What Food To Try in New York and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in New York for 2024.
National currency: US Dollar, symbol — $ (international currency code USD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in New York cafes and restaurants
$25
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $15
$100
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $75
$12
Combo Meal
Starting from $10
What to Try in New York
Must-try Dishes
Bagel and Lox - Bagel con Salmón (classic breakfast) - A chewy bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers, often garnished with red onion. Locals enjoy this hearty breakfast at delis, especially on weekends, while chatting with friends over coffee.pizza - Pizza (foldable street food) - Thin crust topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, typically sold by the slice from street carts. You’ll see everyone grabbing a slice on the go, especially during lunch rush; the cheese is always extra stretchy!
Pastrami on Rye - Pastrami en Pan de Centeno (iconic lunch) - Tender, spiced pastrami piled high on rye bread, served with mustard and pickles. This classic deli sandwich is a local favorite for a hearty lunch, often enjoyed at bustling delis where orders come with a side of lively banter.
Chicken and Rice - Pollo con Arroz (popular street food) - Flavorful marinated chicken served over seasoned rice with a drizzle of white sauce and hot sauce, often with a side salad. Sold from food trucks in midtown, it’s a favorite after long nights out; just make sure to specify “chicken” or you might get an unexpected combination!
Roast Duck - Pato Asado (local specialty) - Crispy roasted duck served with rice and soy sauce, often accompanied by a side of bok choy. It’s a special dish enjoyed at Chinese restaurants, especially during family gatherings; locals know to order the half duck for a satisfying meal.
Egg and Cheese on a Roll - Huevo y Queso en Pan (breakfast staple) - A fluffy egg with melted cheese in a soft roll, often combined with bacon or sausage. This comforting grab-and-go item is perfect for breakfast; locals often stop for one before heading to work, especially on chillier mornings.
Fried Plantains - Plátanos Fritos (seasonal favorite) - Crispy fried sweet plantains served as a side or appetizer, beloved for their sweet and savory balance. Typically enjoyed along with dinner, especially during summer gatherings; they really compliment any meal!
Buffalo Wings - Alitas de Búfalo (unexpected crowd-pleaser) - Spicy, crispy chicken wings covered in tangy hot sauce, often served with blue cheese dressing. A common sight for game day gatherings, locals eat these in large quantities – make sure to order a side of celery sticks for a refreshing crunch!
Desserts & Drinks
- Black and White Cookie - Black and White Cookie (frosted dessert) - A cake-like cookie half frosted with rich chocolate and half with sweet vanilla fondant. You'll find these treats in bakeries all over the city, often enjoyed as a midday snack while locals take a break at work. (By the way, they’re much bigger than you’d expect.)- Egg Cream - Egg Cream (chocolate soda drink) - A fizzy, sweet mix of milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup that contains neither egg nor cream. It's a nostalgic drink for many New Yorkers, typically enjoyed in diners and at soda fountains; locals sip on it any time of day. (Common mistake? Asking for it with whipped cream!)
- Frozen Hot Chocolate - Frozen Hot Chocolate (chilled dessert drink) - A creamy blend of rich hot chocolate and ice, served tall and topped with whipped cream. This cold treat is especially a hit in the summer, with locals enjoying it during leisurely strolls in the warmer months. (Pro tip: grab one while sitting in Bryant Park!)
- Malibu Bay Breeze - Malibu Bay Breeze (fruity cocktail) - A refreshing mix of Malibu rum, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice served over ice. It's a popular summer drink among the younger crowd, often enjoyed at rooftop bars during sunset, making the views even sweeter. (Just so you know, it’s easy to go heavy on the rum if you’re not careful!)
- Zeppole - Zeppole (fried pastry) - Light, airy doughnuts richly doused in powdered sugar and sometimes filled with custard or jelly, often made for special occasions like Saint Joseph’s Day. You’ll find them at many Italian bakeries around the city, perfect for a post-meal treat—especially when they’re still warm. (Tip: They’ll be gone quickly during celebrations, so arrive early!)
Food and Groceries in New York
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $4.42 |
| Bananas | $2.16 |
| Oranges | $5.5 |
| Potatoes | $4.13 |
| Apples | $6.26 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $2.45 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.48 |
| Imported Beer | $3.9 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $18 |
| Milk 1L | $1.38 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $20.14 |
| Chicken | $16.8 |
| Cigarettes | $16 |
| Rice | $8.01 |
| Local Cheese | $18.52 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Strolling through the bustling streets of Astoria during lunch hour, it's clear that between 12 PM and 2 PM, the rhythms of office workers and locals meld into a lively dining scene. Workers flock to the countless cafes and eateries, often opting for quick bites like a $7-$12 shawarma or a $15 lunch special at a local diner, while the aroma of fresh baked goods from nearby bakeries fills the air, making it difficult to resist stepping inside.
In New York, mealtime habits have a unique cadence shaped by the fast-paced lifestyle. Breakfast usually kicks off around 8 AM, with diners grabbing coffee and a bagel before heading to work, while lunch often leads to a mad rush to various local spots. Dinner picks up around 6 PM and can stretch late into the evening, especially in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Williamsburg, where the nightlife influences dining hours.
