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8 Great Places to Eat in NYC

Famed for it's envious array of internationally-inspired food, the 'Big Apple' is a food fanatic's dream; and for good reason.

Author: Camp Leaders
02 Jan 09:43

When in New York, tourists tend to be blinded by the bright lights and sparkly billboards. It’s often hard to find somewhere decent in the city to eat that won’t leave a massive hole in your souvenir fund! Feast your eyes on these 'Best of New York' food places from the eyes of a tourist who has been around the block (and the avenue) to find you the most delectable and affordable places to fill your bellies whilst in the Big Apple.

Toast - 3157 Broadway

Recommended dish - chicken penne!

With several locations dotted round the city I have chosen this quiet spot on the trendy upper west side, which provides a great setting for a group of friends or even a romantic date.

During the summer, it’s a great place to sit outside and take in the sights and sounds of the city. With a wide variety of food and drinks to suit anyone's taste, this restaurant with its friendly staff and friendly service will tick all the boxes!

Tony's DiNapoli - 43rd St. Between 6th and 7th Ave. & between 63rd and 64th St. on 3rd Ave. (Two locations)

Recommended dish - bread and oils with Zucchini Fritti (starter) and the Chicken Parmigian - Bellisimo!

Family style Italian, the New York way. Walking into this restaurant is like visiting someone’s home.

This place is always busy, however, the service is second to none and the smell of freshly cooked bread will leave you hankering. The beauty of Tony's is that it's family style and truly traditional Italian! Order together and share the experience. The servers will offer you recommendations and be sure to ask for the specials menu. With so much to choose from, you won't be disappointed, but be sure to book in advance.

Benihana - 47 West 56th St.

Recommended dish – Shrimp.

If you have never had Hibachi before, then open your mind and mouth and explore the great tastes of Japan in NYC, with possibly the most exciting food experience you’ve ever had.

Order from the menu and your own personal chef cooks it to your liking right in front of you – and we’re talking flying salads, bursts of flames and all kinds of slicing and dicing – you’re in for a food extravaganza with the freshest food you’ll eat.

Grimaldi's – 1 Front St. Brooklyn (under the Brooklyn Bridge)

Recommended dish – Pepperoni Pizza.

Enjoy a freshly prepared brick oven pizza with a view of the Manhattan skyline under one of the most famous bridges in the world.

It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Be warned, Grimaldi’s is extremely popular, so you can expect a queue, but it’ll be worth the wait.

The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory - Brooklyn Heights, The Corners of Old Fulton and Water Street Brooklyn.

Recommended dish – Classic chocolate ice cream.

If you fancy a dessert after one of Grimaldi’s amazing pizzas, then the famous Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is right around the corner.

Cold, refreshing, and simply delicious, it offers the perfect indulgence on a hot and sticky New York day by the East River.

Lombardi's Pizza – 32 Spring Street

Recommended dish – Classic cheese and tomato pizza.

The oldest pizza place in New York - this place is like going back to a better day. The food is well prepared, affordable and perfect for a family or large group.

The staff here are very friendly, and will bend over backwards for you. The food is traditional Italian with a great range. Simply great food.

Big Daddy’s Diner - 1596 2nd Ave & 2454 Broadway (two locations)

Recommended dish – breakfast omelette and Oreo milkshake.

Typically American, this one is great for young and fun individuals. The moment you walk in, you are hit with a friendly smile and American nostalgia everywhere.

The clear and varied menu will leave you spoilt for choice. It will take you forever to decide what you want, but when you do make that decision, you’ll be left wanting more.

Max Brenners - 841 Broadway

Recommended dish – Chocolate fondue.

For those with a sweet tooth, this is the place for you. They serve hot and cold food which is great, but, there really is only one reason why people come here...CHOCOLATE!

Mountains of the stuff! It's not Hershey, don’t panic! There are a bunch of these restaurants dotted around Manhattan, but I recommend the store near Union Square, which is a really funky area of Manhattan that has a great student vibe with a lot of artist around and tonnes to see - this provides a great opportunity to walk off your food-baby.

Camp Leaders
With over 20 years of travel experience, the Camp Leaders team has the answers to almost anything you can think of. We're here to help you sort your ultimate summer - feel free to ask us anything.

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