If there’s one thing you can count on in New York City, it’s this: you’ll never go hungry—and you’ll never run out of good food to try.
I just spent a few days in NYC doing what I do best—eating my way through the city. From cozy cafes in the East Village to iconic pizza spots in Brooklyn, I tried everything from viral bagels to decadent desserts, and I can confidently say: these places are worth your time, your appetite, and your Google Maps saves.
Here’s a little roundup of everywhere I went—and everything I loved.
🍕 Mama’s Too, Upper West Side
Let’s start with the slice that set the bar high. Mama’s Too is not your average New York pizza joint. Their thick, square slices are perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and absolutely loaded with flavor. The upside-down pepperoni slice (with the cheese underneath and the sauce on top) was a game-changer. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying—basically, the kind of pizza that ruins all other pizzas for you.
🍞 Davelle, Lower East Side
This charming Japanese café is tucked away on a quiet LES street, and it feels like walking into someone’s adorable little kitchen. They serve shokupan—pillowy soft milk bread—topped with seasonal fruits, cream, or savoury ingredients. I had the strawberry and cream toast with a chilled matcha, and sat by the window watching the city wake up. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—and so should you.
🥯 Apollo Bagels, SoHo
Yes, they’re viral. Yes, there’s usually a line. And yes—they absolutely live up to the hype. These bagels are hand-rolled, wood-fired, and unbelievably fresh. I went for the classic plain bagel with scallion cream cheese and it was crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and full of that comforting, just-out-of-the-oven warmth. Pro tip: grab two. You’ll want one for later.
🍰 Salswee, Lower East Side
I had high hopes for Salswee—the place is visually stunning, and their desserts look like little pieces of edible art. It’s clear that a lot of effort goes into the design and presentation. But taste-wise, I found them a bit underwhelming. The textures were delicate and the flavours subtle, but personally, I was hoping for a bit more punch. If you’re someone who prefers light, less sweet desserts, you might enjoy it more—but for me, it looked better than it tasted.
🍌 Smør, East Village
This Scandi-inspired café is the definition of a cozy brunch spot. Their banana bread with whipped ricotta is one of the most comforting things I’ve eaten—moist, warm, slightly caramelised on the edges, and perfectly balanced by the cloud-like ricotta on top. Everything here feels elevated, without being fussy. It’s the kind of meal you want to start your day with, slowly and happily.
🍪 Culture Espresso, Midtown
You know that cookie that gets a cult following online? This is that cookie. Gooey in the center, crisp around the edges, rich in dark chocolate chunks, and sprinkled with just a hint of sea salt. Pair it with one of their strong, expertly brewed coffees, and you’ve got yourself a top-tier NYC snack break.
🍕 L’Industrie Pizzeria, Williamsburg
Another pizza place? Yes. Because no two NYC pizzas are the same.
L’Industrie does thin-crust Neapolitan-style slices with modern toppings like burrata, fig jam, or hot honey. The crust is crisp yet airy, and each bite feels like a perfect balance of simple ingredients done exceptionally well. The line can get long, but the vibe is so Brooklyn-cool you won’t even mind.
🥐 Supermoon Bakehouse, Lower East Side
This place is as much about the experience as it is about the pastries. The cruffins here (croissant + muffin hybrids) are massive, wildly creative, and filled with bold flavours—like yuzu curd or pistachio cream. The packaging is quirky, the interiors are pink and edgy, and everything about this bakery just screams fun.
🍝 Arthur & Sons, West Village
Walking into Arthur & Sons feels like stepping into an old Italian family kitchen—warm lighting, checkered tablecloths, and Frank Sinatra in the background. Their vodka rigatoni is rich, creamy, and just spicy enough to make you sit up straighter. The garlic bread? Butter-soaked and garlicky in the best way possible. A total vibe for dinner.
🍽 12 Chairs Café, SoHo
To end a day of exploring, I couldn’t have asked for a more comforting meal. 12 Chairs Café blends Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine into the kind of soul food that sticks with you. Their hummus was silky smooth, the pita hot and pillowy, and the grilled meats juicy and spiced just right. Add to that a cozy ambience and warm service, and it felt like the perfect NYC exhale.
🍮 Magnolia Bakery – A Banana Pudding I Keep Going Back To
I’ve had this so many times—and every single time, it’s just as good. Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding is one of those iconic New York desserts that truly lives up to the hype. It’s light, creamy, and layered with just the right amount of sweetness—chunks of soft vanilla wafers, fresh banana slices, and that airy, whipped pudding that brings it all together. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and something I find myself craving even after I’m back home. If you’re in NYC, this one’s a must.
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New York might be fast, loud, and a little chaotic—but when it comes to food, it’s magic.
Each place on this list brought something different to the table: a flavor, a memory, a moment. And if you’re heading to the city soon, I highly recommend making time for these gems.
Pin this post, save it for later, and if you try any of them—tell me everything.
Because in New York, the food doesn’t just fill you up—it stays with you.
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