New York City is one of the culinary capitals of the world -- making it a popular destination for foodies. We've put together a list of classic New York City foods and experiences to try when you visit!
1. New York City Bagels
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Not only are bagels a quintessential New York City food, bagels are also a fast affordable and filling choice for breakfast, lunch or even a snack. You might be surprised to discover that most bagel shops in NYC don't toast them, but a fresh bagel doesn't need to be toasted to be delicious.
2. Black & White Cookies
Dan Cross
A great Black and White Cookie is worth seeking out. Ideally the cookies texture is somewhere in between a cookie and a cake, and half is frosted with chocolate icing and half is frosted with white icing with a hint of citrus.
Where to get a Black and White Cookie in New York City:
Where to get a Black and White Cookie in New York City:
- William Greenberg Jr. Desserts - 1100 Madison Ave (82nd & 83rd), 212-861-1340
- Donut Pub - 203 West 14th St (7th Ave), 212-929-0126
- Rocco's Pastry & Espresso Cafe - 243 Bleecker St, 212-242-6031
- Zaro's Bakery - locations
- Glaser Bake Shop - 1670 First Ave (87th), 212-289-2562
- Junior's - locations
- Zabar's - 2245 Broadway (80th St), 212-787-2000
- Barney Greengrass - 541 Amsterdam Ave (86th St), 212-724-4707
- Russ & Daughters - 179 E. Houston St, 212-475-4880
3. New York City Pizza
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New York City has fantastic pizza. Even a random slice pizza on the go ere tends to be a cut above, but to have a really amazing "Only in New York" experience, try out one of our recommended New York City Pizzerias.
4. Deli Sandwich
Heather Cross
If you cant decide between corned beef or pastrami on rye, you can almost always have a sandwich that is half and half at a New York City deli. The most authentic deli sandwiches will be served on rye with only mustard, but you can have yours customized to include your favorite condiments. Don't forget to enjoy half or full sour pickles alongside your sandwich.
5. New York Style Cheesecake
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New York Style Cheesecake is rich and creamy, most often with a graham cracker crust and different than Italian style cheesecake, in that it has a denser texture from cream cheese, while the Italian style cheesecake tends to be lighter because it uses ricotta.
Recommended New York style Cheesecakes:
Recommended New York style Cheesecakes:
- Eileen's Special Cheesecake - 17 Cleveland Place, 212-966-5585
- S & S Cheesecake - 222 W 238th St Bronx, NY, 718-549-3888 (also available at Zabar's)
- Two Little Red Hens 1652 2nd Ave (86th), 212-452-0476
- Carnegie Deli - 854 Seventh Ave. (55th), 212-757-2245
- Junior's - locations
6. Tasting Menu
New York City has some fantastic restaurants, and one of the most wonderful ways to experience a top-notch restaurant is to surrender yourself to the chef with a tasting menu. Most of the time, they will happily accommodate allergies/food preferences but call ahead if you're concerned.
Recommended Restaurants Offering Tasting Menus
- Babbo - 110 Waverly Place, 212)777-0303
- Blue Hill - 75 Washington Pl., 212-539-1776
- Eleven Madison Park - 11 Madison Avenue, 212-889-0905
- Gramercy Tavern - 42 East 20th St, 212-477-0777
- Per Se - 10 Columbus Circle, 212-823-9335
