Finding great food while dining and vacationing in a New York City vacation rental is not a challenge. It’s one of the most diverse and renowned cities when it comes to American as well as international cuisine. New York holds a little bit of everything, but if you want the most amazing food dining experience to be had in the city, then follow my personally selected guide of the 15 best food places around the 5 city boroughs!

Manhattan:

• Crif Dogs
  Heaven for not just fast food lovers! The menu has whole bunch of unique hot dogs with different toppings and ingredients. Go for the Spicy Redneck, a delicious version wrapped around with bacon and topped with creamy coleslaw. Don’t worry; you can get it non-spicy, minus the jalapeños, for the ones with a more sensitive palate (like me).
• Tao Lounge Downtown
  This place will make you feel transported into a different culture and even century! Upon entering you’ll be delighted to walk through a beautifully arranged dungeon-like hall way before getting to the incredible dining room, with an amazing Buddha statue in the center of it all. The drinks are superb and so is the food, of course!
• Luke’s Lobster
  Even a real Mainer will find their lobster rolls more than satisfying! It has several locations throughout the city, and even if you don’t go for their lobster roll (which you should!), they also offer crab and shrimp rolls.
• Corner Bistro
  Best burger in the city! (And that means a lot, since almost every sit-down place in New York has burgers on their menu). It’s fresh, juicy and cooked to perfection!
• Stanton Social
  This is a fantastic place to take a date- it has a very sensual vibe to it and the best part: The plates are all for sharing, which makes it just the more intimate and special. Their Beef Wellington is a complete hit!

Touristy Restaurants in Manhattan:

• Ellen’s Stardust Diner
  Located right by Times Square, this is the place for some exciting dinner entertainment! The staff sings and dances for you! You can make special requests (ideally in advance), and this is an awesome place for kids as well.
• 2nd Avenue Deli
  One of the most well-known delis in the city, with fine Jewish cuisine, either to go or for a sit-down meal! They have 2 locations; one on the Upper East Side and another one in Midtown. Try the Matzoh Ball soup!
• Beetle House
  THE place for Tim Burton fans! This restaurant is inspired by him and his world-famous movies. Of course you will see a few dressed-up actors as iconic Tim Burton characters, such as Sweeney Todd or Beetle-juice!
•  Hard Rock Café
  There is one to be found in every major city and this one shouldn’t be missed either. The food is surprisingly good, and sometimes there is live music. Quite a number of famous singers have visited and even performed at Hard Rock Café. The very first opening happened in London in 1971.
•  The Sea Grill
  A great find with delicious sea food as their main seller, located right by Rockefeller Center. Reservations in advance are highly recommended, especially during the holiday season. Ask for a seat by the window when you make the reservation, because it will give you a nice view of the ice rink.

Brooklyn: 

• Pie’ n’ Thighs
  A typical brunch item you’ll find all around the city are biscuits and gravy and if you want to have the best of it, come here and let your senses be taken away! And while at it, explore Williamsburg!
• Cousin John’s
  This place makes any subway trip to Brooklyn worth its while! It’s incredibly cheap, especially for Park Slope standards, which is the neighborhood you’ll find it in, and you surely won’t be disappointed. Their French toast is a piece of heaven! And, since it’s also a bakery, why not get dessert to-go?
•  The Meatball Shop
  To finish off my list of favorites, I HAVE to mention The Meatball Shop. It’s a wonderfully creative and cute place where you create your own meatball dish (it also has a vegetarian option).  Also with one location in Manhattan.

 The Bronx:

• Antonio’s Trattoria
  Hands down, this is a must visit for anybody who loves Italian food! This is where the locals go. It’s the most authentic place I have been to, besides Italy itself!, and it has been around for a long time. The Fettuccine Carbonara, as well as the fried calamari, are simply divine! It’s in walking distance to the Bronx Botanical Gardens, which are worth a visit anytime.

 Queens:

• King of Falafel and Shawarma
  If you like Middle Eastern food, look no further! All you need to do is take a trip to the trendy neighborhood of Astoria, Queens! The owner started out as a “food trucker”, but now has his own restaurant at the exact spot where he got his start. It has never tasted better!

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