New York is a bustling, congested epicenter of business and play. It is the most populated and, perhaps, the most culturally meaningful city in the United States. It has been featured in countless movies and television shows, which adds to the mystique which pulls tourists to it. People from all over the globe arrive in throngs to visit what is one of the most recognizable skylines on the planet. From fashion and art to technology and innovation, NYC has it all.
The city that never sleeps also happens to hold one of the largest and most exciting culinary scenes that one could hope to find. Due to the large number of immigrants that call it home, NYC boasts an amazingly eclectic dining culture. Any type of food can be found here, along with some of the world's most high-class Michelin starred restaurants. New York City is undoubtedly America's greatest food city, so it can be hard to decipher which places to pick to eat at. However, thanks to restaurant rating apps, it makes a little easier to choose. What follows is the ten best places to grab a bite, according to yelp.
10 Otis Offers Small Plates With Great Wines And Local Brews
Otis is located in Brooklyn, which is quickly becoming one of the city's most exciting neighborhoods. The small spot offers some great, unique small dishes and an incredible menu of local brews and diverse wines. It has a warm ambiance with a nice bar, wooden tables, and large windows that add great natural lighting. The cocktail list is comprised of distinct concoctions, featuring mezcal, gin, and tequila. The menu features dishes such as house-made bread, spaetzle, and whole fish.
9 Los Tacos No. 1 Are The Best Tacos In All Of NYC
Located in Manhattan, Los Tacos No. 1 is absolutely the best spot to grab a taco in New York City. It is as authentic as it gets and has even been featured on the ever-popular Eater website. The tortillas are all fresh made in-house, which is always the surest sign of a good taco. The favorites are the carne asada, pollo and adobada, which is a large spigot of meat layered on top of each other. The homemade horchata is also definitely worth checking out.
8 Grab This High Rated Classic Brooklyn Style Pizza At Di Fara's
Di Fara's in Brooklyn is no joke. This place is the definition of the classic New York pizza. It was Anthony Bourdain's favorite pizza, so it definitely has to be really good. It has been open and slinging pies since 1965, so they really know what they are doing. It is a thin, crispy crust, topped with delicious tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh-cut basil. The lines typically get pretty long, so make sure to get there early if you wanna grab a slice.
7 Get Transported To Vietnam And Malaysia At Lovemama
Lovemama, located in the East Village, is the place to go if you are in the mood for authentic Vietnamese and Malaysian food. It has all of the traditional dishes that those cuisines are most loved for, like Pho Ga and Rendang Nasi Lemak. NYC has a pretty large Vietnamese and Malaysian population and this is where all of the people who come from those countries go. Be sure to check it out if you are ever in the area.
6 If You Love Soul Food, You Will Be In Heaven At Jacob's Pickles
Comfort food is the name of the game at Jacob's Pickles. As you can tell by the restaurant's name, they are also famous for their house-made pickles. The menu has everything you want, from pancakes and fried chicken to catfish tacos and baby back ribs. The mac & cheese is also to die for. It is a creamy, cheesy bowl of heaven. They have two locations, which means you have no excuse not to go. One is located in Brooklyn and the other is in the Upper West Side.
5 The Halal Guys Are The Most Popular Food Cart In NYC
The Halal Guy's have blown up recently, even branching out into New York's next-door neighbor, New Jersey. These guys really hit the nail on the head with their food carts. They serve up some excellent halal, including awesome beef gyro and falafel. There is always a line, but it is absolutely worth waiting for, no matter how long it is. They have places all over the city, so it shouldn't be too hard to find one and dive in.
4 Carmine's Serves Some Serious Traditional Italian Dishes
If there is one thing that New York City knows, it is Italian food. The city has always been known for its strong Italian heritage due to the influx of immigrants from Italy the city saw during the Ellis Island days. Due to this, the food scene has always had its fair share of restaurants flying the green, white, and red. Carmine's has two places, one in Times Square and one on the Upper West Side. Here you will find all of the classic dishes we all know and love.
3 You Can Indulge In Authentic Jewish Deli Food At Katz's
Katz Deli is probably one of, if not the most, iconic places for food in all of New York. It has been featured in many shows and movies, adding to its popularity. It is a traditional Jewish deli, where you can get pastrami, brisket and corned beef sandwiches piled high to the sky. It can be found in the Lower East Side and is a must-stop on any trip to NYC. Trust us, there is a reason it has been around for over 100 years.
2 Atlas Kitchen Has Chinese Food Like You Have Never Seen It
Chinese cuisine often gets a bad rep in America. It is usually thought of as the pork fried rice and General Tso's chicken you get from your local spot in a strip mall. Not to say that food is bad, but that does not encompass what Chinese cuisine truly is all about. At Atlas Kitchen in Manhattan, you will find true, excellent Chinese food. Come here and get your mind blown, you will never look at Chinese food the same again and gain respect for the culture you thought you knew about.
1 Experience A Three Michelin Star Meal At La Bernardin
Given three Michelin stars for a consecutive 15 years and 4 stars by the New York Times since 1986, Le Bernardin in Midtown is consistently ranked one of New York City's best restaurants. Chef Eric Ripert dazzles guests with his culinary skills over and over again. The menu features some of the most delicate and fresh fish money can buy. The tasting menu is pretty pricey, the cheapest being $165. It is very hard to get a reservation, so you really have to do some planning. But to eat at one of the best restaurants in the entire world, it is worth the effort.