The most iconic New York snack? It's got to be the hot dog, of course. Grab one from a street vendor or bustling diner for an authentic taste of the big city.
East Village
With its array of vintage shops selling timeless outfits and antique accessories, the bohemian spirit of old is still alive and well in East Village. It's an area that also attracts streams of passionate foodies looking for budget treats packed with flavour. Whether you’re testing the Middle Eastern spice of Mamoun’s scrumptious falafels or scoffing some cult wieners at Crif Dogs, you’ll be leaving the East Village with your hunger more than satisfied.
• Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant, 22 St Marks PIace, New York 10003; • Crif Dogs, 113 St Marks PIace, New York 10009;
Upper East Side
The swanky Upper East Side is perhaps the city’s most elegant and expensive destination. While deluxe lunches and aristocratic evening meals are in abundance for those with the cash to spend, there's also some hip dining that won't break the bank. For a proper, authentic sushi experience, Sasabune is a favourite with tourists and critics alike. If you fancy some finely crafted Alsatian cuisine in a relaxed environment, Café d’Alsace has got you covered.
• Sasabune, 401 E 73rd Street, New York 10021; • Café d’Alsace, 1695 2nd Avenue, New York 10128;
Chelsea
Formerly a sparse, semi-industrialised part of town, Chelsea is at the forefront of NYC’s contemporary art scene. As such, you’ll find a large and tempting mix of cheap eats and high end modern grub – particularly in the northeast corner. If you’re keen to splurge on some lovingly refined Italian cuisine – think monkfish with artichokes, and heritage pork with fennel – then Del Posto’s reputation is hard to beat. For tapas delivered in an exciting, buzzing ambience, Boqueria should do the trick.
• Del Posto, 85 10th Avenue, New York 10011; • Boqueria, 53 West 19th Street, New York 10011;
Tribeca
A favourite with Robert De Niro, who launched his film festival in the area in 2002, this lower Manhattan district is home to an evolving mesh of impressive projects. Brushstroke serves intricate Japanese dishes laid out in ever-changing tasting menus that tease and delight the palate. Then there's Tamarind: set within an Art Deco building, it serves tongue-tingling Indian dishes like cinnamon lamb chops and coconut prawn curry.
• Brushstroke, 30 Hudson Street, New York 10013; • Tamarind, 99 Hudson Street, New York 10013; Tel: +1 212-775-9000
