Looking for kosher food in New York? How about non-kosher Jewish specialties?
Luckily, there’s no shortage of Jewish cuisine in the city, including both kosher and non-kosher restaurants and food stores. Much of New York’s Jewish culture stems from the huge influx Eastern European Jews between 1880 and 1920. While “Jewish food” is as diverse as are Jewish populations across the globe, therefore, foods identified as culturally Jewish in New York tend to be those brought by the Ashkenazi from their Eastern European homelands.
Here are some of our favorite Jewish restaurants and food stores in the city, including kosher establishments.
The best kosher restaurants in New York
Taam-Tov
Two floors above the Diamond District store, on 47th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, the Taam-Tov dining room is one of the best New York kosher restaurants. It offers Bukharan (Central Asian) cuisine—including samsa (savory pastries), Uzbek pilaf, grilled lamb kebabs, and beef stroganoff.
Gottlieb’s Restaurant
A longtime favorite in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Gottlieb’s Restaurant serves great deli sandwiches, grilled meat entrees, classic sides like kishke and kugel, and even, um, Chinese food! This worn-looking institution is a favorite among the neighborhood’s Hasidic Jews, so be respectful by dressing conservatively (i.e. no shorts or sleeveless tops).
Insider’s tip: Looking to explore more of NYC’s amazing culinary scene? Check out some of our amazing New York City Food Tours. From dumplings and Brazilian bakeries to the city’s best pizza, this is an unforgettable way to get to know the city.
Barney Greengrass
The self-proclaimed “Sturgeon King” is renowned for its smoked salmon. Serving breakfast and lunch, popular items at Barney Greengrass include the Nova Scotia salmon, the sturgeon scrambled with eggs and onion, and the chopped-liver sandwich.
Other favorite Jewish restaurants and bakeries in New York
Sammy’s Roumanian Steak House:
This tacky, gritty Lower East Side landmark is part cultural immersion, part party. The walls of the 19th-century basement dining room are plastered with photos of past revelers. Most importantly, the chopped liver (homemade schmaltz on the side!), latkes, and grilled steak are delicious… as is the vodka encased in blocks of ice. Expect to pay for the experience: Dining here isn’t cheap.
Kossar’s Bialys
The oldest bialy bakery in the nation, Kossar’s handmakes and bakes their own bialys (a Jewish delicacy that’s similar to the bagel, but lighter and without the central hole). They also bake up bulkas, pretzels, sesame sticks and, yes, bagels too.
Yonah Schimmel’s Knishes
Since 1910, Yonah Schimmel’s has served up kosher knishes, baked fresh in the basement ovens. The menu also includes soup, kugel and egg creams.
Sable’s Smoked Fish
This Upper East Side hole-in-the-wall offers smoked fish, caviar, and delicious lobster salad. It also serves appetizers, salads, sushi rolls, sandwiches and desserts.
Pickle Guys
The last remaining pickle shop on the Lower East Side, Pickle Guys cures their pickles in barrels, as per Eastern European tradition. They also make pickled peppers, tomatoes, olives, and, for Passover, fresh horseradish.
Russ and Daughters
This family-run institution has sold fish and dairy products on the Lower East Side since 1914, including smoked fish and cream cheese. They also serve salads, fruits, nuts, and sweets.
Zabars
This beloved Upper West Side gourmet store offers both kosher and non-kosher groceries, including smoked fish, deli items, cheese, breads, and baked treats like rugelach, babka, and black and white cookies.
Taim Mobile
A popular food truck serving fresh, healthy Tel Aviv street food with a gourmet twist, Taim Mobile makes falafel, hummus, salads, and smoothies. Check their site or Twitter feed (@TaimMobile) to find out where they are.
Want to explore more traditional NYC delicacies and dining spots? Check out some of our amazing New York City Food Tours. From the family-run eateries of the Lower East Side to our East Village Dumplings Food Tour, our local guides will give you new insight into what makes NYC’s culinary culture so very enticing.
