If you’re asking about the best food and restaurants in NYC food, the answer is simple: start with pizza, add bagels, and layer in the city’s incredible global cuisine. New York City is a 24/7 food paradise where dollar slices, wood-fired Neapolitan pies, and Michelin-starred tasting menus all coexist. For Singaporeans and international visitors, this guide cuts through the noise to highlight the most authentic, safe, and memorable NYC dining experiences — from legendary pizzerias to hidden bagel gems and multicultural food markets.
This cluster article supports our main pillar guide, NYC Food Guide 2025: Pizza, Bagels & Diverse Cuisine for Homejourney Travelers, which covers everything from transport and safety to accommodation and budgeting for Singapore-based travelers.
Why NYC Food Is a Must-Try for Singaporeans
Singaporeans love food, and NYC’s dining scene is one of the most exciting in the world. Unlike many global cities, NYC offers both extreme variety and deep authenticity. You can eat a perfect New York slice for under US$3, grab a fresh bagel with lox at 6 a.m., or enjoy a multi-course tasting menu in a converted warehouse in Brooklyn.
For Singapore property buyers and investors, understanding NYC’s lifestyle and food culture is valuable context. Many of our clients use Homejourney not just to explore Singapore real estate, but also to compare international living standards, investment opportunities, and quality of life. A great meal in NYC can be as much a part of that research as visiting a condo showflat in Orchard or Sentosa Cove.
Best New York Pizza: Where to Eat in 2025
New York pizza is world-famous for a reason: thin, foldable slices with a crisp-yet-chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and generous cheese. But the scene has evolved, with Neapolitan, Sicilian, and creative fusion styles now alongside the classic slice.
Iconic NYC Pizza Spots
For Singaporeans who want the real NYC experience, these are the pizzerias that locals and critics agree on:
- Una Pizza Napoletana (Lower East Side) – Ranked the best pizzeria in the USA for 2025 by 50 Top Pizza, this spot serves authentic Neapolitan-style pies with minimal toppings and maximum flavour. Expect queues, but it’s worth it for the Margherita or Bianca.
- Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village) – A NYC institution since 1975. The classic cheese slice is simple, cheap, and delicious. Great for a quick bite after walking through Washington Square Park.
- L’Industrie Pizzeria (Williamsburg, Brooklyn) – Winner of Best Pizza Slice in the USA 2025, this retro slice shop serves thin, crisp slices with seasonal toppings. Try the pepperoni or the seasonal special.
- Scarr’s Pizza (Lower East Side) – Famous for milling its own flour, Scarr’s offers a slightly yeasty, flavourful crust with a zesty sauce. A favourite among locals and food bloggers.
- Rubirosa (Little Italy) – Known for its Staten Island–style thin, crackery crust and excellent vodka pizza. Great for a sit-down dinner with a group.
Pizza Tips for Singapore Visitors
- Always fold your slice – it’s the NYC way.
- Most slice shops accept cash only or have a minimum for cards (often US$10–15).
- Peak times are lunch (12–2 p.m.) and dinner (6–9 p.m.). For a quieter experience, go early or late.
- Tip 15–20% at sit-down pizzerias; no tip needed at counter-service slice joints.
Best NYC Bagels: More Than Just a Breakfast
No NYC food guide is complete without bagels. Unlike the soft, sweet versions in some Asian bakeries, authentic NYC bagels are dense, chewy, and slightly crusty, boiled then baked.
Top Bagel Spots in NYC
- Ess-a-Bagel (Midtown & Upper East Side) – Huge, chewy bagels with generous schmears. The lox and cream cheese combo is legendary.
- Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side) – A century-old appetizing shop. Try the classic bagel with whitefish, lox, and onion.
- Bagel Hole (Park Slope, Brooklyn) – A tiny, no-frills spot with some of the best bagels in the city. Cash only, often with a queue.
- Absolute Bagels (Upper West Side) – Known for its perfectly blistered crust and soft interior. Great for a quick breakfast before Central Park.
Bagel Hacks for First-Timers
- Go early – popular spots sell out by mid-morning.
- Ask for “toasted” if you prefer a crispier texture.
- Pair with a black coffee or iced coffee – it’s the classic NYC combo.
- For a full experience, try a “lox bagel” with capers, red onion, and cream cheese.
Diverse NYC Cuisine: Beyond Pizza and Bagels
NYC’s food scene is incredibly diverse, reflecting its immigrant communities. For Singaporeans used to hawker centres and multicultural dining, this is a dream destination.
Must-Try NYC Food Markets
Food markets are perfect for trying multiple cuisines in one visit. They’re also generally safe, well-lit, and popular with tourists and locals alike.
- Chelsea Market (Meatpacking District) – A converted factory with dozens of stalls. Try lobster rolls at The Lobster Place, tacos at Los Tacos No.1, and cookies at Levain Bakery.
- Smorgasburg (Williamsburg, Brooklyn – weekends) – An outdoor food market with creative, Instagram-friendly bites. Great for dumplings, ramen burgers, and artisanal ice cream.
- Queens Night Market (Flushing, Queens – weekends) – A budget-friendly, multicultural market with strong Asian influence. Think Taiwanese bao, Filipino sisig, and Korean corn dogs.
Best NYC Restaurants by Cuisine
For a more formal NYC dining experience, here are some top picks by cuisine:
- Italian: Rubirosa (Manhattan), L’Industrie (Brooklyn), Carbone (for splurge).
- Chinese: Xi’an Famous Foods (hand-pulled noodles), Joe’s Shanghai (soup dumplings).
- Japanese: Sushi Yasuda (sushi omakase), Ivan Ramen (ramen).
- Mexican: Cosme (modern Mexican), Los Tacos No.1 (street-style tacos).
- Indian: Junoon (fine dining), Curry Hill (Midtown South) for casual eats.
Practical NYC Dining Tips for Singaporeans
To make your NYC food experience safe, enjoyable, and budget-friendly, keep these tips in mind:
- Currency: Prices are in USD. As of late 2025, 1 SGD ≈ 0.73–0.75 USD. Use a card with low foreign exchange fees, or withdraw cash from ATMs at major banks.
- Transport: Most top restaurants are near subway stations. Use the MTA app or Google Maps to plan routes. From Singapore, flying to NYC takes about 18–20 hours with a stopover.
- Safety: Stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially at night. Avoid eating alone in very quiet, isolated streets.
- Budgeting: A slice of pizza costs US$3–5, a bagel US$2–4, and a sit-down dinner US$15–30 per person (before tip). Fine dining can be US$100+ per person.
- Reservations: Book popular restaurants 1–4 weeks in advance via OpenTable or Resy. For casual spots, walk-ins are usually fine.
Connecting NYC Food to Singapore Property
Many visitors to NYC who enjoy its food and lifestyle also consider property investment in Asia. Singapore, in particular, is a popular choice for second homes, vacation properties, and long-term investments.
For travelers interested in exploring Asian real estate opportunities, Singapore offers:
- Stable property market with strong rental demand.
- High safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure – similar to NYC’s appeal but in a compact, tropical setting.
- Easy access to international schools, healthcare, and global cuisine (including excellent pizza and bagels in Singapore).
- Support for foreign buyers through Homejourney’s verified listings and agent directory.
