How Many Restaurants Does NYC Actually Have? A Deep Dive (or Not So Deep)
New York City. The concrete jungle where dreams are made, and apparently, so are a ton of restaurants. Like, seriously, how many are there? Enough to feed the entire population of Australia for a week, probably.
A Million and One?
Let's get down to brass tacks (or should I say, pizza crusts?). Pinpointing an exact number of restaurants in NYC is about as easy as catching a pigeon with chopsticks. They seem to multiply like, well, rats. One day there's a hole-in-the-wall serving amazing tacos, the next week it's a Michelin-starred sushi joint.
But let's try to grasp at some numbers. According to some sources, there were around 23,650 restaurant establishments in NYC in 2019. But that was before the pandemic, which, let's be honest, probably shook up the restaurant scene more than a New York winter. So, the actual number now? Your guess is as good as mine.
Every Corner, A New Cuisine
The beauty of NYC's restaurant scene is its insane diversity. You want Ethiopian? We got it. Craving authentic Korean BBQ? No problem. In the mood for a poutine that would make a Canadian weep with joy? Absolutely. It's like a culinary United Nations, without the politics.
So, How Do You Choose?
With so many options, picking a place to eat can be a paralyzing experience. Fear not, fellow food lover! Here are a few tips:
- Go with your gut: If you're craving pizza, get pizza. Don't let anyone tell you different.
- Do some research: Check out reviews, menus, and Instagram pics. But don't get too caught up in the planning.
- Be adventurous: Try something new! You might discover your new favorite dish.
How to... Questions
How to find a restaurant that won't break the bank? Look for places off the beaten path, or try lunch specials.
How to decide between pizza and pasta? Flip a coin. Or order both.
How to avoid food coma after a NYC eating binge? Walk it off, obviously. Or take a nap.
How to experience the best of NYC's food scene in one day? Impossible. But you can try. Start with breakfast bagels, a midday slice, and a fancy dinner.
How to become a food critic? Eat a lot, write even more. And develop a strong opinion on everything.