When I moved to NYC 5 years ago I knew that I would take complete advantage of all the city has to offer, primarily in the food department. I am a huge foodie, there is nothing I will not eat. Literally. Try me.
So alas I have gathered a list of my top recommendations of places to visit in NYC (mostly food places but other recs in here as well), primarily because I needed a list myself to reference, so I figured why not share it on here as well :) Let me know what YOUR favorite places are and if you have tried any of the below places before and what your experience was!
Manhattan
-MUJI: amazing stationary place, especially if you are a pen lover. Also, affordable.
-Bryant Park: Beautiful park around the NYPL, definitely a great time to visit during their winter village
-Halal Street Carts (Not Halal Guys): So I might get in trouble for this opinion, BUT, I am not a big fan of Halal Guys. Rather I have found that the other halal carts in the city offer a more unique and flavorful taste for a more affordable price. OBVS this can be a hit or miss depending on what halal cart you go to, but in my personal opinion you can rarely go wrong with chicken over rice from any of the local carts!
-La Lanterna di Vittorio: Such a cute Italian place with delicious food, amazing dessert and a great vibe
-Amaretto Gelato: This gelato chain has shops in other cities as well but their flower shaped gelato not only looks cute but tastes cute too
-Levain Cookies: Do I have to say more. Their cookies are the best.
-Surreal Creamery: SO I actually have not been to this place yet, but have heard a lot of good reviews regarding their ice cream. Let me know if you have been! UPDATE: I went and it was totally worth the calories!!!!
-Magnolias: Banana Pudding. Enough said.
-HANDI: If you want an authentic hole in the wall local joint with good desi food and chai this is the place to go. Affordable and delicious food.
Brooklyn
Queens
Long Island
Long Island City