From Michelin-starred restaurants to awe-inspiring global cuisine to aromatic street carts, New York City has endless dining options. The cuisine of each borough and neighborhood tells the story of the City’s history, culture and latest trends, making it the perfect way to experience authentic NYC.
1) 30th Anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week
NYC & Company will celebrate the dining industry with the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, kicking off in July. The biannual event began in 1992 as a weeklong, lunch-only promotional event during the Democratic National Convention, and since then has grown beyond a one-week event to a four-week program taking place at a variety of restaurants from the neighborhood eateries to high-end dining across all five boroughs.
2) The Return of New York City Classics
From world-renowned attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, to iconic skyscrapers and venues, NYC is home to many historic locations for visitors to enjoy. For over 90 years, socialites, politicians, movie stars and moguls have flocked to Bemelmans Bar, located on the Upper East Side at the Carlyle Hotel. The bar is best known for its extensive cocktail menu, nightly live entertainment and art deco decor. New Yorkers and visitors alike can also enjoy another neighborhood mainstay, The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel, popular for its Afternoon Tea. Since relaunching in 2014, the timeless location has completely renovated the space with lush greenery and introduced a new American fare–inspired menu and grand bar serving craft cocktails. In Midtown Manhattan, visitors can find the original (and iconic) home of New York City glamour and entertainment, the Rainbow Room. Since 1934, the event space has hosted and served classic and contemporary American cuisine to presidents and some of the brightest stars in entertainment.
3) Go International Throughout the Boroughs
Globally, New York City is known as one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities and is the home for many international citizens. Throughout the five boroughs, visitors can explore and taste the different cultures that exist within the City. From Little Caribbean located in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and Little Sri Lanka in Tompkinsville, Staten Island, to Manhattan’s Chinatown and Washington Heights, visitors can get a worldly experience in the unique, vibrant neighborhoods throughout the boroughs. Recently named as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2022” by The New York Times, the borough of Queens is home to a variety of international cuisines. Visitors can dine along the 7 train to expand their palate with an array of ethnic cuisines from Eastern European to Japanese. For those looking for authentic Italian cuisine, the Bronx’s Arthur Avenue is home to some of the best dishes in the City. For more, visit nycgo.com/neighborhoods.
4) Brand-New Culinary Experiences
Across the boroughs, visitors and locals can expect a slate of new restaurant openings and the return of New York City favorites. Washington Heights recently welcomed a new spot in the neighborhood, Dutch Baby Bakery, a woman-owned shop serving fresh seasonal breakfast pastries, tarts, cakes and artisanal bread, that has quickly become a local favorite. Rowdy Rooster, an Indian-spiced-fried-chicken fast-casual spot located in the East Village, opened in February; Place des Fêtes, a Spanish-inspired restaurant, opened in March in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn; Makina Café, New York City’s first Ethiopian-Eritrean mobile restaurant, opened a full-service restaurant in Sunnyside, Queens, in early April; also in April, Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop, a 91-year-old Manhattan sandwich counter, will reopen under a new name, S&P; and Keith McNally and Daniel Boulud are working together to reopen Augustine under a new name this spring in the Financial District. For more, visit nycgo.com/dining.
5) Food Halls Featuring International Delicacies and NYC Favorites
Singapore Hawker Center, an enormous Singaporean-inspired food hall, will soon open in Midtown bringing authentic, traditional cuisine from 18 street-food vendors, including Douglas Ng of Fishball Story; Chris Hooi of Dragon Phoenix; and Ah Tai, known for his Hainanese chicken rice. This fall, the James Beard Foundation will also open an 18-stall, 16,000-square-foot hall at Pier 57 featuring local businesses and offerings from food entrepreneurs. Additionally, visitors arriving at the Moynihan Train Hall can now select from a dozen curated vendors at the Moynihan Food Hall, including Sauce Pizzeria, E.A.K. Ramen, Magnolia Bakery, H&H Bagels and Jacob’s Pickles—and can soon enjoy the full market, expanded food hall and three signature restaurants.
