10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC

Faris and I have been to NYC a couple times and the food is 80% of the reason why we keep coming back! We actually just took our first foodie trip to NYC in July 2018. A foodie trip includes an itinerary based solely on the best foods in the area. Thank God NYC is so big and we were forced to do some walking to burn off those cals! I’ve got to imagine the Chicken and Waffles from Silvia’s and the Pizza from Juliana’s is not on a low carb diet! Alright grab a fork and knife and let’s dive into the 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC!

10. Juliana’s Pizza

Address: 19 Old Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY

Menu: Juliana’s Menu

Read more about the Brooklyn Pizza War: Juliana’s vs. Grimaldi’s

Juliana’s Pizza is not only one of the most famous spots in Brooklyn, it was voted the best pizza in the United States by TripAdvisor in 2015. Ratings like that don’t go unforeseen. You will see a line forming an hour before this place even opens at 11:30 AM. In the summer they have ice water just for the people standing in line, so make sure you get here before the door opens because you will be waiting hours if you don’t! This brings Juliana’s to number 10 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

Restaurant History

One of my favorite things about Juliana’s is the story behind the restaurant. Pasquale “Patsy” Lancieri opened up a bakery in East Harlem and converted it to a pizzeria in 1933. He hired his nephew “Patsy” Grimaldi as the cook. Grimaldi took his pizza making skills and opened up Grimaldi’s Pizzeria on Fulton Street in 1990 and it was a huge hit, locals obsessed over the pizza.

Eight years later he retired with his wife and sold the franchise to the current owner, Frank Ciolli. At first Patsy helped train Ciolli and run the business but as time went on Ciolli started to make major changes and turned the local pizza joint into a tourist destination. Locals began to complain about the quality and begged Patsy to get back in the game. Because Patsy sold the franchise he had to come up with a new idea. He opened up a new pizzeria right next door naming it after his mother, Juliana. Now to this day there is a huge pizza war and it’s up to you to decide who’s is better! Click the link above to read more about the controversy!

The Food

Now that you know the story let’s talk about the pizza. Just look at the pictures below. You can see it’s the traditional thin crust New York style pizza. It’s very similar to pizza I’ve had in Italy with the fresh mozzarella and basil. Absolutely delicious! And yes we were able to eat that whole pie in one sitting!

The Feel

The look and feel of this place is small but homey. The coal fired oven is visible from all spots in the restaurant and you can see the chef’s tossing the dough from your seat. They’ve definitely got speed down to feed all the people who come through. I think we got our pizza in 10 minutes and we were in and out! We were also 2nd in line so I’m sure that helped! The traditional coal burning pizza and the controversial history brings Juliana’s to number 10 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

9. Veselka

Address: 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Menu: Veselka’s Menu

I’m just going to put this out there. I’m Ukrainian and I have the traditional Eastern European, pierogi making, butter overloading, food stuffing grandma. I absolutely adore her, consequently I have some high standards when it comes to Ukrainian food. So when in NYC we had to check out Ukrainian Street, which brought us to Veselka’s, which is number 9 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

Restaurant History

Veselka’s is a diner style, 24 hour,  Ukrainian restaurant. They opened up in 1954 and in 1992 they won 2nd place in the Restaurant menu awards for creative design. They have come a long way and even created their own cookbook. It really says something about a restaurant when it’s been open for over 60 years!

The Feel

When I first walked into this restaurant I felt at home. It was comforting to me because the Ukrainian traditions were apparent. One of the greatest parts about Ukrainian culture is how food is seen as a connecting factor to family. Dinners and events are a big deal. To this day, Sunday dinners with the family are still a tradition. I felt that when I walked into Veselka’s. The wait staff and the workers greeted us with the warmest smiles and just wanted us to enjoy the food and the gathering!

The Food

We got one of the combo plates just so we could get a taste of everything. I really enjoyed their beet soup and stuffed cabbage. I think I will always be biased towards Grandma’s cooking so I just can’t tell you that it was better. But if you don’t have a Ukrainian cook for a grandma then definitely give this place a try! The Ukrainian culture and tasty pierogies brings Veselka’s to number 9 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

 

8. Cafe Mogador

Address: 133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Menu: Cafe Mogadory Menu

Cafe Mogador is a Moroccan inspired cafe. Faris and I have both been to Morocco and it is easy to see the resemblance especially in presentation. Morocco is all about beautiful tile work, and delicate details. Cafe Magador embodies the art in their decor and their food. This brings Cafe Mogador to number 8 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

Restaurant History

The cafe was founded in 1983 in the East Village of NYC. Cafe Mogador was a first of its kind bringing in culturally diverse foods. Rivka, the owner was known for pushing food boundaries and people were always eager to see what she would bring next. It brought the neighborhoods together forming a bond over Rivka’s food. Today Cafe Mogador has won multiple awards for their unique brunch menu. The business has done so well that a second location opened in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Both restaurants are operated by the same family.

