Taste Atlas just released their 150 Most Legendary Restaurants in the World & Their Iconic Dishes, and New York City not only made it on the list twice, but snatched the 2nd spot!
Can you guess which NYC restaurant ranked as the world’s 2nd most legendary restaurant? We’ll give you a hint: pastrami…
If Katz’s Deli didn’t immediately come to mind then we don’t know what to tell you. This iconic NYC establishment has been gracing the Lower East Side since 1888, serving up mouthwatering meats, platters and the tastiest pastrami sandwich in the city.
The entire list ranges from family-operated diners to Michelin-starred eateries that focus on “real food with robust flavors.” At each restaurant, Taste Atlas selects their most iconic dish, and at Katz’s Deli, it of course had to be their pastrami on rye.
According to Taste Atlas, the restaurants that made the list “are not just places to grab a meal, but destinations in their own right, comparable to the world’s most famous museums, galleries and monuments,” as each choice is “a quintessential aspect of each city’s vibrant tapestry of history, tradition, and local flavor.” It takes Taste Atlas countless of trips across continents to finally curate their list.
Katz’s Deli became a gathering spot for the millions of immigrant families that lived in the neighborhood in the early 20th century. And as time went on, Katz’s Deli was frequented by actors, singers and comedians from various theaters on 2nd Avenue and the National Theater. Since then, the restaurant has established some pretty impressive celebrity clientele.
Joining Katz’s Deli on the list is Peter Luger Steak House at #25, with their most iconic dish being their dry-aged porterhouse. Other American establishments made the ranking including Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston, The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, and Mother’s Restaurant and Commander’s Palace both in New Orleans.
You can explore the full list of the world’s most legendary restaurants here.