New York Foodie Spots You Have To Visit | 48hrs In New York
4 October 2023
Hello! If you've landed on this page, it's obviously because you're a foodie and you want to know where you HAVE to eat when you are in New York! ;)
If one of my friends were to visit New York, these are the places I would suggest they do not miss because they are the places I crave when I am not there, and the places I revisit every time I visit, which is annually at this point.
Listed in order of how my 2 days of eating would go in New York…
Russ & Daughters
Where? For a sit down meal, go to Russ & Daughters Cafe on Orchard St
What? If you're after the best bagels in NY (I haven't tried them all, but honestly, I can't imagine any being better), you've got to visit Russ & Daughters. They're a culinary and cultural icon in New York. They have a cozy deli-style takeaway spot, but they've also recently opened up a cafe-style restaurant where you can sit and enjoy the menu. It's not just about the bagels; I personally loved the Latkes and the Smoked Salmon Bagel board and can’t help but get the same everytime. However, they offer a variety of other options like a herring plate, matzo soup, borscht, and desserts!
When? Breakfast or Lunch
Green Garden Village Restaurant - China Town
Where? China Town - duhhhh
What? This place is perfect for satisfying that Asian craving! Their BBQ with rice lunch special for $8.50 is an absolute steal in NY. We always go for the double choice with rice - Roast pig and roast duck with rice for (did I mention) $8.50!
When? Lunch
Omakase Sushi By No Name
Where? Located between Soho and Lower Manhattan. Worth the trip if you aren’t close to this area!
What? This place has to be New York's current best-kept secret, and it's definitely my favorite spot when I visit. We've sampled a few NY Omakases, including the trending ones, and this is hands down the best. The quality you get for the price you pay is astounding. They offer an Omakase menu with 13 courses for $88USD or 17 courses for $128. The 13-course option is more than enough, but last time we went for the 17 courses, and even though we were completely full halfway through, it was still absolutely worth it!
When? Dinner!
Katz’s Delicatessen
Where? Go to the original one on 205 E Houston St
What? Another iconic institution in New York, definitely living up to the hype. It's not just about the famous pastrami sandwich (which is delicious and a must-order), but visiting there feels like stepping back in time to a piece of New York history. It’s a little pricey but I am pretty sure one of these sandwhiches could feed two people! It's really good... just go! And if you go for breakfast, their brewed coffee is also fabulous!
When? Breakfast or Lunch. We usually like to go for breakfast because we are up early due to jet lag and then the line to the restaurant is almost non-existent as opposed to lunch time where there is a line out the door.
Grey Lady - $1 Happy Hour Oysters
Where? Lower East Side
What? This place is essentially Nantucket in New York, exuding all those Maine vibes. We've only been there for the $1 oysters during happy hour (we had 60!), but they also offer a raw bar, lobster rolls, New England Clam Chowder, and more. I would have loved to stay for dinner, but with only 48 hours, I had to leave room for some New York pizza...
When? Happy Hour, but looks good for a casual dinner.
Nolita Pizza
Where? Just on the edge of Little Italy
What? It's just really good New York pizza, like REALLY good! Plus, it's kind of famous. It has a take-away vibe where you go up and order at a little counter. The interior walls are lined with pictures of celebrities eating their pizza there. It's cute and yummy! Also sorry this phone image does not do this pizza justice
When? Lunch for sure, not exactly a dinner vibe.
Fabrique Bakery
Where? West Village
What? If you know me, then you know I love Scandinavia – everything Scandinavian, pastries included. So naturally, I've added this as a bonus spot on the list because... yummy Scandinavian pastries, and they have Cardamom Buns! YES!
When? Snack/Breakfast?
ENJOY! Let me know which places you go to and what you think!