A taste of New York

At Hello French, we know that food brings people together. We’ve created beaucoup de (a lot of) content about French food & culinary traditions—but we knew it was time to also share New York’s myriad flavors through its food. We (HF co-founders Cécilia and Criselis) have lived in NYC for over 10 years, and we’ve enjoyed eating & drinking our way through the city.

From classic French pâtisseries and cult hamburgers to craft beer and bubble tea, we believe that each bite & sip tells a story, which is why we created our Hello NYC Map: Where to Eat & Drink Like a New Yorker. This digital map combines everything we love about New York’s food culture, specially curated for Francophiles, foodies, visitors to the city, and anyone with a curious palate.

Why did we make an NYC food map? Why a food map of NYC? In a city as diverse as New York, the food scene constantly evolves. As expats (Cécilia is French, Criselis is Venezuelan) and food lovers, we wanted to share our unique discoveries with you—merging NYC’s exhilarating food scene with a touch of our French perspective. Each spot highlights the mix of cultures that make New York an incroyable gastronomic hub. Whether you’re after the best baguette or a slice of pizza, the map is your passeport to eating & drinking like a true New Yorker.

Some of our favorite foods in NYC

Curious about what’s on the Hello NYC Map? Here’s a sneak peek at some of our best finds:

🥟Dumplings

Nothing embodies New York’s multicultural spirit like Chinese dumplings. North Dumpling in Chinatown serves savory pork-and-chive dumplings for just a few dollars, proving that some of the best eats can be both délicieux and budget-friendly.

🍕Pizza

No New York food map would be complete without pizza. Classic New York–style pizza is defined by its thin crust and foldable slices. Our map includes Santa Panza, a Bushwick joint specializing in mouthwatering wood-fired pies.

🥯Bagels

A New York institution, the bagel is as iconique as it’s versatile. While bagels originated in Eastern Europe, New York bakers perfected the style—denser, slightly sweet, and boiled for a chewy texture. One of our top finds is Frankel’s in Brooklyn; their egg & cheese on a bagel is a must-try.

🐟Smoked Fish

Smoked fish is another quintessential New York food, particularly at legendary delis like Russ & Daughters. With roots in Jewish immigrant communities, smoked fish varieties like lox and whitefish are still popular today, especially for weekend brunch.

🌮Tacos

Tacos may not be the first thing you associate with New York, but the city’s Mexican food scene is on fire. From a stand at a downtown food market to a popular food truck, we love the bright flavors found throughout the city’s taco joints.

🥪Pastrami Sandwich

If you want to feel like a true New Yorker, head over to S&P Lunch for a pastrami sandwich on rye. This no-frills Flatiron District landmark has been serving stacked pastrami sandwiches for decades. Smoky, tender, and seasoned to perfection, this sandwich is an essentiel part of the city’s food culture. Katz’s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side is another popular spot, but there are many other eateries throughout the city serving up traditional pastrami.

🍖BBQ

For smoky, tender barbecue, Fette Sau in Brooklyn is our go-to. While BBQ isn’t traditionally associated with New York, places like Fette Sau are leading the way in bringing Southern-inspired flavors to the Northeast.

🫓Arepas

One of the many perks of the city’s international food scene is that you can enjoy dishes from around the world, like Venezuelan arepas. A Venezuelan native, Criselis is a big fan of White Maize in Brooklyn, which offers delicious stuffed corn cakes that make for a satisfying meal.

🍩Donuts

New Yorkers take their donuts sérieusement, with flavors ranging from classic glazed to unique creations such as lavender. For a sweet treat, our favorite donut shops bring new twists to this iconic food. We love indulging in a soft, pillowy donut from Peter Pan Pastry Shop, an old-school spot in the heart of Greenpoint.

🥐Croissants & Baguettes

What would a Hello French food map be without croissants and baguettes? New York has some incredible bakeries featuring authentic French croissants and perfectly baked baguettes. One of our favorite boulangeries is L’Appartement 4F in the charming Brooklyn Heights neighborhood—their baked goods are guaranteed to transport you to Paris.

🍸Craft Cocktails

New York is known for its exciting bars à cocktails (cocktail bars), and we’ve discovered some amazing craft cocktails that take mixology to the next level. Each place on our list offers not only a drink but an experience, where you can enjoy a truly unique night out. One of the bars on our map, Please Don’t Tell, is accessed through a secret phone booth in a hot dog shop… oh là là !

Bon appétit !

—Cécilia & the Hello French team

Looking to go further?

Ready to experience New York like a true foodie? Get our Hello NYC Map and discover the city’s best-kept culinary secrets, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, all curated by food lovers who call New York home.

This easy-to-navigate Google Map comes with all our curated food & drink recommendations already pinned. All you have to do is open it on your phone as you explore and eat your way through the city!