New Yorkers are as diverse as the city itself – a multi-faceted patchwork of identities and nationalities. Beneath the glittering skyline lies a city full of character and personality – and with it, comes a vibrant, eclectic food scene.

NYC-dwellers are fiercely passionate about their city, and their foodie heritage – with each and every one of them swearing that their favourite pizza spot is the best in town. But in a city of more than 8 million people, it can be overwhelming to make sure you’re spending hard-earned dollars on the best, tastiest foodie experience.

Writer Emmie Harrison-West shares the secret, ultimate guide to New York City’s hidden foodie hotspots you can explore in 24 hours – as approved by locals. For more recommendations to the best places to eat, drink, shop and more in NYC, check out the brand new New York City Like a Local.

New York City Like a Local

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You cannot get a meal more New York than brunch. From doughy bagels, to fluffy pancakes – you simply can’t say you’ve *done* foodie NYC without breakfast (at lunchtime, and beyond). Start your day off right at local icon Clinton St. Baking Company, where the pancakes are second-to-none. Chat happily with friends and family over stacks of gooey pancakes, to the noisy backdrop of clanging pans in this mom-and-pop bakery. You know it’s good when there’s a line of hopefuls waiting outside – sometimes, there’s a two hour wait but don’t worry, you can pop into kitsch coffee shop Black Cat LES to pass the time.

4 Clinton Street, Lower East Side
www.clintonstreetbaking.com

If you’ve got any space, head on over to the Russ & Daughters' Cafe on the Lower East Side. This part of town is teeming with Jewish Bakeries - but hungry locals have headed to Russ’ for a classic NYC bagel for well over 100 years. Fun fact: this was the country’s first business to include ‘& Daughters'.’

127 Orchard Street, Lower East Side
www.russanddaughterscafe.com

Next, browse the countless, carefully curated street-food stalls at the TimeOut Market for a late lunch where you truly will be spoilt for choice. Brooklyn locals spend their weekend leisurely gorging on a range of international, tasty foodstuffs from this outdoor food market. We recommend sampling the beloved Lower East Side ramen pop-up, Mr. Taka and taking a seat with uninterrupted, panoramic views stretching over to Manhattan.

55 Water Street, Dumbo, Brooklyn
www.timeoutmarket.com

For dessert, there’s nothing more NYC than home baked cheesecake – and Eileen’s Special Cheesecake has it nailed. Eileen’s pushes the boundaries of the sweet stuff with a range of creamy, fluffy cheesecakes that boast unique flavours like pumpkin, marble and S’mores.

17 Cleveland Place, Nolita
www.eileenscheesecake.com

Exhausted from trekking the city? Nestle down with some serious comfort food in the city that never sleeps at Aunt Jake’s. The rustic West Village restaurant really feels like home, and dishes up huge portions of handmade pasta, like your momma did. Choose from a range of mix-and-match sauces, and whittle away the evening living like a child – at peace knowing you’ve spent the day ticking off the best foodie hotspots in New York City.

47 West 8th Street, Greenwich Village
www.auntjakesnyc.com

Introducing Like a Local, a brand new series from DK Eyewitness

Uncover another side of the world’s coolest cities...

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