New York’s 5 Most Iconic Restaurants

Even locals wait in line (and the line can be no joke), but there’s a reason that Katz’s has been open since 1888. This beloved kosher-style delicatessen —– home of the famous scene in When Harry Met Sally —– offers an undisputed pastrami experience, along with other classics like corned beef, knishes, noodle kugel and babka. In keeping with old-school New York, be prepared for the vibe —– it’s brusque, crowded and quick moving. But once you get a table and take a bite of that meltingly tender pastrami, all else will be forgotten.

Opened in 1937, Minetta Tavern was a gathering place for writers and artists who flocked to the Greenwich Village stalwart in the 1940s. Nowadays, the most celebrated burger in the city can be found within these walls, but this is a menu offering much that will grab your attention. Dishes such as grilled oysters with pancetta in Fresno chili butter; lusciously grilled beef filet dressed with a classic sauce au poivre; pommes aligot, whipped into submission and loaded with garlic, butter and cheddar curds; and bittersweet chocolate soufflé are some MICHELIN Guide Inspector favorites.

Make sure you visit the ATM before dining at Peter Luger, a New York classic if ever there was one. This quintessential cash-only steakhouse is a must-visit for out of towners, but it’s also beloved by locals from all five boroughs, who go to celebrate graduations, birthdays and more. Part of the charm here is the service: bow-tied waiters can be a bit cranky, but don’t let that deter you. MICHELIN Guide Inspectors suggest starting with house-made bratwurst or the iceberg wedge crowned with thick-cut bacon, then move on to the sizzling Porterhouse, broiled and served with its buttery jus. To round out the experience, you can’t go wrong with simple sides like German potatoes, creamed spinach or sautéed broccoli.

A SoHo bistro since the 1970s, Raoul’s staked its claim on the neighborhood long before it was fashionable. Today, diners from all walks of life pack into the candlelit room, drawn by the artwork-lined walls and a menu of well-executed French-American fare. While the steak au poivre is legendary, other dishes are stand-outs, like golden-brown jumbo lump crab beignets with a drizzle of Fresno chili remoulade; and roast chicken with a poached egg, chive potato mousseline and Madeira jus. A tip for those in the know: the burger au poivre is served only at the bar, with just 12 available each night during dinner service.

Russ & Daughters started in 1914, when Joel Russ pushed a cart selling herring on New York’s Lower East Side. He eventually opened a shop on Orchard street, and when his daughters joined the business, he brought them into the name. The appetizing shop, where bagels and smoked fish reign supreme, is now iconic.

In 2014, the family opened a cafe with a full-service restaurant. The kitchen offers classics like bagels and lox, latkes and matzo ball soup, but they also take some creative license now and then, as seen in dishes like smoked whitefish chowder with dill;, Espelette pepper and matzo; and “eggs Benny,” with salmon, sauteed spinach and challah. Note that the cafe is walk-in only.