Some restaurants in this city have been around longer than most of us have been alive. I’m not talking about the trendy spots that open with a PR team and close six months later. I’m talking about the places where the walls have stories, the staff has seen things, and the food hasn’t changed because it never needed to. These iconic New York City restaurants are the real deal and every local needs to try them at least once. Let’s dig in.
Iconic New York City Restaurants
(Table of Contents)
NYC Iconic Restaurants (Table of Contents)
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out my helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods for First Timers +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
You asked, I answered. Here’s My Personal Food Guide for NYC
Back by popular demand for 2024— My personal list of the 15 BEST restaurants in New York City (where you’re guaranteed to have a memorable meal) is back for 2024. The 20-page guide sold out last year, but due to the pregnancy, I’ll be limiting sales to 50 this year so that I can personally respond to any questions you have. What’s the point of eating out so much if you can’t share the great spots, right? Don’t spend your precious time and money on mediocre meals and tourist traps while visiting NYC. See more information here.
Katz Delicatessen
Serving New Yorkers since 1888, Katz is officially the oldest deli in NYC serving the best pastrami sandwiches in New York. Fighting words, I know. But I stand by them.
The generously seasoned melt-in-your-mouth pastrami dons charred outer layers, an irresistible food masterpiece well worth the wait. But heads up, the thick-cut pastrami sandwiches are huge, I suggest splitting one between two people (plus, it makes the $30 price tag easier to stomach. some pun intended).
Don’t make the mistake of billing this a tourist trap. Katz is one of the most iconic restaurants in New York City with standards as high as their pastrami on rye. Don’t just take my word for it, the deli dishes out 15,000 pounds of pastrami a week and locals love it as much as tourists.
Website— Katz Deli
Neighborhood. Lower East Side
Address. 205 E Houston St, New York, NY
What to order. Pastrami sandwich, skip the corned beef (it’s too salty in my opinion).
Russ & Daughters
Russ & Daughters is a beloved Jewish deli that’s been serving the Lower East Side for more than a century. A family-run business spanning four generations, this place embodies the age-old story of resilience for many Jewish Americans.
Unparalleled for traditional Jewish fare, you’ll find premium hand-sliced lox, herring, and other delicacies, but the bagel and lox is the biggest draw (folks wait up to an hour to get their hands on it). If you feel like indulging, add a scoop of caviar to the party, or opt for some caviar schmear instead.
It seems that Russ & Daughters attracts mostly tourists these days (the lines are too long for locals), but it’s still worth a detour. I consider this a place you need to try destination for anyone visiting NYC for the first time.
Website— Russ & Daughters
Neighborhood. Lower East Side
Address. 179 E Houston St, New York
Wo Hop
Dishing out Cantonese comfort food since 1938, Wo Hop was named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2022.
The menu is a roll-call of everyone’s favorites. chop suey, lo mein, and orange chicken. Don’t expect fancy plating or amuse-bouche; the appeal of this subterranean Chinatown establishment lies in unpretentious hearty fare.
Generous portions, fair prices and efficient service, there’s a reason Wo Hop’s iconic red booths and flickering fluorescent lights have been the backdrop for many late night meals.
Website. Wo Hop
Address. 17 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
What to order. Pork lo mein, wonton soup, chicken fried rice
In a city of eight million people, the best spots are the ones that make you feel like family.
Peter Luger
Peter Luger has earned the loyalty of stalwart locals for dishing out some of the best steaks in New York. Opened in 1887, this no frills, cash-only establishment takes great pride in spoiling New Yorkers with tantalizing dry-aged steaks.
The restaurant’s unapologetic commitment to time-honored traditions and quality make it a beloved staple for locals. Savvy tourists know to make the trek as well, eager to experience a meal at this quintessential New York institution.
What to order.
- Main.Ribeye for two
- Sides.Bacon & creamed spinach
- Dessert. Don’t sleep on the cheesecake or ice cream sundae
Website— Peter Luger
Neighborhood— Williamsburg
Address. 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY
Local’s Tip. If you’re visiting for lunch make sure to order the burger, considered one of the best burgers in New York City.
Keens Steakhouse
What do Teddy Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Babe Ruth have in common? They’ve all enjoyed a meal at this iconic New York City restaurant. Contrary to what the name suggests, Keens Steakhouse is best known for incredible 1.5-pound mutton chops (the restaurant averages 400+ orders a week).
