Bring home the flavors of the Big Apple with New York foodie gifts like bagels, cheesecake, and coffee—perfect souvenirs for any food lover!
Savoring NYC: Iconic Food Gifts You Can Take Home
New York City isn’t just known for its towering skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and buzzing streets—it’s also a food lover’s paradise. From bagels to pizza, the city has a unique culinary scene that draws people from around the world. Whether you’re shopping for a fellow foodie or treating yourself, these delicious gifts are the perfect way to relive the taste of New York long after you’ve left.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best New York foodie gifts that will make anyone’s taste buds sing. Plus, we’ll tell you where to buy them, so you can bring a slice of the city back with you, no matter where you are.
Why Choose New York Foodie Gifts?
New York is a city that thrives on diversity and creativity. Its food scene mirrors that energy—blending cultures and traditions to create iconic dishes that are loved around the world. By purchasing New York foodie gifts, you’re not just getting a snack or treat. You’re getting a piece of the city’s rich culinary history. These gifts offer a taste of NYC that’s hard to find anywhere else, making them the perfect souvenirs for any foodie traveler.
Let’s dive into some of the best New York foodie gifts to bring back with you.
1. New York-Style Bagels: The Ultimate Breakfast Gift
No trip to New York is complete without a bagel, and you can’t bring home a true taste of the city without them. New York-style bagels are a beloved breakfast staple—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Whether you’re a fan of the classic plain bagel or prefer something loaded with cream cheese, these bagels are sure to impress.
Where to Buy New York-Style Bagels
You can find fresh bagels at almost every corner deli in New York, but for the best, head to Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side. This family-owned spot has been serving bagels and lox since 1914. Another great option is Ess-a-Bagel, where bagels are made with a slightly sweeter dough and boiled in water before being baked, giving them that authentic New York texture.
If you’re looking for bagels to ship home, The Bagel Store in Brooklyn offers delivery and ships their bagels nationwide. They even offer creative bagel flavors for those looking to mix things up!
Russ & Daughters
Address: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: +1 212-475-4880
Website: www.russanddaughters.com
Ess-a-Bagel
Address: 831 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Phone: +1 212-371-8243
Website: www.ess-a-bagel.com
The Bagel Store
Address: 698 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: +1 718-349-0400
Website: www.thebagelstoreonline.com
2. New York Cheesecake: Creamy and Decadent
One of the most famous desserts in the world, New York cheesecake is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Rich, dense, and creamy, this cheesecake is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. It’s unlike any other cheesecake you’ve tasted.
Where to Buy New York Cheesecake
For a slice of authentic New York cheesecake, head straight to Junior’s in Brooklyn. They’ve been making their famous cheesecakes since 1950 and offer a variety of flavors, including classic, strawberry, and chocolate swirl. You can also order their cheesecakes online if you’re craving a piece of Brooklyn’s finest dessert at home.
Another iconic place to grab a cheesecake is Eileen’s Special Cheesecake in SoHo. Known for its light and fluffy texture, this cheesecake has earned rave reviews from locals and tourists alike.
Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery
Address: 386 Flatbush Ave Extension, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: +1 718-852-5257
Website: www.juniorscheesecake.com
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
Address: 17 Cleveland Pl, New York, NY 10012
Phone: +1 212-677-5047
Website: www.eileenscheesecake.com
3. Artisanal Chocolates: Sweet Treats from Jacques Torres and L.A. Burdick
If you’re in search of a sweet, luxurious New York foodie gift, look no further than artisanal chocolates. These handmade creations are perfect for anyone who loves indulging in fine chocolate. In New York, there are a few chocolatiers that stand out above the rest.
Where to Buy Artisanal Chocolates
Jacques Torres Chocolate is a name that every chocolate lover in New York knows. With multiple locations throughout the city, including one in SoHo, Jacques Torres offers an array of mouthwatering chocolates. Try their famous chocolate chip cookies, truffles, or chocolate-covered popcorn.
If you’re seeking a European-style chocolate experience, head to L.A. Burdick in the Upper West Side. Their signature handmade chocolates are crafted with the finest ingredients, and their adorable chocolate mice are a fun and whimsical gift option.
