9 Must-Try Food Spots in New York City (From Pancakes to Legendary Cookies)

One of the best things about visiting New York City is the food.

From iconic pizza slices to thick, gooey cookies and classic American diners, the city is packed with legendary eateries that locals swear by and travellers queue hours to try.

During my trip to New York, my siblings and I made it our mission to sample as many famous food spots as possible. Some we planned carefully… others we stumbled upon while wandering through the city.

Here are some of the best places to eat in New York City that I either tried (and loved) or have firmly on my list for next time.

1. Pancakes the Size of Your Head at IHOP (Brooklyn)

http://www.ihop.com

My brother insisted that we try IHOP before leaving New York — and I’m so glad he did.

This iconic American breakfast chain is famous for its enormous pancake stacks, and the menu offers countless flavours including chocolate chip, strawberry banana, and even New York cheesecake pancakes.

I opted for the breakfast pancake dish topped with avocado, and it was every bit as indulgent as it looked.

If you’re craving a classic American breakfast in NYC, this is a great spot for generous portions at very reasonable prices.

Just make sure you arrive hungry — the portions are huge.

2. The Most Authentic New York Slice at Joe’s Pizza

If you’re looking for real New York pizza, look no further than Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village.

Founded by Joe Pozzuoli, who immigrated from Naples in the 1950s, this legendary pizzeria has been serving classic New York slices since 1975 — and remarkably, the recipe has barely changed.

The queue outside tells you everything you need to know. Locals, tourists, and even celebrities regularly line up for a slice.

Simple, authentic, and absolutely delicious — this is New York pizza exactly as it should be.

3. The Famous ShackBurger at Shake Shack

After what felt like hundreds of photos on Brooklyn Bridge, we stopped for dinner at Shake Shack.

I had heard so much about this cult-favourite burger chain that I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype.

When we arrived, the queue was already stretching outside the door — and this wasn’t even peak dinner time.

We ordered the famous ShackBurger (a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce) along with fries and lemonade.

The burger itself was smaller than I expected, but the flavour absolutely delivered. The beef tasted fresh, the fries were addictive, and the shakes were perfectly thick and creamy without being overwhelming.

We visited the Brooklyn branch, but many say the original location in Madison Square Park is the best.

If you’re searching for one of the best affordable burgers in NYC, this should definitely be on your list.

4. Levain Bakery’s Famous Gooey Cookies

I had been dreaming about visiting Levain Bakery long before my trip — and somehow they were even better than I imagined.

These cookies are legendary in New York for a reason. They’re thick, warm, slightly crisp on the outside, and unbelievably gooey in the middle.

The bakery itself is tucked away down a short flight of stairs, but the long queue outside makes it easy to spot.

In fact, on our final day in New York, my sister and I literally ran through heavy snow, waited in line again, and almost missed our flight just to grab a few more cookies to bring home for our parents.

Yes… they’re that good.

5. The Legendary Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3

Trying the famous frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 turned out to be more of a mission than expected.

The first time we attempted to visit, we were told the wait would be two to three hours — far longer than the quick movie-style visits I had imagined.

But this famous café, which opened in 1954, has hosted iconic guests including Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Their frozen hot chocolate has become one of the most famous desserts in New York.

If you manage to get a table, it’s definitely worth the wait.

6. Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery

No New York dessert list would be complete without Magnolia Bakery.

This famous bakery became even more popular after appearing in the TV show Sex and the City, and it’s known for its classic American cupcakes and banana pudding.

If you have a sweet tooth, it’s definitely worth stopping by.

7. Sarita’s Mac and Cheese

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to visit Sarita’s Mac & Cheese during our trip — but it’s high on my list for next time.

Also known as S’MAC, the restaurant specialises entirely in creative macaroni and cheese dishes created by Sarita Ekya and Caesar Ekya.

The menu includes around ten different signature mac & cheese combinations, as well as a build-your-own option.

If you’re a comfort-food lover, this place is supposed to be one of the best in NYC.

Food Spots Still on My NYC Bucket List

There are so many incredible food spots in New York that it’s impossible to try them all in one trip.

These two are high on my list for next time:

The Bagel Store – famous for its colourful rainbow bagels.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory – known for classic, small-batch ice cream with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.

Final Thoughts: Eating Your Way Through New York

New York is one of the best food cities in the world.

Whether you’re grabbing a slice of pizza at a neighbourhood pizzeria, biting into a juicy burger, or chasing down the city’s most famous cookies, every meal feels like part of the adventure.

And honestly? Half the fun is discovering places you didn’t plan to visit at all.

If you’re visiting New York soon, make sure to arrive hungry — because this city takes food very seriously.

wheremaywanders

March 16, 2026

North America