Here’s The Best Matzah Ball Soup In New York City
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Matzah ball soup, aka “Jewish Penicillin,” knows how to soothe the soul. It’s like a hug from your grandma… or the imaginary Jewish Grandma you wish you had. Some like their soup heavy with herbs and vegetables, some like to add noodles and a few tiny matzah balls, and some like giant tennis ball-sized spheres of matzah smack in the middle of their bowl. We don’t discriminate — all options get the job done.
Like most comfort food, matzah balls taste the best when they’re made from scratch (and then dunked in a bowl of chicken soup, of course). And since New York City is pretty much the home of Jewish comfort food, here are the best matzah ball soup options in the big city for when you’re in search of some cozy relief.
2nd Ave Deli
This Murray Hill staple has a lot of history, and it’s a go-to destination for all of your matzah ball soup, corned beef, pastrami and knish needs.
Where to get it: 162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
Katz’s Delicatessen
No explanation necessary here. Katz’s is an institution known for its colossal corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, but the matzah ball here is equally worth the trip. Grab a ticket and get in line with the rest of the world.
Where to get it: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Pastrami Queen
This Upper East Side gem is a hole-in-the-wall-type deli with all of the pastrami, smoked turkey, soups and Jewish sides you could want. Pastrami Queen also happens to be Anthony Bourdain’s go-to Pastrami spot in New York City and his first stop when he hops off a plane upon his return home.
Where to get it: 1125 Lexington Ave #2, New York, NY 10075
Sarge’s
This long-standing 24/7 Murray Hill diner is a crowd-pleaser among the locals. It has a huge roster of traditional Jewish deli classics like matzah ball and chicken soup, and corned beef and pastrami sandwiches that are basically the size of your head. The “Monster Sandwich” specifically has been dubbed New York’s largest sandwich.
Where to get it: 548 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016
Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen
This casual Jewish deli, with seven locations throughout New York Florida, boasts a full menu of sour pickles, potato latkes, soups and all of the smoked meats. They do all of their baking on site, and there’s even a full bar when you need to wash down your matzah ball soup with a little wine or beer.
Where to get it: 209 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop
One of the last original New York City outposts, Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop lives up to the hype with an old-school deli vibe. They have all-day breakfast, giant matzah balls, hearty sandwiches (try The Jack, which is basically the makings of a Rueben with chicken cutlets) and old-fashioned egg creams.
Where to get it: 174 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Mile End Deli
Mile End Deli combines Jewish comfort food with Montreal-style cuisine. It’s all of the comfort foods you love with a modern spin. The matzah ball soup is perfectly simple: the trick is in the matzah balls, which have a little schmaltz (chicken fat) added to give them a rich, buttery flavor.
Where to get it: 53 Bond St, New York, NY 10012 and 97A Hoyt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
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