New York is a city that never sleeps, and never stops eating. The city offers an endless spread of culinary gems waiting to be discovered. In this luxury food guide, we’ve curated a list of must-visit spots for every meal of the day: the best breakfast places in New York, standout lunch spots, unforgettable dinner destinations, and cozy cafés and dessert havens that round out the perfect food day.
This isn’t just another roundup. It’s a handpicked collection based on real feedback from our community and our own first-hand experiences. Each place tested, tasted, and loved. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these recommendations will help you savor the very best that New York has to offer.
If you’d like to experience these culinary gems for yourself, let’s craft a personalized itinerary that includes stays at our trusted luxury hotels in NYC,seamless transportation, and of course, unforgettable dining experiences.
Best Breakfast Places in New York City
Golden Diner
Located in the Lower East Side, Golden Diner reimagines classic diner fare with a modern twist. Chef Sam Yoo, formerly of Momofuku Ko, infuses dishes with Asian-American influences, offering items like honey butter pancakes with berry compote and a sesame scallion burger with mushroom gochujang sauce. This spot is a must-visit for those seeking a unique take on traditional breakfast in Manhattan.
Sadelle’s
Situated in SoHo, Sadelle’s is renowned for its luxurious brunch offerings. Signature dishes include the celebrated bagel towers accompanied by the finest smoked fish, and an unforgettable French Toast. The elegant ambiance and high-quality menu make it a top choice for a breakfast guide in NYC.
Banter
Banter, with locations in Greenwich Village and Williamsburg, offers a modern Australian café experience. Popular dishes include the Golden Folded Eggs and the Mushroom Wrap, catering to both health-conscious diners and those seeking hearty meals. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals.
Located in the East Village, Tompkins Square Bagels is a go-to for authentic New York bagels. With a variety of unique cream cheese flavors and hearty breakfast sandwiches like the "Murray the Cop" and "The Koch," it's a staple for both locals and visitors seeking the essential NYC bagel experience.
Clinton Street Baking Company
This Lower East Side gem is famed for its pancakes and Southern-inspired breakfast dishes. Highlights include the Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich and the Southern Breakfast with sugar-cured bacon and cheese grits. Its cozy setting and delectable offerings make it a standout among NYC breakfast spots.
Sarabeth’s
A beloved institution with multiple locations, Sarabeth’s offers a refined brunch experience. Menu favorites include the Spinach & Goat Cheese Omelette and the Classic Ham Benedict. Its elegant ambiance and consistent quality make it one of the top Manhattan breakfast recommendations.
Sant Ambroeus
Originating from Milan, Sant Ambroeus brings Italian elegance to its Upper East Side location. Known for its exquisite pastries and espresso, it's a perfect spot for a sophisticated breakfast or brunch. The café's ambiance and quality offerings align well with a luxury food guide.
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure
With a focus on wholesome ingredients, Breakfast by Salt’s Cure in the West Village is known for its signature oatmeal griddle cakes, available in flavors like Pink Lady Apple and Banana Nut. Its commitment to quality and flavor makes it a noteworthy addition to Brooklyn brunch places.
JoJo by Jean-Georges
Located in the Upper East Side, JoJo offers an upscale brunch experience. The menu features dishes like Eggs Benedict with crispy potatoes and Buttermilk Pancakes with mixed berries. Its elegant setting and refined cuisine make it a prime choice for those seeking the best brunch in New York.
Best Coffee & Dessert Spots in New York City
Ralph’s Coffee
Nestled within Ralph Lauren’s Madison Avenue flagship, Ralph’s Coffee offers a refined café experience in New York. The menu features classic espresso drinks and signature blends, complemented by a selection of pastries. Its elegant setting makes it a notable spot among the best coffee spots in NYC.
Devoción Coffee
Devoción stands out for its commitment to freshness, sourcing beans directly from Colombian farms and roasting them in Brooklyn. The Williamsburg location boasts a lush interior garden, providing a serene atmosphere to enjoy their vibrant brews. It's a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts seeking quality and ambiance.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Home of the original Cronut®, Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo continues to innovate with creations like the DKA (Dominique’s Kouign Amann) and Frozen S’mores. The bakery's inventive pastries solidify its reputation among NYC's best dessert destinations.
