New York skyline and cityscape - Popular travel destination in United States, North America
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North America

New York

United States

Safety Score

7/10

Currency

USD

Language

English

Timezone

America/New_York

About New York

New York, often dubbed "The Big Apple", is an exhilarating blend of iconic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and vibrant culture. This bustling metropolis is a global hub for fashion, arts, finance, and entertainment, offering an endless array of attractions that cater to all types of travelers.

Statue of LibertyTimes SquareCentral ParkBroadway TheatreEmpire State Building

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit New York is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November). During these periods, the weather is the most favorable and the city is filled with various festivals and events.

Weather Throughout the Year
Jan-1°54mm
Feb3°80mm
Mar9°88mm
Apr14°79mm
May20°82mm
Jun24°97mm
Jul23°91mm
Aug19°87mm
Sep13°81mm
Oct8°79mm
Nov2°78mm
Dec20°50mm

Best Restaurants in New York, United States

Where to Eat in New York - Dining Guide

Seafood/French

Le Bernardin

$$$$
4.9
155 W 51st St
Midtown West

Thinly Pounded Tuna

Voted #1 in the world for 2026. Eric Ripert’s temple of seafood remains the gold standard of elegance.

Pros
  • +Flawless execution
  • +Legendary service
  • +Iconic status
Cons
  • -Extremely hard to book
  • -Strict dress code
Modern Korean

Atomix

$$$$
4.9
104 E 30th St
NoMad

Wagyu with Fermented Veg

A 2-star (aiming for 3) immersive counter experience. Each dish comes with a card explaining the culture.

Pros
  • +Educational & delicious
  • +Intimate
  • +Highly artistic
Cons
  • -Reservations sell out in seconds
Afro-Caribbean

Tatiana

$$$
4.8
10 Lincoln Center Pl
Lincoln Center

Egusi Dumplings

Kwame Onwuachi’s masterpiece. A loud, high-energy celebration of NYC's Bronx and Caribbean roots.

Pros
  • +Electric atmosphere
  • +Bold flavors
  • +Cultural icon
Cons
  • -Impossible reservation
  • -Loud music
Plant-Based

Eleven Madison Park

$$$$
4.7
11 Madison Ave
Flatiron

Roasted Maitake Mushroom

The 3-star pioneer of fine-dining veganism. Grand, soaring ceilings and minimalist, high-concept plates.

Pros
  • +Magnificent room
  • +Innovative plant use
  • +Elite service
Cons
  • -Polarizing for meat-lovers
  • -Very expensive
French-American

Per Se

$$$$
4.8
10 Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle

"Oysters and Pearls"

Thomas Keller’s NYC flagship. A masterclass in classic luxury with stunning views of Central Park.

Pros
  • +Consistent perfection
  • +Best park views
  • +Extensive wine list
Cons
  • -Stiff formality
  • -Highest price point in NYC
Modern Indian

Bungalow

$$
4.7
210 1st Ave
East Village

Chicken Chizgul

Chef Vikas Khanna's love letter to Indian heritage. The most sought-after Indian table in the city in 2026.

Pros
  • +Beautiful decor
  • +Soulful cooking
  • +Good value
Cons
  • -Extremely high demand
Italian-American

Torrisi

$$$
4.7
275 Mulberry St
Nolita

Tortellini Pomodoro

A glitzy, high-powered tribute to Italian-NYC food. It feels like a 1950s movie set in the best way.

Pros
  • +Excellent pasta
  • +High energy
  • +Great cocktails
Cons
  • -Waitlist is brutal
  • -Tight seating
South Indian

Semma

$$
4.7
60 Greenwich Ave
West Village

Kanyakumari Meen Kari

1-star Michelin focusing on the fiery, rural flavors of Southern India. Unapologetic and spicy.

