How to Eat Your Way Through NYC Over a Weekend
New York City is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse array of culinary delights at every turn. From bagels and pizza to high-class Italian fare, you can taste the world in just one city. Here’s how we made the most of our weekend eating adventure in NYC!
Friday Night: Arrival and First Bites
Stay: Queens
After landing on Friday night, we took the free airport bus that conveniently dropped us off in Queens. This borough is known for its cultural diversity and amazing ethnic food. Hungry and excited to start our food journey, we grabbed some delicious Thai food at Spicy Shallot. The flavors were vibrant, and we thoroughly enjoyed the duck curry and pad thai. It was the perfect welcome meal to NYC.
Saturday: Manhattan’s Culinary Gems
Morning
We began our day by taking the train into Manhattan from Queens. Our first stop was the famous Pop-Up Bagels, known for serving bagels fresh out of the pan with generous smears. They did not disappoint! Located in the East Village, this area is known for its vibrant nightlife and historic streets.
With our bagels in hand, we headed to Central Park (a 10-minute walk) for a delightful picnic. Central Park is an iconic NYC landmark, offering an oasis of green amid the city’s hustle and bustle. The park is so immersive that you almost forget you’re in the big city.
After exploring Central Park, we made our way to the NoHo area and stopped by Isshiki, a matcha café. The drinks were refreshing and gave us the perfect energy boost. NoHo is known for its trendy boutiques and stylish cafes, making it a great place to relax and people-watch.
Next, we walked across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn. The views were stunning, and the walk itself was a memorable experience, offering fantastic photo opportunities of the skyline.
Midday
For lunch, we decided to try The Commodore in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, known for its laid-back vibe and Southern-inspired comfort food. We indulged in their famous fried chicken sandwich and cheesy tots, both of which lived up to the hype. The casual atmosphere and delicious food made it a memorable dining experience in NYC.
In Brooklyn, we visited a trendy coffee shop called SEY Coffee for another caffeine fix before dinner. SEY Coffee is one of the most famous coffee roasters in America. They serve specialty coffee in an industrial space. Located in Bushwick, this area is known for its cutting-edge art scene and trendy bars.
Evening
Dinner was at L’industrie Pizza, located in Williamsburg, where we indulged in their must-try hot honey pizza. The sweet and spicy combination was phenomenal. Williamsburg is a hipster haven known for its artisanal shops, vintage boutiques, and vibrant street art.
For dessert, we headed to Martha’s Country Bakery and enjoyed a variety of sweet treats. This popular spot is known for its extensive selection of cakes, pies, and pastries.
We capped off the night with glasses of wine at a sophisticated wine bar called With Others. The ambiance was cozy, and the wine selection was excellent.
Sunday: A Day of Delicious Italian Cuisine
Morning
We started our Sunday with breakfast at The Shady Lady, a great brunch spot in the cool area of Queens known as Astoria. Astoria is famous for its diverse food scene, including Greek, Middle Eastern, and Brazilian cuisines.
Back in Manhattan, we grabbed coffee at La Bomboniera to kickstart our day. This little gem in the West Village is known for its authentic Italian pastries and cozy atmosphere.
Midday
For lunch, we shared an absolutely amazing Italian panini at Milano Market. We highly recommend the Amore sandwich! Located in the Upper East Side, this neighborhood is known for its upscale shoppings and world-class museums.
We couldn’t resist trying New York’s #1 award-winning cookie at Culture Espresso. Served warm, it lived up to the hype. This café is located in Midtown, an area famous for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets.
After our sweet treat, we visited Grand Central Station and admired the incredible building and architecture. Grand Central is not just a transportation hub but a historic landmark with beautiful Beaux-Arts design.
We strolled through SoHo on our way to Little Italy and stopped at a bar/café called Bibliotheque for a quick drink. SoHo is renowned for its cast-iron architecture, trendy boutiques, and art galleries.
Evening
Dinner was at Il Cortile, where we enjoyed high-class New York Italian food. Located in the heart of Little Italy, this area is famous for its Italian heritage and vibrant street life.
We finished our food adventure with some gelato at FIGO, ending our weekend on a sweet note. This gelateria in Little Italy offers authentic Italian gelato with a variety of flavors.
Conclusion
Our weekend in NYC was a delightful whirlwind of flavors and experiences. From the bagels of Manhattan to the pizzas of Brooklyn and the brunches of Queens, we savored every bite. Whether you’re a foodie or just love exploring new places, NYC has something to offer everyone. Hopefully this blog gave you some helpful ideas of where to eat on your next trip to New York City!
