Victoria Marin

With options ranging from “kind of” Chinese to Mexican-influenced to traditional French cuisines, plant-based dining is having a moment in NYC and we are here for it. Whether it takes the form of a “meatless Monday” pledge, a fully plant-based commitment, or something in between, diets free of animal products are undoubtedly becoming more commonplace across the U.S. And with dozens of the city’s best restaurants serving vegan and vegetarian menus—including Eleven Madison Park, which is widely considered one of the best restaurants in the world—NYC is no exception. It should be no surprise, then, that aside from "boozy brunches," vegan brunches are rapidly gaining popularity in Gotham, including in Brooklyn, where the infamously indulgent weekend meal has long reigned supreme. These are some of the very best the category has to offer, delicious enough to entice even the most ardent meat lover to the plant side. RECOMMENDED: The best brunches in NYC

For a city that pulsates with as much on-the-go energy as New York, it only makes sense that food trucks—NYC’s meals-on-wheels once limited to slinging simple fare like burgers and hot dogs—have started rivaling Gotham’s best brick-and-mortar restaurants. With pristine seafood, fresh-fried falafel, juicy burgers and a plethora of other mouthwatering bites, most of their moderately priced plates are also our favorite cheap eats. Some roam the streets while others park it for good—here's where to find the best food trucks in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best street food in New York

There's nothing quite like New York street food, from an iconic hot dog or a cold Mister Softee cone. While we love these iconic street eats, the small-business owners running our treasured carts and NYC food trucks have faced increasing regulations from local authorities over the years. But whether it’s a crew of close-knit siblings serving up their favorite recipes from their mom’s Indian kitchen or a Nigerian immigrant sharing his native country’s classics, we here at Time Out will always support our unsung, roll-up-your-sleeves carryout cooks by eating like real New Yorkers—on the street. Below, you'll find must-eat street food in New York.

Of course NYC is known for world-class restaurants, but there are also plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in NYC that are fun for the whole family. Whether it’s a top spot that welcomes kids or a fun restaurant in NYC that’s all about entertainment, this city has dining spots for you and the little ones. You can expect great quality food, options for picky eaters and room for the kids to be themselves. After a long day with the kids (there are so many things to do with kids in NYC, it’s easy to keep them entertained), the whole family deserves a treat. Or maybe you’re taking them to a kid-friendly Broadway show and need a fun place to eat with the kids in Times Square. Whatever the case, there’s no shortage of restaurants that offer great food and a kid-friendly environment. From pizza or tacos to theme restaurants, outdoor restaurants and dessert-forward spots, these fun, kid-friendly restaurants in NYC are perfect for a family meal.

Sure–celebrating Cinco de Mayo satisfies any South-of-the-Border craving, but why reserve the city’s best margaritas in NYC for just one day? It's always time for tequila, especially when shaken up with a hit of spice or swirled with sweet watermelon. Hit NYC’s best Mexican restaurants for some serious agave spirits, or down them alongside some of Gotham's best tacos. Fair warning, though: You're gonna want a pitcher.   RECOMMENDED: Full guide to cocktails in NYC

Years after Rebecca Charles pushed the first Manhattan lobster roll across the marble counter at Pearl Oyster Bar, the sandwich has become a local staple, a crustacean-filled highlight among things to do in the summer in New York. From no-frills sandwich shops to the city’s best seafood restaurants, these are the best lobster rolls in NYC.

The Bronx is more than just home to those pinstriped Yanks. It’s home to the city’s real Little Italy and subsequently some of the best pizza in NYC, as well as exemplary interpretations of global foods representing the Boogie Down’s rich diversity. Grab a pint at one of the borough’s top-rate beer halls, and toast to the best restaurants and bars in the Bronx. RECOMMENDED: The full guide to the Bronx

If you've been hunting through the city’s best bakeries and coffee shops for the best donuts in NYC, look no further. We've compiled a handy list of where to find the most exemplary fried rings, from a spot in a Staten Island strip mall to brioche-based treats from the brick-and-mortar offshoot of a beloved online bakery. Whether for breakfast, lunch (no judgment), or dessert, these are NYC’s best outposts for doughnuts (btw here are some of the best desserts in NYC). RECOMMENDED: Full guide to best restaurants in NYC

If you’ve spent the bulk of the past two years shying away from eating out due to COVID and are ready to emerge from your pandemic-imposed cocoons, these Indian outposts give you an opportunity to explore the country’s many regional specialties without having to hop on a flight. From fine dining to street snacks, these are the best Indian restaurants NYC has to offer. (Also, many of these places deliver if you’re still staying indoors but eager for a culinary adventure.) RECOMMENDED: Find more of the best restaurants in NYC

March 2022 update: If you’re in New York, chances are you’re familiar with brunch culture—it’s a true reflection of our “work hard, play hard” ethos. And after our collective pandemic-induced isolation, we are especially deserving of that time-honored NYC weekend tradition: the bottomless brunch. Indeed, It’s a boozy brunch that makes the weekend feel like it’s truly arrived. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best brunch in NYC

The one thing you’ll catch New Yorkers being humble about–self-deprecating, even–is our Mexican food. We’ll demure to west coasters before muttering under our breath about NYC’s pizza, bagels and the inimitable tap water that’s said to make  this city’s food so great. But our very own Mexican culinary landscape has gone from good to great and then some over the years, and we, too, have plenty to boast about. Here’s where to find the very best right now. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

The West Village is chock full of our favorite restaurants and watering holes, including some on our best speakeasy-inspired bars and best bars in NYC list. Whether you're looking to imbibe on the weekend after hitting one of the best brunch spots in town or looking to bar hop among the best gay bars in NYC, the Village has something for everyone. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the West Village