Reddit's Local Favorites: Where to Eat in New York, NY
#Reddit Recommendations#Local Favorites#Community Picks#New York, NY Dining

Reddit's Local Favorites: Where to Eat in New York, NY

August 6, 20254 min readNEW-YORK

Established

2025

Location

New York, NY, NY

Cuisine

Various • Local Favorites

Signature Dish

Community favorites

The Reddit Community Speaks

Real New York, NY Locals Share Their Favorite Spots

When it comes to finding authentic local restaurants, there's no better source than the people who live and eat there every day. We've gathered the latest recommendations from Reddit's New York, NY community to bring you this curated list of must-try spots.

Where Locals Eat in New York, NY: Reddit’s Top Restaurant Picks

New York City is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected nowhere better than in its diverse array of dining options. This guide doesn't just scratch the surface; it dives deep into the local communities to bring you a taste of the best places to eat in New York, NY, according to locals on Reddit. Here’s where you can dine like a true New Yorker!

1. Joe's Shanghai - Chinatown

  • Neighborhood: Chinatown
  • Known For: Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)
  • Local Buzz: Locals rave about Joe's for the "juicy and flavorful" dumplings, which are a staple at this establishment.
  • Insider Tips: Go for the pork or crab soup dumplings, and be prepared for a wait as this place comes highly recommended.
  • Image: Joe's Shanghai

2. Levain Bakery - Upper West Side

  • Neighborhood: Upper West Side
  • Known For: Thick and gooey cookies
  • Local Buzz: "Best cookies in the city, hands down. You haven't lived until you've tried the double chocolate!"
  • Insider Tips: Cookies come out warm and fresh. Expect long lines, but they move fast.
  • Image: Levain Bakery

3. Di Fara Pizza - Midwood

  • Neighborhood: Midwood, Brooklyn
  • Known For: New York-style and Sicilian pizzas
  • Local Buzz: "No pizza tastes like Di Fara’s, with its rich basil and incredible crust. Worth every minute of the wait."
  • Insider Tips: The place is small and gets crowded. Best times to visit are weekday afternoons.
  • Image: Di Fara Pizza

4. Prince Street Pizza - SoHo

  • Neighborhood: SoHo
  • Known For: Spicy Spring Pepperoni Slice
  • Local Buzz: "Spicy, crispy, just perfect. There’s a reason why there’s always a line."
  • Insider Tips: Be sure to try the Spicy Spring Slice; it’s legendary.
  • Image: Prince Street Pizza

5. Katz's Delicatessen - Lower East Side

  • Neighborhood: Lower East Side
  • Known For: Pastrami Sandwiches
  • Local Buzz: "Katz's never disappoints. It's all about that mile-high pastrami on rye."
  • Insider Tips: Opt for the pastrami on rye and add a plate of pickles. Save room for cheesecake!
  • Image: Katz's Delicatessen

6. Los Tacos No.1 - Chelsea

  • Neighborhood: Chelsea
  • Known For: Authentic street-style tacos
  • Local Buzz: "The adobada tacos are out of this world. So authentic it’s like a trip to Mexico City."
  • Insider Tips: The Chelsea Market location can get packed. Visit during off-hours for a quicker bite.
  • Image: Los Tacos No.1

7. Ippudo NY - East Village

  • Neighborhood: East Village
  • Known For: Ramen
  • Local Buzz: "Ippudo ramen offers the perfect broth and noodles combo. Their pork buns are a must!"
  • Insider Tips: Be ready for a wait; it's always busy. The Akamaru Modern is a favorite.
  • Image: Ippudo NY

8. Red Rooster - Harlem

  • Neighborhood: Harlem
  • Known For: Modern Soul Food
  • Local Buzz: "The vibe is just as good as the food. Must try the fried chicken."
  • Insider Tips: Check out their live music schedule for a truly enjoyable dining experience.
  • Image: Red Rooster

Conclusion

From the gooey cookies of Levain Bakery to the iconic New York slices at Di Fara Pizza, this guide has stripped back the city's overwhelming options to the true local favorites. Each location has been verified and comes highly recommended for delivering not just a meal, but an experience. There’s something about each spot that lights up a New Yorker's eyes, and now it’s your turn to find out why. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident looking to break the monotony, give these spots a try and dine like a true New Yorker!

Found Your Next Favorite Spot?

Join the conversation on Reddit and share your own New York, NY restaurant recommendations.

Visit r/NewYork,NY on Reddit

Ready to find your perfect match? 🍕❤️

Download Sawa and start swiping with friends to discover your next favorite spot!