Picks by National Geographic in New York

8 places National Geographic went to in New York — what they said, and what to watch out for.

• Katz's Delicatessen — National Geographic
  Praised the pastrami, cured for up to 30 days, for slicing like butter even stacked 20 layers high, with smoking and steaming ensuring not a single slice loses its seasoning.
• Luigi's Pizza — National Geographic
  Praised the Sicilian slice as fluffy rather than chewy with a crispy bottom and a perfect ratio of tomato sauce to cheese, and said the thin New York slice was equally 'overwhelming' — 'both are amazing.'
• Lechonera La Piraña — National Geographic
  Raved that the lechón is so moist it practically falls apart when shaken, with skin puffed up and crackling, and the garlic-chili-vinegar sauce cuts through the richness — calling it 'incredible' and 'a meal worthy of an award.'
  Heads up: It's a street stall that gets swamped on weekends, and it's hard to reach ahead of time.
• Minetta Tavern — National Geographic
  Raved that the thick, meatball-like patty cooked medium-rare melts in your mouth, the soft bun soaks up the juices, and the ratio of caramelized onion to melted cheese is perfect. Also praised the fries as crispy with real potato flavor.
  Heads up: Unlike Chinatown, this is a calm, sit-down bistro atmosphere.
• Black Seed Bagels - Williamsburg — National Geographic
  Raved that the first bite of the chewy, poppy-seed-crusted bagel loaded with salty bacon, melted cheese, and runny yolk was 'a work of art,' and praised the salmon bagel for how the acidity of tomato and onion balances the richness of the cream cheese.
• Junior's Restaurant & Bakery — National Geographic
  Praised the original cheesecake as perfectly creamy with a lively vanilla flavor, with the crust merging seamlessly into the cheesecake.
  Heads up: The cake shake is stacked so high it's prone to toppling over, and it's so massive it ends up all over your face.
• Mei Lai Wah — National Geographic
  Praised the combination of sweet custard topping, soft bread, and the moist, sauce-soaked pork filling as 'a classic must-eat in Chinatown.'
  Heads up: So busy that the line stretches out to the sidewalk, and freshly baked batches sell out quickly.
• Sylvia's Restaurant — National Geographic
  Praised the freshly fried chicken as juicy and well-seasoned, the ribs as smoky all the way to the bone and tender, and the mac and cheese as buttery and melt-in-your-mouth.
  Heads up: Notes that the fried chicken really shines when paired with the restaurant's own hot sauce.

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