Get your fill of some of the best food in the world with this quintessential list of places to eat in the USA’s New York City. From long-established local favourites to the best new spots in town, there’s something here for every budget. Just make sure you pack plenty of appetite.

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Russ & Daughters

Photo credit Getty/The Washington Post

First and foremost, let’s talk breakfast. And by that, we mean bagels. What you need is a traditional Jewish diner where your lox and cream cheese will come served with plenty of chutzpah, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at newly opened, Russ and Daughters. Plates come ladened with perfectly sliced salmon and you’re left to schmeer and stuff your bagel to your heart’s content.

Bubby’s

While we’re on the topic of breakfast, how do blueberry sourdough pancakes sound? Or a jalapeño scrambled biscuit sandwich? Or what about just a big fat serving of homemade pie? You need to head to Bubby’s. This NYC-favourite has been around for 25 years and for good reason – they’re food is ace. So ace, that it’s a personal recommendation of dining darling, Russell Norman.

The Green Radish

Looking for a quick healthy bite? Do as the hardworking New Yorkers do and hunt down The Green Radish, a mobile food truck serving delicious guilt-free organic vegan food. And you can’t get much more guilt-free than the BBQ Black Bean Burger – 1/4lb patty, slow cooked bbq sauce, vegetable slaw, jalapeño pepper mayo on a toasted Balthazar bun. Half the fun of The Green Radish is tracking it down – follow them on Facebook and Twitter to find their daily location.

Raclette

Photo credit Getty/Richard Bord

What’s better than cheese? Melted cheese. And only in New York would they have an entire restaurant dedicated to our favourite gooey fromage. Rap your lips around the Croque Havana – pulled port, dijon mustard, housemade bread-and-butter pickles and French racket cheese on toasted Cuban roll.

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Katz Delicatessen

Photo credit Getty/Ben Gabbe

No trip to NYC is complete without a trip to Katz Delicatessen. Other delis might come and go with their hipster takes on the deli classics, but Katz is the original and the best. We suggest a spot of fasting before you take on their Pastrami Hot Sandwich. Prepare for meat sweats.

The Landhaus

Sometimes, all one wants is a healthy dose of some unhealthy all-American fare with a side of hoppy craft beer. You’ll find it at The Landhaus, across the bridge in Williamsburg. What began as a humble stall at Brooklyn Flea Market, The Landhaus now has its own concrete establishment – you just have to snake through a sleepy dive bar called The Woods to find it. What do you get for your efforts? Maple-cured bacon on a stick (a Landhaus specialty, so don’t argue), dipping pickles, chicken and waffles, and all manner of meaty sandwiches that will make your heart beat wildly.

Lucky Bee

On a slightly healthier note, we have Lucky Bee in Lower Manhattan. This kooky Thai restaurant looks like something you’d find in the Harajuku district of Japan but amidst the colourful striped decor and jars of preserved pickles, you’ll find a mouthwatering menu of twisted Thai classics. Bring your appetite for their steamed pork and sesame buns, smashed cucumbers and dill pickle, and coconut braised beef short rib.

Eataly

Need a bite and not sure what you want? Allow your eyes to be bigger than your stomach at Eataly. This loud bustling Italian market takes you from the streets of New York and puts you right in the heart of Italy. This indoor market-style establishment is home to multiple Italian restaurants – pizza, pasta, wine and cheese – you name it, you can eat it at Eataly. Wandering around the market space is half the fun.

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Cosme

Forget sombreros and tacky cactus decor. Cosme on E 21st street is Mexican like you’ve never had it before. Sleek and sexy interiors mixed with clever cooking has made Cosme an over-night sensation. We’re talking bone-marrow tostadas and duck enmoladas. