Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Manhattan, United States
1. New York-style Pizza
A classic thin-crust pizza with a tangy tomato sauce, lots of cheese, and generous toppings. Try it at Lombardi's, the first pizzeria in the U.S.
- Authentic Experience: Experience pizza as it originated in Manhattan
- Variety of Toppings: Taste the endless combinations of cheeses, meats, and vegetables
- Quick Service: Grab a slice on-the-go for a convenient meal
2. Bagels and Lox
A traditional Jewish breakfast dish featuring a bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and onions. Enjoy it at Russ & Daughters Cafe on the Lower East Side.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience a taste of New York's rich Jewish heritage
- Quality Ingredients: Taste the difference fresh bagels and quality smoked fish make
- Unique Combinations: Try different spreads, such as nova or wasabi-infused lox
3. Halal Guys' Platters
Famous Middle Eastern street food served in Manhattan's streets and at their various locations. Try the chicken or gyro platters with rice and hot sauce.
- Street Food Experience: Taste authentic Middle Eastern flavors on the go
- Spicy Options: Adjust the heat level to your preference with various hot sauce choices
- Value for Money: Enjoy a large portion of tasty food at an affordable price
4. Ramen at Ippudo
Slurp down a bowl of delicious Japanese ramen at this popular noodle chain. The original location is on East 14th Street.
- Quality Ingredients: Taste the difference fresh, locally-sourced ingredients make
- Unique Broths: Try different broth types, like the signature Akamaru Modern ramen
- Community Atmosphere: Join the fun and excitement of slurping ramen with fellow diners
5. Chicken and Waffles at Sylvia's
Indulge in a southern comfort food classic by pairing fried chicken with sweet waffles at Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem.
- Cultural Experience: Taste the soulful flavors of African-American cuisine
- Creative Spin: Experiment with different sweet and savory syrup combinations
- Historic Significance: Dine at a restaurant with a rich history in the Harlem community
6. Lobster Roll at Luke's Lobster
Tuck into a delicious lobster roll made with fresh Maine lobster, mayonnaise, and lemon. Visit one of their locations throughout Manhattan.
- Freshness Guaranteed: Experience the taste of fresh, sustainable seafood
- Authentic Experience: Try a classic East Coast lobster roll
- Portable Meal: Grab a quick, filling meal on-the-go
7. Red Hook Lobster Pound's Lobster Tacos
Spice up your lobster experience by trying their unique lobster tacos, available at various locations in Manhattan.
- Creative Spin: Experiment with Mexican-inspired flavors and textures
- Portable Meal: Grab a quick, filling meal on-the-go
- Freshness Guaranteed: Taste the difference fresh, sustainable seafood makes
8. Momofuku Noodle Bar's Pork Buns
Savor the delicious pork buns filled with tender pork belly, pickled vegetables, and hoisin sauce at Momofuku Noodle Bar on East 17th Street.
- Asian-Inspired Flavors: Experience a unique combination of Asian flavors
- Portable Meal: Grab a quick, flavorful snack on-the-go
- High-Quality Ingredients: Taste the difference fresh, locally-sourced ingredients make
9. Shake Shack's Burgers
Enjoy a classic American burger at this popular fast-casual chain with locations throughout Manhattan.
- Famous Burger Joint: Taste the hype around Shake Shack's burgers
- Customizable Options: Design your perfect burger with various toppings and sauces
- Value for Money: Enjoy a tasty, affordable meal
10. Xi'an Famous Foods' Hand-Pulled Noodles
Savor the unique texture of hand-pulled noodles in various soup or dry dishes at Xi'an Famous Foods locations throughout Manhattan.
- Asian-Inspired Flavors: Experience the unique flavors of northwestern Chinese cuisine
- Portable Meal: Grab a quick, filling meal on-the-go
- High-Quality Ingredients: Taste the difference fresh, locally-sourced ingredients make
11. The Halal Guys' Merguez Sausage Platter
Try a spicy twist on the classic Halal Guys platter with their flavorful merguez sausage.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat level to your preference
- Creative Spin: Experiment with Middle Eastern flavors and textures
- Value for Money: Enjoy a large portion of tasty food at an affordable price
12. Roberta's Margherita Pizza
Experience a modern take on the classic pizza at Roberta's in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It offers a unique setting and excellent pizza.
- Creative Spin: Taste the difference in their unique pizza crust and toppings
- Authentic Experience: Visit a pizzeria that has gained national recognition
- Unconventional Location: Explore the vibrant Bushwick neighborhood while enjoying great pizza
13. Egg Cream at the Carnegie Deli
Try this unique milkshake-like drink made with Fox's U-Bet chocolate syrup, milk, and soda water at the historic Carnegie Deli.
- Cultural Experience: Taste a classic New York deli beverage
- Unconventional Taste: Experience the unusual combination of flavors
- Historic Significance: Dine at a restaurant with a rich history in Manhattan's deli scene
14. Tacos El Bronco's Al Pastor Tacos
Indulge in flavorful al pastor tacos made with marinated pork cooked on a spit at this food truck or their permanent location.
- Street Food Experience: Taste authentic Mexican flavors on the go
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat level to your preference with various salsas and toppings
- Value for Money: Enjoy a large portion of tasty food at an affordable price
15. The Lobster Joint's Whole Belly Clams
Savor the freshness and brininess of whole belly clams at this seafood spot in Hell's Kitchen.
- Freshness Guaranteed: Taste the difference fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood makes
- Portable Meal: Grab a quick, filling meal on-the-go
- Affordable Seafood: Enjoy high-quality seafood at a reasonable price