The Feel

I love the feel of this restaurant because it brings you to another place in your mind. It’s beautiful and refreshing. The attention to detail in this restaurant is superb. We went to the Williamsburg location and the front half of the building is a bar and seating area.

The back is a sun room that is open for seating. The sun room atmosphere is very similar to Moroccan Riad. A Riad is traditional Moroccan home with an interior courtyard. A typical Riad Courtyard will have a little pool surrounded by plants and flowers. You can find the dining room table in the middle of the plants! Meals in Morocco were always so peaceful; it felt like you were in a magical garden. The green room at Cafe Mogador brought me right back to this happy place.

The Food

The food is no less beautiful than the sun room. Each meal is delicately handcrafted. I felt like the waiter handed me a piece of art when our order came. The presentation is stunning to the point where I didn’t even want to eat it! Of course I still did! The restaurant has won multiple awards for their brunch so that’s what I had to order. The food was very tasty, the food had many spices that perked up my taste buds!

I would say one of the major differences between Mogador’s food and traditional Moroccan food is the portion size. Moroccan portions are massive! There is always a ton of food to go around. Cafe Mogador’s plates tend to be smaller and dainty. It’s perfect for a light breakfast but not so much a big dinner. The calming atmosphere and attention brings Cafe Mogador to number 8 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

7. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

Address: 1 Water Street, Brooklyn NY

Menu: Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory Flavors

Now I know some of you may argue that an Ice Cream Shop is not a restaurant but I’m going to push back because I would replace a meal with this ice cream any day! This brings Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory to number 7 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

Restaurant History

The ice cream shop was opened by Mark Thompson in 2001 slightly after the September 11th attacks. It sits near the Brooklyn Bridge in the oldest fireboat house in Brooklyn. New York Times described the ice cream as “creamy, ethereally light and perfectly balanced.”. Frommers New York City voted it, “the best ice cream in New York”.

The Feel

I love the old fireboat house because of its historical looks and amazing views. The old fireboat house sits on a ferry landing just in perfect views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. I love getting some pizza in Brooklyn and finishing it off with some Brooklyn Ice Cream! Afterwards take a walk and burn off those cals in Dumbo Park! For more to do in Brooklyn Check out our “New York City Weekend Getaway” Blog.

The Food

All of the ice cream and hot fudge are homemade. The ice cream is considered old fashioned because it’s made with less butterfat and no eggs. All of the ice cream is made in small batches with only 8 flavors. Their most popular flavors are: chocolate, vanilla, butter pecan, and strawberry. My personal favorite is the coffee. The creaminess is like no other ice cream I’ve had. They go through tubs of ice cream daily so you know it’s fresh! The homestyle ice cream and amazing views brings The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory to number 7 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

6. Silvia’s

Address: 328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027

Menu: Silvia’s Menu

If you are in the mood for some soul food Silvia’s is the perfect place for you! Warning: come very very hungry to this restaurant because you are about to leave stuffed! I can’t even imagine the amount of carbs I ingested this day, I don’t even want to think about it! But I will say it was worth every calorie! This brings Silvia’s to number 6 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

Restaurant History

Silvia’s Restaurant,”The Queen of Soul Food” was founded by Silvia Woods in 1962. Silvia was born and raised on her mother’s farm in South Carolina. It was Silvia’s dream to marry her childhood sweetheart, Herbert, and move to the Big Apple. Silvia was so determined that she worked for her beautician’s license at night well she went to Junior High School during the day. She opened the first farmhouse salon in her town and saved up her money.

In 1944 she married Herbert and moved to Harlem. She worked as a waitress in one of the restaurants for a number of years. Her employer recognized her as a business woman and sold her the restaurant. Silvia’s mother mortgaged her farm to loan her the money. The small restaurant flourished into a family owned enterprise consisting of: multiple restaurants, a catering hall, Catering and Special Events Division, Silvia’s Food Products, and two cookbooks!

