New York City is a foodie’s dream. The city is so diverse that you don’t have to look too far to find different cultures and people with unique gastronomic traditions. The opportunities for social gatherings, business networking, and romantic dates are endless. There are so many fantastic places to eat, exploring them would take a lifetime. There’s something for every taste and budget. So, if you want to get the most out of your next trip to the city that doesn’t sleep — or starve — check out these great places to eat in NYC!

Ess-a-Bagel, for the Essential New York Breakfast

You haven’t had a bagel until you’ve had a New York bagel, as New Yorkers will remind you at the slightest provocation. Whether you want to keep your breakfast cheap and simple with a buttered bagel, or you want to slather on cream cheese, onions, and lox, Ess-a-Bagel — has you covered with their certified kosher bagels. Ess-a-Bagel has two Manhattan locations, one on 3rd Ave near 50thStreet and another on 32nd Street near 6th Ave. Bagels are a mere $1.25 and come in 15 mouth-watering flavors. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, bagel sandwiches can range anywhere from $5-$12. If you have a sweet tooth, Ess-a-Bagel won’t disappoint. Try the fresh baked goods like the classic black and white cookie or the traditional rugelach.

Grimaldi’s, for the Classic New York Pizza with a View

While Grimaldi’s has several locations throughout the New York area, the only one in our hearts is the original under the Brooklyn Bridge at 1 Front Street. No true Grimaldi’s experience is complete without the traditional walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and along the Brooklyn waterfront. What could be better than a slice of authentic New York pizza and a breath-taking view of Downtown Manhattan?

Unlike other New York pizzerias, Grimaldi’s doesn’t sell pizza by the slice— it’s a whole pie or fuhgeddaboudit!  Pro-tip: Get your pie to-go and eat at one of the picnic tables found in nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park. A small regular pie starts at $13.00 and can easily feed two people. Additional toppings are an extra $2-$4 a pop. At less than $10 a head, this cheesy, saucy pizza is worth every penny.

Max Brenner’s, to Feel Like a Kid Again

If your favorite part of a meal is dessert and you’ve always wished that Willy Wonka was real, then you need to hightail it to Max Brenner’s Union Square location. This chocolate-themed restaurant is a sweet tooth’s dream come true with actual pipes of molten chocolate crisscrossing the ceiling! Although this restaurant does serve entrees, the reason to come is the imaginative and experimental desserts that can range in price from $6 to $25. For you budget conscious travelers, don’t worry, the portions are large and the desserts are meant to be shared. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the dessert pizzas are a crowd favorite.

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Ippudo, for Scrumptious Ramen in the East Village

If you’re looking for some of the best ramen in New York, look no further than Ippudo. This Japanese joint is famous for its signature Tonkotsu broth, a creamy pork base that’s been boiled and simmered for hours. If you want to try something different, try the spicy ramen or their “shio” ramen with sea salt instead of Tonkotsu. It has a sweeter flavor that’s perfect for those who like their ramen on the salty side. The restaurant hosts a bar at the entrance, an open kitchen, and a dining area inside. The seating area is lined with Japanese-inspired décor. The ramen is so popular that it often gets crowded during the lunch rush, so it’s best to arrive early or make a reservation. Many people go out of their way just to visit this restaurant. If the wait is too long in the East Village, they also have two locations in Midtown.

Pongal, for a Vegetarian Indian Feast in Lexington Avenue

Pongal is a vegetarian Indian restaurant that serves meals inspired by traditional South Indian cuisine. The restaurant has a bright and colorful interior that makes it feel like you’re in an Indian market. Vegetarian dishes are the main focus here. The restaurant has a wide variety of dishes that are made fresh every day, including dosas (large, savory crepes), idlis (small steamed rice cakes), sambar (spicy lentils with vegetables), and uttapams (South Indian flatbread). They also make breakfast items such as idli sambhar, roti prata, oatmeal with dosa, and chaat masala chai. There’s also an amazing selection of Indian bread like puri and vada. Their lunch buffet is one of the best deals in the area, too, with more than 100 dishes to choose from for only $8.95 per person.

Alice’s Tea Cup, for a Fairy Tale-Inspired Cream Tea in Midtown

We’re sure you didn’t have this place in mind when you booked those cheap flights in July to the Big Apple, now did you? Alice’s Tea Cup is a classic English-style tea shop in a fanciful brownstone location on West 73rd Street. The restaurant became so popular, they opened a larger Alice’s Tea Cup – Chapter Two on East 64th. At both locations, they serve a variety of specialty sandwiches, made to order with homemade bread. The menu also includes muffins and scones in many delicious varieties, including lemon poppy seed, chocolate chip, and rosemary scones, served with a variety of jams to slather on top. In addition to tea, the restaurant also offers mocha lattes and other specialty drinks made with milk or chocolate. Both locations are cozy and welcoming with an old-school feel, making them perfect for an afternoon treat or meeting up with friends for tea time fun.

What are your must-eat spots in NYC? Let us know in the comments! Happy eating!