NYC: EAT

MOMOFUKU NOODLE BAR

171 First Ave, East Village

Founded by David Chang, this ramen institution is the OG of the Momofuku enterprise and a long time haunt for the youth of lower Manhattan. In addition to the comprehensive ramen selection, be sure to sample the Shiitake Buns and Ginger Scallion Noodles. This fast-paced, eastside eatery is quintessential New York dining.  

DIMES

49 Canal St, Lower East Side

California meets Copenhagen at this minuscule diner on the Lower East Side. The space has been carefully curated with a modern and minimalist aesthetic and the nourishing dishes do not disappoint. Menu highlights include the Burrata Dumplings featuring squash, harissa, preserved lemon and pistachio as well as the Niman Ranch Pulled Pork served with pineapple, enoki, jasmine rice and soft herbs. Dimes is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week so be sure to slot it into your itinerary.

ODDFELLOWS

175 Kent Ave, Brooklyn

75 East 4th Street, East Village

Oddfellows is the uncontested Willy Wonka of Williamsburg, serving up artisan ice-cream with an avant-garde twist. The flavours rotate daily with archives including Chorizo Caramel Swirl, Tequila Pineapple and Raspberry Pink Peppercorn Sorbet. The team behind Oddfellows take their frivolities seriously and pride themselves on the depth and nuance of their inventions. A trip to Oddfellows will forever alter your expectation of ice-cream.

KATZ DELI

205 E Houston St, Lower East Side

Your time in New York isn’t truly complete without a trip to Katz Deli on the Lower East Side.  This old school Jewish deli has been serving up their signature [colossal] sandwiches since 1888 and the brisket is almost as rich as the history. Opt for the Pastrami on Rye to see what all the fuss is about.

SMORGASBURG MARKET

East River Park, Brooklyn: Saturday, April – November

Prospect Park, Brooklyn: Sunday, April – November

Smorg Square, SoHo: Friday/Saturday/Sunday, year round

The New York Times dubbed Smorgasburg “the Woodstock of Eating" and we have to concur. Highlights include the original ramen burger created by Keizo Shimamoto, doughnuts by Dough, and the churros ice cream sandwiches from Dulcinea Churros. Head down to the Williamsburg edition on saturdays for a sublime view of Manhattan.

RED ROOSTER

310 Lenox Ave, Harlem

Red Rooster is an uptown, southern style restaurant paying homage to the distinct culinary history of Harlem. Co-Creators Andrew Chapman and Marcus Samuelsson ambitiously combine Creole, comfort, Southern and Scandinavian cuisines and somehow it just works. The Chicken & Waffles served with smoked maple syrup, hot sauce and pickles is an essential order but don’t overlook other menu highlights including Helga’s Meatballs and the Catfish Sandwich. Made with love, this Harlem institution lives up to the hype.   

CARBONE

181 Thompson St, Greenwich Village

A favourite amongst New York’s A-listers, Carbone serves up quintessential American-Italian dishes in a Tarantino-esque, mid-century setting. Menu highlights include the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, the Linguini Vongole and the Sizzling Pancetta. The outspoken dishes are only upstaged by the theatrical service from the wait staff. Check out Carbone for both dinner and a show.    

BALTHAZAR

80 Spring St, SoHo

Balthazar is an iconic French brasserie in the heart of SoHo. The setting is head to toe art deco with a nostalgic Parisian vibe. Menu highlights include the Duck Confit, Oysters du Jour and the Pan-Roasted Organic Salmon. If you’re stopping by before twilight, indulge in a selection of Balthazar’s signature baguettes and pastries in their hole-in-the-wall bakery next door. Bon Appetit!

LA ESQUINA

114 Kenmare St, SoHo

This subterranean taqueria and tequila bar is downright, downtown cool [albeit difficult to find]. Look for a dilapidated diner aloofly labelled ‘The Corner Deli’ on the junction of Kenmare & Lafayette St in SoHo. From here, a suit-clad maître d will direct you downstairs past the ‘Employees Only’ sign and through to the dimly lit brasserie. At La Esquina, the tostadas are authentic and the blood orange margaritas are Muy Bueno. Highlights include the Elotes Callejeros, Bistec Con Queso tacos and the Tres Leche dessert. Provecho! 

GETTING TO NYC

You can fly to LA with Virgin Australia directly and onward to New York with our airline partner, Delta Airlines. Book your flights online or call our Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89.

STAY

It’s best to base yourself in lower Manhattan for a more authentic New York experience.

SoHo

This neighbourhood is the epicentre of cool and a super central downtown location. 

Greenwich Village

Ivy clad apartments & tree-lined streets make this west side neighbourhood an appealing escape from the hustle of the city.

The Lower East Side & East Village

Head east to discover the grit & grunge remnants of a pre-gentrified Manhattan.

Williamsburg / Bushwick

Scope out these two Brooklyn neighbourhoods and explore the creative nucleus of NYC. 

NYC TIPS

• Book restaurants well in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Embrace the Subway – time is money and the subway will save you both.    

• Download offline maps Apps such as MAPS.ME to navigate the concrete jungle.

• Don’t be trashy – BYO water bottle, carry bags & takeaway coffee cup.