There is only one way to experience the diverse boroughs of New York City and that is by sourcing out quality food that represents the incredible variety this metropolis has to offer.
Not every meal on a holiday needs to be expensive to give you a true taste of the culture. Furthermore, if you’re spending your hard-earned money on food, you want to ensure that every bite is worth the price.
So, whether you’re looking to check out the local favourites or eat as the high-flyers of the Upper East Side do, we have you covered. Here are our favourite food spots in New York City you’ll want to add to your hitlist.


01
Compton’s, Queens
$
When visiting the USA we often expect bigger and better, and boy are the sandwiches at Compton’s loaded.
It first opened its doors in Long Island in 2018. Since then, Compton’s has grown to become an incredibly popular neighbourhood spot. Its slogan “Everybody eats” rings true — especially when you see its broad menu with price points for everyone and every time of the day.
If we could recommend one sandwich to track down during your time in NYC it is the Cali BLT.


02
Arepa Lady, Jackson Heights
$
Eating where the locals eat often reveals a rich history and the story behind this hidden Colombian hot spot is as close to the “American Dream” as they come.
In 1980, due to political unrest, María Cano left her life as a lawyer, judge, and university founder in La Estrella Colombia. The young mother moved her children to Queens, New York City.
With no way of continuing her work, in 1990, María began selling traditional South American cornmeal cakes from a food cart. A complete hit with the locals and Colombian community, the Arepa Lady food cart won the final Vendy Cup in 2019, an annual street vendor competition in New York City.
Growing beyond the cart, these delicious savoury treats are now available in the bricks-and-mortar Arepa Lady shopfront in Jackson Heights.


03
Fuska House, Jackson Heights
$
While you may have preconceived ideas of the food carts, there is a good reason all the movies depict New Yorkers grabbing a bite from these roadside mainstays.
Food carts are the answer to different communities accessing culturally diverse foods in their neighbourhoods. Turns out the rules and regulations surrounding these businesses are almost stricter than a traditional restaurant. Vendors are required to clean their carts at least once per day. And if you check out their carts, there will be a sanitation letter grading the cart for authorities and customers.
For those looking to eat on a smaller budget without missing out on some adventure, we recommend giving Bangladeshi street food a go.
Fuchka is a traditional Bengali street snack made of a fried shell filled with potato, onion, chickpeas and traditional spices. It is often served with tamarind water to add before eating and topped with shaved egg. If you’re still hungry, try the mango chaat. This is a refreshing treat made of ripe diced mango covered in a savoury spice blend.
While there are many popular Bangladeshi vendors in the city, Fuska House in Jackson Heights is our top choice.


04
Curley’s Bagels, Sunnyside
$$
What screams New York City more than a bagel? Nothing. If this is a bucket list food item for you, Curley’s Bagels is the only place you need to go.
Curley’s Bagels are made from sourdough so while they have that distinct bagel chew factor and flavour, they are also potentially good for your gut.
As soon as you enter the store, you can hear the thick Queens accent of Founder Mark Curley. While he’s working hard behind the counter ensuring quality food and customer service, he still has all the time in the world for a genuine conversation with patrons. Including answering all questions about the borough’s newest breakfast hot spot.
Whether you like your bagels loaded with fresh salmon and cream cheese or prefer a sausage, egg and cheese situation, there is something for every bagel fanatic here. And if you’re a coffee snob looking for a quality cup outside of Australia, we highly recommend the cold brew.


05
Eight Jane, Flushing
$
If you’re heading to Flushing, Eight Jane is one of those establishments that any local will recommend without hesitation.
Nestled in the back streets of the fastest-growing Chinese enclave in the USA, this female-owned small business is the perfect place to grab a delicious meal or light snack.
Known for its savoury jianbing guozi (Chinese pancake), this traditional crepe is sure to delight your tastebuds. Cooked on large hotplates, the simple flavours of egg and scallion with the addition of a fried flat biscuit is a flavour combo we highly recommend.


