Top Food Influencers in NYC

New York City’s food scene remains one of the most dynamic in the world, from hidden gem eateries to Michelin-starred destinations. In 2026, top food influencers in NYC continue to shape dining trends, drive reservations, and deliver authentic recommendations to millions of followers. Whether you’re a brand seeking high-engagement partnerships or a food enthusiast looking for the best bites, these Instagram creators offer invaluable exposure and inspiration.

This updated guide highlights the leading NYC food influencers on Instagram, curated with fresh 2026 data. Discover their niches, audience reach, and why they’re perfect for collaborations in today’s influencer marketing landscape.

Why Partner with NYC Food Influencers in 2026?

NYC food influencers deliver unmatched authenticity and engagement in a city obsessed with cuisine. These creators produce content that resonates with local and global audiences, often achieving higher interaction rates than traditional ads. For restaurants and food brands, partnering with the right influencer can boost visibility, foot traffic, and sales through trusted recommendations.

Influencer marketing in the food niche continues to grow, with campaigns delivering strong ROI through user-generated content and targeted reach. Working with a top influencer marketing agency like HireInfluence ensures seamless campaign execution, from creator selection to performance tracking.

Our Methodology for Selecting the Top NYC Food Influencers

This list draws from 2026 rankings on platforms like Feedspot, cross-referenced with engagement metrics, follower growth, and content quality. We prioritized creators based in NYC who focus primarily on food—restaurant reviews, recipes, trends, and dining experiences—while emphasizing those with strong brand collaboration potential.

Top 20 NYC Food Influencers to Watch in 2026

1. Alessandra Ciuffo – @flavorsbyalessandra (654.1K followers)

A culinary school graduate and Food Network champion, Alessandra creates educational yet entertaining content that’s approachable and fun.

2. Jeremy Jacobowitz – @jeremyjacobowitz (593.1K followers)

Known as Brunch Boys, Jeremy shares global food adventures with a NYC base, revealing hidden menu items and restaurant secrets.

3. Brian Lindo – @briancantstopeating (553.4K followers)

Brian’s relentless pursuit of flavors uncovers obscure restaurants and unique dishes across NYC and beyond.

4. Cindy D – @cindy_food_drink (924.2K followers)

A food collector, drink hunter, and traveler, Cindy blends global cuisine with NYC lifestyle and event content.

5. Alexa Matthews – @eatingnyc (321.8K followers)

As a content creator and mom, Alexa highlights the best new restaurants and must-try eats in NYC.

6. Vivian Huang – @lavivienyc (292.4K followers)

Vivian excels at discovering unique restaurants with standout dishes and ambiance—perfect for newcomers seeking reliable recommendations.

7. Simon & Lauren Willis – @consumingcouple (274.1K followers)

This duo delivers insider global food content with a focus on NYC experiences.

8. Justin Wu – @hungryartistny (212.3K followers)

The hungriest artist in NYC combines food stories with creative illustrations for uniquely engaging content.

Additional standout creators include Bri (@goodeatsonlynyc), Johnny Baesa (@johnnyeatsnyc), and Joanna (@chungeats), who focus on affordable gems, honest reviews, and flavorful home cooking.

How Brands Can Collaborate with These Influencers

Reach creators directly via DM or email (often in bios). For optimal results, define clear campaign goals—such as restaurant launches or product promotions—and provide creative freedom for authenticity. A professional influencer marketing agency can handle negotiations, contracts, and analytics to maximize impact.

Emerging Trends Among NYC Food Influencers

In 2026, short-form videos dominate with immersive Reels showcasing tastes and atmospheres. Authentic, unfiltered reviews build trust, while diverse cuisines and sustainable dining gain traction.

Discover the Best NYC Food Influencers for Your Next Campaign

These top food influencers in NYC blend passion, personality, and reach to connect brands with eager audiences. From in-depth reviews to stunning visuals, they represent the pinnacle of food content creation.

Ready to partner with the best NYC food influencers? Contact HireInfluence, a leading influencer marketing agency, to craft campaigns that deliver real results. Explore more influencer strategies on our blog for your next successful collaboration.