Jacques Torres Chocolate
Address: 350 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: +1 212-414-2462
Website: www.mrchocolate.com
L.A. Burdick
Address: 156 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Phone: +1 212-675-2253
Website: www.burdickchocolate.com
4. Locally Roasted Coffee Beans: Brew a Taste of New York
If you know a coffee lover, you can’t go wrong with locally roasted coffee beans from New York. The city is home to some of the best coffee roasters in the country, and buying local coffee beans is a great way to bring home a taste of the city’s rich coffee culture.
Where to Buy Locally Roasted Coffee Beans
Stumptown Coffee Roasters has become a staple in the New York coffee scene, and their beans are available at their locations in the West 8th Street area. Their beans are known for their bold, robust flavor, making them perfect for anyone who loves a strong cup of coffee.
Another fantastic option is Blue Bottle Coffee, with locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan. They’re known for their light-roast beans, which make for a smooth, flavorful cup. Both Stumptown and Blue Bottle offer online ordering, so you can ship their beans directly to your door.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Address: 30 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Phone: +1 212-677-1951
Website: www.stumptowncoffee.com
Blue Bottle Coffee
Address: 1 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Phone: +1 877-975-5282
Website: www.bluebottlecoffee.com
5. New York-Style Pizza Sauce: Take Home a Taste of Legendary Pizza
New York pizza is legendary, with its thin crust, tangy sauce, and melty cheese. If you’re craving the flavors of the city’s iconic pizza but can’t get to a pizzeria, New York-style pizza sauce is the next best thing.
Where to Buy New York-Style Pizza Sauce
If you want the authentic taste of New York pizza at home, head to Joe’s Pizza. This famed pizzeria in Greenwich Village has been serving delicious slices since 1975. They sell jars of their signature pizza sauce online, so you can recreate their famous pies in your own kitchen.
For other pizza sauce options, check out L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn, another beloved pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style pies. They offer their pizza sauce and seasonings for purchase, allowing you to taste the best of Brooklyn pizza.
Joe’s Pizza
Address: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: +1 212-255-3946
Website: www.joespizza.com
L&B Spumoni Gardens
Address: 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223
Phone: +1 718-449-1230
Website: www.spumonigardens.com
6. Local Honey and Jam: A Sweet and Local Gift
New York isn’t just about bagels and pizza—it’s also home to a number of unique, locally made honey and jams. These treats are great for anyone who
loves to cook or wants to experience the flavors of the region in a jar.
Where to Buy Local Honey and Jam
For local honey, check out The Honey House in the Hudson Valley, where you can find honey from New York’s best beekeepers. They also offer a variety of honey-based products like lip balms and skincare items.
If you’re looking for unique jams, The Jam Stand in Brooklyn offers small-batch preserves made with fresh, local ingredients. Their jam varieties range from strawberry-basil to honey-ginger, and each one is packed with flavor.
The Honey House
Address: 3737 Route 9G, Red Hook, NY 12571
Phone: +1 845-758-1900
Website: www.thehoneyhouse.com
7. Other Must-Have New York Foodie Gifts
If you’re looking to broaden your New York foodie gift collection, there are a few more items that are worth mentioning:
- New York Pickles: Head to the Pickle Guys in the Lower East Side for authentic New York pickles made fresh daily.
The Pickle Guys
Address: 49 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: +1 212-475-2240
Website: www.pickleguys.com - Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Relish: Bring home a taste of Coney Island with a jar of Nathan’s famous hot dog relish.
Nathan’s Famous
Address: 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Phone: +1 718-372-8400
Website: www.nathansfamous.com - Artisan Popcorn: New York’s Popcorn Indiana offers a variety of gourmet popcorn flavors, including their signature caramel and cheese mixes.
Popcorn Indiana
Website: www.popcornindiana.com
Conclusion: Bringing the Flavors of New York Home
Whether you’re craving a bagel, cheesecake, or something sweet, New York has a wide variety of foodie gifts that capture the essence of the city’s iconic food culture. These New York foodie gifts are perfect for any occasion and make thoughtful, delicious souvenirs for any foodie traveler.
So, next time you visit New York City, be sure to pick up a few of these items to bring home. And if you can’t make it to NYC, don’t worry—many of these culinary treasures can be ordered online and shipped directly to you. Enjoy a taste of the Big Apple, no matter where you are!
By following this guide, you’ll have all the best New York foodie gifts at your fingertips. Happy eating and happy gifting!