New York City Food Recommendations

By Ava Griffiths, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA

I was lucky enough to visit New York City three times during my year abroad, and the energy there is unlike anywhere else. The food? Next level! I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite spots, so if you ever find yourself in the city, you’ll know exactly where to go.

Russ & Daughters 

You can’t visit New York without having a bagel and Russ and Daughters is a must try. One of the best bagel spots in the city, this iconic institution has been family owned since 1914. I went for the classic lox with cream cheese, delicious, but you’ve got to try their unique flavours. The whitefish and baked salmon salad with horseradish dill cream cheese and wasabi fish roe? Trust me, it’s a game changer.

Cafe Habana 

Between the East Village and Soho, you’ll find this cool Cuban spot serving up authentic Cuban sandwiches and tacos. They’ve got outdoor seating, which was perfect when I went in June. It made enjoying one of their margaritas even better! A great spot for a laid back drink and some tasty food.

Revelie

This cosy retro diner in the heart of bustling Soho is the perfect spot for dinner in the city. The menu is small but everything is done to perfection, serving all the classics. Honestly, the best burger I’ve ever had was at this luncheonette! I highly recommend it to anyone visiting New York.

Cafe Colette

Alright, let’s head to Brooklyn! If you’re staying in Manhattan, hop on the subway and make your way to the cool neighbourhood of Williamsburg. This is where you’ll find Cafe Colette, located on the perfect people-watching corner, it is the ideal spot to enjoy their seasonal cocktails with a side of fries or tacos. Afterward, take a stroll down the street to check out the vintage shops. Wrap up the day with a taxi ride back to the city, crossing the Williamsburg Bridge and soaking in that unbeatable skyline view. The perfect day!

La Cabra

For anyone in need of a great coffee, this place is a must-visit! The interior is so sleek, it feels like an art gallery, but the coffee and matcha are top-notch. And the bakery section? Absolutely unreal. Everything looks too good to eat, but you have to try their cardamom bun!  I believe they have two locations in the city, but I went to the one in the East Village. Grab a coffee, a bun, and take a stroll around the East Village, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the city!

Alright, this is a classic. Katz’s Delicatessen is a New York City institution, famous for its legendary pastrami sandwiches. Located on the Lower East Side, this iconic deli has been serving up delicious comfort food since 1888. With pastrami generously piled on freshly baked rye bread, one sandwich is more than enough to share between two people!

Don’t let the line outside intimidate you as it’s worth the wait. We waited about 30 minutes, and the place runs like a well oiled machine. There’s a system in place, so you won’t be waiting too long. It’s a bit chaotic inside, but in the best way. Watching pastrami being sliced right in front of you and even getting to sample some while you wait makes the experience all the more fun. It’s a dining experience you won’t want to miss.