Eating in New York City should be an Olympic sport. It takes serious preparation (research), and stamina (just how much can you fit in?). I have collated a variety of offerings below that I pretty much go back to every time I visit the big apple, and only two will break the bank…
Bakeries
Magnolia Bakery
The iconic cupcake shop as featured in Sex in the City. The icing is literally heavenly, I’ll be honest, I rarely eat the sponge and just devour the frosting. They have stores across the city, but I like to go to the original location in West Village (401 Bleecker Street). The Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding is also worth getting.
Supermoon Bakehouse
If croissants are your thing, head here. They are giant, and divine. Located at 120 Rivington St between East Village and Lower East Side, the queue can be hectic so recommend getting there before it opens…it’s closed Tues and Weds FYI. Its also near a Kobra Street Art piece (see entry on Kobra)
Fast Food
Milk Bar
Have you ever watched Netflix’s Chefs Table? Christina Tosi who is featured in season four heads up this franchise, with her signature offering of Milk Bar Pie and Cereal Milk Ice Cream top of the menu. Good for a sweet treat, and has various locations across the city. The flagship on Broadway is near my NYC office, so is a must-stop en route to the office for birthday cake truffles…
Black Tap
Naughty burger joint with utterly ridiculous milkshakes and will probably cost you two days of calories in one sitting. I’ve been a few times in both NY and Vegas and they are consistent, juicy and convenient.
Dinner
Tao
Upmarket Asian offering, where someone else was paying so we could barely fit another dish on the table. We went during the time that the US Open tennis event was on (early in week one) and saw two different tennis players dining there (separately). I’d say it’s a good spot for people watching, celeb spotting and is quite a dressy affair.
L’artusi
New York and Italian restaurants go together like Ant and Dec, or peanut butter and jelly to use an American reference. L’artusi is one that nails it. The Cacio e Pepe was unreal. Service was quick without being rushed, and was a great spot for lunch.
Joseph Leonard
My friend and I had dinner here after watching a show on Broadway (it’s a taxi ride from there) as we wanted to be close to Maries Crisis Piano Bar for drinks. It’s a small restaurant in the West Village and had the best atmosphere, music and owner. Everyone was super friendly, there was a feeling that the staff knew you, but it was just their overwhelming warmth. Great wines, and food. Five stars, would recommend.
A cozy, acclaimed neighborhood spot, described as a “minuscule” yet romantic venue with intimate seating and vintage decor
Nubiani
Really decent KBBQ in Midtown East. Its fairly upmarket, very plush interior so not really a casual drop in spot, though we didn’t have a reservation and got a table at the bar. I drank way too much Soju wine and we ordered so much but was a food highlight of that trip. We went for very decent cocktails afterwards at Employees Only in West Village.
Akimoto Sushi
A bit of a hidden gem that my friend discovered when staying at Sonder Duane Street, a hotel I have stayed in three times and really like. This sushi shop is across the road and the salmon lover box is always on point. Fresh, tasty and good value.
The Ultimate Tourist 
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