Travel Guide
5 Days of Eating in New York
From legendary delis and dollar slices to Michelin-starred temples — every meal planned across five unforgettable days. Organized from splurge-worthy dinners to budget-friendly gems.
Day 1
Icons & Institutions
Russ & Daughters Cafe
Start your NYC food journey at the legendary appetizing shop's sit-down café. Since 1914, Russ & Daughters has been the gold standard for smoked fish, bagels, and egg creams.
Must Order
- Classic lox, cream cheese & capers on a bagel
- Egg cream
- Latkes with applesauce
Pro Tip: Go early — the café fills up fast on weekends. The counter at the original shop next door is worth a visit too.
Katz's Delicatessen
The most famous deli in America, open since 1888. Hand-carved pastrami piled high on rye with spicy mustard — this is a pilgrimage every food lover must make.
Must Order
- Pastrami on rye
- Matzo ball soup
- Knish
Pro Tip: Don't lose your ticket! You'll need it to pay on the way out. Go to a hand-carving station for the best experience.
Le Bernardin
End day one at one of the greatest restaurants on Earth. Eric Ripert's three-Michelin-star seafood temple delivers barely-touched crudo, pristine fish, and sauces that defy logic.
Must Order
- Lobster with cauliflower purée
- Barely cooked scallop
- Tuna tartare
Pro Tip: Book weeks in advance. The prix fixe lunch is a more accessible (and slightly more affordable) way to experience it.
Day 2
Global Flavors, Local Soul
Kopitiam
A cozy Malaysian café that transports you to Kuala Lumpur. Kyo Pang's nasi lemak and kaya toast are made with extraordinary care and authenticity.
Must Order
- Nasi lemak
- Kaya butter toast
- Teh tarik
Pro Tip: Cash only, small space — perfect for a solo morning meal or a duo.
Xi'an Famous Foods
From a Flushing basement to a citywide phenomenon. Hand-pulled biang biang noodles showered in chili oil and cumin — the spicy lamb noodles are one of NYC's most iconic dishes.
Must Order
- Spicy cumin lamb noodles
- Liang pi cold skin noodles
- Lamb burger
Pro Tip: Hit any location — they're consistently great. The Midtown spots are convenient between sightseeing.
Dhamaka
Chintan Pandya's fearless exploration of India's rustic, regional dishes. This isn't your typical tikka masala — expect bold, deeply spiced, and unapologetically authentic cooking.
Must Order
- Rajasthani goat rib rack
- Champaran meat
- Keema pao
Pro Tip: Reserve on Resy — this place books up fast. The cocktails are excellent too.
Day 3
Brooklyn to Manhattan Crawl
Di Fara Pizza
The most legendary pie in New York. Since 1965, every pizza has been made by hand with imported olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and hand-placed basil. Worth the trip to Midwood.
Must Order
- Square slice
- Regular round pie
Pro Tip: It's a trek — take the Q train to Avenue J. Arrive early, lines build fast. Cash preferred.
Peter Luger Steak House
The no-frills, old-school Williamsburg steakhouse that's been dry-aging and grilling porterhouses since 1887. A carnivore's cathedral.
Must Order
- Porterhouse for two
- German fried potatoes
- Creamed spinach
Pro Tip: Cash or Peter Luger debit card only — no credit cards. The lunch porterhouse is a great deal.
Crown Shy
End your NYC food trip at downtown's most stylish all-rounder. The stunning FiDi space matches the globally-inspired cooking — a perfect finale.
Must Order
- Duck breast
- Grilled prawns
- Chocolate soufflé
Pro Tip: Book on Resy. Sit at the bar if no tables are available — the bar program is outstanding.
Day 4
Village Vibes & Hidden Gems
Thai Diner
Thai comfort food meets retro diner charm. Ann Redding and Matt Danzer blend Thai flavors with American nostalgia — the khao soi and Thai French toast are iconic.
Must Order
- Khao soi
- Thai French toast
- Crispy rice salad
Pro Tip: Perfect brunch spot — weekday mornings are far less crowded than weekends.
Joe's Pizza
The quintessential New York slice. No fuss, no frills — just a perfectly foldable, beautifully charred slice that defines what New York pizza should be.
Must Order
- Plain cheese slice
- Fresh mozzarella slice
Pro Tip: Grab and go — eat it folded while walking down Carmine Street like a real New Yorker.
Via Carota
The West Village trattoria everyone wishes was their neighborhood spot. Jody Williams and Rita Sodi's no-reservation gem serves the platonic ideal of simple Italian cooking.
Must Order
- Carciofi fritti
- Tagliatelle al ragù
- Insalata verde
Pro Tip: No reservations — put your name in early and grab a drink at the bar. Worth every minute of the wait.
Day 5
The Grand Finale
Superiority Burger
Brooks Headley's tiny East Village counter proves a $7 veggie burger can be one of the best things you eat all year. Creative, soulful, and completely unique.
Must Order
- Superiority Burger
- Gelato
- Daily special side
Pro Tip: The sides change daily and are often the real stars — ask what's fresh.
Laser Wolf
Michael Solomonov's rooftop shipudiya serves al ha'esh skewers and an incredible salatim spread. The views of the Manhattan skyline don't hurt either.
Must Order
- Salatim spread
- Lamb skewers
- Pargiyot chicken
Pro Tip: Sit on the rooftop for sunset — it's one of the best dining views in Brooklyn.
Eleven Madison Park
Close out your NYC food trip at Daniel Humm's three-Michelin-star landmark. Now fully plant-based, it's a bold, beautiful statement on what fine dining can be.
Must Order
- Full tasting menu
Pro Tip: Book well in advance on Tock. This is a once-in-a-lifetime meal — savor every course.
By Budget
Splurge ($$$$)
- Le Bernardin
- Peter Luger Steak House
- Eleven Madison Park
Upscale ($$$)
- Crown Shy
- Via Carota
Moderate ($$)
- Russ & Daughters Cafe
- Dhamaka
- Thai Diner
- Laser Wolf
Budget ($)
- Katz's Delicatessen
- Kopitiam
- Xi'an Famous Foods
- Di Fara Pizza
- Joe's Pizza
- Superiority Burger
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