New York City in the fall is a wonderful time to visit! It can be overwhelming for anyone who’s visited for the first time. I’m a Jersey girl transplanted to Florida who had the privilege to live a short train ride away from the greatest city in the world for more than half of my life. I made a list of places I love that are a must-see in the city, but I could not fit all of my favorite places to eat. So these are a few of the restaurants you ought to try while you’re in the city!
Downtown:
- John’s Pizza – This unassuming pizzeria is literally the best pizza in New York. You can tell because there’s always a line! The perfect combination of dough, sauce and cheese make a winning combination for your taste buds. Enjoy old NYC paraphernalia on the walls and Italian music while you eat!
- Pommes Frites – Gourmet French fries? Yes please! These fries are the only food item on the menu and you have the option of ordering dipping sauces that are absolutely phenomenal. You’d be lucky to find a place to sit in this tiny, dark restaurant, but that’s ok because the perfectly golden fries are served in a paper cone that you can conveniently hold in one hand, and grab a fry with the other while walking through Greenwich Village.
- Walk down to Little Italy and stop in any restaurant for authentic NY Italian food. Don’t be shy about eating too much garlic – we’re all family in Little Italy!
- Not feeling Italian food? Right next to Little Italy is Chinatown. Enjoy the best rich dishes, lo mein, and dumplings (I recommend soup dumplings) from any restaurant there!
- Katz’ Delicatessen – A true icon of Jewish food. They serve mile-high sandwiches and are notoriously cranky. Don’t take it personally!
Midtown
Note: Many restaurants in midtown have a tendency to be touristy, so watch out for price gouging or chain restaurants. If you have to eat near Times Square, these are the places I suggest.
- Carmine’s – Ravioli, manicotti, lasagne and more, the way that it’s supposed to be served – family-style. Order two dishes for four people and I’m sure you will still be taking leftovers home!
- Eataly – Alright, you may have noticed I am partial to Italian food, but this restaurant is also a market, counter and cooking school. It allows you to visit Italy without getting on a plane. Phenomenal! Catch a peek of the Flatiron building just outside of the restaurant, emulating the classical architecture of Tuscany.
- Broadway Diner – This little diner has all the feels and food selections of a 1950s diner with the added bonus of servers who double as actors and musicians. And they are talented! Every half hour or so, they will serenade you. Many aspiring broadway stars start here for their chance to get picked up by a show.
- Hot dog cart. If you pass by one, you’ve gotta try one! It will make you feel like you’re on an episode of Law & Order.
Uptown
- Hummus House is a tiny, basement-like restaurant on the Upper West Side with, as its name suggests, has some of the best hummus outside of the Middle East. It’s authentic creamy texture complements the puffy pita and crispy falafel. Pair them all with pickles and onions to complete your dish!
- Jacob’s Pickles – This clever restaurant boasts a southern take on a Jewish deli. The menu is every bit as surprising as it is delicious.
- If you want a burger and fries, visit the original Shake Shack overlooking Madison Square Park. Shake Shack began as a hot dog cart and now has grown into the staple restaurant we all know and love.
- Serendipity – This famous restaurant is known for frozen hot chocolate, ice cream and other desserts.
- Dylan’s Candy Bar – The bright colors and cheeky icons is a large candy store for all types of treats from around the world. It will make you feel as happy as well, a kid in a candy store!
Source: @donutcritic
Whatever your favorite cuisine is, you can find a restaurant to suit your taste on any budget. If you go to NYC this fall, make sure your camera eats first, and tag us @hatchcreatives in your stories! We want to live vicariously through you. Bon appetit!
Laura Whalley is the founder of Hatch Creatives. She is a graphic designer and mom to sweet baby August. Laura is a wannabe Parisian and would rather be eating a croissant in an art museum more than anything else.