Many of these dishes originated long ago, while others have emerged in recent years and already gained legendary status. Some are expensive, but most can be enjoyed for just a few dollars. Together, they have shaped New York City’s modern dining scene and contributed to its reputation as one of the most exciting places to eat. The dishes presented here offer a true taste of the city, reflecting its rich culinary history and vibrant food culture.

Coal-Oven Pizza at John’s of Bleecker Street

John’s of Bleecker Street was founded by John Sasso in 1929, making it one of the city’s oldest pizzerias and one of the originators of New York’s classic coal-oven style. The pies come in two sizes, smoking hot and dappled with char, with modest strews of ingredients that can be ordered individually, such as black olives, ricotta, pepperoni, Italian sausage, crushed garlic, and sliced onions, in addition to very fresh mozzarella.
278 Bleecker St (at Jones St), New York, NY 10014
(212) 243-1680

Egg Cream at S&P

One of New York City’s most quizzical dishes is the egg cream, generally available in flavors ranging from classics like chocolate and strawberry to, sometimes, coffee. Despite the name, there’s no egg or cream in the recipe, just seltzer, whole milk, and syrup titrated with seltzer in a tall glass as a long-handled spoon is twirled. It’s a refreshing beverage that’s all the more enjoyable at S&P, a newer restaurant with the feel of a classic.
174 5th Ave (at W 22nd St), New York, NY 10010

Fried Chicken at Charles Pan-Fried Chicken

Charles Gabriel first started selling his crispy, golden fried chicken on the sidewalks of Amsterdam Avenue before running a food truck and, later, a small storefront. He opened this restaurant in Harlem in 2022, where the chicken is better than ever. He fries each piece in massive cast-iron skillets, and there’s a full menu of barbecued items, like pulled pork and ribs.
340 W 145th St (at Edgecombe Ave), New York, NY 10039
(646) 569-9936

Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery

The cupcakes at this New York-based bakery chain may have become famous from a cameo in Sex and the City, but locals know to go for the banana pudding. Each container is packed with banana slices, lush vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers that crumble and squish—the banana flavor is strong in every bite. There are multiple locations.
401 Bleecker St (at W 11th St), New York, NY 10014
(212) 462-2572

Mutton Chop at Keens Steakhouse

Keens, one of the oldest steakhouses in the country, is most famous for its mutton chop. This massive, flavorful cut is well worth a trip to the restaurant, especially with a wedge salad or a side of creamed spinach. Part of the fun is the clubby, 19th-century ambiance, from the days when Keens was a meeting place for actors and other theater professionals. It opened in 1885 and is now under the ownership of Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta as of the fall of 2024.
72 W 36th St (btwn 5th & 6th Ave), New York, NY 10018
(212) 947-3636

Franks at Gray’s Papaya

Snappy, all-beef hot dogs and gritty-but-somehow-refreshing fruit drinks are the hallmarks of this Upper West Side old-timer founded by Paul Gray in 1973. It also reflects a distinctive New York City frankfurter that originated a century earlier in Coney Island. Topping choices are limited to mustard, sauerkraut, brown-stewed onions, and ketchup, though true New Yorkers never use the latter.
2090 Broadway (at W 72nd St), New York, NY 10023
(212) 799-0243

Bulgogi at Jongro Gopchang

As Manhattan’s Koreatown changes, Jongro remains an anchor, having opened in 2015. The most classic order is the Prime bulgogi, thin-sliced, served with glass noodles, vegetables, and sauces. The restaurant was founded by Kyung Rim Choi of Group KFF (Korean Fine Food), who has played a key role in popularizing Korean cuisine in New York. Choi gave the city its first Korean food court in 2011, well before the current food-hall craze took hold, and has opened dozens of Korean restaurants around New York since.
22 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
(646) 850-0145

Al Pastor Tacos at Los Tacos No. 1

Taco Mix may have popularized al pastor in New York, but Los Tacos perfected it. This small chain of Manhattan taquerias, often called “número uno,” draws lines with its adobada tacos. The marinated pork is charred on a twirling spit, then sliced to order and tossed into a tortilla with salsa, cilantro, onion, and a wedge of pineapple. The flour and corn tortillas are equally good.
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Manhattan Clam Chowder at Grand Central Oyster Bar

This New York institution is better than you remember it, tucked in the tunnels of the city’s most beautiful train station. Try to get a seat at the bar, and order the city’s namesake chowder, a lightly spicy soup full of clams, potatoes, and vegetables. Keep in mind it’s closed on weekends.
89 E 42nd St (Grand Central Terminal), New York, NY 10017
(212) 490-6650

Cannoli at Madonia Bakery

Filled-to-order cannolis at this over-100-year-old Sicilian bakery are a must, with their not-too-sweet ricotta and flaky shells. Don’t skip other regional favorites like the pane di casa, the ciccola (pork lard bread), or rainbow cookies. Be sure to get there early for plenty to choose from and good people-watching.
2348 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 295-5573