„In New York, you don’t go out to eat—you go out to discover the rest of the world on a plate.“; Food Guide
Let me tell you right now: This food guide was long overdue.
Because food in New York is honestly a whole different ballgame. Maybe even a personality in its own right. Between viral TikTok videos, overpriced hype spots, restaurants you suddenly find yourself visiting twice, and coffee that tastes either heavenly or completely random, the culinary scene truly had it all.
And because I promised you in my travel diary that food deserved its own post, here’s my very personal New York food guide – honest, unfiltered, and exactly as we experienced the places.
Not a typical restaurant guide. No „Top 10 Must-Visits“ that everyone’s already read a hundred times. Instead, my genuine food guide, including things I’d do again in a heartbeat – and things that were honestly rather overrated.
Rosetta Bakery
– The best breakfast in New York? Maybe
If I could only revisit one breakfast spot from this food guide, it would undoubtedly be Rosetta Bakery.
We went there several times – simply because it felt right from the very first moment. Beautifully decorated, cozy, delicious food, and just that feeling of: Okay, this day is off to a great start. And honestly? The best breakfast I’ve had in New York.
The selection was fantastic, everything was fresh, and most importantly: It was one of the few cafes where I thought I’d actually go back home regularly. Something I’ve noticed in New York in general: Many cafes rely heavily on hype or aesthetics. This one had both – but the food was also truly outstanding.
9/10.
And yes: I would go back in a heartbeat.
The Smith
– Parmesan Fries, Vodka Pasta & why we came back twice
When a food guide mentions a spot twice, there’s usually a good reason. We actually went to The Smith twice.
Once just for cocktails and fries – and once for a proper dinner. And let me tell you straight away: The Parmesan Fries? Absurdly good. Seriously absurd. I’m not exaggerating when I say they were the best fries of the entire trip. Crispy, cheesy, salty, perfect. Exactly the kind of food that makes you suddenly forget to share. On our second visit, I had the vodka pasta and my husband had the burger. The pasta was really good – creamy, comforting, exactly what you need after walking around New York for hours. My husband was also happy with the burger.
What unfortunately didn’t impress us: the cocktails.
But honestly? That was pretty much the case everywhere. We somehow got the feeling that cocktails in New York often taste a bit watered down. Not bad – but not wow either. Nevertheless, because of the food, atmosphere, and fries, this is definitely a spot I would recommend in this food guide.
7/10.
Blank Street Coffee
– Strawberry Matcha & main character energy
Blank Street Coffee was such a classic case of:
„Okay, let’s give this a try.“ And guys. That Strawberry Shortcake Matcha Latte? SO good. Yes, sweet. Very sweet. But in a good way. Not artificial, but kind of comforting.
Also, the cups are literally made for taking photos. I totally understand why this spot is so popular in New York. Everything feels clean, young, and kind of „cool girl in Manhattan.“ And sometimes that’s exactly what a good food guide should offer—not just the taste, but the whole experience.
7/10.
I’d have it again.
Liberty Bagel
– typically American & definitely not small portions
Liberty Bagel was recommended to me about a hundred times.
So, of course, we had to go. And yes – ambiance-wise, it’s not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing spot in New York. But that’s precisely what makes it almost typically American. They literally have rainbow bagels.
Yes. Rainbow. Crazy.
We ordered two classic bagels: one with fried chicken and one with beef. And I’ll be honest: My chicken bagel was definitely better. But guys – don’t underestimate these portions. These bagels are MASSIVE. Seriously. I didn’t even manage half and felt completely stuffed until evening. So, if you want to try this spot from my food guide: come hungry.
6/10.
Los Tacos No.1
– My fast food highlight in New York
Okay. Now we come to my absolute favorite fast-food spot. Los Tacos.
And yes – we’ve been there twice. That pretty much says it all, right? To be honest, we were skeptical at first. You know how it is: You see a thousand videos on Instagram and at some point you think, „Okay, can this really be THAT good?“ Spoiler alert: Yes. It can.
And I’d even say: Los Tacos was my fast-food highlight in this food guide.
Absolutely delicious. The prices are totally reasonable for New York. And that guacamole? I’m not exaggerating: The best guacamole of my life. Seriously. I’d go back just for that. 100% worth the hype.
10/10.
And probably my biggest surprise moment in this food guide.
Magnolia Bakery
– Carrie Bradshaw, sugar bombs & coffee from hell
Of course, we had to visit Magnolia Bakery. Just because of Sex and the City. No discussion.
I’d wanted to go there ever since I saw Carrie Bradshaw buying cake there. We ordered coffee and tried the famous Red Velvet Cheesecake. And let me tell you: Beautiful? Yes. Delicious? Also yes. But holy shit – sugar bomb. Seriously.