Silvia has been serving authentic soul food for over 55 years. Specials like Gospel Brunch Sundays, Live Music Mondays, and Daily specials scream home style cooking keep Harlem Natives, Presidents, and celebrities coming back for decades.

The Feel

The atmosphere of this place is homey! The decor isn’t anything special. It’s a big room with chairs and tables covered in white table clothes. Now the decor is simple but the people sitting at those tables is what makes this atmosphere so great. People are genuinely happy and excited to indulge in some of the best food in NYC. You will see families leaning back in their chairs and rubbing their bellies because they are so full!

The Food

The portion size of food is just massive and I promise you will have leftovers! Faris and I both got the classic chicken and waffles. The chicken was so tender and the skin was flaky and added a nice crunch! The sweetness of the syrup and waffle is just the perfect mix with the salty fried chicken! Now you can’t forget the sides, I loved the mac and cheese and the fluffy cornbread. Ahhh might as well get the collard greens and mashed potatoes while you’re at it! Go big or go home! The traditional soul food and uplifting atmosphere brings Silvia’s to number 6 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

5. Los Tacos No. 1

Address: 75 9th Ave. New York, NY 10011 (located in Chelsea Market)

Menu: Los Tacos No. 1 Menu

I’ve had some pretty good taco’s in my 24 years. Faris and I had just gotten back from a vacation in San Diego where we ate our fair share of tacos, so we were a little skeptical of NY tacos at the time. These boys are some real competition! This brings Los Tacos No. 1 to number 5 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

The Feel

Los Tacos No. 1 is located inside Chelsea Market. Chelsea market is a food hall, shopping mall, office building, and tv production facility located in Manhattan. The market is indoors and is a really cool place to hang out! The place has some fun bars, ice cream, restaurants and places to shop. This place is booming especially on a Friday or Saturday night!

Once you get into the market just look for the longest line and that will lead you right to Los Tacos No. 1! It’s a small little Mexican food stand that serves up some mean tacos! Grab a beer while your at it or one of Los Taco’s specialty drinks and just enjoy the market!

Restaurant History

The history of this place is not like the others on this list. Los Tacos No. 1 only originated in 2013. In those five years Los Tacos has gained a 4.7 star rating out of thousands of reviews. That’s a huge splash in the market when only being around for a few years! NYC is not known for their Mexican food like San Diego or San Antonio. Three friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California decided to change that! They brought authentic family recipes to Manhattan and opened up Los Tacos No. 1.

The Food

The tacos are simple but yet so delicious. Authentic Mexican tacos are meant to focus on two things: the corn tortilla, and the meat. Los Tacos No. 1 make all their tortilla’s fresh right in front of you! The meat comes right off the grill when you order, it’s that fresh. It’s covered in spices and is so tender it will make your mouth water. The meat includes, steak, chicken, or pork. I tried all three and my personal favorite was the steak.

Los Tacos No. 1 also makes homemade avocado sauces and salsas that just tie everything together. The cheese and onions are the finishing touches.

They also make their own drinks which are a very popular item on the menu. They include tamarind juice, Jamaica (a Hibiscus juice) and Horchata. I did not try the drinks but it seemed like Horchata was the most popular.

The originality and quality Mexican food is what brings Los Tacos No. 1  to number 5 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

4. Wo Hop

Address: 17 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Menu: Wo Hop Menu

If you are in NYC there’s no doubt you have to check out China town! I love this place because there’s so much culture and it’s so drastically different from American culture. You instantly know you are in China Town as soon as you enter into the district. You have to get your Chinese food fix if you’re in China Town, and there’s no place better than Wo Hop! This brings Wo Hop to number 4 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

Restaurant History

Wo Hop originally opened in 1938 on Mott Street, known as the “main street” of China Town. There are hundreds of restaurants in this area and they are seen as a revolving door. Many famous restaurants were once here but have closed due to an over-saturated market and high rent prices.

Wo Hope has been open for 80 years regardless of the obstacles. The restaurant is family owned and is known for keeping traditional Chinese dishes which are hard to come around these days. They keep their prices low and service fast to accommodate the huge line out the door every day!

The Feel

Wo Hop is located on Mott Street, under street level in the heart of China Town. A location like this might be hard to spot, but that is not the case here. There’s typically a line out the door, up the stairs, spilling out on to the sidewalk. Honestly the line isn’t too bad just because the service is fast and they keep people moving.

