VICTOR'S CAFE
Just like Cosme, Victor's Cafe has turned Cuban cuisine into a full-on event. In this case, it's much less formal and a bit more irreverent, with a tropical-looking space that's an Instagram magnet. After winning you over at first sight, it seals the deal with a menu that modernizes classics from this Caribbean island without losing an ounce of authenticity. The standout dish? 'Ponle Ropa a la Vaca', a fresh take on the iconic ropa vieja.
ALMANAK
One of New York's best-kept culinary secrets sits beneath the vaulted ceilings of Grand Central Terminal, the station with the most platforms in the world. It's Almanak, an oasis of calm and authenticity that has won over New Yorkers and visitors for one simple reason: serving salads, dishes, and small plates made with locally sourced ingredients. All of it unfolds in a Nordic-inspired space where wood takes center stage and there's no room for the superfluous.
TUCK SHOP NY
Can any other Anglo cuisine succeed in New York beyond the American one? At Tuck Shop they have done it with an Australian menu where the meat pie is king, a signature since opening that has led many New Yorkers to prefer it over a burger. In addition to the classic version, the restaurant has varied its fillings and added other flavors such as mac n' cheese and Thai curry chicken.
PETER LUGER STEAK HOUSE
Crossing over to Brooklyn only truly makes culinary sense if it’s to try the steaks they serve at this singular spot. Its ‘old-fashioned’ look, its reverence for beef, and its skill in selecting cuts and sourcing have turned it into a global benchmark for carnivores. It’s no surprise that since 1887 it has been proving that the Porterhouse Steak (also known as the T-bone) is the most mouthwatering dish anyone can try on the face of the earth… or at least in New York.
JUNIOR'S CHEESECAKE
The quintessential dessert of the Big Apple has a temple: Junior's Cheesecake. It can't be confirmed as the birthplace of this sweet, but it's certainly the place that has elevated the recipe to its ultimate expression. Skipping it at any of their Manhattan locations is a sin. That said, aim to go between meal times to avoid the crowds.
BALTAZHAR
It’s interesting that a refined, French-style bistro like this has earned its reputation with avocado toast topped with a poached egg. A simple recipe that has won over New York’s younger, healthy-minded crowd and given the place a second heyday built on its brunch. Beyond this creation, the menu features other French classics like bouillabaisse. Perfect for fueling up on a fun day around the city that wraps up on Broadway.
MEATBALL SHOP
One of the biggest myths about Italian cuisine is spaghetti with meatballs. This culinary invention actually originated in the U.S. as a hearty, all-day meal and a fusion of both cultures. But beyond serving them with pasta, Meatball Shop has made these meatballs a city essential, perfect for taking a break between sights.
