NYC Food Guides

Though no longer on Second Avenue, this kosher deli maintains its authentic roots with old-world recipes and techniques. The chicken soup with matzoh balls is widely considered the best in the city, and the corned beef and pastrami are prepared with the same care and tradition as when it opened in 1954.

Considered by many to be the gold standard of NYC bagels, Absolute Bagels consistently delivers perfect New York-style bagels with a slightly sweet flavor, crisp exteriors, and chewy interiors. Thai immigrant Sam Thongkrieng learned the craft from Bagel Hole in Brooklyn before opening this Upper West Side institution that regularly draws lines around the block.

Parked near Union Square, Adel's stands out for its exceptionally flavorful chicken over rice and homemade sauces. While most carts offer the standard white and hot sauce combo, Adel's has a distinctive green sauce that regulars swear by. The portions are famously generous, often providing enough for two meals.

This Upper West Side restaurant has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, specializing in charcoal-grilled kebabs and regional Indian specialties. The name 'Angaar' means 'ember' in Hindi, reflecting their focus on tandoor cooking. Their diverse menu showcases dishes from across India, with particularly excellent vegetarian options that even meat lovers rave about.

A Jackson Heights institution for over 30 years, Angel offers authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of one of Queens' most diverse neighborhoods. Their vast menu covers everything from fragrant biryanis to fiery vindaloos, but it's their dosa—crispy South Indian crepes filled with spiced potatoes—that keeps locals coming back. The unpretentious setting lets the food take center stage.

This old-school Park Slope shop makes smaller, denser bagels in the traditional New York style. Unlike many modern bagel shops that prioritize size, Bagel Hole focuses on quality and authenticity. The smaller size allows for the perfect ratio of crisp exterior to chewy interior. They've been making bagels the same way since 1985, and bagel purists consider them among the city's best.

A beloved neighborhood staple in Crown Heights, Bagel Pub has expanded to multiple Brooklyn locations due to their consistently excellent bagels. They're hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked throughout the day. Their bagels have a slightly sweet flavor, a glossy crust, and a perfect chew. Beyond traditional varieties, they offer specialty flavors like rainbow bagels that have become Instagram favorites.

The self-proclaimed 'Sturgeon King' has been serving exceptional smoked fish since 1908. The Upper West Side institution is known for its timeless Jewish appetizing classics, particularly the sturgeon and nova with scrambled eggs. The vintage decor and no-frills service are part of what makes this place special.

This tiny kosher dairy restaurant has been a staple of the East Village since 1938. The counter-only seating creates an intimate atmosphere where you can watch your tuna melt being prepared or your challah bread being toasted. Their homemade soups and pierogies are the definition of comfort food.

A relative newcomer to the NYC bagel scene, Black Seed has quickly made a name for itself by creating a hybrid between Montreal and New York-style bagels. They're hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, and baked in a wood-fired oven. The result is a slightly sweeter, smaller bagel with a distinctive char. Their creative sandwich combinations have helped them expand to multiple locations across the city.

Despite the name, Brooklyn Bagel is actually located in Queens and Manhattan (not Brooklyn). Their bagels are hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh all day. What sets them apart is their wide variety of bagel flavors and cream cheese options. Their bagels are on the larger side but maintain a good chew and crust. They're consistently rated among the city's best bagel shops.

A Queens institution since 1959, Dani's is famous for its sweet sauce that includes a secret honey component. The thin crust has a distinctive crispness that perfectly complements the slightly sweet sauce and generous cheese coverage.

This Long Island City gem brings the vibrant flavors of Punjab to New York City. Known for their authentic tandoori dishes and rich, complex curries, Dhaba offers a taste of Northern India that stands out even in NYC's crowded restaurant scene. Their butter chicken and freshly baked naan are consistently praised as some of the best in the city.

For decades, Dom DeMarco's meticulous pizza-making was a sight to behold. Though he passed away in 2022, his family carries on his legacy, crafting pies with imported ingredients and the same attention to detail. The blend of cheeses, fresh basil, and olive oil drizzle creates an unparalleled flavor experience.

Recently reopened as S&P Lunch (its original name from the 1920s), this classic lunch counter preserves the spirit of old New York. The no-nonsense sandwiches, egg creams, and matzoh ball soup have kept loyal customers coming back for generations. The tuna melt is a perfect rendition of the deli classic.

A family-owned business since 1976, Ess-a-Bagel is renowned for their oversized, hand-rolled bagels with a perfect balance of chewiness and density. What sets them apart is the incredible variety of homemade cream cheese flavors and generous portions of toppings. Their bagels have a distinctive malty flavor and shiny crust that many fans find irresistible.

A collaboration between the Frankies Spuntino team and legendary baker Chad Robertson, F&F serves pizza with a distinctively flavorful and chewy crust. The sauce and toppings are of exceptional quality, making even a simple slice extraordinary.

Located in Queen on Hillside avenue, the original Hamza and Madina cart has been a local favorite for over 20 years. Not to be confused with Madina Halal Cart across the street (also amazing), you can't go wrong with a chicken and rice from here. The flavors are top notch, although sometimes consistency can be up and top.

Once an iconic Upper West Side institution, H&H Bagels has reopened under new ownership. Their bagels are still made the traditional way - hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked on stone. The result is a slightly sweet, light interior with a thin, shiny crust. While purists debate whether the new version matches the original, they remain a strong contender in NYC's bagel scene.

