Best Restaurants Near New York LaGuardia — Eat Like a Local

New York guide: real food walking/short-cab from airport. Real, specific, no fluff.

Arriving at New York LaGuardia Airport: A Foodie's Guide

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of the three major airports serving New York City, and while it's often overlooked in favor of JFK or Newark, it's a great option for travelers looking to explore the city without the hassle of a long commute.

Getting to the Food from the Airport

You have a few options for getting from LaGuardia to your first meal in the city. The most convenient is to take a taxi or ride-hailing service from the airport, which will take around 15-30 minutes depending on traffic, and cost between $20-$40. Alternatively, you can take the Q70 Select Bus Service from the airport to the Jackson Heights – Roosevelt Avenue subway station, which is a 45-minute journey and costs $3.

For a more food-focused experience, you can grab a quick bite at one of the airport's many restaurants. Some top recommendations include Dunkin' Donuts for a classic coffee and pastry, Pizza Express for a quick slice, or Ess-a-Bagel for a delicious bagel with cream cheese.

Neighborhoods to Explore from LaGuardia

Neighborhoods to Explore from LaGuardia

LaGuardia is conveniently located near several great neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and culinary offerings. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

• Long Island City: Just a short taxi ride from the airport, Long Island City is a vibrant neighborhood with a thriving arts scene and some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline.
• Astoria: This charming neighborhood is home to some of the city's best Greek and Turkish restaurants, as well as a lively nightlife scene.
• Jackson Heights: A diverse and vibrant neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage, Jackson Heights is home to some of the city's best Indian and Latin American cuisine.

Exploring New York's Food Scene

New York City is a food lover's paradise, with a diverse range of cuisines and dining options to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few of our top recommendations for exploring the city's food scene:

Classic New York Dishes

You can't go to New York without trying some of the city's classic dishes, including a slice of pizza from Lombardi's, a hot dog from Gray's Papaya, or a bagel with cream cheese from Ess-a-Bagel.

• Lombardi's is often credited with inventing the first pizza in the United States, and their classic cheese slice is still a must-try.
• Gray's Papaya is a classic New York diner that's been serving up some of the city's best hot dogs and burgers since 1972.

Exploring the City's Best Neighborhoods

New York City is divided into many different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and culinary offerings. Here are a few of our top recommendations for exploring the city's best neighborhoods:

1. Greenwich Village: This charming neighborhood is home to some of the city's best Italian and French cuisine, as well as a lively nightlife scene.
2. SoHo: Short for "South of Houston," SoHo is a trendy neighborhood that's home to some of the city's best shopping and dining options.
3. Chinatown and Little Italy: These two adjacent neighborhoods are a must-visit for any food lover, with a diverse range of Asian and Italian restaurants and shops.

What to Avoid in New York City

While New York City is a food lover's paradise, there are a few things to avoid in order to make the most of your trip. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

Tourist Traps

While it can be tempting to stick to the tourist-friendly restaurants and cafes, many of these spots are overpriced and underwhelming. Instead, try to explore some of the city's lesser-known neighborhoods and eateries for a more authentic experience.

• Avoid the overpriced restaurants in Times Square, and instead head to one of the many great eateries in the nearby Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.
• Steer clear of the chain restaurants in Midtown, and instead try some of the city's best Mexican food in the East Village.

Overpriced Eats

New York City is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank on every meal. Here are a few tips for finding affordable eats in the city:

1. Try a food cart or truck for a quick and affordable bite. Many of the city's best street food vendors can be found in areas like Chinatown and Jackson Heights.
2. Head to one of the city's many great diners or cafes for a cheap and satisfying meal. Some top recommendations include Serendipity 3 in the Upper East Side, and Los Tacos No Sé Qué Los in the East Village.

Final Tips and Recommendations

We hope this guide has given you a good sense of what to expect when it comes to food in New York City. Here are a few final tips and recommendations to keep in mind:

Be Adventurous

New York City is a city that's all about trying new things, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try some of the city's more unusual cuisine. From Korean BBQ in Koreatown to Jamaican jerk chicken in Crown Heights, there's no shortage of delicious and authentic options to explore.

And don't forget to exchange some currency for when you land, you might want to use the Portability App to get the best exchange rates for your money.