10 Must-Try Food Spots in New York City 2026

10 Must-Try Food Spots in New York City, Ranked by Broad Appeal

1. 

   1

   Chelsea Market, Best for Viral NYC Food

   Chelsea Market is a must-visit for travelers who want to try some of New York City's viral food spots in one place. Popular picks include Los Tacos No. 1, known for its famous tacos, and Very Fresh Noodles, where hand-pulled noodles are prepared to order. You’ll also find Miznon’s pita dishes and plenty of desserts and snacks worth trying. Best time to go: Weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid the biggest crowds. Best for: First-time visitors who want to try several viral NYC foods in one stop.

   4.5

   EGP 600-900 (~$12-18) per personView on mapSee Chelsea Market menu
2. 

   2

   Apollo Bagels, Best for a Classic NYC Bagel

   Apollo Bagels is a popular NYC bagel spot known for its chewy, hand-rolled bagels and generous fillings. Popular choices include the BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese) and loaded cream cheese bagels, with menu prices ranging up to around EGP 750 ($15). The shops are small and can get busy, especially during weekend mornings, so expect a wait during peak hours. Best for: First-time visitors who want to try a modern take on the classic New York bagel. Best time to go: Around 11 AM, before the queues get longer. Best for: First-time visitors who want a quintessential New York pizza experience that takes less than 10 minutes.

   4.7

   EGP 200-400 (~$4-8) per sliceView on mapFind Apollo's locations
3. 

   3

   Xi'an Famous Foods, Multiple Locations

   Founded in 2005 in a Flushing basement, Xi'an Famous Foods has grown to multiple locations across New York City. Try the hand-ripped biang biang noodles with spicy cumin lamb, priced around EGP 550 (about $11). Portions are generous, service is quick, and the bold flavours make it a great-value option. Muslim travelers: Some cumin lamb dishes may be halal-friendly at select locations, but check with staff before ordering. Best for: Big flavours and generous portions on a budget

   4.6

   EGP 400-650 (~$8-13) per dishView on mapBrowse Xi'an Famous Foods
4. 

   4

   Levain Bakery, Upper West Side

   Levain Bakery’s 6 oz (170 g) Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie is one of NYC’s most popular sweet treats, with the original Upper West Side location dating back to 1995. At around EGP 350 (about $7) per cookie, it’s a memorable stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. The original location on West 74th Street can get busy, especially on weekends, so arrive early or order online for pickup. Best for: Sweet-toothed travelers looking for an iconic NYC treat.

   4.8

   EGP 300-450 (~$6-9) per itemView on mapOrder from Levain Bakery
5. 

   5

   Prince Street Pizza, SoHo

   Prince Street Pizza is famous for its Spicy Pepperoni Square, a thick Sicilian-style slice with crispy edges and cup-and-char pepperoni. One square costs around EGP 350 (about $7) in 2026. The SoHo location on Prince Street is small, so queues can form outside. It opens from 11 AM daily, and the Spicy Square can sell out by mid-afternoon. Best for: Pizza lovers who want something beyond the classic New York thin slice.

   4.5

   EGP 300-450 (~$6-9) per squareView on mapGet directions
6. 

   6

   Shake Shack, Madison Square Park (Original Location)

   The original Shake Shack opened in Madison Square Park in 2004. A ShackBurger with fries and a concrete shake runs around EGP 900 ($18). The park location has outdoor seating for roughly 100 and remains a genuine NYC landmark rather than just a chain stop. Queues move fast during lunch; aim for 11:30am or after 2pm. Best for: families and groups who want a crowd-pleasing, centrally-located meal near the Flatiron Building.

   4.4

   EGP 750-1100 (~$15-22) per personView on mapOrder ahead at Shake Shack
7. 

   7

   MYKA Greek

   MYKA Greek is a popular NYC spot for authentic Greek yogurt and frozen yogurt, offering a lighter option between the city's pizza, sandwiches, and pastries. You can customize your bowl with toppings such as fresh fruit, honey, and nuts. Best for: Travelers looking for a refreshing NYC food stop or a lighter dessert option.

   4.6

   EGP 500-900 (~$10-18) per itemView on mapExplore MYKA Greek
8. 

   8

   Roberta's, Bushwick, Brooklyn

   Roberta's put Bushwick on the culinary map when it opened in 2008. Neapolitan-style pies run between EGP 1000 and EGP 1750 ($20-35), and the Bee Sting, topped with soppressata, chilli and honey, is the one to order. The space seats about 100 indoors and runs a full outdoor garden. Expect a 30 to 60-minute wait on weekends without a reservation. Best for: food-curious travellers willing to make the 35-minute subway ride from Midtown for genuinely great pizza.

   4.5

   EGP 1000-1750 (~$20-35) per pizzaView on mapReserve at Roberta's
9. 

   9

   Halal Guys, Midtown (53rd & 6th Avenue Cart)

   A true NYC institution and a great choice for Egyptian and Muslim travelers, The Halal Guys is known for halal chicken and rice, beef gyro, and combo plates for around EGP 400 ($8). The original street cart on 53rd Street and 6th Avenue has been serving customers since 1990, inspiring similar halal carts around the world. Portions are generous, and the signature white sauce is a must-try. The cart stays open late, making it a convenient option after a night out. Best for: Muslim travelers, night owls, and anyone looking for a filling meal for under EGP 500.

   4.4

   EGP 350-550 (~$7-11) per plateView on mapFind The Halal Guys
10. 

    10

    Dominique Ansel Bakery, SoHo

    Dominique Ansel Bakery is the birthplace of the Cronut, the croissant-doughnut hybrid that became a global sensation. In 2026, a Cronut costs around EGP 350 ($7), with a new flavor introduced each month. The SoHo bakery on Spring Street opens at 8 AM daily, and Cronuts often sell out by mid-morning. Arrive around 8:30 AM or pre-order online when available. Best for: Travelers looking for a unique NYC pastry experience and a memorable food story.

    4.6

    EGP 300-600 (~$6-12) per itemView on mapPre-order at Dominique Ansel