Famed for its hefty 6-ounce chocolate chip walnut cookies, Levain Bakery has become a New York institution. Beyond their signature cookies, offerings include blueberry muffins and sour cream coffee cake slices. It's a top contender for the best dessert in New York.
Glace
Located in the East Village, Glace is renowned for its rich hot chocolate topped with a torched marshmallow rim. Seasonal variations keep the menu exciting, making it a cozy spot for dessert enthusiasts.
L’appartement 4F
This charming bakery in Brooklyn offers a French-inspired selection of pastries and breads. Known for their buttery croissants and unique creations, it's a delightful addition to Brooklyn's bakery scene.
Maman
With its rustic French décor, Maman provides a cozy setting to enjoy their famous nutty chocolate chip cookies, which gained national acclaim after being featured on Oprah’s "Favorite Things" list. Their menu also includes a variety of baked goods and coffee options, making it a must-visit location among NYC coffee spots.
Salswee
Salswee is a pâtisserie that brings a delicate blend of tradition and whimsy to the New York dessert scene. Known for its artfully crafted pastries, airy choux, and seasonal tarts, Salswee draws inspiration from classic French techniques with playful, modern twists. Each creation is a small masterpiece—elegant, balanced, and made to be savored.
Lady M
Lady M is celebrated for its Mille Crêpes Cakes, consisting of 20 delicate layers of handmade crêpes and light pastry cream. The boutique's elegant offerings have earned it a spot among the best dessert destinations in New York.
Anita La Mamma del Gelato
Anita Gelato brings rich and creamy gelato selections to the NYC. Offering a wide array of flavors, it's a delightful stop for those seeking the best dessert in New York.
Best Lunch Places in New York City
Emily
Emily, located in the West Village, is renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and the iconic Emmy Burger. The burger, featuring dry-aged beef, caramelized onions, and a pretzel bun, has earned acclaim as one of the best burgers in New York. Their inventive pizza offerings, like the Colony with pepperoni and honey, further solidify their status in the city's dining scene.
Au Cheval
Au Cheval in Tribeca offers elevated diner fare in a chic setting. Their signature cheeseburger, featuring two patties, American cheese, and dijonnaise, is often cited among the best burgers in New York. Other menu highlights include General Jane’s Honey-Fried Chicken and roasted marrow bones, making it a must-visit for those seeking fine dining in NYC with a casual twist.
Carbone
Carbone, located in Greenwich Village, is a celebrated Italian-American restaurant known for its upscale take on classic dishes. Signature items include the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Veal Parmesan. Its retro ambiance and impeccable service make it a standout among top restaurants in New York.
Raku, with locations in SoHo, Midtown, and the East Village, specializes in authentic Japanese udon noodles. Their menu features a variety of hot and cold udon dishes, including the Niku Udon with thinly sliced beef and the Kake Udon in a delicate broth. The minimalist setting and focus on quality make it a top choice among New York gourmet restaurants.
Los Tacos No. 1
Situated in Chelsea Market, Los Tacos No. 1 brings authentic Mexican street food to NYC. Their menu features tacos with fillings like carne asada, pollo asado, and adobada, all served on freshly made tortillas. The vibrant flavors and quick service make it a popular lunch destination.
Katz’s Delicatessen
An iconic establishment on the Lower East Side, Katz’s Delicatessen has been serving classic Jewish deli fare since 1888. Their pastrami sandwich, piled high on rye bread, is legendary. Other favorites include the Reuben and matzo ball soup, solidifying its place among New York gourmet restaurants.
L’Avenue at Saks
Located within Saks Fifth Avenue, L’Avenue offers a luxurious dining experience with a menu blending French and Asian influences. Dishes like the spicy lobster pasta and miso-glazed salmon showcase their innovative approach. The elegant setting and refined cuisine make it a prime spot for fine dining in NYC.
