Mushroom Salad
9. Aldea – Shrimp Alhinho, Duck Confit
10. Zenkichi Japanese – Vegetable Tempura, Anago & Cream Cheese Tempura, Tsukune Chicken, Saikyo Miso Cod
11. Café Habana – Cuban Sandwich, Grilled Corn Mexican Style
12. Charlie Bird – Live Diver Scallops, Chicken Liver Pâté, Farro Salad
13. Peasant – Cannolichi (Razor clams), Suckling Pig
14. Blue Hill
16. The Rose Bar at The Gramercy Park Hotel
17. Luksus – Excellent beer selection, solid and quirky tasting menu
18. Momofuku – Steamed Pork Buns, Shrimp Buns
19. Empellón Cocina – Roasted Carrots
20. Dessert Club, ChikaLicious – Éclair Ice Cream Cone
21. The Halal Guys – 53rd and 6th (Food Cart) – Chicken & Rice
22. Traif – Crispy Pork Belly
23. Apothéke – Speakeasy
24. The Raines Law Room – My favourite speakeasy
25. The Flatiron Room – Cocktail & Jazz Bar
26. Analogue – Cocktail & Jazz Bar
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Note: This post is brought to you by Follow Me Foodie in co-operation with Cathay Pacific Airways. This list was curated by Mijune of FollowMeFodie.com with no outside influence.
Hi Mijune, next time you are in NYC, you should give Fatty Crab a try. It was totally worth finding it (not easy). Easily one of the best meals when there a few years back.
Glad you liked Katz. The vibe was great and the food was delish. Loved the attitude as well.
When are you going back?
@Richard – I hope sooner than later! Not sure my next time, but I’d jump on the opportunity to go back. Love that city! Thank you for the rec! I will certainly try it out one day!
Good list. I want that I Ate Everything in NYC bag….where was that picture taken!?