Pros
  • +Unique regional focus
  • +Vibrant flavors
  • +Cool vibe
Cons
  • -Very spicy for some
  • -Hard to book
Contemporary American

The Modern

$$$$
4.7
9 W 53rd St
Midtown (MoMA)

Eggs on Eggs on Eggs

Set inside the MoMA. Sleek, 2-star dining with views of the sculpture garden. High-art on a plate.

Pros
  • +Sophisticated setting
  • +Great lunch
  • +Refined
Cons
  • -Lacks "warmth" for some
Steakhouse

4 Charles Prime Rib

$$$
4.8
4 Charles St
West Village

English Cut Prime Rib

A tiny, wood-paneled speakeasy of a steakhouse. The most difficult reservation in Manhattan.

Pros
  • +Best burger/rib in NYC
  • +Intimate
  • +Moody vibe
Cons
  • -Reservation "lottery"
  • -Small space
Korean Steakhouse

Cote

$$$
4.6
16 W 22nd St
Flatiron

The Butcher’s Feast

Fun, high-energy Korean BBQ meets NYC steakhouse. 1-star Michelin with a "clubby" basement vibe.

Pros
  • +Interactive dining
  • +Great value feast
  • +Deep wine list
Cons
  • -Very loud
  • -Can feel rushed
French Bistro

Raoul’s

$$$
4.6
180 Prince St
Soho

Steak Au Poivre

The ultimate Soho classic. Art-filled, cramped, and serves the best steak au poivre in the city.

Pros
  • +Authentic Soho cool
  • +Late night
  • +Legendary bar
Cons
  • -Noisy
  • -Must book weeks out
Steakhouse

Keens Steakhouse

$$$
4.7
72 W 36th St
Herald Square

Mutton Chop

A museum of NYC history with 50,000 clay pipes on the ceiling. Home of the legendary giant mutton chop.

Pros
  • +Historic atmosphere
  • +Best mutton
  • +Professional
Cons
  • -Old-fashioned (pro/con)
New American

Gramercy Tavern

$$$
4.6
42 E 20th St
Flatiron

Smoked Pork Belly

Danny Meyer’s classic. Warm, wood-fired, and the epitome of "New York hospitality."

Pros
  • +Incredibly welcoming
  • +Great tavern menu
  • +Classic
Cons
  • -Formal dining room is pricey
Regional Indian

Dhamaka

$$
4.5
88 Essex St
Lower East Side

Goat Kidney/Kapoor

"The Other Side of India." Focuses on provincial, often gritty, high-flavor street dishes.

Pros
  • +Bold, unique menu
  • +Inside Essex Market
  • +Fun
Cons
  • -Not for the faint of heart
Pizza

Lucali

$$
4.8
575 Henry St
Carroll Gardens

Plain Pie with Basil

Frequently cited as the best pizza in America. No phone, no reservations, BYOB, candlelit magic.

Pros
  • +Atmosphere is unbeatable
  • +Best crust
  • +BYOB
Cons
  • -3-hour wait on the sidewalk
Italian

Don Angie

$$$
4.7
103 Greenwich Ave
West Village

Pinwheel Lasagna

Modern, stylish Italian with 1-star Michelin credentials. Home of the famous rolled lasagna.

Pros
  • +Creative twists
  • +Instagrammable dishes
  • +Trendy
Cons
  • -Hardest pasta rez in NYC
Jewish Deli

Katz's Delicatessen

$$
4.6
205 E Houston St
Lower East Side

Pastrami on Rye

The most famous deli on Earth. Hand-carved pastrami that defines the New York experience.

Pros
  • +Iconic heritage
  • +Massive portions
  • +Late night
Cons
  • -Chaotic
  • -Cash only (mostly)
Modern Mexican

Cosme

$$$
4.6
35 E 21st St
Flatiron

Duck Carnitas

Sophisticated Mexican dining. The duck carnitas for two is one of the city's essential dishes.

Pros
  • +Chic design
  • +World-class tortillas
  • +Great bar
Cons
  • -Small portions for the price
French Brasserie

Balthazar

$$$
4.5
80 Spring St
Soho

Steak Frites

Keith McNally’s grand brasserie. It feels more like Paris than Paris does. Incredible for breakfast or late dinner.

