From the city's signature sandwich to the first pastry to ever go viral, take a bite out of the Big Apple with our top 10 must-eats in New York City...
Hot Dogs
Sold citywide on countless street carts and delis, hot dogs in New York are usually topped with mustard and sauerkraut or crispy onions. Looking for the city’s best? Head to Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island. Founded by Jewish immigrant Nathan Handwerker in 1916, this coney Island spot is known for its beef hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries.
Cronuts
This sweet treat is regarded as a modern NYC icon; round like a donut and filled with flavoured cream, it’s made with flaky, croissant-like dough. Try it at Dominique Ansel in SoHo, where it was invented by the namesake chef in 2013 and became the world’s first ever pastry to go viral.
Pizza
Hand-tossed with a thin crust, NYC-style pizzas can be served whole (as “pies”) or typically as wide, foldable slices. You’ll find classic examples at John’s of Bleecker Street and Denino’s in Greenwich Village, but for something a little different try the sumptuous clam pie at Lombardi’s, the venerable pizzeria in Little Italy that opened in 1905.
Black & White Cookie
This cookie (with half vanilla and half chocolate frosting) was introduced to New York by Bavarian immigrants John and Justine Glaser in 1902. Today the cookies are sold in every bodega (corner store) in the city, but you’ll find an especially tasty version at Amy’s Bakery in Chelsea Market.
Oysters
New York was once the oyster capital of the world. Today, you can still enjoy the fresh delicacies, brought to the city from all around the globe, at restaurants like Balthazar and Marea. Potentially the best spot of all is Grand Central Oyster Bar, which also does a great Manhattan clam chowder.
Pastrami on rye
Known as New York’s “signature sandwich,” this mountainous snack comprises sliced pastrami (cured then smoked beef brisket) piled on rye bread, and usually served with kosher dill pickles and spicy mustard. It’s been a long-standing offering of Jewish delis across the city, but the definitive version is served at Katz’s, a Lower East Side institution since 1888.
Classic NY cheesecake
German émigré Arnold Reuben is credited with inventing New York-style cheesecake in 1929. The New York version features a crunchy graham cracker crust and a denser cream cheese filling, often with strawberry sauce added on top. Though Reuben’s place is long gone, you can sample this delicious dessert at Junior’s, founded in Brooklyn in 1950.
Bagels
Brought to the city by Polish Jews in the 19th century, bagels have since become the iconic New York breakfast. True New York bagels are boiled briefly before being baked, giving them a distinctive chewy quality, and then “schmeared” with cream cheese – add lox (brined salmon) for a classic combo. Russ & Daughters on East Houston Street is an iconic spot to try them, but you’ll find bagel shops in every neighbourhood.
Banana Pudding
The version of this creamy treat created by Magnolia Bakery was made famous by Sex and the CIty – and it’s still a big hit with New Yorkers today. It’s made with fresh bananas, decadent vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers (there are also red velvet and chocolate hazelnut versions).
Pretzels
The New York version of this knot-shaped, savoury snack is a softer, chewier pretzel than its Philadelphia rival. It’s made with honey and butter, and often topped with large grains of salt. You’ll find them at food carts all over the city, but for a deluxe version try Heidelberg Restaurant on the Upper East Side.
Visiting the city that never sleeps? Don't miss a thing with Top 10 New York City
DK Top 10 New York City
View BookRead next
8 incredible drives through the USA
Discover 8 drives that capture the fantastic diversity of the USA, from snow-capped mountains and mist-shrouded forests to cactus-studded deserts and sun-baked beaches.
The 17 coolest cities in the US you must visit
The US offers everything in excess and the choice of cities to visit is no exception. With hundreds to choose from you’re spoilt for choice – let us make the decision easier with our roundup of the coolest cities across the country!