This is a food lover’s perfect travel guide to New York City. As a food and travel content creator I’ve been to New York at least ten times (so far) so I’ve scouted out the best areas to stay in New York City for foodies. In this blog post I’ll share the five areas I recommend staying in New York City if you want to explore the food scene. I’ll include the must-visit New York food spots and my New York restaurant recommendations for each area.

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Why visit New York City as a foodie?
Lower East Side
East Village
Brooklyn
Broadway and Times Square
Downtown/Financial District
FAQs about the best areas to stay in New York City for foodies

Why visit New York City as a foodie?

Does this really need explaining? New York City is one of the best cities in the world for food lover’s. Similar to London, New York City has a diverse food scene with many global influences, so you’re sure to find something for everyone’s taste. In recent year’s some of New York’s food spots have gone viral on social media with tourists even travelling to New York City just to explore the food scene. And I don’t blame them!

Did you know that you can even do a food tour in New York City and this is one of the most popular travel activities in New York.

Here are some New York City food activities you can’t miss if you’re a foodie:

So lets get into the best areas to stay in New York City for foodies.

Lower East Side

Why is the Lower East Side one of the best areas to stay in New York City for foodies? With New York City’s most historic food market (Essex Market), viral restaurants frequented by celebrities and plenty of Michelin guide recommendations, staying in the Lower East Side as a foodie would be an excellent choice.

Where to stay in the Lower East Side

If you choose the Lower East Side as your base for exploring New York City here are some of the best hotels to stay at.

Lower East Side food experiences

Visit Essex Market
Go on a Lower East Side Foodie Tour
Try the famous pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli
Try gourmet pickles at the Pickle Guys

Restaurant recommendations near the Lower East Side

There are so many restaurants to choose from in the Lower East Side. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of your visit so you’re not disappointed.

Bungalow Indian Restaurant in the nearby East Village by the celebrity chef Visas Khanna, if you’re lucky you might even get to meet him
Russ & Daughters for their legendary bagels
Scarr’s huge pizza slices
Golden diner pancakes are the stuff dreams are made of
Smashburgers at 7th Street Burger
Katz’s deli if you’re prepared to wait in line for the biggest sandwich of your life

East Village

I’m not joking when I say that so many of the restaurants and food spots I bookmarked for my most recent New York trip were in the East Village. And I stumbled upon so many more amazing foodie finds as I explored this New York hotspot.

Where to stay in the East Village

Here are some hotels to help you decide where to stay in the east Village.

East Village food experiences

As an Irish person I can confirm you have to try Mary O’s Irish soda bread scones
Greenwich village food crawl sounds like a lot of fun!
Only in New York City would you find an NYPD-Guided Gangs and Mafia Walking Tour with Food

Restaurant recommendations near the East Village

Bungalow Indian Restaurant in the nearby East Village by the celebrity chef Visas Khanna, if you’re lucky you might even get to meet him
If you can’t get a reservation at Bungalow, Ishq is a contemporary new Indian restaurant with lots of appeal
For a spot that hits the mark when it comes to brunch or dinner you can’t go wrong with The Smith
Apollo Bagel’s sourdough bagels are not only good to look at but taste amazing too

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is becoming more and more attractive as one of the best areas to stay in New York City for foodies. Away from the lights and madness that is Time’s Square and with just as many iconic photo spots and experiences at your fingertips Brooklyn would make a great base to explore the New York food scene.

Where to stay in Brooklyn

If you choose to stay in Brooklyn you’re likely to get better value for your money. Here are some of the best hotels to stay at in Brooklyn:

Brooklyn food experiences

Brooklyn isn’t just for walking across Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. There are plenty of foodie activities and experiences to keep you busy in the bustling area.

Visit Timeout market and don’t miss their secret rooftop
Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Neighborhood Food Tour
3-Hour Private Pizza and Brewery Walking Tour
Street food in Brooklyn with many tastings

Restaurant recommendations near Brooklyn

Larina Pastificio e Vino is such a beautiful Italian restaurant in Brooklyn
Don’t miss Juliana’s for some of the best pizza around
Sailor in Fort Greene is a beautiful spot for brunch
Gage & Tollner with their breathtaking dining room is worth a reservation

Broadway and Times Square

Now, think carefully before you decide to stay around the Times Square area. New York’s most iconic and glitzy hub is not for the faint-hearted. Sure it’s central and easy to travel around New York from, but it sure is busy! However with the multitude of restaurants and food spots there’s no denying that Times Square is one of the best areas to stay in New York City for foodies.

Where to stay in Broadway and Times Square

Broadway and Times Square food experiences

There are plenty of food related activities to discover around Broadway and Times Square. Here are a few you should check out:

Ellen’s Stardust diner for a fun retro themed diner
Times Square Donut Adventure
Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings
Don’t miss the best tacos around at Los Tacos No.1
2-Hour Sandwich Tour of Times Square

Restaurant recommendations near Broadway and Times Square

Monkey bar for a classy NYC style bistro from the team behind 4 Charles. This is where I tried the iconic French dip, which I highly recommend
Carmines is known for their family size pasta portions so make sure to arrive with an appetite
You can’t miss their world famous Din Tai Fung just off Broadway

Downtown/Financial District

Where to stay in Downtown/Financial District

Fidi is a great area to stay in New York with lot’s going on and easy access to other areas like Brooklyn and Midtown. Being the financial district there are plenty of hotels to choose from in New York’s downtown area.

Restaurant recommendations near Downtown/Financial District

2016’s number 1 bar in the world might not be the first restaurant you think of when it comes to New York food but the Dead Rabbit in New York’s financial district needs to be on your list. This bar serves some amazing and authentic Irish food alongside their signature cocktails.
Find Lyonnaise cuisine at one of New York’s best French restaurants – Le Gratin
Dinner with a beautiful view at Manhatta
Find some amazing pastrami sandwiches and schnitzels at Greenwich & Delancey NYC

FAQs about the best areas to stay in New York City for foodies

How do I choose which area to stay in New York City?

Wherever you choose it’s so easy to get around New York City with the subway and accessible walking routes. I recommend narrowing down based on the restaurants and activities you want to experience

Do I need to book restaurant reservations in New York?

Absolutely! Some of the best New York restaurants get booked up in minutes. You might even need to book month’s ahead for popular spots.

Is it expensive to visit New York?

New York is certainly an expensive city but you can find budget accomodation in New York and cheap eats. My favourite being the $4 pizza slice at Joe’s Pizza.

Best Areas to Stay in New York City for Foodies

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