We’re going to state the obvious: New York City has one of the best food scenes in the world. From cheap eats and bodega bagels to Michelin-starred restaurants, we have some incredible food options spanning the globe. Despite the amount of choice—or perhaps because of it—sometimes you might find yourself venturing to the same places or getting delivery a bit too often. Get out of a food rut and head somewhere new this weekend.
The Bronx – Little Italy
This is the Little Italy that downtown Manhattan wishes it still was. A short walk from Fordham Road, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Gardens, the heart of the Bronx’s Little Italy is on Arthur Avenue.
The street is lined with cafés, restaurants, delis, and bakeries, all offering a delicious selection. Outdoor seating is popular and with a cappuccino and cannoli on hand, you’ll forget that you’re in New York. After eating at one of the great restaurants, pop into the Arthur Avenue Market to pick up goodies to take home or enjoy a beer at the Bronx Beer Hall.
Brooklyn – Sunset Park
If you’re looking to broaden your cuisine, Sunset Park is one of the best places to do it. It’s one of New York’s most diverse neighborhoods, with nearly half of its inhabitants born outside the U.S., 26.7% identifying as Asian, and 37.7% as Hispanic. As a result, from the second you step off the N/R/W, you’ll have your pick of noodles, dim sum, tortas, and street tacos.
When the weather’s good, skip sitting inside and grab takeout to enjoy at the actual Sunset Park. Enjoy the views of the Statue of Liberty or take a walk through Green-Wood Cemetery to see which famous New Yorkers you can track down.
Manhattan – Washington Heights
Once known primarily as an enclave for Dominican immigrants, in the last decade, Washington Heights has seen a shift in inhabitants. It’s still affectionately known as Little Dominican Republic, but you’re just as likely to find Asian restaurants or upscale cocktail lounges as you are more hole-in-the-wall traditional Dominican spots.
The main artery of Washington Heights is Dyckman St, a bustling street where you’ll be spoiled for choice on what to eat. We recommend heading to Washington Heights for brunch and then wandering to The Cloisters, part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and located in Fort Tryon Park.
Staten Island – the whole island!
Let’s be real: Staten Island is almost always overlooked when it comes to anything New York. Part of it is geographic, but much of that is by design—Staten Islanders are protective of their borough. But the days of the rest of the city being able to make a joke out of Staten Island are over, because the smallest little borough is pumping out some serious food and drink options.
Italian-American food, including some of the city’s best pizza (check out Joe and Pat’s and Denino’s), reigns on the island, but the influx of other immigrants have broadened the food available. Little Sri Lanka, along Victory Boulevard and Bay Street, offers a variety of restaurants, including the ever-popular Lakruwana. And of course, getting to Staten Island on the ferry is half the fun.
