I once heard someone says, “You live more life in one day in New York City than you do somewhere else in a year.” Coming home with a terrible jet lag, I do feel 10 years older after my recent trip to the Big Apple. Sitting in front of the computer at 4am in the morning, I can’t help recalling every single detail of my favourite trip ever. Perhaps that’s a big claim, but I can say without a doubt that NYC is my favourite city and I don’t think there is anything that will ever beat.

What makes New York unique is its history, tradition, architecture, culture and people, there is such vibrancy to the city that you don’t find anywhere else in America or even in the world. With tens of thousands of restaurants and even more kiosks, delis and roadside stands where you can take a quick bite whenever you feel like – NYC dining scene just does better than anywhere else!

I could spend ten more years eating and drinking in the city without conquering all of its restaurants or bars. So this list wasn’t meant to be exhaustive, just to share with you some of my personal favourites in several categories.

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Breakfast

Ever since Breakfast at Tiffany’s, breakfast and the city were inseparable. I might not have eaten my bagel while window-shopping on the 5th avenue but I was more than happy to have started my daily adventures with a full stomach.

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1.Best Bagel and Coffee

225 W 35th St, New York, NY 10018, Midtown West

Some say it’s the water that makes the city’s bagels so delicious. Some say it’s the special way the Polish Jews immigrants prepared the dough. I don’t care. I just want one. Now!

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2. Fairway Cafe

2127 Broadway 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10023, Upper West Side

A traditional american diner with huge windows overlooking Broadway. Love their silver dollar pancakes!

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3. Sarabeth’s

423 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, b/t 80th St & 81st St Upper West Side

The crab cake eggs benedict is fantastic!

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Steak– A trip to the states is not complete without some serious red meat consumption.

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1.St. Anselm

355 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, 

b/t 4th St & Havemeyer St Williamsburg – North Side

Unlike the old-school chophouses which feature dark wood and clubby atmospheres, this contemporary steakhouse in Brooklyn offers very solid char-grilled steak. The hanger steak is excellent and don’t forget to order their thick-cut bacon for sides!

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2. Costata

206 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, b/t Sullivan St & Avenue Of The Americas, South Village

Meaning rib-eye in Italian, Costata is a upscale restaurant in SOHO owned by the famous pasta chef Michael White. Their dry aged steak is a must, take the menu’s advice and order pasta as a side dish with steak. You won’t regret it!

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3. Lincoln Sqaure Steak

208 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023, b/t Amsterdam Ave & End Ave 
Upper West Side

 

Walking into this steakhouse with red walls, suede sofa booth and murals on the walls, feels like stepping into the best era of the 40s. Highly recommend the cream spinach as side for the steak, which is exceptional in its own right!

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