This classic dish can be as hearty or as light as you’d like, and while they all may look the same the flavors can differ plenty! The texture of the matzo ball itself has to be perfectly spongy, and the broth rich and savory. With passover coming up it’s only fitting to take a look this week at some of the exceptional matzo ball soups made around the city. Whenever you’re craving this delicious soup, be sure to check out 10 of our favorite bowls of matzo ball soup in NYC. [We’ve also included a map at the bottom with more amazing selections for easier viewing.]
1. 2nd Avenue Deli, Multiple Locations
2nd Avenue Deli deserves to be on every “best matzo ball soup” list out there. When you order the dish you can choose to have your matzo ball, carrots and broth accompanied by your choice of noodles, rice, or kasha. Here, the soup goes by the name of “Jewish Penicillin.”
Where: Midtown – 162 E. 33rd St. / UES – 1442 1st Ave.
When: Monday-Sunday 11a.m. – 8p.m. (both locations)
2. B&H Dairy, East Village
This kosher East Village deli has been around since the 1940s, and still serves up some of the best vegetarian dishes in the area—particularly their matzo ball soup. This meatless dish has a lighter feel to it but is still very flavorful.
Where: 127 2nd Ave.
When: Tuesday-Saturday 8a.m. – 10p.m., Sunday 8a.m. – 9p.m.
3. Frankel’s Delicatessen, Greenpoint
The savory matzo ball soup from Frankel’s Deli is rich in taste and texture. For those who prefer more matzo ball to broth, this is the spot for you with a large serving that takes up much of the bowl.
Where: 631 Manhattan Ave.
When: Tuesday-Sunday 9a.m. – 3p.m.
4. Russ & Daughters, Multiple Locations
The amazing matzo ball soup at Russ & Daughters is made to perfection. The classic dish is made with bits of both light and dark meats along with chopped carrots and a sizable matzo ball.
Where: LES – 127 Orchard St. / East Village – 179 E Houston St. / Brooklyn Navy Yards – 141 Flushing Ave.
When: Monday-Sunday 8a.m. – 4p.m. / Thursday-Monday 8:30a.m. – 3p.m. / Monday-Sunday 8a.m. – 3:30p.m.
5. Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner, Murray Hill
If you’re looking for a no-frills matzo ball soup, head to Sarge’s. Their version of the dish is simple and goes back to the basics. And the one fun difference about this diner that sets it apart is the ability to add a matzo ball to some of the other soup items on the menu, making it one of our favorite places to get matzo ball soup in NYC!
Where: 548 3rd Ave.
When: Monday-Wednesday 10a.m. – 11p.m., Thursday-Friday 9a.m. – 11p.m., Saturday-Sunday 8a.m. – 11p.m.
6. Veselka
Veselka’s matzo ball soup comes with a flavorful broth and a substantial helping of matzo ball. The dish is one that holds up in flavor when you get it delivered, too (which is rare when it comes to soup deliveries). Not to mention, you can get these at any hour of the day so those cravings can always be met.
Where: 144 2nd Ave.
When: Sunday-Thursday 8a.m. – 11p.m., Friday-Saturday 8a.m. – 12a.m.
7. PJ Bernstein, UES
PJ Bernstein was not kidding around when they made their matzo ball soup—their matzo ball is huge and is sure to fill you up. If you’re up for the challenge, try ordering their famous “Triple Delight,” a soup with Consomme broth and beef kreplach, matzoh ball, fine noodles, and carrots.
Where: 1215 3rd Ave.
When: Monday-Sunday 10a.m. – 7p.m.
8. Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant, Multiple Locations
Ben’s Kosher Deli serves up a matzo ball soup that customers can’t get enough of. Their recipe is simple and straight to the point, but that certainly does not make it any less delicious!
Where: Bayside – 211-37 26th Ave. / Midtown – 209 W. 38th St.
When: Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. – 8:30p.m., Friday-Saturday 11a.m.-9p.m. / Monday – Sunday 11a.m. – 8p.m.
9. Pastrami Queen, Multiple Locations
Pastrami Queen has been a New York favorite since 1956—in fact, Anthony Bourdain has said their pastrami sandwich is the first thing he would get when he’d come back to New York after traveling. Their pastrami isn’t the only thing that’s good though, as customers have also been raving about their matzo ball soup for years.
Where: UWS – 138 W 72nd St. / UES – 1125 Lexington Ave.
When: Monday-Sunday 10a.m. – 9p.m. (both locations)
10. Katz’s Deli, LES
Born in the LES, Katz Deli has been an NYC institution since 1888 and has been family run for over 100 years. Customers of this deli swear this spot is a must visit and can’t seem to get enough of their light and fluffy matzo ball soup.
Where: 205 E Houston St.
When: Monday-Sunday 8a.m. – 10:45p.m., Saturday-Sunday 8a.m. – 11p.m.