06
The Lemon Ice King of Corona, Corona
$
Stay with us this isn’t your average shaved ice. If sorbet and a slushy had a baby it would be Italian ice! If you’re planning on visiting New York City in the warmer months, this is the perfect way to beat the concrete jungle heat.
The Lemon Ice King of Corona has been delighting customers with its traditional Italian ice since 1964. Made with ice, real fruit and other natural flavourings, there is nothing better than cooling down with a scoop of this delicious treat.
From lemon to piña colada, the extensive list of flavours will have everyone in the family ready for another few hours pounding the pavement.


07
Casa Enrique, Long Island City
$$
After opening its doors in 2012, it only took two years for Casa Enrique to be awarded its first Michelin star. Since then, this elevated traditional Mexican restaurant has been awarded another six Michelin stars.
Founded by Chef Cosme Aguilar, the menu is heavily inspired by the foods of his childhood in Chiapas, Mexico. And while Casa Enrique boasts the reputation of one of New York’s best restaurants, the pricing remains accessible to all budgets.
We highly recommend booking if you plan on visiting Casa Enrique to avoid disappointment. And to walk away with an even bigger smile, don’t skip the Ceviche de Pescado, a lime-marinated fish paired with onion, avocado, tomato and chile serrano. Follow this with the Carne Asada, a Ranch Skirt tequila-marinated steak served with roasted poblanos and beans.
Don’t forget to pair your meal with a classic Casa Enrique Margarita Rocks — you’ll thank us later!


08
Katz’s Delicatessen
$$$
Now this one may be already on your radar, but of course, we had to include the famous Katz’s Delicatessen from that iconic When Harry Met Sally scene.
Opening its doors in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is New York City’s oldest deli. It has seen its fair share of shopfront facades, historical moments, and famous faces.
While it’s definitely on the pricier side, it’s a foodie experience worth paying for. As soon as you enter the premises you receive a ticket, after which you line up in front of any of the half-dozen cutters who are busily preparing freshly made sandwiches and platters. The chefs use only the best cuts of beef cured by employing a slower method that can take up to 30 days.
Once you’ve managed to collect your meal, it’s every man for themselves as you scour the room for a spare seat amongst the thousands of national and international visitors. You will soon realise a seat is a seat, and to fully immerse yourself in the experience of the city’s infamous delicatessens, you may have to share with your travel buddy to enjoy your pastrami on rye.
A hot tip from The Weekly, don’t throw away your ticket even if you haven’t made a purchase. Without it, there may be a hefty fee associated with exiting the busy store.


09
Victor’s Café, New York
$$$
Like many who visit New York City, a show on Broadway is always a good addition to the itinerary. And there is only one place you should be getting a pre-show bite.
Victor’s Café is an elevated old-school Cuban restaurant serving delicious authentic food and a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere to match. Like many success stories on the New York scene, this culinary delight was founded in 1963 by two Cuban immigrants. Today it is made up of the vision and hard work of three generations.
From cocktails infused with top-shelf Cuban rum to Victor’s house speciality Ropa Vieja, this extensive menu (paired with traditional live music) is sure to set the right tone for an evening out in Manhattan.
10
Bemelmans Bar, Upper East Side
$$$$
Be transported back to a time of classic martinis and the hum of live jazz at Bemelmans Bar.
Nestled in the back of The Carlyle in New York’s Upper East Side, this low-lit bar is one to hit if you don’t mind paying for the atmosphere.
The walls are decorated with quirky childlike murals by Ludwig Bemelmans. The seats are lined with socialites, politicians, and financiers looking for an elite venue to conduct after-hours negotiations and separate themselves from the everyday New Yorker.
Just remember if you’re heading to Bemelmans Bar for the live music, a per-person coverage charge will be added to your table.
The Weekly travelled as an invited guest of New York City Tourism.