Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of New York City's most iconic foods: pizza and bagels! Each of these culinary delights has a unique story and flavor that reflects the vibrant culture of the city.

Pizza

New York City is a pizza lover's paradise, and the choices are as diverse as its vibrant neighborhoods! Let's embark on a delicious journey through some of the city's most iconic pizzerias, where each slice tells a story of culinary excellence and local charm.

🍕 Rubirosa

Nestled in Nolita, you can indulge in their famous tie-dye pizza, a colorful masterpiece featuring vodka sauce, tomato sauce, pesto, and fresh mozzarella. It's perfect for those who can't decide on just one flavor—order a half-and-half pie and experience the best of both worlds! 

🍕 Prince Street Pizza

If you're in the mood for something a bit different, head over to Prince Street Pizza in Soho, renowned for its Sicilian-style slices. Their Spicy Spring slice, with its crispy pepperoni and a kick of fra diavolo sauce, is dangerously delicious and will have you ordering a second before you even finish the first!

🍕 Juliana’s Pizza

For a classic Brooklyn experience, Juliana’s Pizza is a must-visit, where the airy, crisp crust and fresh ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The classic margherita pie at Juliana’s is a revelation, with its crisp and airy base, creamy mozzarella, vibrant tomato sauce, and fresh basil.

🍕 John's of Bleecker Street

This iconic pizzeria has been serving up delicious pies since 1929, and the tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, and the fresh basil adds a burst of aroma. John's also offers a unique take on the calzone, with a thinner, flatter, and larger version that highlights their excellent dough. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of New York's pizza heritage.

🍕 Joe’s Pizza

This unassuming slice joint has earned its place in the pantheon of NYC's best pizzerias through sheer consistency and quality. Joe’s slices are always fresh, thanks to the high turnover and constant baking, ensuring that each bite is as excellent as the last. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Joe’s Pizza is a place where pizza dreams come true.

Bagel

Today, there are over 200 bagel shops in NYC, making the Big Apple the nation's capital for the most delicious bagels. Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking for your new favorite bagel shop or the best diners in NYC, expert tour guides can help you locate the best bagels in the city. Now, let's explore some of the top bagel spots that have earned their place in New York City's culinary hall of fame.

🥯  Ess-a-Bagel

Known for their jumbo, fluffy bagels, Ess-a-Bagel has set the standard for what a New York bagel should be. The lines can be daunting, stretching out the door at all hours, but there's a handy hack: a separate line for those ordering just bagels and cream cheese. This means you can skip the wait for bagel sandwiches and enjoy a fresh, warm bagel straight from the oven. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

🥯 Absolute Bagels

Next, we head to the Upper West Side to Absolute Bagels, where locals line up around the block for hand-rolled, housemade bagels topped with thick cream cheese. From blueberry to sun-dried tomato, the variety of schmears is impressive. You can also add smoked fish or deli meat for a more substantial meal. This cash-only spot is perfect for a quick bite or grabbing a delicious bagel on the go, though be prepared for a bit of a wait.

🥯 H&H Bagels 

It’s another iconic name in the New York bagel world, making its mark since 1972. Featured in popular shows like Seinfeld and Sex & The City, H&H Bagels offers a quintessential New York bagel experience. Their bagels are hearty with a sparsely seasoned exterior, soft and malleable dough, and an excessive amount of cream cheese slathered in between. It’s a nostalgic bite of New York history that continues to delight.

🥯 Best Bagel & Coffee

For a bagel experience that lives up to its name, Best Bagel & Coffee’s bagels are larger than expected, generously layered with cream cheese and smoked salmon. The smoked salmon bagel sandwich, complete with scallion cream cheese, capers, and red onion, is a standout. Despite the long lines, the service is quick, making it worth the wait. Pair your bagel with freshly made orange juice or a cup of drip coffee for the perfect start to your day.

🥯 Murray’s Bagels

Founded in 1996 by former Merrill Lynch vice president Adam Pomerantz, Murray’s Bagels is named after his father and has become a beloved spot for its hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels. While they once had a strict no-toasting policy, they now toast bagels upon request. The lively space is always bustling with locals and NYU students, making it a great spot for a quick nosh or a leisurely chat.