New York’s dining culture is shaped by an extraordinary blend of heritage, innovation, and international flavors. Beyond the fleeting appeal of new restaurants, certain establishments have achieved landmark status due to their culinary significance, longstanding traditions, or cultural importance. These venues are woven into the city’s fabric, offering more than just meals, they provide insight into New York’s diverse identity and rich history.
In this guide, ten restaurants stand out for their contribution to the city’s gastronomic landscape. Each entry explores the story behind the venue, its notable characteristics, and what today’s visitors can expect. Travelers seeking to experience New York’s legacy through food will find each destination offers a distinctive perspective on the city’s ongoing culinary narrative.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen
When a restaurant’s name becomes synonymous with New York’s food scene, it’s clear it holds a special place in the city’s heart. Katz’s Delicatessen, established in 1888, is more than a sandwich shop, it’s a culinary icon recognized for its hand-carved pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, sliced to order in front of eager customers.
Its counter-service, lively atmosphere, and unassuming decor create a sense of nostalgia, attracting locals and travelers alike. Numerous films and books have captured its unique spirit, highlighting its continued presence in popular culture.
Today, visitors can expect a menu rooted in tradition. The deli’s longevity is supported by its commitment to quality and its role as a gathering place on the Lower East Side. Whether for a quick lunch or a slice of history, Katz’s remains a must-visit for those seeking both flavor and legacy.
2. Peter Luger Steak House
Stepping into Peter Luger Steak House, one is greeted by an air of straightforward tradition. Since 1887, this Brooklyn fixture has focused on dry-aged steaks prepared using time-honored methods passed down through generations.
The restaurant’s unembellished approach to both decor and service sets the stage for its celebrated porterhouse steak, which is often served family-style. Diners will find the menu concise, centering attention on the quality and preparation of the meat.
Peter Luger’s signature hospitality may be brisk, but it remains consistent with the establishment’s old-school chophouse roots. Reservation books fill quickly, a testament to the enduring demand. Those who appreciate robust flavors and a no-nonsense dining experience will find Peter Luger a worthy destination, grounded in over a century of steakhouse tradition.
3. Russ & Daughters
Russ & Daughters represents a cherished thread in New York’s Jewish culinary tapestry. Since 1914, this family-run appetizing shop has specialized in smoked fish, bagels, and a range of traditional delicacies.
Its original Houston Street storefront brims with history, yet Russ & Daughters has adapted with satellite cafes and restaurants across the city. Customers return for expertly sliced lox, creamy whitefish salad, and the convivial exchange between staff and patrons.
The shop is one of the few remaining appetizing stores, a distinction that links it to prewar New York. Russ & Daughters has cultivated a loyal following, balancing preservation with accessible innovation. For those interested in time-honored recipes and an authentic slice of city life, it remains a vital stop.
4. Lombardi’s Pizza
Lombardi’s Pizza claims its place in history as the country’s first licensed pizzeria, opening its doors in 1905. The aroma of coal-fired pies continues to draw visitors to its Little Italy location, where tradition is as much a part of the experience as the food.
The menu highlights classic New York-style pizza, featuring crisp, slightly charred crusts, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. The pizzeria’s unpretentious setting, adorned with vintage photos, contributes to a sense of authenticity.
Despite the rise of countless pizza spots across the city, Lombardi’s stays rooted in its origins. Generations of pizza lovers have gathered here, making it a pilgrimage site for those seeking to taste the roots of New York’s pizza culture.
5. Sylvia’s Restaurant
In Harlem, Sylvia’s Restaurant is more than a place to eat, it’s an enduring symbol of community and cultural expression. Founded in 1962 by Sylvia Woods, known as the “Queen of Soul Food,” this restaurant has welcomed neighbors and celebrities alike.
Signature dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread are prepared using family recipes, while live music events evoke the neighborhood’s artistic flair. The warm, inviting atmosphere is punctuated by memorabilia celebrating decades of local history.
Sylvia’s also serves as a venue for gatherings, offering more than sustenance. Its reputation extends beyond food, reflecting the restaurant’s role in Harlem’s social and musical life. Generations have come to savor flavors and stories, making Sylvia’s an essential stop for authentic soul food and Harlem heritage.
6. Junior’s Restaurant
Junior’s Restaurant in Brooklyn is closely associated with New York, style cheesecake, a dessert that’s become a city hallmark. Since 1950, its neon-lit exterior and welcoming booths have drawn crowds for both sweets and hearty diner fare.
Beyond cheesecake, the extensive menu includes comfort classics like matzo ball soup and deli sandwiches, served in a lively, retro-inspired setting. Staff often greet regulars by name, underscoring the restaurant’s longstanding role in the community.
The bakery’s showcase of cheesecakes, from plain to fruit-topped, remains a centerpiece. Visitors often take slices to go, eager to share a taste of Brooklyn with friends and family. Junior’s stands as a testament to the city’s enduring love of tradition, hospitality, and iconic desserts.
7. Keens Steakhouse
Steeped in the city’s past, Keens Steakhouse has served Manhattan since 1885. The restaurant’s most distinctive feature is its collection of over 50,000 clay smoking pipes once reserved for patrons, each carrying a story from another era.
The wood-paneled dining rooms and period decor create an atmosphere that feels unchanged by time. Traditional steakhouse offerings like mutton chop and prime rib are presented with a sense of ceremony.
Keens is also a hidden trove of New York lore: literary figures and theater legends have dined within its walls. For visitors seeking a meal with a side of history, Keens offers an experience rich in character and authenticity, preserving the rituals of classic dining.
8. Tavern on the Green
Nestled within Central Park’s green expanse, Tavern on the Green has been part of New York’s landscape since the 1930s. Its location, surrounded by gardens and city vistas, offers a rare blend of nature and urbanity.
The restaurant is recognized for hosting celebrations, from weddings to family milestones. Its evolving menu reflects contemporary American cuisine, while the design nods to both classic and modern sensibilities.
Renovations have preserved signature features like glass-walled dining rooms and twinkling lights. Whether for brunch, dinner, or a special event, Tavern on the Green provides a setting that captures the changing seasons and rhythms of Central Park, appealing to both locals and visitors seeking a tranquil urban retreat.
9. Delmonico’s
In the Financial District, Delmonico’s is often credited with shaping fine dining in the United States. Opening in 1837, this establishment introduced innovations such as à la carte menus, private dining rooms, and celebrated dishes that remain on the menu.
The Delmonico steak and Baked Alaska, both originating here, have become synonymous with American culinary tradition. After a closure during the pandemic, Delmonico’s reopened in 2023 with new leadership, blending legacy with renewed energy.
The restaurant’s ornate architecture and attentive service maintain a sense of formality. Visitors can expect a dining experience rooted in history, defined by enduring recipes and the ambiance of old New York.
10. Le Bernardin
At Le Bernardin, culinary precision meets artistic presentation. This three-Michelin-star French seafood restaurant, led by Chef Eric Ripert, has become a Manhattan fixture for refined, ocean-inspired cuisine.
The dining room’s serene design sets a backdrop for tasting menus that showcase delicate flavors and meticulous technique. Notable accolades include numerous James Beard awards and international recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation.
Reservations are sought after by gourmets worldwide, and the experience is characterized by polished, thoughtful service. Le Bernardin continues to shape the city’s fine dining reputation, offering a uniquely modern perspective on seafood in an elegant Midtown setting.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
