The must anticipated (but very belated) must eat NYC food guide, I have created from a recent holiday to New York City for the first time. As some of you may have already seen snippets of my trip via Instagram or Snap Chat (@designbyaikonik) you would be well aware of the mission I was on to see as much as possible in the few weeks I had in this massive city. I have collated some of my must go to places, some of which are a NYC staples, others were very much a random find after hours of exploring. Places like Magnolia Bakery, Serendipity and Shack Shake were of course mandatory and couldn't leave NYC without trying once or twice! Of course I had to attempt (sometimes more than once) in order to get into the "it" spots like ByChloe, The Butchers Daughter, Jack's Wife Freda, Eataly and Momofuku all of which you cannot book, so its best to find the best times (or even opening times) to be first in before the rush. For the restaurant that do allow you to book I would recommend to download Open Table and prebook in advance. For restaurants like Buddakan (to have the ultimate Sex and the City moment)bookings open 6 weeks in advance!
I would definitely recommend following a couple of NYC food Instagrams such as @theinfatuation and @hungrynyc. They give you ideas of some of the most popular and on trend places to eat as well as some more unknown city finds that only a local would know about.
Buddakan
75 9th Ave
This trendy, upscale Chinese restaurant in the Meatpacking district was the scene of Carrie and Big's rehearsal dinner in the Sex and the City movie. The food is a new twist on traditional Asian dishes, amazing cocktails and must try desserts that are all perfect to share - beware its not cheap, but definitely worth while (be sure to book well in advance!).
Sarabeth’s
381 Park Ave S
The perfect brunch spot (but also available for lunch and dinner), Sarabeth’s is a upmarket American diner. Amazing service and lots of choice if you love a breakfast menu. Pumpkin waffles with honey and sour cream is one that's not to be missed! But beware of the portion size - pancakes (you get 5!) and french toast (4 pieces of bread!)
The Smith
55 3rd Ave
OK so this place I went back to 3 times! One of the first restaurants I had booked before I left for NYC, breakfast spot half way through my stay and the last place I ate before I left. With specials for every night of the week offering something different the menu caters to everyone and of all cuisines. From burgers to pot pies to bip bim bap The Smith has you covered. The mac and cheese is a house special so you have to give it a go (the ultimate American dish) and for dessert Smores in a jar - need I say more!?
Shake Shack
Madison Square Park, Madison Ave & E.23rd St
Grand Central Terminal
A definite must whilst in NYC, I went to the outdoor Madison Square Park store, with the amazing view of the Flatiron building. Crinkle-cut fries had to be the best of it all, but you have to go the whole hog with a Shack burger and of course Concretes (basically crazy combos mixed into custard!) The ultimate American experience!
Ralph’s Coffee
2nd Floor, 711 5th Ave
The perfect pit stop for a coffee whilst shopping on 5th Ave, located on the second floor inside the Ralph Lauren Polo flagship store. Great coffee and small bites to eat, everything is monogrammed with Ralph of course. Also plenty of Ralph souvenirs.
Eataly
200 Fifth Avenue
Eataly is made up of an array of stores and eateries. Small restaurants and shops represents a particular region of the country. From the cafe for the ultimate coffee indulgence, gelato, pizza and pasta to have in or to go, seafood and vegetarian, there is an area to suit everyone. Get in quick before the breakfast, lunch and dinner rush as this place is always busy.
The Butcher’s Daughter
19 Kenmare St
Great for those who are smashed avocado toast obsessed! This vegetarian place has some great salads and toasted sandwiches and some not to be missed juice combos! In the heart of Lolita, where you will find plenty of brunch rivals literally metres away from one another.
Mr. Taka
170 Allen St
Located on the uber cool Lower East Side ramen shop that's famous in Japan. This one's known for its soy sauce-based shoyu bowls, which come in such exotic flavors as shiso, ginger, and white soy. With pork base or chicken broth, or even vegetarian options that were surprisingly amazing!
Five Senses
9 W 32nd St
This 24 hour restaurant in the heart of Korea town has everything you could ask for in Korean food. The Kimchee fried rice cooked on a hot stone plate is their signature dish and one that must be tried.
Momofuku Noodle Bar + Momofuku Milk Bar
207 2nd Ave
15 W 56th St
As a ramen-fan I couldn’t miss out on visiting Momofuku Noodle bar, both the ramen and buns were amazing. This restaurant also has a tiny Milk Bar menu if you want to try whats new, but I did make a separate visit to Momofuku Milk Bar to get a try of both Crack Pie and Cereal Milk soft serve. In -1 degree weather and completely numb fingers, it was totally worth it!
Cafeteria
119 7th Ave
Although nothing like a cafeteria this very cool restaurant located along side the High Line in Chelsea is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. With it's modern takes on southern comfort food staples like fried chicken and waffles.
Friend of a Farmer
77 Irving Pl
This very cosy and homey cafe, with a menu that feels like a home cooked meal. Traditional eggs, porridge and assorted pancakes. Plenty of choice of juices and coffee.
Jack's Wife Freda
224 Lafayette St.
If your lucky enough to catch this place without a queue is one not to be missed (one of Nicole Warne - Gary Pepper’s favourite spots). With it’s Middle Eastern influenced take on brunch foods (like shakshuka) and great coffee with the cutest sugar sachets!
Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleecker St
Of course If your a fan of Sex and the City, the Bleecker Street location is where Carrie tells Miranda about a major crush while downing one of this bakery's signature cupcakes. Of course you can’t go past a buttercream topped cake. If you want to skip the long lines at the original location there are plenty of other branches, on Columbus Ave, Bloomingdales on 3rd Ave, Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center.
Serendipity 3
225 E 60th St
This is a must‑try purely for its signature frozen hot chocolate and to any fan of the classic chick flick.
ABC Kitchen
35 E 18th St
The decor is eclectic like the store; different lighting, different tableware
salted caramel sundae-amazing
Sugar Factory
835 Washington St
For a grown up sugar rush, the copious amounts of sweets, lollipops and smoking goblet drinks will have you buzzing!
By Chloe
185 Bleecker St.
Who knew vegan could taste so good! Burgers made with beans but taste like meat! By Chloe proves that vegan wins hands down. The espresso cookie is also not one to be missed. Be sure to get there on opening (11am) as the queues tend to end up down the street!
Thank you SO much for this round up – each of these places have been added to my list for my trip to NY next month, some seriously enviable food shots here!