Diners can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 for a standard dinner in popular areas like the West Village, where prices seem to peek during weekends, pushing them up due to high demand. Conversely, you might discover similar meals for $15-$30 in less touristy areas, such as Flatbush in Brooklyn, providing some relief to the budget-conscious.
Payment customs include a strong preference for credit cards, but cash remains king at food trucks and certain neighborhood spots, offering a more authentic experience. Oh, and before I forget, always be prepared to tip around 15-20% in restaurants; it’s almost an unspoken rule here, and servers depend on it.
One authentic local eating habit worth noting is the "happy hour" culture; many New Yorkers take advantage of discounted drinks and appetizers starting around 4 PM, making it a common pre-dinner ritual. However, tourists sometimes slip into the trap of expecting immediate service—it's not uncommon for locals to relish a slow, relaxed meal, enjoying conversations long after the last bite.
For a more enjoyable dining experience, making reservations during peak hours is a good idea, especially in popular districts. Many places fill quickly, especially on weekends. With the shifting food scene, particularly around the influx of new transport links like the Second Avenue Subway, dining patterns are evolving, bringing unique flavors from various cultural backgrounds to areas previously underserved.
As prices fluctuate with seasonal changes, like the increasing costs for produce during winter months, keeping an eye on local markets for fresh finds remains a nimble way to eat well on a budget. Whether you're dodging the lunch rush or exploring the eclectic dining districts, New York’s food landscape is as vibrant as its residents.
In New York, mealtime habits have a unique cadence shaped by the fast-paced lifestyle. Breakfast usually kicks off around 8 AM, with diners grabbing coffee and a bagel before heading to work, while lunch often leads to a mad rush to various local spots. Dinner picks up around 6 PM and can stretch late into the evening, especially in neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Williamsburg, where the nightlife influences dining hours.
Diners can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 for a standard dinner in popular areas like the West Village, where prices seem to peek during weekends, pushing them up due to high demand. Conversely, you might discover similar meals for $15-$30 in less touristy areas, such as Flatbush in Brooklyn, providing some relief to the budget-conscious.
Payment customs include a strong preference for credit cards, but cash remains king at food trucks and certain neighborhood spots, offering a more authentic experience. Oh, and before I forget, always be prepared to tip around 15-20% in restaurants; it’s almost an unspoken rule here, and servers depend on it.
One authentic local eating habit worth noting is the "happy hour" culture; many New Yorkers take advantage of discounted drinks and appetizers starting around 4 PM, making it a common pre-dinner ritual. However, tourists sometimes slip into the trap of expecting immediate service—it's not uncommon for locals to relish a slow, relaxed meal, enjoying conversations long after the last bite.
For a more enjoyable dining experience, making reservations during peak hours is a good idea, especially in popular districts. Many places fill quickly, especially on weekends. With the shifting food scene, particularly around the influx of new transport links like the Second Avenue Subway, dining patterns are evolving, bringing unique flavors from various cultural backgrounds to areas previously underserved.
As prices fluctuate with seasonal changes, like the increasing costs for produce during winter months, keeping an eye on local markets for fresh finds remains a nimble way to eat well on a budget. Whether you're dodging the lunch rush or exploring the eclectic dining districts, New York’s food landscape is as vibrant as its residents.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
There's a saying that in one company, there was a sign: "We can work quickly, qualitatively, and cheaply. Choose any two." Well, the food scene in New York is a bit similar. Delicious, affordable, healthy.
Affordable and healthy? You’ll find that in diners and grocery stores, with plenty of vegetable salads around. But after enjoying hearty meals back home, it can get a bit depressing quickly. Not expensive and tasty? I've mentioned before that McDonald's offers some surprisingly good burgers that outshine many restaurant options. The most astonishing thing is that finding something both healthy and delicious is really tough, even without looking at the bill.
Let’s continue? A few tips: when you're asked how you want your meat cooked, always go for well-done! Even if you're a fan of rare, go no lower than medium. If a dish comes with a side, don’t hesitate to share it—it’s typically a huge portion. You can always order more, but wasting $25 on food you won't finish is unpleasant.
At Madison Square Garden, I observed an interesting scene: amid countless takeout restaurants, there was one that had a line—trust me, you won’t be disappointed if you wait in it!
Even though the falafels at street vendors smell incredibly delicious, I walked past their "home." Not kosher. »
The owners, Maya and Dean Jenklowitz, drew from their Israeli and South African roots to create a unique menu that stands out in the American bistro scene. For example, the rosewater waffles are served with Lebanese yogurt, berries, and honey syrup, while the Mediterranean breakfast features Israeli salad, Lebanese labneh cheese, and pita bread. Brunch starts at $10. »
Every time we ordered tea at a restaurant, café, or diner, they asked us how we wanted it prepared. Sugar? Milk? Cream? Sprinkle some cinnamon?
I feel like if I had asked for milk, black pepper, and a pinch of chili, they wouldn’t have batted an eye. Even a hefty price tag for tea at a restaurant doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a teapot with leaves. At one place, they brought a bag, but at least the hot water came in a cute vintage mini pitcher. »