Once you step into the underground restaurant you feel like you’ve entered into a tiny, Chinese restaurant from the 50’s. The reason is that they haven’t changed much from the menu, to the prices, to the waiters uniform! That’s a huge reason this place has survived so long. People love the traditional Chinese food.

Even the building itself looks old, along with the tables/chairs, and ceiling tiles! The walls are also filled with pictures of celebrities and signed dollar bills from all decades. The business is full of personality which provides a really cool atmosphere.

The Food

The food is so delicious! But warning the menu could be a little overwhelming. There are hundreds of options to order. Faris and I couldn’t decide what to order so we ordered 5 entrees so we could get a taste of everything. Yes, that’s dedication to our foodie vacation!

Our favorites were the sesame chicken and the chicken fried rice! But honestly I didn’t feel like we had one bad meal! I recommend taking a look at the menu before you go and figuring out what to order because like I said service is fast!

Another plus is that they recently acquired a liquor license and have very cheap beer! That’s my kind of place!

The retro traditional Chinese food and kooky atmosphere bring Wo Hop to number 4 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

3. Russ and Daughters

Address: 127 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

Menu: Russ and Daughters Menu 

HOLY CRAP – That’s one good bagel. There’s not a ton of food that just makes you appreciate life but DAMN that bagel and lox sure does. This brings Russ and Daughters to number 3 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

The Food

NYC is famous for their bagels so competition is high when it comes to quality. Russ and Daughters does it right and I believe it’s the best of the best in NYC. Russ and Daughters isn’t just known for their bagels, they are known for all kinds of high quality seafood, noshes, and boards. When you first walk in it seems like a fish market, but with an Eastern European twist.

The Feel

I truly love the vibes of this place, it’s almost like you enter in to an art gallery. There is a quote on Russ and Daughter’s website which I think embodies the feel of the cafe perfectly,”Haimishness is the essence of the Russ & Daughters experience. “Haimish” is a Yiddish word that suggests warmth, comfort, authenticity, conviviality, and lack of pretense.”

When you take those first steps into cafe you see craftsmen not workers. The fish is seen as a delicacy, and it takes skill to prepare it just the right way. It’s quite refreshing to see people who adore the food so much.

Restaurant History

The high quality and craftsmanship comes from years and years of experience! The start of Russ and Daughters began in 1907. Joel Russ immigrated from Poland to New York. He started off selling Shmaltz herring out of a barrel to Eastern European Jews on the Lower East Side. It took 7 years of selling herring out of a pushcart to get to a brick and mortar store. Joel married but never had any sons but did have 3 daughters. They became partners in the store and the name was changed to Russ and Daughters. It was the first business in the United States to include the word “Daughters” in its name.

That’s not the only records they set. In 2009 Russ and Daughters entered its fourth generation of family ownership. Less than 1% of family businesses survive long enough to enter their fourth generation in the United States. The business has been recognized as a community anchor by the Mayors office, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, the Smithsonian, and the list goes on and on.

Russ and Daughters have been recognized as one of the best restaurants in NYC multiple times. The family dynamic, high quality, and persistence has kept this business booming for over 100 years.

The quality food and record breaking history bring Russ and Daughters to number 3 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

2. Katz’s Delicatessen

Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Menu: Katz’s Menu

Katz’s is my favorite Jewish Deli in NYC and there’s two reasons why:

• Number one: the Pastrami Reuben is just out of this world
• Number two: the atmosphere of this place is just a straight up good time

This brings Katz’s Delicatessen to number 2 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

The Feel

You can tell this place is no ordinary Deli just from the exterior of the building. They are really going for the wow factor with the massive KATZ’S sign and the neon lights! The exterior gives you a pretty good feel of what you’re about to walk into.

You’re walking into more neon lights, and massive amounts of people enjoying the best pastrami around! I also love the retro feel of this place with the 1950’s signs and decor. As you can see there’s no open wall space because its covered in pictures of celebrities, presidents, and famous singers. You know if you can cover the walls in pictures of public figures eating your food you must be doing something right!

The Food

Now let’s talk about that Reuben.. Nah just give it to me so I can eat it over again 1000 times please! I almost made the biggest mistake when I placed my order. I almost ordered a salami sandwich. I’m not the biggest pastrami or reuben fan. The waitress was pretty upfront with me and just told me to order the pastrami reuben. She was right, no regrets. I love when the wait staff is so confident in their food that they can convince people to order the specials.

