Top Foodie Regions in New York

From cutting-edge city restaurants to sustainable farms in fertile upstate valleys, New York is at the forefront of American foodie culture. Hungry travelers won’t have any trouble finding delicious things to eat here. But for some truly memorable gastronomic experiences, here are the state’s foodie regions not to miss. 

Finger Lakes

A popular out-of-town getaway for wearied urbanites, the Finger Lakes region promises fresh air, tranquility, and some of New York State’s finest wines. Award-winning wineries around Seneca, Keuka, and Canandaigua Lakes produce varietals such as pinot gris, riesling, chardonnay, gewürztraminer, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot.

Hudson Valley

Starting just north of New York City and extending all the way to Albany, this region—which stretches along both sides of the Hudson River—has long been an agricultural powerhouse, providing produce for many of the Big Apple’s most reputable restaurants. Orchards are commonplace, and you’ll also see lots of grass-feeding cattle and free-roaming chickens here, as well as heirloom tomatoes, pumpkins, and all sorts of fruit and veg. Farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants are plentiful in this part of Upstate New York.

Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan can lay claim to some of New York City’s finest eating. The area, which covers everything south of 14th Street, encompasses neighborhoods such as Chinatown, which still retains a high concentration of Chinese eateries serving everything from dim sum and potstickers to noodles and Peking duck; the Lower East Side, where you’ll find famous Jewish delis such as Katz’s and Russ & Daughters; and the East Village, which contains an eclectic selection of dining options, from Korean to ramen to Southern comfort food. 

Brooklyn

Though once relegated to the sidelines by Manhattan-favoring foodies, Brooklyn has officially taken the throne as New York City’s premier dining destination. The borough has it all, from ethnic eats (think Chinatown in Sunset Park or Greenpoint’s Little Poland) to fabulous food markets (Williamsburg’s Smorgasburg and Downtown’s Dekalb Market Hall), as well as hip high-end dining, craft breweries, and distilleries.