5 Must-Try New York Food Experiences

Updated on 9/05/2024

New York City is home to some of the most delicious food in all of America. 

That said, with so much choice, it can be overwhelming and difficult to narrow down which food experiences are worth the money if you’ve never been to New York. 

If you’ve got a trip planned, and have plenty of New York City activities on the cards but need some must-try New York food experiences, we’re here to help.

Some must-try New York food experiences include, but are not limited to:

  1. Absolute Bagels 
  2. Lucali 
  3. Magnolia Bakery 
  4. Emilio’s Ballato 
  5. Nami Nori 

1. Absolute Bagels 

You can’t go to New York City without experiencing a proper New York bagel, and Absolute Bagels is not one to miss out on.

They offer a range of delicious toppings, from classics like cream cheese and smoked salmon to more adventurous options such as white fish salad.

Alternatively, if you prefer a sweet bagel, you can’t go wrong with a cinnamon raisin bagel with a  generous helping of melted butter.  

Start off your morning exploring New York the right way with Absolute Bagels. 

2. Lucali 

Next up, we have Lucali, which is famous for its delicious pizza. 

Situated in Brooklyn, Lucali is a walk-in-only pizza restaurant that is worth the journey if you’re sightseeing nearby or further afield. 

Lucali has a commitment to using farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making their pizzas some of the nicest you’ll come across in the city

If you want a bite to eat and are looking for a restaurant with a friendly, casual atmosphere, Lucali is for you. 

3. Magnolia Bakery 

If you’re a fan of sweet baked treats, then you have to try the famous Magnolia Bakery when visiting New York for the first time.

What Is Magnolia Bakery Famous For?

This bakery is iconic for many reasons, but most specifically, its world-famous banana pudding is nothing short of mouthwatering. 

If bananas aren’t your thing, then they offer a range of other delicious baked goods, from cupcakes, cakes, cookies, brownies, and cheesecakes to name a few treats. 

It’s truly a dessert lover’s heaven!

4. Emilio’s Ballato 

Emilio’s Ballato is a renowned food experience in New York, offering an array of delicious Italian dishes.

Described as an old-school Italian restaurant, it’s based in Soho, Manhattan, and is one of the best places for pasta dishes regardless of whether it’s summer or winter in New York.

Established in 1956 and delivering high quality home cooked dishes, Emilio’s Ballato never compromises on using the finest ingredients for its hearty dishes.

That said, due to its popularity, it can be on the trickier side to get a table, so be sure to head there early.

5. Nami Nori

Last, but not least, if you’re looking for a Japanese food experience, then Nami Nori is an excellent location for sushi and Japanese small plates. 

While it’s run by chefs that worked in fine dining restaurants, Nami Nori is both a more affordable and casual environment to experience some delicious food. 

Specialising in open-style sushi hand rolls, if you want to experience truly delicious sushi without paying through the nose, then this is a great choice of restaurant. 

Book A Private Tour 

At Yellow Moon Tours, we can design a private tour centred around every sightseeing stop you’ve always dreamed of, including a range of delicious food experiences. 

Our experienced private tour guides are from New York and can show you the city through the eyes of true New Yorkers, helping you to visit all the best food experiences like locals.

Additionally, if you’re not sure which sights to see during your time in the city, we can create something special for you to ensure you get the most out of your trip. 

If you’re interested in booking a private tour, be sure to get in touch with a member of our team. 

Hopefully this article has provided you with some inspiration for must-try New York food experiences ahead of your trip. 

For inquiries or questions, contact us today on info@yellowmoontours.com or on +44 (0)2032903665 to book your private tour today or check out our Instagram page.

Written by Jemima Thomas for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialists covering London private tour guides, private tour guides in Paris, private tours of New York city and private day tours of Ireland.

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