Faris and I actually split the sandwich because of how big it is. Just look at the meat to bread ratio! The meat is so tender and juicy, but not an ounce of fat. Everything on the sandwich is very high quality. The only thing I wish we had done differently is get the reuben on the roll just because the bread gets a tad bit soggy from all the juices. Next time I am in NYC this will be one of my stops!

Restaurant History

The beginnings of Katz’s began in the Lower East side in 1888. In the early twentieth century the Lower East Side was filled with immigrants but lacked any sort of transportation. Katz’s became the focal point for congregating and a community formed here. Katz’s became part of people’s normal routine. Friday’s were for pork and beans at Katz’s!

Actors, singers, and comedians flooded the streets during the peak of the Yiddish theatre, and the National Theatre on Houston street. Most of the current pictures on the walls at Katz’s were from this time!

Katz’s has lived through multiple decades including WW2 where they were known to send Salamis to the Armed forces. They even had a slogo, “Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army”.

Katz’s is an inherent part of the city’s culture and history. It’s attention to quality, family, and history has kept this place booming for years!

Katz’s Retro vibes and mouth watering sandwiches bring Katz’s to number 2 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

1. Di Fara Pizza

Address: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230

Menu: Di Fara’s Menu

Di Fara’s Pizza is hands down the best Pizza I’ve ever had in my life. It beats any pizza I’ve had in Italy or any other Pizza in New York or Chicago. I know I have Juliana’s Pizza on this list and yes it’s absolutely delicious but this pizza blows anything else out of the water! This brings Di Fara’s Pizza to number 1 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

Restaurant History

Domenico De Marco opened Di Fara Pizza in 1964 after emigrating from Italy to Long Island. He worked on a farm until a peer told him about a good spot on Avenue J in Brooklyn. He went to check out the place with his accountant and fell in love with the spot. The area was crowded and the building sat perfectly on the corner. He went in on the building with his partner, Farina. The lawyer documented Dom and Farina’s names together to get Di Fara. Dom bought out his partner in 1978 and never changed the name.

What makes this place so unique is that Dom handcrafts every single pie. Dom spent over 40 years perfecting the pizza. He has tried multiple ingredients and found that importing most the ingredients from Italy has contributed to the most delicious bites known to man! Three of his children also work in the restaurant, but the shop closes down when Dom is not available! So when you go to Di Fara’s you know you will be getting the best every time!

The Feel

The little pizza shop is very tiny and warm due to the coal burning oven. The whole atmosphere is revolved around Dom. When you first walk in there is a group of viewers watching Dom handcraft every pizza. Dom has grown older and is a little slow when creating his masterpiece. It’s common to be waiting for your pizza for over an hour especially with the lines. Dom never rushes the process and spends equal amount of time on each pie.

The Food

Like I said before Dom spent 40 years perfecting his recipe. Many of his ingredients are flown over fresh from Italy. One of the main ingredients that puts this pie over the edge is the fresh olive oil from Italy thats drizzled over the top of the pizza. As if the fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozallera wasn’t enough! The pizza is the traditional New York Style. The cheese oozes especially with the olive oil. There’s a number of toppings you can pick from. Many people just order by the slice because it’s a faster process. We had to get a our own handcrafted pie and yes we ate that whole thing! Di Fara’s attention to quality and consistency bring Di Fara’s Pizza to number 1 on our list of 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You Must Try in NYC.

Conculsion

You may have noticed a common theme with all the businesses I named. Each restaurant has incredible food, the atmosphere is unique, and the history makes each place original and authentic.

New York has thousands of restaurants and they say you wouldn’t live long enough to try a new restaurant each day! But not all restaurants have 5 stars when it comes to food, atmosphere, and history. Many restaurants have killer food, or an awesome atmosphere but what really makes a true winner is if they have all three.

I truly believe each one of the restaurants I named exceeds all expectations in each department. I hope you enjoyed reading the 10 Most Iconic Restaurants You must try in NYC blog as much as I did writing it! Now that my stomach is grumbling I’m going to look into NY to Detroit food shipping costs! Leave a comment below on what your favorite NYC eats are. I’m always open for new ideas, but you know my standards so I expect nothing less! 🙂

Check out our “New York City Weekend Getaway” Blog if you are looking for more things to do in NYC!