New York Food Tour: 10 Iconic Restaurants Worth Visiting

They don’t call it “The Big Apple” for nothing! With tens of thousands of food establishments, there’s enough New York for everyone to take a big bite.

Gotham Gastronomy

The “City That Never Sleeps” is a playground for exploration, with its endless array of entertainment and attractions. Its hustle-and-bustle isn’t new as far as urban areas go, but it’s a place that will definitely leave you spent if you don’t properly fuel up for your adventure. Thankfully, food is an integral part of New York’s DNA, and every bite guarantees not only sustenance but also cultural discovery.

Here’s a fun little tidbit: did you know NYC is the city with the most diverse, accessible, and high-quality food establishments in the US? Well, it’s no wonder. After all, it is home to around 27,000 restaurants!

Foodie or not, you have to get a bite of The Big Apple. A visit here just wouldn’t be complete without a trip for the taste buds. With that said, we’ve put together a list of New York’s most iconic restaurants to help you start navigating Gotham’s gastronomy.

NYC’s 10 Most Iconic Restaurants

With a metropolis so vast and teeming with food options, narrowing down New York’s eateries to just 10 iconic ones may seem like a herculean task. But, we’ve done just that for you, curating a list of unique establishments that have shaped the city’s dining scene over the decades:

1. KATZ’S DELICATESSEN

205 E Houston Street | +1 212-254-2246

Katz’s Delicatessen, a legendary Jewish deli known for its monumental pastrami sandwiches, has been around since 1988. It has even been featured in the iconic film “When Harry Met Sally.” This is a no-frills establishment, and you’ll have to be snappy and quick about your business, like a true New Yorker. Of course, while there, be sure to relish the sound of sizzling meat, the wafting scent of freshly baked bread, and the smell of beef that’s been cured the old-school way. 

2. THE RUSSIAN TEA ROOM

150 W 57th Street | +1 212-581-7100

Step into a world of opulence and tradition at The Russian Tea Room. This exquisite establishment, with its shimmering gold decor and antique samovars, transports you right into the heart of Russia. Savor traditional Russian dishes like Beef Stroganoff and Borscht, and cap it off with an elegant afternoon tea service – a truly one-of-a-kind experience in the middle of The Big Apple!

3. PETER LUGER STEAK HOUSE 

178 Broadway, Brooklyn | +1 718-387-7400

Sizzling, juicy, and decadently marbled – that’s what you can expect from a Peter Luger steak. Serving superbly charred USDA Prime beef since 1887, this historic restaurant is a meat lover’s paradise. Do try their famous “Luger-Burger”, a lunchtime special that’s made quite a name for itself on the New York food scene.

4. NOM WAH TEA PARLOR

13 Doyers Street | +1 212-962-6047

Chinese food is an integral part of New York culture, and the best place to score your fix? Nom Wah Tea Parlor. Its vintage charm and traditional Cantonese offerings like Shrimp Siu Mai and Char Siu Bao transport you to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. For any type of adventure – especially if you’re swinging from street to street – a quick bite or a leisurely brunch here is sure to power you up.

5. LOMBARDI’S PIZZA

32 Spring Street | +1 212-941-7994

Lombardi’s Pizza is the birthplace of New York-style pizza, having served its first slice back in 1905. The tantalizing aroma of wood-fired pizza crust, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil fills the bustling eatery. Don’t leave without trying their classic margherita – a simple, yet quintessential part of the New York food experience.

6. SYLVIA’S

328 Malcolm X Boulevard | +1 212-996-0660

With its comforting, homey, and southern vibe, Sylvia’s has been a haven for soul food enthusiasts since 1962. Their fried chicken, smothered in gravy and served with a side of collard greens, offers a taste of history that leaves you longing for more. And on Sundays, don’t miss the gospel brunch, an amalgamation of live music, soulful tunes, and the rich tradition of Harlem’s food scene.

7. ELEVEN MADISON PARK

11 Madison Avenue | +1 212-889-0905

An elegant juxtaposition of culinary artistry and simplicity, Eleven Madison Park offers a world-class dining experience. The smell of the kitchen’s rich broths and roasts will allure you into trying the tasting menu, which features reimagined New York classics. And the fact that it’s been ranked as the best restaurant in the world multiple times? Just the cherry on top.

