NYC has my heart for many reasons. The food is one of them. I don’t consider myself a “foodie” in any capacity. I have learned that as I get older, good food is essential for an enjoyable trip anywhere. The food in New York is so diverse from stye to price point, so take advantage of that I did. While a lot of my girls trip to the Big Apple was focused on experiencing the city, a huge part of the trip was eating. My friend and travel buddy, Brittany, was totally down to try awesome food we cannot get in Arkansas. (Which is pretty much anything other than Mexican.)
Most of our conversation during a meal while in New York was spent discussing/ researching where the next meal would take place. I wish that was a joke, but it is totally true. From sushi to Italian we tried to make sure we covered it. Open Table and Zomato were the 2 phone apps that made our food vacation a delightful experience. Download those apps before heading out of town, especially Open Table. Some places were at least an hour wait with out a reservation IF you can even get in!
Brunch:
The Essex: 120 Essex Street, NYC
This place was one reservation we were glad we did ahead of time. This place got busy, fast. It took a while for us to get our food, even though we were one of the first to sit. My lobster eggs benedict was off the chain.
The Smith:956 Second Avenue, NYC
Have I ever said how much I love brunch? Well I LOVE BRUNCH!!!! (Get on board Arkansas…Seriously.) We discovered this place offers a free juice with your entree at brunch and the juice is literally my new favorite. It is a cold pressed, all natural apple juice that dances on your tongue. Truth. I ordered some when I got home: Red Jacket Orchards. Plus the waffles and french toast were a highlight of our trip! The brunch is only on Sunday so plan accordingly!
Breakfast:
E J Luncheonette: 1271 3rd Ave
This place has the diner vibe down, and is great for a burger & shake. We had breakfast here and it was a great start to our day! (Don’t forget to bring your cash.)
Ess-a-Bagel: 831 3rd Avenue
Enjoy some New York ambiance and a little New York sass if you are not paying attention to the line or while ordering. Limited seating during busy times, but the bagel/ spread options are legit. We went twice on our trip.
Sushi:
Kodama: 301 W 45th St
Do not be fooled by the exterior. Enter the front and walk down the sketchy hallway. Past the curtain lies an excellent sushi restaurant. It was delicious!! I had a peach soda thing that was delicious. I always get sad in New York with the lack of refills. (Insert sad face emoji!) I loved the Yankee Roll.
Italian:
Carmines: 2450 Broadway
Be warned: When they say family style, they mean it. Come so hungry you want to naw your arm off. We did not go hungry enough. Our server was kind enough to tell us that each appetizer, main course, and dessert could feed 4-6 people. The fried zucchini was AMAZING!
La Mela: 167 Mulberry St
I had the gnocchi sorrentina and it was so good! While it was large portions, they felt more manageable here. Little Italy has some really amazing street art in the area, so at walk off the meal around Mulberry Street!
Pizza:
There is much debate about NYC pizza, and everyone thinks they are right. I am not here to say what is the best, just let you know which ones we tried. (Although Juliana’s was cough cough THE BEST cough cough.)
Lombardi’s: 32 Spring St
While the pizza was good, I prefer more cheese to sauce on my pizza. It is very popular so make a reservation and bring cash. (No cards are accepted.)
Juliana’s: 19 Old Fulton Street
The white pizza was the perfect meal on our tour of Dumbo Brooklyn. We arrived a few minutes before opening and the line was already forming. If you are planning to visit the Brooklyn Bridge, just make this your lunch or dinner stop at the end. The train is not far away to get back to Manhattan, but make sure to take in the neighborhood when done eating!
Dessert:
Prohibition Bakery: 9 Clinton Street
These mini cupcakes were worth the walk. We almost missed the store front since it is down a small set of stairs. At 3 for $5 , we were able to sample a few each! The only sad part was they were gone too quickly.
American:
The Smith: 55 Third Avenue
The Smith has many a location so when making a reservation make sure you select the right one. We ate at the Midtown location for brunch and the East Village location for dinner. (We were staying in Midtown, but the East Village was a fun adventure when you are rushing to make a reservation you thought was in Midtown. Oops! Food was SO good, and it was a busy place!
Shake Shack (OF COURSE!!!!!!): Located all over NYC
If there is a city I am in with a Shake Shack, you better believe I am eating there at least 1 time. The Shroom Burger is my total jam.
It doesn’t fall under any category….
Eataly:200 Fifth Avenue
Brittany had some gelato that was off the chain! I wanted to eat all the cheese. And I did not say eat some cheese, I said ALL the cheese. But I didn’t. Don’t worry. This is the perfect place to pick up a snack, and take in the environment. Fun stop in the Flatiorn District!
Chelsea Market: 75 9th Avenue
While the plethora of food choices can make my heart go pitter patter, I had my heart set on crepes. I LOVE CREPES!!!! Bar Suzette was a must show Brittany moment for me. I talked about these crepes for about 4 months leading up to our trip. My memory did not decide me. We stopped for espresso at Ninth Street Espresso after. Best espresso I have had yet!
I hope all the people in NYC realize how good they have it food wise. (Insert deep sigh here.) Until next time NYC food. Excuse me while I go dream of yummy mac n cheese with a side of nutella crepes!
Cat
We love Carmines!!!! What a fun post. I’ll have to remember this one for next May 🙂
Love love love your blogs!!! This one in particular, I love food, so I need to make plans for my wife and I to visit New York. My rule is not to eat places I can get where I live. Broadway is a must!
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog.