Many places claim the title, but New York is certainly a contender for the best dining city in the world. Whether indulging in a meal booked months or years in advance at Thomas Keller’s Per Se, to grabbing a hot dog from a street stall, the New York experience covers all the bases. From Japanese to Italian, from French to classic American, all the flavours of the world are represented and the planet’s most outstanding chefs are drawn to the Big Apple to plate them up. In a city constantly on the go, it’s all the more important to step outside the rush on special New York holidays and enjoy some luxury cuisine at the pace it deserves.
Delicatessen
The New York deli is a quintessential experience for may who travel here, but this stylish restaurant takes the principles of comfort food and big eats and throws in a few gourmet wild cards like foiegras and crab-crusted fillet of beef. The Charlotte Ronson-designed uniforms and Juan Jose Heredia murals give the space that attention to detail which sets it apart as a luxury establishment.
Eleven Madison Park
Consistently cropping up in ‘best of’ reviews, this sophisticated eatery is French in theme and Art Deco in interior, boasting a stunning dining room and freely inviting diners to customize the menu. With unparalleled service, countless awards – including 3 Michelin stars – and chef Daniel Humm’s inspired tasting courses, no one is in any doubt that this is one of the city’s very best.
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
While meals are served on the counter as you perch on a high stool, the experience of Cesar Ramirez’s deluxe kitchen-diner is both unique and rewarding from start to finish. Blending Japanese and French influences with his take on his native Spanish cuisine, Ramirez takes a personal interest in treats like striped jackfish and Kumatono oysters, serving fewer than 30 guests in a sitting.
Marea
Marea is considered by many the top Italian choice in New York, a city which is arguably the best place to eat Italian food outside of Italy. A menu dominated by seafood with some exquisite hand-made pasta dishes has won chef Michael White rave reviews and its south Central Park location makes it a fashionable pick.
Ushiwakamaru
An authentic vibe, traditional décor and imaginative sushi plates make this Greenwich Village establishment a favourite of those who expect the best from their Japanese cuisine, with less glamour and fuss than Nobu. Try the salmon roe specials, enjoy the intense kick of the wasabi and marvel at the green-tea tofu creations that have made chef Hideo Kuribara’s restaurant such a success.
Restaurants in New York offer a world of luxury gastronomy which may be overwhelming on arrival, but is as much a part of the NYC experience as a Statton Island ferry trip or Central Park in the spring. With an ever-changing directory of award-winners and cutting-edge newcomers on the foodie scene, the only way to keep up is to get stuck in – just remember to reserve a table first.
