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Ready to take a bite out of New York? Hope you've come hungry. In a city where creativity is expressed in innumerable ways, the food scene takes center stage, with literally thousands of chances to taste what Gotham is all about. Whether lining up at street stands, gobbling down legendary deli and diner grub, or chasing a covete
Ready to take a bite out of New York? Hope you've come hungry. In a city where creativity is expressed in innumerable ways, the food scene takes center stage, with literally thousands of chances to taste what Gotham is all about. Whether lining up at street stands, gobb
Ready to take a bite out of New York? Hope you've come hungry. In a city where creativity is expressed in innumerable wa
Ready to take a bite out of New York? Hope you've come hungry. In a city where creativity is expressed in innumerable ways, the food scene takes center stage, with literally thousands of chances to taste what Gotham is all about. Whether lining up at street stands, gobbling down legendary deli and diner grub, or chasing a coveted reservation at the latest celebrity-chef venue, New Yorkers are a demanding yet appreciative audience.
Every neighborhood offers temptations high, low, and in between, meaning there's truly something for every taste, whim, and budget. No matter how you approach dining out here, it's hard to go wrong. Planning a day of shopping among the glittering flagship boutiques along 5th and Madison Avenues? Stop into one of the Upper East Side's storied restaurants for a repast among the "ladies who lunch." Clubbing in the Meatpacking District? Tuck into a meal at eateries as trendy as their patrons. Craving authentic ethnic? From food trucks to hidden joints, there are almost more choices than there are appetites. Recent years have also seen entire food categories, from ramen to meatballs to mac 'n' cheese, riffed upon and fetishized, and at many restaurants you find an almost religious reverence for seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.
And don't forget—New York is still home to more celebrity chefs than any other city. Your chances of running into your favorite cookbook author, Food Network celeb, or paparazzi-friendly chef are high, adding even more star wattage to a restaurant scene with an already through-the-roof glamour quotient. Newfound economic realities, however, have revived appreciation for value, meaning you can tap into wallet-friendly choices at every level of the food chain. Rest assured, this city does its part to satisfy your appetite. Ready, set, eat.
The Arepa Lady, originally known for slinging cheesy, golden arepas (stuffed corn cakes) from her famed street-cart on Roosevelt Avenue has since established three stand-alone restaurants across New York City. The Jackson Heights location is the original “mother restaurant” and keeps to the classics like arepa de queso (freshly ground corn flour mixed with cheese) and arepa de choclo, served with your choice of meat. Try the popular chichiron (smoked pork belly) or Colombian chorizo (which is sliced, rather than ground up). Expect to find Manhattanites, locals, and tourists alike sipping sangria and margs while getting their fill of savory cakes at this charming eatery.
There are plenty of great Thai restaurants in Elmhurst, but this oft-packed spot tops them all (in fact, it's opened a branch in Manhattan's Chelsea Market). Operating out of two side-by-side storefronts (you go wherever there's a table), Ayada serves fiery, flavorful Thai favorites, as well as some dishes you've probably never heard of before. A favorite appetizer is raw shrimp served with a slice of garlic, bitter melon, and chili paste that will knock your socks off. The e-sarn sausage (made with fermented meat) is served with sliced ginger and peanuts, and, for a table of four, the succulent whole fried fish is a bargain.
77--08 Woodside Ave., Queens, New York, 11373, USA
Uruguay is known throughout the world for serving up heaping mounds of high-quality meat and this Jackson Heights corner spot does it just right. With a wide variety of marinated meats to choose from (including beef tongue and blood sausage), all cooked right on the open grill, expect large portions and classic side options like tostones (fried green plantains) and yuca frita (fried yuca). Ask for the homemade chimichurri dipping sauce (a vinegary delight with basil and garlic) that pairs well with just about any dish, or try their empanadas (stuffed with juicy beef or chicken) and the signature Chivito al pan (a decadent steak sandwich topped with ham, bacon, and egg) for a quick hearty meal.
The truck that launched a foodie craze, Birria-Landia specializes in Mexican birria, a rich, tomato-y savory stew made with traditional goat or beef. Here, it's served folded into double-layered tacos, between two crispy ones with melted cheese called mulitas, or in a bowl in "consommé" form (also serving as a dip for those tacos). There will inevitably be a line, but that also means a number of other businesses have popped up along the block to service the line with candy, snacks, and traditional Mexican drinks like horchata. The fall-off-the-bone meat is best paired with a few slices of radish, some cilantro and a spicy sauce, and ferociously gobbled, standing up near the truck the moment it's handed to you out of the window.
77--99 Roosevelt Ave., Queens, New York, 11372, USA
With daily almuerzo (lunch) specials on the menu, as well as an assortment of fresh pastries, cakes, and savory baked goods, this classic panaderia has a homey vibe with festive, brightly-lit decor on the ceilings and Spanish guitar playing in the background. Try the buñuelos (cheese fritters), freshly squeezed juices, or the decadent tiramisu with a cup of Colombian coffee.
This snug Lebanese café caters to locals with its popular vegan platters, mixed kabobs for two (with kofta, chicken, and lamb), shawarmas, and more. Seating is limited, but if you can snag a seat at lunch or dinner time, you’re in for a treat. Try the mint lemonade and falafel sandwich, a house blend of chickpeas and fava beans, topped with turnip and pickles.
For freshly baked naan (Indian-style flatbread), grilled kebabs, and savory curries pop into this wee Jackson Heights take-out-only eatery churning out authentic Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi fare. Everything is made to order, so consider calling ahead to avoid a wait; it’s open late into the night.
The multiyear winner of Jackson Heights's annual Momo Crawl, Nepali Bhanchha Ghar is an unassuming spot known for its jhol momo (juicy dumplings in a rich, tomato-y, chutney-esque broth) and other Nepalese fare. Also on hand are a spicy, crispy noodle dish that will remind you of packaged ramen (though in a good way), thali platters vibrant with fiery, colorful curries, and a special savory fried doughnut called sel roti, served with a spicy tomato chutney.
74--15 Roosevelt Ave., Queens, New York, 11372, USA
Step through a doorway beneath a Himalayan eyebrow-threading sign, head up a twisting stairway, and pass through a beaded curtain to reach this cash-only restaurant serving cuisine that is a delicious culinary anomaly: namely, Tibetan Sichuan. The traditional Tibetan momos are worth trying, as is the beef-studded yak-cheese soup (if you're adventurous), but it's the fusion of the two cultures that produces exciting dishes like spicy blood sausage or tofu in a fiery chili sauce. If the original upstairs restaurant is full, head directly across the street to the newer, expanded digs.
This straightforward local restaurant with an adorable name is a local alternative to the Bonchon chicken franchises—or, for that matter, the KFCs and Popeye’s—that proliferate in Manhattan. UFC serves organic, humanely raised birds from a farm it touts by name, fried crisp, spicy, and addictive with soy, garlic, or hot sauce. Other items on the menu will be familiar to Korean-style food lovers everywhere, but stick to the chicken, perhaps paired with one of the many craft beers on tap.
71--22 Roosevelt Ave., Queens, New York, 11372, USA
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