The Perfect First Day of Eating in New York City

Choosing where to eat on your first day in New York is almost impossible. The city has too many iconic spots and too many strong opinions. Jeremy Jacobowitz takes a shot at building the ideal first-day food tour, picking places that represent what makes New York food culture distinct.

Start With Bagels at Utopia Bagels

The day begins at Utopia Bagels, which now has a Manhattan location. The order: an egg-everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, smoked salmon, and avocado. One critical rule: never toast a fresh bagel. You know they made it right when half the filling falls out after the first bite. The bagel has a crusty outside and a satisfying chew in the middle.

A loaded bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and avocado, held open to show the cross-section of fillings

Brunch at Katz's Deli

Head to Katz's Deli next. By arriving at brunch time, there is no wait to walk in and get a pastrami on rye. Go with straight mustard, or get a Reuben. There is nothing better in the world, according to Jeremy.

Lunch Picnic From Faico's

From a classic Jewish deli to a classic Italian deli. Walk over to Faico's and grab one of their giant sandwiches for a picnic in Washington Square Park. You can go cold Italian or get a hot veal cutlet with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. The broccoli rabe delivers an explosion of garlic.

A large Italian deli sandwich wrapped in paper and foil, ready for a park picnic

Afternoon Slice at Joe's Pizza

For a snack, pop into one of the Joe's Pizza locations for an iconic New York slice. Jeremy recommends skipping the original location. The perfect New York slice is super thin with the right amount of cheese and a sauce that leans slightly sweet.

Jeremy eating a classic New York pizza slice outside Joe's Pizza on Bleecker Street

Dinner at Emilio's Ballato

Dinner is the hardest pick. You could go to Chinatown for spots like Jing Fong, Nam Wah, or Deluxe Green Bo. Peter Luger's in Williamsburg is another classic. But for a true first-day dinner, you need New York red sauce Italian. Emilio's Ballato is the choice. It is tough to get in, but the bolognese, chicken parm, and meatballs are all worth it.

Jeremy eating at a classic red-sauce Italian restaurant, with steak and sides on the table

Key Takeaways

Never toast a fresh New York bagel; the crust and chew are the whole point
Timing matters: hitting Katz's at brunch hour means no wait
A first day in NYC should cover the city's major food cultures: Jewish deli, Italian deli, pizza, and red sauce Italian dinner

Resources

Utopia Bagels -- New York bagel shop with a new Manhattan location
Katz's Delicatessen -- Iconic Jewish deli on the Lower East Side
Joe's Pizza -- Classic New York slice joint