Avra Madison
Avra Madison, situated near Central Park, specializes in Mediterranean seafood. Menu highlights include charcoal-grilled branzino and Faroe Islands salmon. The airy, elegant atmosphere complements its fresh, flavorful dishes, making it a top restaurant in New York for seafood lovers.
La Mercerie
La Mercerie, located in SoHo, offers a French-inspired menu in a stylish setting. Lunch options include fluke crudo with olive oil and lemon, and New Caledonia shrimp with grapefruit and avocado. The combination of exquisite cuisine and chic ambiance places it among New York gourmet restaurants.
ilili NYC
ilili, in the Flatiron District, presents modern Lebanese cuisine with a creative flair. Lunch offerings feature dishes like the lamb burger with cucumber labne and harissa toum, and the chicken taouk duo with sumac. Its sophisticated setting and flavorful menu make it a standout for fine dining in NYC.
Best Dinner Places in New York City
Rao's
Located in East Harlem, Rao's is one of New York's most exclusive Italian restaurants, known for its intimate setting and traditional dishes. Menu highlights include the Shrimp Parm and Rigatoni Bolognese, offering a taste of classic Italian-American cuisine.
Torrisi
Located in Nolita, Torrisi offers a refined à la carte menu that reflects a singular approach to Italian cuisine. The restaurant combines the highest levels of execution and the most spectacular ingredients with inspired creativity and a deep respect for New York City’s culinary history.
Masa NYC
Located in the Time Warner Center, Masa is renowned for its exquisite Japanese cuisine. Chef Masayoshi Takayama's appreciation for food started at a young age, growing up working for his family’s fish market in Japan. The restaurant offers an omakase experience that highlights the inherent flavor of each ingredient, served on dishware specifically designed by Masa for each preparation.
Tao
With locations in Uptown and Downtown Manhattan, Tao offers a vibrant dining experience with a menu that blends Asian-inspired flavors. Signature dishes include the Satay of Chilean Sea Bass and Crispy A5 Wagyu Truffle Pancake, providing a fusion of taste and presentation.
Nestled in the West Village, 4 Charles Prime Rib is a classic American steakhouse known for its intimate setting. Menu highlights include the Double Wagyu Cheeseburger, Prime Rib French Dip, and Bone-In Filet Mignon, offering a hearty and indulgent dining experience.
Eleven Madison Park
Located in the Flatiron District, Eleven Madison Park offers a purely vegan fine-dining experience. The restaurant's seasonal menu showcases sophisticated cooking with in-season vegetables and fruits, leading to a consistently delicious series of flavorful dishes.
Cote
Situated in the Flatiron District, Cote is a Korean steakhouse that combines the conviviality of Korean BBQ with the quality of a classic American steakhouse. The Butcher's Feast includes four selected cuts of USDA Prime and American Wagyu beef, accompanied by Korean sides like pickled seasonal vegetables and savory egg soufflé.
Monkey Bar
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Monkey Bar is a historic establishment that has been revitalized with a modern touch. The menu features items like Truffle Monkey Bread and Slow Roasted Wagyu Meatballs, offering a blend of classic and contemporary flavors in a stylish setting.
Daniel
Situated on the Upper East Side, Daniel is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a sophisticated dining experience. The prix-fixe menu includes dishes like Upstate New York Foie Gras Terrine and Yellowfin Tuna, showcasing Chef Daniel Boulud's commitment to culinary excellence.
The Polo Bar
Situated in Midtown Manhattan, The Polo Bar by Ralph Lauren exudes classic American elegance. The dinner menu features dishes like the New York Strip Steak and Bone-In Rib Eye, both USDA Prime Angus cuts, offering a quintessential steakhouse experience.
---
Whether you’re craving an iconic bagel breakfast, a luxurious lunch, or an unforgettable fine dining experience, New York City’s culinary scene is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. We’ve handpicked these spots not just for their menus, but for the stories, flavors, and moments they create.
As your dedicated travel concierge, we’re here to make your experience in New York seamless. From securing reservations at hard-to-book hotspots to curating personalized food itineraries, let us handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the best of New York’s food scene, bite by bite.
