New York City is the center of culture and food in America. The guide is broken down between the five boroughs of NYC so the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. But there is so many food options from the West Village to Chinatown, here are some of the best foodie neighborhoods in NYC.
QUEENS
Astoria
Astoria, Queens has it all – a residential atmosphere that offers a break from the busy streets of Manhattan and cuisines from all over the world. Whether you feel like Colombian, Egyptian, Greek, Lebanese, or Pakistani food this area is worth the visit!
Flushing
Just a short distance away in Flushing, Queens there are towering Chinese signs and Asian eateries that create a unique atmosphere that feels more like a busy street in Beijing than New York. This area is one of nine Chinatowns in New York City, and boasts some of the best Chinese food in town. Wander around Flushings Main Street where you can try everything from noodles to egg tarts to dim sum. There are even some Indian and Korean eateries in the area that are well-worth trying.
Jackson Heights
Every summer, the district hosts the annual Queens Pride Parade and Festival furthering it’s well-known name as the multicultural area. Aside from LGBTQ pride they have pride for being known as Little India where they serve traditional curries, while sari and Bollywood music shops offer up a slice of the subcontinent.
BROOKLYN
Greenpoint
Greenpoint in Brooklyn is home to a large Polish community so it is often referred to as Little Poland. Not only that, Greenpoint has many old school diners, ramen bars, and pizza joints that regularly lure New Yorkers to this area. Also, this area has some of the best pirogies in town!
Williamsburg
The hipster culture in Williamsburg evokes admiration in many (and judgemental eye-rolls in others), but most everyone can agree that the food scene in this unique Brooklyn neighbourhood is top-notch. From acclaimed steakhouses to award-winning Moroccan food, Williamsburg will satisfy most any craving.
For comfort food, the fried chicken and waffles at Pies-n-Thighs are hard to beat, and if you feel like trying something different, the maze-like atmosphere of the Japanese restaurant Zenkichi offers a unique dining experience.
Brighton Beach
Due to its tight-knit Eastern European communities the neighborhood was nicknamed “Little Odessa” after Ukraine’s port city and resort town on the Black Sea. Brooklyn’s Brighton beach is a lively neighborhood with many high-rise residential buildings and traditional ethnic food. The beach and boardwalk here are very laid-back like nearby Coney Island.
MIDTOWN
Korea Town
Koreatown is a quaint area in Midtown Manhattan but has a vast array of restaurants that serve everything from Korean barbecue to stir-fried glass noodles. Many of the restaurants are now open 24/7, allowing diners to enjoy Korean cuisine during the wee hours of the morning which is particularly handy after a late-night karaoke session. If you’re craving dumplings, Mandoo Bar is a must-try, and for tofu dishes, BCD Tofu House is always reliable.
Harlem
Harlem is known for soul food, but it is also home to a diverse selection of eateries from It may be best known for soul food, but Harlem is also home to a diverse selection of eateries that serve food from East Africa, Japan, Italy, Puerto Rico and countless other countries.
West Village
The West Village showcases a lot of trendy spots, from music venues, historic landmarks, boutiques, and for the TV aficionados, the Friends apartment front. Not only that it also has some of the most famous eats in Manhattan. Be prepared for some lines, but it’s well worth it as the tried and true eateries are in this neighborhood. The Spotted Pig is a crowd favorite for its Roquefort burger and Buvette serves French fare 18 hours a day.
East Village
One day you might come across a strange foodie dilemma where you don’t know what you want exactly – could it be Sashimi, tacos, or French pastries? That is where the East Village comes in handy with its diverse food selection that will satisfy your cravings. If you’re not sure what to try, Momofuku Noodle Bar (for ramen and steamed buns) and Veselka (for 24/7 Ukrainian eats) are reliable crowd pleasers.
Chelsea
Chelsea is a buzzing brunch spot, but aside from brunch Chelsea has it’s well-known Chelsea Market that showcases unique food options such as Asian tacos at Takumi Taco and charred cauliflower heads at Miznon.
Chinatown
This Manhattan neighborhood is home to a wide selection of restaurants that allows visitors to sample dishes ffrom many different provinces of China. A great option is dim sum of Nom Wah Tea Parlor or noodle soups at the Spicy Village.
The Bronx
The Bronx may not have the best reputation but Arthur Avenue does have the best reputation for Italian food. So it may not be the safest foodie destination but it sure is on the list of the best foodie neighborhoods in NYC.
Staten Island
Just a short ferry ride (which is free by the way) is Staten Island which is known for it’s Italian-American specialties and has historical European roots. It is extremely common to see the mom-and-pop shops and some of the top-rated pizza places. Also, it has many restaurants making the area as Little Sri Lanka.
If you are a foodie comment below some of your favorite spots in NYC. Also, don’t forget to follow my Instagram for when I try to locate more of the best foodie neighborhoods in NYC.
There is nothing like the food spots in NYC
Wow I should have read this post before our visit to NYC last month. Will keep your recommendations in mind for the next trip!
As a New Yorker, I second this post! All these places are great foodie areas to go to.
NYC has some of the best food around, it always fun to read others posts to find new places, thanks for sharing your picks!