New York City is known as a melting pot, home to a wide mix of inhabitants, providing a culinary chasm. With so much diversity, it’s no wonder New York is one of the food capitals of the world. If you’re moving to the city and want to live near the areas with the best food, there are a few neighborhoods that offer a variety of foods from different cultures.
Here are three trending foodie neighborhoods to check out in New York City.
East Village
The East Village is best known as the birthplace of the bohemian artist movements, punk rock influence, boutique shops and remarkable restaurants. Extending north from East Houston Street to East 4th Street, and east from Lafayette Street and Fourth Avenue to the East River, East Village is located close to New York University,specializing in budget friendly dining and ethnic diversity. Head to St. Mark’s for a large $1 slice of pizza, Mamoun’s for a $3.50 Falafel sandwich or dazzle your taste buds with a visit to SuCo, popular for unusual ice-cream flavors, such as Wasabi, Corn and Tiramisu. On sunny afternoons, visit one of the community gardens, like Tomkins Square Park, to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Although the East Village has a reputation for being kinder on your wallet, it’s also home to renowned chefs and luxury dining.
Lower Eastside
The Lower Eastside offers a vibrant nightlife and blend of cultural diversity that influences the food scene. Located between Canal Street to Houston Street and the East River to Bowery, the Lower Eastside is close to Chinatown and Eldridge Street, providing tasty hybrid food selections, like Chinese-Italian and French-Asian fusion.Iconic eatery, Katz’s Delicatessen, is a must-see, famous for its hand-carved pastrami and corn beef sandwiches, and notable diner scene from the movie When Harry Met Sally. Russ & Daughters, Le Turtle and Lowlife, are among local favorites as well. When you’re done getting a taste of the Lower Eastside, head to the historic Eldridge Street synagogue, Tenement Museum or Sara D. Roosevelt Park, home to the annual dumpling eating contest.
West Village
The West Village is the epicenter of all things culinary, making it a trendy neighborhood for food lovers. Intimate restaurants encourage diners to enjoy the charming atmosphere, savor their meals and enjoy the company of friends and family. Walk along the winding cobblestone streets and indulge in some of the best Italian food in the city. Make sure to try the freshly made pasta and authentic gelato for traditional Italian fare. You also can’t go wrong with Murray’s Cheese Bar, Tartine, The Spotted Pig and L’Artusi. Beyond the wonderful selection of top restaurants, the West Village boasts stunning views of the Hudson River, excellent shopping on Bleecker Street and is located within close proximity to The Highline and Washington Square Park, allowing you to make an afternoon of your city food crawl.
Whether you’re looking to nosh on a budget or experience the fine food made by top chefs, New York’s food scene has it all. If you’re interested in living within close proximity to drool-worthy food, explore Manhattan real estate to find your next food excursion. Just make sure you have an empty stomach!
By: Miriam Bornstein
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
