A good plan is the most important part of any foodie adventure. Steven Lawrence, food writer and culinary guide, prepares an attainable itinerary for your next food-focused visit to New York.
By Steven Lawrence
Food writer and culinary guide, Tablet contributor
As a seasoned foodie and avid trip designer, I’ve learned that nailing the perfect itinerary takes meticulous planning, impeccable timing, and a little bit of luck — ESPECIALLY in a cutthroat foodie city like New York.
Aside from the endless options for cuisines, vibes, and price points, you’re fighting for seats at tables with millions of other hungry savages. The key to success is to have a plan. You’ll need to start researching your foodie favorites further ahead than you realize, maybe even a couple months in advance. I recommend making your top restaurants and cocktail bars the focal point of the visit, and arranging the rest of your trip around them.
Not everybody has time to bring together the pieces required for the ideal foodie-forward trip, which is why I started Epicurious Travel. We work with time-strapped travelers to plan and execute vacations that are deeply immersed in the culinary culture of your destination. From MICHELIN Star to hole-in-the-wall, our goal is to ensure you never have a bad meal.
The itinerary below can serve as a guide while planning your next foodie adventure to the Big Apple.
Where to stay: PUBLIC Hotel
Perfectly situated at the intersection of LES, East Village, and SoHo, PUBLIC makes a great home base for your trip. From boutique-hotel icon Ian Schrager, PUBLIC combines numerous lively public spaces with tranquil, zen-inspired (and triple-glazed) rooms. There’s no shortage of food and drink options at PUBLIC, but for this guide, you’re getting your butt out of the hotel.
Let’s go!
Day 1 – A Foodie Fast Start
LATE LUNCH ON ARRIVAL
• Katz’s Deli or Russ & Daughters: No one would blame you for trying out these LES staples, but to dodge the tourists and eat like a local, consider these other options.
• Gotham Burger Social Club: Into smashburgers? Look no further. Pair your single, double or triple with your saucy choice of buffalo bleu cheese or ghost pepper ranch.
• Son del North: Burritos that will make you question if you’ve ever even had a burrito before. Carne asada and pollo asado top the list.
• Scarr’s Pizza: Recently named Time Out Magazine’s 2nd best pizza in the WORLD.
PRE-DINNER DRINKS
• Monsieur: Gothic lair of cocktails. Staff only elevate the vibe here. Try the salted banana espresso martini and the Aperol margarita.
• Double Chicken Please: Widely known as one of the best bars in the world. No reservations. Get there early to put your name down for a seat in the back bar. Food in the form of drinks. The cold pizza will change your life.
• Good Guys: Wine and amaro bar by the crew at Attaboy. Warm and welcoming vibe and staff. Reserve or walk-in. A few of their specialty spritzes should do the job.
DINNER
• Bridges: French-leaning spot that is beaming with energy. Try standouts like the sardine toast, aged tuna with dates, some sort of shrimp with an uni custard, Comte cheese tart with chanterelles and truffles, and the sweetbread main course cooked to perfection.
Day 2 – Marathon, Not Sprint
• Morning pastries @ L’appartement 4f: Trendy and well executed French pastries served in a takeout window in the West Village. Nothing here is bad. Eater’s choice.
• Pre-lunch snack @ Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market: The best taco in the city for the money. Adobada taco.
• Pre-lunch snack dessert @ Lil Sweet Treat: An international gummy and chocolate treats shop sure to put your typical gas station sweets to shame.
• Lunch @ Sobaya: Handcut Japanese noodles served hot (in broth) or cold. Accompany your noodles with goodies like tempura veggies, fried bean curd, barbequed eel, and fish cakes.
• Pre-dinner drinks @ Superbueno: Newly (2024) minted as one of the best bars in the world. Mexico City flair meets NYC vibes. Don’t miss the vodka (y) soda.
• Dinner @ Jeju Noodle Bar: MICHELIN Star Korean noodles. Unmatched quality and freshness. Come for the Ssambap, stay for the shaved black truffle chocolate soft serve.
• Post Dinner Jazz @ St. Mazie, Williamsburg: Funky and lively bar with live jazz weekly. Reserve your table in advance to catch a good view of the show. A night cap to remember.
Day 3 – Carb Up
• Breakfast @ Tompkins Square Bagels: East Village staple. Bagel sandwiches however you want them.
• Lunch @ Faicco’s Italian Specialties: King of Italian deli sandwiches. The friendly staff will make you feel at home the moment you walk in and help you navigate the endless sandwiches and topping options.
Book a late flight, baby. Your belly will need some time to digest before you buckle in to those airplane seats. And start thinking about your next foodie trip to New Your City. We’ve barely scratched the surface.
Bon appétit.