If I had known that Dec 2019 was going to be my last time visiting New York City for a while, let alone large crowds for a while. I’m not sure if I would’ve done anything differently. Truth be told I don’t think I physically could after the amount of walking we did on that 4-day voyage!
This was my first trip to New York and it was during the best time, Christmas time. It was a pleasure seeing things that have been seen in films but you get to live and breathe it yourself.
I will admit the transportation is not my favorite, but I didn’t get robbed or stolen from the whole trip so I call that a WIN. We went to so many food spots, as many as we could physically eat!
So I wanted to make this list, a list for the tourist or traveler looking to find and try places worthwhile. I’m hoping this condenses your search a little bit!
Ichiran NYC (132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001) ~ $20-25 a person
This restaurant is a Japanese chain and the only US location is found in NYC.
The only serve 1 item: Tonkotsu Ramen. However, you can modify your order to your best liking. I asked for more chili paste, al dente noodles, not as salty.
Tip: There is an option for added toppings for $5, it’s not needed. I thought it did not come with those toppings, but as a matter of fact, I just ordered double toppings without realizing it!
Excellent Dumpling House (165 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011) ~ $15-20 a person
You can’t miss the big ‘EXCELLENT’ cursive sign, we kept seeing it whenever we walked around
I might be biased because this where I tried my first soup dumpling on a cold winter’s night, however everyone at the table also enjoyed these dumpling babies.
Tip: Bite a piece of dough off, slurp the broth, dip in red wine vinegar, eat.
Gnoccheria by Luzzo’s (234 E 4th St, New York, NY 10009) ~ $20-35 a person
This restaurant is dedicated to one thing and one thing alone, gnocchi. Of all flavors and colors!
I recommend the lobster gnocchi if they have it as a special, it was well worth the price. Along with ordering the trio (white, red, and green) gnocchi. Order the calamari too if you’re looking for an appetizer!
Sitting on the patio was very romantic, if you have the option to sit on their enclosed patio, you’ll love the ambiance.
No Chewing Allowed Hot Chocolate ~ $5 a person
Known for their melt-in-your-mouth truffles, they add their signature truffle to your hot chocolate and it is magic, ESPECIALLY on a cold day.
This hot chocolate tastes the way I believe Hot Chocolate would taste in the Santa Clause movie. Not too hot, extra chocolate.
Their branding is cute too :) makes it easier to carry the cup with you around town.
Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011) + Time Out Market New York (55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
Both of these spots have enough food/shopping vendors galore to make your head spin. I guarantee you will find ONE thing you like out of all the options there is. Plus nice public bathrooms!
At Chelsea Market: Los Tacos No. 1
These tacos were worth the wait, and the price! But it’s a fight to the finish. When we went, there wasn’t much room to get the salsa and toppings provided at the end when you pick up your taco. However, we elbowed our way to get some.
At Time Out New York: Bar
There was a ‘Specialty cocktail’ sign that said ‘Gin Cider Cocktail’ and I was sold. I then consumed it and was SUPER sold. Fresh ingredients, beautiful to hold, what else can I say.
That is all! HAHA jokes! Of COURSE it’s not! This is a small slice of the NY pie. There are TONS more places we didn’t have the chance to explore because time wasn’t on our side.
If I can recommend one last thing, walk around and follow your nose. Could be amazing, could be just okay, but at least you did something spontaneous! We had some duds while walking around but that didn’t stop us from the good spots!
If you wind up checking out any of these foodie spots, let me know what you had! You can tag me @allysoneatz or #allysoneatz. I’d love to see what you got!