New York City Foodie Adventures| Winter Edition

Food review and recommendations from my Christmas trip to NYC

I recently traveled to New York to spend Christmas with family and to enjoy my time in the city. It was a fabulous experience. I traveled on Sunday after church and arrived at my hotel around 6:00 p.m. From there, I hit the ground running! In today’s post, I’m sharing my foodie adventures and some memorable moments I had along the way. If you’re headed to New York City, specifically Manhattan, save this blog post for future travel foodie adventures. If you’re more familiar with the city than I am, share your go-to favorites in the comments below. Let’s dive into my NYC food recap!

NYC at Christmas: A memorable moment

New York City at Christmas feels like stepping into a holiday movie. I’m always reminded of my favorites such as Elf, Home Alone, and other classics! I love how the city transforms with twinkling lights, festive window displays, and iconic decorations that draw visitors from around the world. From the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to ice skating in Central Park, there’s a sense of magic in the air that makes every moment feel special.

Additionally, the streets hum with holiday music, and the crisp winter air carries the scent of roasted chestnuts from street vendors. Even the simplest walks through Manhattan feel extraordinary, with every corner offering something dazzling to see. It’s a place where the holiday spirit feels almost tangible, wrapping around you like a warm scarf on a chilly night.

As a working mom, traveling to New York during Christmas felt like the perfect way to recharge and reconnect with myself. I’m thankful I had the chance to indulge in something I truly enjoy for a brief moment – exploring and soaking up the festive energy of the city. It was a rare moment to slow down and savor experiences. The city’s magic wasn’t just in the lights and sights, but in the feeling  treating myself to a little adventure. Christmas in New York reminded me that even during busy seasons of life, making space for joy and exploration is a gift in itself.

NYC Pizza: A world renowned fav

The New York City Pizza slice is very delicious. In fact I’d argue that it is legendary, often regarded as some of the best in the world. The city’s iconic thin-crust, foldable slices have become a staple for locals and tourists alike. From hole-in-the-wall pizzerias to famous spots like Joe’s Pizza and Prince Street Pizza, the options are endless. Part of the appeal lies in the simplicity—perfectly crisp crust, tangy tomato sauce, and just the right amount of cheese.

During my trip, I decided to try Prince Street Pizza and Bleeker Street Pizza. Watching several YouTube Reels helped me narrow my decision. These two icons were selected because of their proximity. I took the train from my Hotel, Hyatt Centric Midtown 5th Avenue New York to Broadway Lafayette Street and walked about 5 minutes to my first stop, Prince Street Pizza. I ordered the Spicy Sicilian, which was warm and tasty. The restaurant has standing seating and since I went before the lunch rush, I was able to find a spot to enjoy my slice.

NYC Bagels: Delicious anytime of the day

Bagels in New York City are more than just breakfast—they’re an institution. They are known for their distinct chewiness and perfectly crisp exterior. Whether plain, everything, or sesame, New York bagels are a comforting and delicious part of the city’s food scene that can’t be missed. I’ve heard NYC bagels owe their reputation to the city’s unique water and traditional boiling-and-baking process. Either way, they are an enjoyable meal.

Ralphs Coffee: A Movie Memory

Wherever I think about coffee in NYC, I’m reminded of the scene, “Worlds Best Cup of Coffee” in the movie Elf. Unlike Buddy the Elf, I love coffee. It was perfect during a very cold winter day.

New York City’s coffee scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From cozy neighborhood cafés to trendy artisanal coffee shops, there’s no shortage of places to grab a great cup of coffee. I stopped into Ralph’s Coffee on 5th Avenue for a seasonal latte. A perfect pick me up during my walk back to my hotel.

Italian Food: NYC Food Staple

Italian food is a cornerstone of NYC’s vibrant culinary landscape. It has deep roots in New York City, thanks to its rich immigrant history. For dinner on two occasions, I indulged in delicious Italian food. My aunt and I enjoyed a nice dinner at our hotel’s restaurant, Ramerimo, and a dinner at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant.

The star of the meal at Ramerimo was the Salmon. The stars at Carmine’s were their craft cocktails and the calamari.

To Wrap it Up

As I wrapped up my Christmas adventure in New York City, I felt refreshed and grateful for the chance to experience the holiday magic in a way that felt personal and fulfilling. The city’s energy, its incredible food, and the festive atmosphere created memories I’ll carry with me long after the lights dim. This trip reminded me that even as a working mom balancing co-parenting and career, it’s important to carve out time for personal adventures. Whether it’s a solo trip or a future visit with my kids, I know New York at Christmas will always hold a special place in my heart.

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