Morimoto, Meat-Packing District
This hip n’ chic Japanese restaurant is headed by the “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto. Their speciality is Kaiseki cuisine prepared in their huge kitchens. Delicious and unusual combinations, but not for those who worry about their food miles: the excellent sushi is flown in four times a week from the Tsukiji market in Tokyo. The stark and stunning ivory dining room is lit to make everyone look gorgeous, and the food isn’t bad either! The downstairs lounge bar tends be full of the trendy crowd from the meat-packing district, sit at the sushi bar or in the dining room to maximise the experience.
88 10th Avenue, NY 1001 | www.morimotonyc.com | +1 212 989 8883

Perilla, Greenwich Village
Opened this summer by the chef who won Bravo’s first season of “top chef” this is a small neighborhood spot in the Village — there is nothing “trendy” about this restaurant — it is all about the food. The service is knowledgeable and attentive, but casual; the wine list was well edited and varied; the food featured clean flavors and was simply scrumptious. We especially love their sheep milk ricotta ravioli with truffles and mushrooms, and their signature 9 Jones Cocktails with fresh ginger and mint. Yummy!
9 Jones Street (btw. West 4 and Bleecker Sts.), NY 10014| www.perillanyc.com | +1 212 929 6868

Alta, West Village
Been around for a couple of years but always a treat to revisit. There’s an unexpected atmosphere in the dining room which has a “barn loft” feel but the crowd is always gorgeous without pretence. The seasonal “American tapas” menu has a wide variety of little bites so you can try a little bit of everything - perfect for sharing with friends.
64 West 10th Street, NY 10011| altarestaurant.com | +1 212 505 7777

Norma’s at the Parker Meridien, near Central Park
If you are looking for brunch places this is where the brunch buck stops. By far the most dramatic and delicious in town. Even the fruit plate is a work of art. If you’re a late riser, go across the lobby and wait for one of the best burgers you’ll get in the city. Hidden in a corner of the hotel you might think that you’ve stepped back in time and into your neighbor’s basement - paneled walls with movie posters taped on them, but the burgers are perfection — skip the fries though!
118 West 57th Street, NY 10019 | www.parkermeridien.com | +212 245 5000

Bobo, West Village
Carlos Suarez’s latest eatery is a real find. Bobo stands for ‘bourgeois-bohemian’; on entering you feel like you’ve been invited to your very stylish friend’s dinner party. The food is a perfect match for the beautiful interiors. The chef: French-born, Ducasse-trained, Nicolas Cantral wows with his refreshing contemporary French fare. Perfect date material.
181 West 10th Street, NY 10014 | www.bobonewyork.com | +1 212 488 2626

Tasting Room, Chinatown/Little Italy
Go here for a snack rather than a full three course meal (the food is overpriced and underwhelming). Nab one of the few seats at the bar and have a bite with one of their hand-crafted cocktails. One of the few restaurants in NYC that makes its own bitters; perfect for a warming fall cocktail!
264 Elizabeth Street, NY 1oo12 | www.thetastingroomnyc.com |+1 212 358 7831

Cookshop, between 10th and 11th Avenues
With a relaxing Soho-loft vibe and homely American food, Cookshop is deservedly an NYC fave. Using only local ingredients from trusted farmers and fishermen, the environmentally-friendly philosophy (recycled paper for menus, humane meats, and fertilizer-free veggies) makes it an ethical and culinary experience. The Montauk squid and Catskill duck are divine. Inspirational stuff.
156 Tenth Avenue, NY 10011 | www.cookshopny.com | +1 212 924 4440

Los Dados, Meat-Packing District
This uber-hip Mexican restaurant is “very meat-packing district”… Think: lounge club meets Mexican taqueira. Talented chef Sure Torres creates authentic dishes such as coconut infused halibute tacos with avocado sauce. Don’t miss out on the excellent cocktails - try the delish spicy vanilla margarita.
73 Gansevoort Street, NY 10014 |+1 646 810 7290

Prune, East Village
Small but lovingly formed… Prune won’t take reservations for Sunday brunch, but while you’re queuing remember that it will be well worth the wait. Gabrielle Hamilton serves up a superb array of foods that you will simply love to wash down with the restaurant’s signature cocktails.
54 East 1st Street, New York, NY 10003 | www.prunerestaurant.com | +1 212 677 6221

Stand, West Village
Pining for In-N-Out while in the Big Apple? Head straight to Stand. Chic, casual, retro - what more could you want from a burger joint? Oh, and delicious burgers and shakes, of course! Atkins fans should try the Burger Salad, while veggies will not be disappointed with the smoky quinoa, zucchini and mushroom burger. Open kitchen and shared seating offer a friendly atmosphere, and the variety and quality is not to be missed.
24 East 12th Street, NY 10003 | +1 212 488 5900

Thanks to Lisa Flehinger for her savvy gourmet tips!