This Floral Park standout specializes in vegetarian Gujarati cuisine, particularly street food from the western Indian state. Their chaat (savory snacks) and thalis (complete meals served on a platter) offer an authentic taste of Gujarat rarely found elsewhere in the city. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for groups looking to share multiple dishes.

Ichiran Ramen on 31st Street is an iconic Japanese ramen shop, known for its private booths and rich, creamy broth, just steps from Madison Square Garden.

Nestled in Bellerose, India Cafe is a hidden gem serving home-style Indian cooking that reminds many expats of meals from their childhood. The small, unassuming spot focuses on quality rather than flash, with perfectly spiced curries and some of the most tender tandoori chicken in Queens. Their daily specials often feature seasonal ingredients and regional specialties not found on the regular menu.

An undisputed New York institution since 1888, Katz's is famous for its hand-carved pastrami and corned beef. Each sandwich is a masterpiece of tender, flavorful meat piled impossibly high on rye bread. The no-frills atmosphere, complete with ticket system and communal tables, is all part of the charm.

This Bensonhurst institution has been serving its iconic Sicilian squares since 1939. The thick, pillowy crust is topped with tangy tomato sauce spread edge to edge, with cheese hidden underneath (yes, underneath). Don't skip their namesake spumoni for dessert.

This Williamsburg gem combines classic New York technique with a distinctly Italian sensibility. The result is a slice with a thin, crisp crust, premium imported toppings, and the perfect balance of flavors. Their burrata slice has developed a devoted following.

Mark Iacono's Carroll Gardens pizzeria has achieved legendary status, drawing celebrities and pizza aficionados willing to line up hours before opening. The thin-crust pies are deceptively simple but stunningly delicious, cooked in a wood-fired oven and finished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.

This Upper West Side pizzeria transformed from a neighborhood joint to a destination thanks to its incredible square slices. The crust is exceptionally airy and crisp, with caramelized cheese edges that provide an irresistible textural contrast.

Motek is a Mediterranean restaurant in Flatiron offering fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by Middle Eastern and Israeli cuisine.

A Greenwich Village institution, Murray's makes traditional New York bagels with no shortcuts. They refuse to toast their bagels (though they've recently relaxed this rule) because a fresh Murray's bagel doesn't need it. Their bagels have the perfect balance of a crisp exterior and a chewy interior, and their cream cheese is applied generously. While not as famous as some other shops, locals consider Murray's among the city's best.

A Harlem institution since 1933, Patsy's is one of the few remaining coal-fired pizzerias in the city. The thin, slightly charred crust has a distinctive flavor that can only come from that intense coal heat. The original location still sells slices, a rarity among coal-oven establishments.

A NYC halal cart pioneer with dozens of locations throughout Manhattan, Rafiqi's offers consistently satisfying food at wallet-friendly prices. While perhaps not as distinctive as some specialty carts, they've earned their reputation through reliability and value. Their combo over rice with extra white sauce remains a lunchtime staple.

Don't be fooled by its appearance as a standard Italian deli—Rosario's serves some of the most underrated slices in the city. Their Sicilian is a revelation: light, airy, and remarkably crisp despite its thickness, with a perfectly balanced sauce.

Among Midtown's sea of halal carts, Royal Grill distinguishes itself with exceptionally tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and a unique sauce selection. Their lamb over rice is particularly noteworthy, avoiding the toughness that plagues many competitors. A favorite of office workers and tourists alike.

While primarily known as an 'appetizing store' specializing in smoked fish, Russ & Daughters offers exceptional bagels that perfectly complement their world-class lox and whitefish. Their hand-rolled bagels have been a Lower East Side staple since 1914. The classic combination of a Russ & Daughters bagel with their house-cured salmon is a quintessential New York experience.

A Vendy Award winner, Sammy's Halal has built a loyal following around its exceptional quality and consistency. The secret is in their 24-hour marinated chicken and hand-ground spice blends. Their distinctive red sauce has a perfect balance of heat and tanginess that elevates their already excellent platters.

A true New York standby since 1964, Sarge's is famous for serving authentic Jewish deli fare 24 hours a day. Their Monster sandwich (with corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, turkey, salami, tongue, and swiss cheese) is legendary, but their perfectly executed classics like pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup keep regulars coming back at all hours.

Scarr Pimentel changed the game by milling his own flour in-house, resulting in a healthier, more digestible crust that's also incredibly flavorful. The retro Lower East Side parlor serves slices that honor the classic New York style while elevating it with superior ingredients.

What began as a single cart in Queens has expanded to multiple locations across the city. Shah's is known for generous portions, consistently fresh ingredients, and a sauce bar that lets customers customize their perfect plate. Their chicken is exceptionally juicy, and the falafel is made fresh throughout the day.

Trendy East Village sushi bar offering fresh, made-to-order hand rolls in an intimate, modern setting with premium fish and lively vibes.

This Moroccan run halal cart is a local favorite. We tried the chicken over rice, and the chicken was cooked right, flavorful and consistent. This place has a very unique taste compared to other carts, and the owner is incredibly nice.

The iconic cart that started a movement, The Halal Guys began as a humble hot dog cart in 1990 before pivoting to halal food due to demand from Muslim cab drivers. Now famous worldwide, their signature combo platter with chicken, gyro meat, yellow rice, and that legendary white sauce draws hour-long lines at their original 53rd and 6th location.

This East Village favorite offers bagels that are larger and softer than most traditional New York bagels, but they've built a devoted following for their creative cream cheese flavors (including birthday cake and cookie monster) and generous toppings. The bagels themselves are hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked fresh throughout the day, resulting in a soft interior with a nice chew.