8. BLUE SMOKE

255 Vesey Street | +1 212-889-2005

Get lost in the flavors of American barbecue at Blue Smoke. The aroma of smoking meats and sweet molasses fills the air, as you dig into succulent ribs, brisket, and smoked sausage. Pair it with their signature sides, like the deviled eggs or cornbread, for a truly Southern dining experience in the city.

9. JUNIOR’S RESTAURANT

1515 Broadway | +1 718-852-5257

Junior’s is the place to satiate your sweet tooth with the best New York cheesecake. This diner has been serving the city since 1950 and maintains its retro ambiance. Their cheesecakes are the gold standard, and come in over 30 varieties. It’s the kind of dessert that could easily be the main event of any New York food tour.

10. TAVERN ON THE GREEN

W 67th Street | +1 212-877-8684

Tavern on The Green has been a Central Park landmark and go-to for American fare for 75 years. It’s courtyard and garden seating has been a picturesque draw for tourists, newlyweds, and superstar diners (Grace Kelly, John Lennon) alike. Fun fact: when the establishment went bankrupt in 2010, some big-name backers expressed interest in reviving it. However, two crepe makers from Philadelphia won the offer instead. They breathed new life into the space, giving it an urban farmhouse vibe with leather-covered tables, wood-beam ceilings, and numerous hearths. 

Where to Stay During Your New York Food Tour

After indulging in the diverse New York food scene, finding the perfect place to rest is essential. Here are six prime locations nestled close to our iconic restaurant destinations, blending comfort and convenience with exciting local attractions.

1. LOWER EAST SIDE

Known for its vibrant nightlife and edgy vibe, the Lower East Side houses Katz’s Delicatessen and is a stone’s throw away from Lombardi’s Pizza. Stay here and enjoy the Tenement Museum, or indulge in some retail therapy in trendy boutiques.

2. WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN

Home to Peter Luger Steak House, Williamsburg is a youthful, artistic neighborhood. Explore craft breweries, indie music venues, and stylish boutiques. Don’t miss the Smorgasburg food market for a taste of the local New York food culture.

3. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

The Russian Tea Room is in the heart of Midtown, a bustling hub of business and entertainment. You’re close to landmarks like Times Square and the Museum of Modern Art, with a wide array of eateries and shops around.

4. HARLEM

Stay in Harlem and you’ll be close to Sylvia’s for some soul food. This historic neighborhood is teeming with cultural attractions like the Apollo Theater, with plenty of jazz clubs, cafes, and boutiques to discover.

5. GREENWICH VILLAGE

Staying in Greenwich Village means you’ll be near top eateries like Olio e Piu, Boucherie, and Golden Unicorn. You’ll also be amidst charming townhouses, vintage shops, and off-Broadway theaters. Stroll in Washington Square Park and enjoy local cafes and jazz clubs.

6. FLATIRON DISTRICT

Residing near Eleven Madison Park in the Flatiron District offers stunning architecture, Madison Square Park, and the iconic Flatiron Building. The area boasts a rich culinary scene, making it a must for foodie explorers.

Take a Bite of the Big Apple

There you have it – a tantalizing peek into the bustling, flavorsome world of New York food culture. From iconic delis to upscale dining, there’s a plate for every palate in the city that never sleeps. But the culinary adventure doesn’t end with the last bite. New York, in its limitless wonder, offers countless experiences waiting for you to savor. 

At Rent By Owner, we’re ready to assist you in planning unforgettable foodie adventures. With us, you can find the perfect accommodation near delicious destinations! Plus, our travel content will keep you full with ideas and inspiration, so your wanderlust is always in high gear. Plan your trip, pack your appetite, and take a bite of the Big Apple with Rent By Owner.

TLDR

This guide embarks on a food journey through New York. Explore the vibrant New York food scene with this guide featuring ten iconic restaurants, including Katz’s Delicatessen, Peter Luger Steak House, The Russian Tea Room, Sylvia’s, The Tavern on The Green, Lombardi’s Pizza, Eleven Madison Park, Junior’s, Blue Smoke, and Nom Wah Tea Parlor. It also lists six prime locations to stay near these food havens, such as the Lower East Side, Williamsburg, Midtown Manhattan, Harlem, Greenwich Village, and the Flatiron District. With Rent By Owner, find the ideal accommodation and plan the ultimate culinary journey in the Big Apple.