Afterwards, I briefly felt like my blood sugar had developed a personality of its own. And can we please talk about that coffee I swear to you It was made with lava. I can’t explain it any other way. Over an hour later, it was STILL hot. How?
Still: For the vibe in New York, definitely worth seeing.
5/10.
Balthazar
– My number 1 in New York
Now we come to my personal winner of this food guide. Balthazar.
And yes – it’s still number one. We didn’t get a table until 10 p.m., but honestly? With jet lag and the time difference, we lost track of time anyway. And the first thing that arrived? A bottle of San Pellegrino water. I don’t think I’ve ever drunk anything so quickly. Because, a little side note: Tap water is everywhere. And I’ll be honest: I didn’t take to it.
For dinner, I had steak tartare as a starter, and my husband had the onion soup. Both were really good. For my main course, I treated myself to a small steak with fries, and my husband had another burger. Comfort food at its best.
The cocktails? Unfortunately, rather mediocre again. But the food, the atmosphere, and that elegant, understated ambiance saved everything. It somehow felt like old New York. Stylish, but not trying too hard.
9/10.
Seven Street Burger
– simple, but good
Seven Street Burger was one of those classic „let’s grab something to go“ moments.
The concept is simple. Little choice. Really little. You basically only choose between two burgers. So we went for the cheeseburger. And honestly? It was good. Not life-changing. But good.
Afterwards, we sat down in a park and ate there—and it’s precisely these little moments that I love in New York almost more than fancy dinners. Just sitting. People-watching. Eating burgers. Taking a short break from the chaos. Definitely solid.
6/10
Bar Pitti
– unfortunately overrated
And now, unfortunately, we come to my disappointment in this food guide. Bar Pitti.
I really wanted to go there. Simply because of the vibe. Because it felt like every celebrity had been there at some point. Hailey Bieber. Justin Bieber. Everyone. And I thought to myself: Okay, I want to experience that. But honestly? Overrated. It’s more of an older Italian restaurant. The atmosphere was okay, but not wow.
The service was rather unfriendly. And then the little plot twist: Cash only. Yes. Cash only. In a city where almost everything else takes cards. The pasta was okay – but way too greasy. Not bad. But also nothing I’ll be thinking about today.
And if I’m supposed to be honest for a food guide: I wouldn’t go again.
4/10.
Sadelle’s
– Breakfast like in a New York movie
One morning we decided to go to Sadelle’s for breakfast – and I honestly completely understand why this restaurant is so hyped.
Even from the moment we walked in, it had that typical New York vibe. A little bit elegant. A little bit busy. And at the same time, really cozy. Precisely how you imagine breakfast in Manhattan. I had the egg sandwich and my husband had the omelet with mustard.
And I have to say: It was really, really good.
Not completely extraordinary or overly fancy – but exactly the kind of comforting breakfast that just fits. The atmosphere was especially special. Very cute, beautifully decorated, and somehow one of those places where you automatically want to linger. And even though we tried a lot of spots in New York, this was definitely one of those breakfasts that felt particularly „New York.“ Almost like a scene from a movie.
8/10.
Eating in New York
– Between food trucks & minor culture shocks
Otherwise, there are these typical food trucks on practically every corner. Like, everywhere. Hot dogs, tacos, pretzels – you probably know the images from movies. And even though this might be an unpopular opinion: we actually didn’t buy anything from them. Some of it might be really delicious, but somehow it just wasn’t our thing. Maybe it was because we wanted to try so many restaurants and cafes.
What is there, though, in abundance? Fast food spots.
And I mean literally one right next to the other. Sometimes I felt like you could walk for five minutes and pass twenty different burger, taco, or sandwich shops. Eating in New York is quick, easy, and often designed to be taken away and eaten on the go.
my summary
– would I eat exactly the same way again in New York?
And now, let’s be honest: What was the food in New York really like? Better than expected? More chaotic than I thought.
And definitely way more hyped. There were restaurants that completely surprised me—Los Tacos, Rosetta Bakery, or Balthazar, for example. And there were spots where I thought: Okay, Instagram exaggerated a bit. But that’s exactly what makes an honest food guide. Not everything is perfect. Not everything is overrated. And sometimes the best spot is simply the one you suddenly go to twice because you think: Okay, that was really good.
What struck me personally, taste-wise, was this: many dishes were surprisingly bland – or suddenly completely overpowering. There wasn’t much in between. At the same time, they seemed to have a particular fondness for two things: sweet and spicy. The vodka pasta suddenly had chili, even though you’d never expect it. Or bacon was simply soaked in maple syrup and was sweet. Really sweet. Sometimes it’s a combination you have to get used to. But it’s precisely these little differences that make traveling so exciting – because food tells you so much about a country.
Would I eat out in New York again? Absolutely. But this time probably with even more hidden gems, fewer hyped spots, and definitely Los Tacos again. The guacamole alone would be reason enough.
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