For many New Yorkers, if they don’t take a picture of their food — and post it on Instagram — the meal might as well never have happened.
Instagram recently released a list of the top 25 most photographed restaurants in the US for 2016, and 11 of them, including No. 1, are in the Big Apple. Here, a look at the city’s most Instagrammed eateries, and the must-get shot at each.
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1. Sugar Factory
The Meatpacking District location of this colorful restaurant and candy shop chain is the most Instagrammed restaurant nationwide. The most snapped menu items are its “Monster” burgers ($11 to $18) and the 64-ounce “Lollipop Passion” goblet ($36), a boozy, high-calorie blend of vodka, melon liqueur and coconut juice, garnished with candy. “[They] get a lot of love on Instagram because of their vibrant colors, playful presentation and larger-than-life size,” says founder Charissa Davidovici.
835 Washington St.; 212-414-8700
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2. TAO Downtown
Instagram/@taodowntown Scantily dressed clubgoers can’t resist snapping a picture of this Meatpacking District spot’s 20-foot statue, Quan Yin, a Buddhist deity of compassion. “Guests love to share [the statue] on Instagram because as soon as they post the pic, their friends know exactly where they are,” says general manager Tony Oswain.
92 Ninth Ave.; 212-888-2724
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3. Katz’s Delicatessen
Instagram/@@americanaquarium The iconic Lower East Side deli, where “When Harry Met Sally” was shot, still attracts a block-long line of visitors eager to take photos of the Katz’s sign and the classic pastrami sandwich ($20). “People understand the true beauty of a classic deli,” says owner Jake Dell.
205 E. Houston St.; 212-254-2246
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4. Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer
Patrons line up for an hour to order the elaborate milkshakes ($15) at this burger joint. Once you’ve braved the wait, sharing dessert on social media is a must. “The ‘Cotton Candy Shake,’ the ‘Cookie Shake,’ and the ‘Sweet N’ Salty Shake’ are Instagrammed the most,” says Courtney Wright, Black Tap’s marketing director.
248 W. 14th St.; 212-675-7236
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5. Lavo
Sofia Bianchessi At this buzzy nightlife spot frequented by reality TV stars like Sonja Morgan, patrons prefer taking photos of themselves rather than the food, especially during the Sunday dinner party when there are belly dancers, tap dancers and stilt walkers. “Guests love taking selfies,” says general manager Nick Bill.
39 E. 58th St.; 212-750-5588
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6. La Marina
Opened in 2012, this popular Inwood brunch spot with its own private beach is trending on social media thanks to its picturesque views. “Guests love taking pics of the Hudson River,” says Jerald Tenenbaum.
348 Dyckman St.; 212-567-6300
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7. Blend on the Water
Tasha Berroa At this Long Island City Latin fusion restaurant, customers love snapping the sauteed jumbo shrimp ($13) and views of the Manhattan skyline. “People love taking photographs of the views because it feels like the city’s at their feet,” says general manager Nicholas Hyde.
4540 Center Blvd; 718-606-9851
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8. Catch
Courtesy of Catch NYC The “Catch Roll” ($19) — a sushi roll with crab, salmon and miso-honey that’s lit on fire tableside — is one of the most photographed items at this popular celeb hangout, where Mariah Carey recently threw her “Mariah’s World” premiere party.
21 Ninth Ave.; 212-392-5978
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9. Beauty and Essex
Social media influencers love photographing this Lower East Side spot’s ornate decor, which includes fur walls, room-sized broaches and chandeliers. “It’s like being in your very own life-sized jewelry box,” says Amy Landsman, an executive assistant at the restaurant.
146 Essex St.; 212-614-0146
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10. Salsa Con Fuego
Instagram/@SalsaconFuego This Bronx restaurant features traditional Latin cuisine, dancing and huge cocktails. Manager Shirley Mangan says the “Sexy Island Magnum” cocktail ($30), a 60-ounce serving of passion fruit rum, whiskey and tequila, is one of the most photographed menu items.
2297 Cedar Ave., Fordham Heights; 718-561-6161