The endearing old-world charm is part of the experience. There’s more than 90,000 smoking pipes adorning the ceilings and walls. The reason? Ages ago, patrons were asked to check their pipes before sitting down for a meal (similar to coat checks). Abandoned pipes found permanent homes on the walls of this iconic restaurant in NYC.
Website— Keens Steakhouse
Address. 72 W 36th St, New York, NY
What to order. Mutton chops (honestly, I was underwhelmed by the steak).
Good to Know. The bar at Keens makes my husband’s list of best whisky bars in New York City.
Unpopular opinion. I’ll die on this hill. you haven’t really experienced NYC food culture until you’ve tried Katz Delicatessen.
Delmonico’s
Opened in 1827, Delmonico’s reemerged after a lengthy hiatus post-pandemic (and some trademark disputes, go figure). Delmonico’s was a pioneering force in fine dining in the United States during the 19th century and was the first restaurant to introduce an à la carte menu in 1834 (before then restaurants served set meals).
Throughout its history, Delmonico’s has been a favored haunt for the city’s elite. Celebrating 200 years in 2027, stylish. Heavy hitters include tender Rib eyes, fresh oysters and luxurious caviar.
Website— Delmonico’s
Neighborhood— Financial District
Address. 56 Beaver St, New York, NY
What to order. Steak, steak, steak
Local tip. Pro tip that most travel blogs won’t tell you. visit on a weekday afternoon for the most authentic experience.
JG Melon
JG Melon is a cash-only establishment known for classic no-frills burgers and irresistible cottage fries. Established in 1972, this iconic New York City restaurant is the youngest on the list, but try scoring a table on the weekend and tell me they don’t deserve the recognition.
Served in a cozy tavern setting chock-full of watermelon decor, enjoying a burger at JG Melon is the quintessential New York experience. The plump seven-and-a-quarter ounce patty is griddle-cooked to perfection and comes with a side of onions and pickles, to be customized to your liking.
I always top mine with cheese and consider the cottage fries a non-negotiable order. Don’t just take my word for it. Former mayor Michael Bloomberg calls these the best burgers in New York City.
Website— JG Melon
Neighborhood. Upper East Side
Address. 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY
What to order. Bacon cheeseburger with cottage fries.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Opened in 1920 (more than 100 years ago), Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC. You couldn’t miss it if you tried because the line normally snakes the block, everyone eager to try the restaurant’s famed shrimp dumplings and roasted pork buns.
As such, getting a meal at this iconic NYC restaurant is one of the best things to do in Chinatown for foodies. Admittedly, I wouldn’t recommend waiting in line if the wait time exceeds 30 minutes because while the food is good, the restaurant’s history and vibes are the biggest draw.
Website. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Address. 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
What to order. Dim sum and dumplings
John’s of Bleecker Street
Founded in 1929, John’s of Bleecker Street is an iconic New York City restaurant serious pizza enthusiasts can’t afford to miss. Walls adorned with photos of celebrities, windows dressed in prestigious awards collected over (nearly) 100 years, John’s holds a special place in the heart of locals.
Using a grandfathered coal-fired pizza oven, the pizza is cooked at a high temperature for a short time, resulting in blistered crust that remains chewy at the center. Served piping-hot, resist the temptation to dive right in and let the pizza cool for a minute (speaking from personal experience, unfortunately).
Website. John’s of Bleecker Street
Address. 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY
What to order. Classic cheese (plain pie) or pepperoni
Note. John’s does NOT sell pizza by the slice, you need to purchase a whole pie. But don’t worry, after your first bite, you would have regretted having anything less.
Barney Greengrass
Dating back to 1908, Barney Greengrass is an Upper West Side institution famous for knock-out smoked fish. No, seriously, U.S. Presidents have had it shipped to the White House. They churn out some of the best lox in New York City and the Upper West Side is lucky to have them.
Website. Barney Greengrass
Address.541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
What to order. lox bagel This one of my go-to spots whenever I find myself in the neighborhood. I never get tired of it.
Fraunces Tavern
Website. Fraunces Tavern
Address. 54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004
Fraunces Tavern holds historical significance that can’t be beat. In operation since 1762, this where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his troops in 1783 after the Revolutionary War, shortly before assuming the office of President.
The pub was also frequented by the likes of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr (who both attended an event at the tavern a week before their infamous duel). As one of the most iconic restaurants in NYC, it’s surprising that locals frequent this place more than visitors.
There’s a small museum upstairs ($10) depicting the room where Washington gave his farewell speech, it’s pretty cool to check out. Visiting Fraunces Tavern is always on my list of the best things to do in the Financial District for first time visitors.
