New York is known for many things and its variety of food is one of them. Instagram and Facebook display all the best places to try while in town. Recently, I made my way to NYC where I went on a major food tour. I came, I saw, and I conquered the best eateries with the help of my family of foodies. Here's how you can complete your own NYC food tour, minus having to pay for a real tour guide.
1. Benito One
Food stop number one, which was by far my favorite, was located in Little Italy at a a place called Benito One. Benito One has been crafting delicious pasta in their tiny restaurant since 1968. The restaurant came to life with only five tables, which sounds crazy, but not much has been changed. The restaurant is still teeny tiny, so make sure to reserve a table in advance.
If you have been to Little Italy, you know there are so many options to choose from. The two dishes you need to try are the Fettuccine Bolognese and the Spaghetti Carbonara. Both dishes are completely homemade and out of this world. If you are looking for a hole in the wall and simple Italian meal, Benito One is the one for you.
2. 10 Below
My second favorite comes straight out of China Town in another small shop called, 10 below. 10 below is following the new trend, Thai rolled ice cream. Seems interesting, right?
To start, you choose your flavor and then move to toppings. I chose the strawberry flavor with graham crackers and marshmallows. Watching the employees make your individualized flavor is so cool. They start by pouring the milk onto a freezing cold surface and take two flat spatulas and mix the cream together along with all your preferred toppings until the consistency is perfect. They roll up the ice cream and add more toppings to make your bowl snap story ready.
3. Katz's Deli
Katz's Deli is for sure the number one deli in NYC. Their deli sandwiches are extremely large and filling. Half a sandwich will definitely suffice. From pastrami to tongue they have it all. Before your sandwich, make sure to get some pickles and a bowl of matzah ball soup. Katz's is a great place to share dishes, to ensure you try all the favorites. I am from Arizona and this definitely beats our local delis!
4. Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia Bakery is a famous bakery and they are all over the New York area. They are recognized for their banana pudding, which is seriously unreal. The small size comes in a big cup, perfect to share. The pudding is filled with mashed bananas, vanilla wafers, and heaven. This banana goodness is perfect to take with you all around Soho and museums as a well-deserved treat for walking all around NYC. Everyone deserves a special treat!
5. Black Tap
Okay, now we're getting to the Insta-famous milkshakes from no other than Black Tap in NYC. These milkshakes are filled with everything from sugar and cake to candy, cookies, and rainbows. Seriously the craziest, most expensive, picture-worthy dessert of your life.
My family, of course, had to scope out the menu prior to the experience. The cookie shake was my personal favorite. The vanilla shake was dipped in a vanilla frosting at the rim and covered with cookie bits, a cookie sandwich, chocolate sauce, chocolate chips and lots of whipped cream on top. We also had to try the cotton candy shake. The strawberry shake base was covered with pink, blue and purple sparkles, candy pearls, lollipops, rock candy and of course lots of cotton candy. I have to say, I was a little skeptical trying Black Tap, but it definitely exceeded my expectations.
If you are huge foodie and wanting to have the perfect NYC food tour, follow my trip and I promise you will be satisfied.