No trip to NYC feels complete until I have had at least one meal here. Open from 7am until 2am every day, there is never a bad time to visit Buvette. Breakfast is epic – buttermilk waffle sandwiches come with generous amounts of bacon, a fried egg, and Gruyere cheese, dripping with butter, bacon fat and maple syrup. The small but satisfying menu is also perfect for a light lunch accompanied by a few glasses of Chablis, and their apple tarte tatin is incredibly good. Grab yourself the best seat in the house at the bar where you can watch all of the action.

Overlooking Gramercy Park, this bustling trattoria serves food all day long – the best seats being at the bar. The food is modern Italian and manages to stand out among the many great Italian restaurants in NYC. Other favourites are Carbone and L’Artusi. It sounds ‘chef-y’, but the roasted half pig’s face is one of those dishes you never forget because it comes out staring at you. It’s quite a statement, and simply delicious. Pop next door to Rose Bar for a pre or post drink.

The stunning fit-out of this modern Chinese restaurant makes the visit worthwhile. Add to that the impeccable service, great food and drinks, and it is a fantastic place to visit with a group. There’s a party atmosphere and it’s very easy to over indulge. Standout dishes include the house-made noodles with Kombu butter and XO sauce, and the crispy eggplant with Sichuan and peanut caramel. Next door is hidden gem, Apotheke – a pharmacy-inspired cocktail bar which is also well worth a visit.

Be sure to book in advance or get there early to get your name on the door list and be prepared to wait. This is one of the most popular places in NYC at the moment. It’s easy to see why – Missy Robbin’s food is incredible. It’s hard to pick a favourite dish, but the cacio e pepe fritelle is a great way to start, and the Agnolotti with sheep’s milk cheese, saffron, dried tomato and honey is stunning. The food is light and fresh with a good use of seasonal produce, and the wine list is packed full of interesting and delicious Italian varietals. Lilia’s is definitely worth your time, if you can get in.

Jeffery’s is located in the middle of West Village and is the perfect place to unwind after a big day in NYC. This small neighbourhood seafood bar is worth the visit for many reasons, but especially for its Oyster Happy hour. With freshly shucked, seasonal oysters, you can’t go wrong. The staff members are super welcoming, the beers are cold, and sitting at the bar, you definitely start to feel like a local.