Tavern on the Green
Dating back to 1934, Tavern on the Green is famous for being one of two restaurants within Central Park. Historic and picturesque, the building originally served as a sheepfold before transforming into a dinning venue for New York’s high society.
In the late 1970’s Tavern on the Green was rumored to be John Lennon’s favorite birthday venue.
Serving traditional American cuisine, the restaurant offers a memorable dining experience, especially during the holiday season when the restaurant is completely decked out with Christmas decorations.
You might enjoy reading.10 Festive New York City Christmas Restaurants You’re Sure to Love
Website— Tavern on the Green
Address. W 67th St, New York, NY
What to order. I’m partial to the seafood and meat dishes, the cocktails are great too!
Minetta Tavern
Dating back to 1937, Minetta Tavern is a storied establishment that has served the likes of Ernest Hemingway and E.E. Cummings. Dining at Minetta Tavern gives you a chance to experience the city’s rich history in a historic New York City restaurant that exudes old-world charm and timeless elegance.
The pièce de résistance these days is the heart-stopping Black Label burger which is made from a blend of prime dry-aged beef enhanced by the unusual addition of caramelized onions. The burger strikes a delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication, it’s a personal favorite of mine.
Website— Minetta Tavern
Address. 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY
Must Order. Black Label Burger
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Grand Central Oyster Bar, an endearing subterranean bar in Grand Central Terminal, has been serving fresh oysters to busy New Yorkers for more than 110 years (since 1913). Sure, there are other things on the menu— like grilled branzino and lobster pan roast. but they’re all supporting actors.
The oysters are the show and there’s more than 30 varieties to choose from (don’t sleep on the shigoku if you see them on the menu). Hell, at this point most would agree the Grand Central Oyster Bar is as much a NYC institution as Grand Central Station itself.
Website— Grand Central Oyster Bar
Address.89 E 42nd St, New York, NY
What to order. Oysters, there’s 2 dozen varieties to choose from
Fun fact. Oysters have played a pivotal part in the Big Apple’s history. It’s estimated that roughly half of the world’s oyster population was once located in New York Harbor.
Lombardi’s Pizza
Some people make the mistake of assuming Lombardi’s Pizza is reserved for tourists, don’t make the same mistake. This iconic New York City restaurant. If that’s not enough to entice you, Lombardi’s makes some of the best pizza in New York City.
Website— Lombardi’s Pizza
Address. 32 Spring St, New York, NY
What to order. The clam pie (trust me) It’s right off the subway, which makes getting here a breeze from almost anywhere in the city.
List of the Most Iconic Restaurants in New York City (Post Summary)
- Delmonico’s
- Peter Luger
- Tavern on the Green
- Katz Delicatessen
- J.G. Melon
- Minetta Tavern
- Grand Central Oyster Bar
- Lombardi’s Pizza
- Russ & Daughters
- Keens Steakhouse
- Wo Hop
- Barney Greengrass
- John’s of Bleecker Street
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Fraunces Tavern
Map of NYC’s Most Famous Restaurants
New York City Guides
Best Martinis. 10 Top-Notch Martinis in New York City (Local’s Personal Guide)
Best Cocktail Bars. 15 Boozy Cocktail Bars in New York City (Worth The Wait)
Romantic Things to Do. 19 (Non-Cheesy) Romantic Things to Do in New York City
Best Things to Do in NYC. 30 Best Things to Do in New York City
I hope you enjoyed this list of the most iconic restaurants in NYC, let me know if I missed any!
Cheers!
While you’re here, you might enjoy my 17 Best New York City Cafes (Serving Great Coffee in NYC). one of my personal favorites to write.
I want to hear from you. What would you add to this list? I want to hear your personal favorites.
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Oooh, I’m a fan of Barney Greengrass as well (their gravalox is unreal!). But I’ll be honest, the last few times I went, I felt the bagels were subpar, which felt like a rip off, considering I paid $23-30 for bagel and lox. Hopefully they get the bagels sorted out soon, that used to be my go-to neighborhood spot!
Hey Mikey,
Totally get what you mean, but Rao’s is impossible to get into! There’s only 10 tables inside and the owner admitted that 60% of those tables are reserved for long-standing regulars. Which leaves only 4 tables a night (and those get booked out months in advance). I don’t know anyone that’s gotten into Rao’s, so mentioning it on the list didn’t feel right.