Pros
  • +Amazing energy
  • +Top-tier bread
  • +Iconic room
Cons
  • -Very touristy
  • -Tables are touching
Afro-Caribbean

Tatiana (At Lincoln Ctr)

$$$
4.8
10 Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center

Braised Oxtail

(Re-entry due to 2026 dominance) Kwame Onwuachi’s vision of New York on a plate.

Pros
  • +Electric
  • +Cultural milestone
Cons
  • -Hardest rez of 2026
Seafood/Italian

Marea

$$$
4.5
240 Central Park S
Central Park South

Fusilli with Octopus

High-end coastal Italian. The "Bone Marrow & Octopus" fusilli is a legendary NYC dish.

Pros
  • +Sophisticated
  • +Great for business
  • +Central
Cons
  • -Can be corporate/stiff
Italian (Emilia-Romagna)

Rezdôra

$$$
4.7
27 E 20th St
Flatiron

"Grandma Walking in Forest"

A tribute to the pasta of Modena. 1-star Michelin, rustic, and incredibly focused on regionality.

Pros
  • +World-class pasta
  • +Intimate feel
  • +Excellent wine
Cons
  • -Very small tables
Modern American

Manhatta

$$$
4.6
28 Liberty St, 60th Fl
Financial District

Chef's Tasting Menu

Perched on the 60th floor. Incredible 360-degree views of the harbor and skyline with a great bar.

Pros
  • +Best views in NYC
  • +Great cocktails
  • +Sleek
Cons
  • -Expensive
  • -Security check-in
Jewish Soul Food

Russ & Daughters Cafe

$$
4.6
127 Orchard St
Lower East Side

The Lower East Side Platter

The seated version of the 100-year-old lox institution. Traditional Jewish comfort food in a chic cafe.

Pros
  • +Historic
  • +Incredible smoked fish
  • +Best brunch
Cons
  • -Huge waits on weekends

Best Restaurants in New York - Where to Eat Guide

Discover the best restaurants in New York with our guide to the top 25 dining spots in New York, United States. Whether you're after authentic local cuisine, international flavours, street food, or fine dining, New York's food scene caters to every palate and budget.

Top-rated restaurants in New York include Le Bernardin, Atomix, Tatiana, each known for standout dishes and memorable dining experiences that capture the flavours of United States.

The best restaurants in New York span everything from neighbourhood eateries and rooftop bars to upscale tasting menus. Eating well in New York is part of the experience — take your time exploring different areas and cuisine styles rather than sticking to tourist hotspots.

Use our New York restaurant guide below to filter by cuisine type, price range, and location. Whether you're searching for the best United States food or international options, you'll find the right place to eat in New York for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions about New York

What food is New York famous for?

New York is known for its unique culinary scene. Explore local specialties and regional dishes at our recommended restaurants above. From street food to fine dining, there's something for every taste.

Do I need reservations at restaurants in New York?

For popular restaurants, especially for dinner, reservations are recommended. Many restaurants now accept online bookings. Casual spots and lunch service typically don't require reservations.

What is the average meal cost in New York?

Meal costs vary widely in New York. Budget options range from affordable street food to mid-range restaurants. Check our restaurant recommendations for options at different price points.

Explore More of New York

About New York, United States

New York is one of United States's most visited destinations, celebrated for Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, Broadway Theatre. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in North America can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, New York has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.

Our free New York guide covers 17 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal New York's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.

The food scene in New York is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 25 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic United States cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in New York doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how New York's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.

Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a New York visit. Our guide includes 25 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of New York that fits your pace.

A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is English; the currency is USD; the best time to visit is The best time to visit New York is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November). During these periods, the weather is the most favorable and the city is filled with various festivals and events.. Getting around New York is generally straightforward — most cities in United States offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated New York travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.

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