New York Pizza: Thin-crust, foldable slices. Try: Joe's Pizza (Greenwich Village), Prince Street Pizza (pepperoni square), Di Fara (Brooklyn - worth the wait), John's of Bleecker Street. Traditional slice $3-4. Fold it in half lengthwise to eat like a New Yorker!
Bagels: Boiled then baked, chewy interior, crispy exterior. Best with schmear (cream cheese) and lox (smoked salmon). Try: Russ & Daughters, Ess-a-Bagel, Absolute Bagels, Murray's Bagels. Morning ritual: get there early for fresh-baked warmth.
Pastrami on Rye: Iconic deli sandwich with hot pastrami, mustard, pickles on rye bread. Try: Katz's Delicatessen (Where Harry Met Sally scene filmed - massive portions, expect to wait), Pastrami Queen, 2nd Ave Deli. Bring cash for faster service at Katz's.
Hot Dogs: Street cart dogs with sauerkraut and onions (around $2-3), or Nathan's Famous at Coney Island (original location). Gray's Papaya serves classic New York style dogs with tropical drinks. Shake Shack elevated the game with gourmet versions.
Cheesecake: Dense, creamy New York-style. Junior's (Brooklyn - legendary), Eileen's Special Cheesecake (SoHo), Veniero's (East Village). Junior's original plain is perfection - resist novelty flavors first visit.
Black & White Cookie: Cake-like cookie with vanilla and chocolate icing. Found in most bakeries and delis. Perfect with coffee.
Chinese: Chinatown offers dim sum (Nom Wah Tea Parlor - oldest, Jing Fong - massive space), Peking duck, hand-pulled noodles. Flushing, Queens has even more authentic options (Joe's Shanghai for soup dumplings).
Italian: Beyond Little Italy tourists traps, try Carbone (upscale, reservations essential), L'Artusi (West Village), Roberta's (Brooklyn pizza), Arthur Avenue in the Bronx (authentic Italian neighborhood).
Jewish Deli: Russ & Daughters (appetizing shop - smoked fish, bagels since 1914), Zabar's (Upper West Side institution), Mile End (Montreal-style).
Middle Eastern: Mamoun's Falafel (cheap, delicious), Taim (multiple locations), Balady Foods, The Halal Guys (famous street cart turned chain - chicken and rice).
Korean: Koreatown (32nd Street) offers Korean BBQ, bibimbap, fried chicken at Bonchon or BCD Tofu House (24 hours).
Indian: Curry Hill (Lexington Ave, 20s), Jackson Heights Queens (most authentic), Dhamaka (excellent upscale).
Mexican: Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market - authentic), Los Mariscos (food truck - Baja fish tacos), Cosme (upscale modern Mexican).
Chelsea Market: Lobster rolls, tacos, Thai, artisan goods, shopping. Tourist-friendly, can be crowded.
Eataly: Italian marketplace with restaurants, groceries, cooking classes. Multiple locations (Flatiron flagship).
Essex Market: Lower East Side, more local vibe, diverse vendors, Shopsin's for eccentric menu.
Smorgasburg: Weekend outdoor food market in Williamsburg (Saturdays) and Prospect Park (Sundays). 100+ vendors, innovative foods, waterfront location.
Reservations: Book popular restaurants 1-2 weeks ahead via Resy, OpenTable, or directly. Walk-ins possible at bar seating.
Tipping: 18-20% standard for table service, 15% minimum. $1-2 per drink at bars. No tipping at counter-service places.
Timing: Lunch typically 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, dinner 5:30-10 PM. Early dining (5-6 PM) easier for walk-ins. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
Budget: Street food/casual: $5-15, mid-range: $20-40 per person, upscale: $60-150+, fine dining: $200+. Add 8.875% tax + 20% tip.
BYOB: Some restaurants (especially in outer boroughs) allow bringing wine with nominal corkage fees - call ahead.
Food Festivals: Smorgasburg (weekends), Governors Island food events (summer), NYC Food Film Festival, Restaurant Week (January & July - prix fixe deals at top restaurants).