16 New York Food Spots Only Locals Rave About

New York City has thousands of restaurants, but finding the real gems takes insider knowledge. Tourists flock to famous chains and trendy spots plastered all over social media, while locals quietly enjoy incredible food at hidden treasures across the boroughs.

I’ve gathered the best-kept secrets that New Yorkers actually recommend to their friends, so you can eat like a true local.

1. Russ & Daughters Cafe

Smoked fish might not sound exciting, but one bite changes everything. This Lower East Side institution has been slicing salmon since 1914, and their bagels with schmear are legendary among New Yorkers who know good food.

You’ll find locals lined up on weekend mornings, chatting with staff who remember their usual orders. The nova lox melts in your mouth, and their homemade cream cheese varieties are worth every calorie.

2. Los Tacos No. 1

Authentic Mexican flavors hide inside Chelsea Market, where this taco stand draws crowds daily. Fresh tortillas are made right in front of you, pressed and cooked on a traditional comal that fills the air with an irresistible aroma.

I always get the adobada with pineapple, though the carne asada runs a close second. Locals know to arrive before noon or after 2 PM to avoid the longest lines that snake through the market.

3. Di Fara Pizza

Pizza perfectionists make pilgrimages to this Midwood, Brooklyn shop where Dom DeMarco crafted pies for over 50 years. His family continues the tradition, hand-cutting basil with scissors over each pizza that emerges from the ancient oven.

Expect to wait an hour or more, but watching the pizza-making process is part of the experience. Every ingredient gets chosen with care, from imported Italian tomatoes to fresh mozzarella that arrives daily.

4. Sahadi’s

Walking into this Middle Eastern market feels like stepping into another country. Brooklyn Heights residents have been shopping here since 1948, filling bags with spices, nuts, dried fruits, and prepared foods you won’t find anywhere else.

The prepared food counter serves incredible falafel, hummus, and baba ganoush at prices that make Manhattan seem ridiculous. I grab their za’atar blend every visit because nothing else compares to their perfectly balanced mix.

5. Katz’s Delicatessen

Sure, tourists know about this place, but locals still pack it for a reason. Their pastrami sandwich towers impossibly high, hand-carved by skilled cutters who’ve perfected their craft over decades of practice.

Get there early on weekdays when neighborhood regulars dominate the tables. The ticket system confuses first-timers, but just hold onto that little paper slip until you pay at the exit or face a hefty fine!

6. Xi’an Famous Foods

Spicy cumin lamb noodles changed my entire perspective on Chinese food. This family-run chain started in a Flushing basement and now has locations across the city where locals crave those chewy, hand-pulled noodles.

The liang pi cold skin noodles offer a refreshing alternative during summer heat. Don’t let the simple decor fool you—the flavors pack serious punch, and regulars know to order extra chili oil on the side.

7. Levain Bakery

These cookies weigh half a pound each and redefine what baked goods should taste like. Upper West Side locals have been keeping this secret since 1995, though the word has definitely spread beyond the neighborhood now.

The chocolate chip walnut cookie stays gooey in the center while crispy on the edges. I’ve watched people bite into their first Levain cookie and immediately turn around to buy three more for later.

8. Vanessa’s Dumpling House

Four dumplings for a dollar sounds impossible until you walk into this Chinatown gem. Locals line up for fried pork and chive dumplings that come out sizzling hot from the kitchen at lightning speed.

The sesame pancake sandwich stuffed with eggs and vegetables makes an incredible breakfast for under five dollars. Cash only, so hit the ATM first, and grab extra soy sauce packets because you’ll want them.

9. Superiority Burger

Vegetarian food this good shouldn’t exist, yet here we are. This tiny East Village counter serves burgers that meat-eaters actually choose over beef, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality.

The burnt broccoli salad has achieved cult status among neighborhood regulars. Chef Brooks Headley changes the menu constantly, so you’ll discover something new with each visit to this colorful, quirky spot.

10. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

Late-night cravings meet their match at this pizza joint famous for one particular slice. The artichoke slice tastes more like spinach and artichoke dip on bread, and it’s absolutely perfect after midnight when you need something substantial.

Locals debate whether the original location or the newer spots taste better. I say they’re all excellent, especially when you’re walking home from a night out and that creamy, cheesy slice calls your name.

11. Prince Street Pizza

Pepperoni cups that curl up into crispy little grease pools—sounds gross, tastes amazing. This Nolita spot has perfected the square slice, and their spicy spring pizza has locals returning weekly despite the inevitable wait.

The cheese-to-sauce ratio hits differently here than anywhere else in the city. Grab your slice and eat it standing at the narrow counter while watching the pizza makers work their magic in the cramped kitchen.

12. Mamoun’s Falafel

Since 1971, this tiny Greenwich Village shop has been stuffing pita bread with the crispiest falafel imaginable. At 3 AM, you’ll find everyone from college students to Wall Street traders devouring these sandwiches on the sidewalk outside.

The hot sauce brings serious heat, so start with just a little drizzle. I’ve introduced countless friends to this place, and they all become regulars within weeks of that first perfect, affordable bite.

13. Lucali

No phone, no reservations, just show up and wait for pizza that makes the line worthwhile. This Carroll Gardens spot serves pies that Brooklyn residents guard like a precious secret, even though the cat’s mostly out of the bag.

Owner Mark Iacono still makes every pizza himself using a century-old recipe. The calzones are equally spectacular, and bringing your own wine keeps the bill reasonable for such exceptional quality and atmosphere.

14. Halal Guys

What started as one cart on 53rd and 6th has become a citywide phenomenon. The original location still draws the biggest crowds, with locals who remember when this was the only spot to get that famous white sauce.

The chicken and rice platter feeds you for hours at an unbeatable price. I always get extra white sauce because that’s where the magic lives, though the red sauce adds perfect heat for those who can handle it.

15. Hometown Bar-B-Que

Real Texas-style barbecue exists in Brooklyn, and locals know Red Hook is worth the trek. Pitmaster Billy Durney smokes meats for up to 18 hours, creating brisket that melts apart with just a fork.

The beef rib looks like something Fred Flintstone would eat, and it tastes even better than it looks. Arrive hungry because the sides—especially the burnt end baked beans—deserve as much attention as the perfectly smoked meats.

16. Scarr’s Pizza

Organic flour and filtered water might sound pretentious for pizza, but the results speak for themselves. This Lower East Side newcomer has already earned fierce loyalty from locals who appreciate the attention to ingredient quality.

The classic cheese slice proves that simple done right beats complicated every time. Owner Scarr Pimentel mills some flour in-house, and you can taste the difference in every bite of that perfectly charred, chewy crust.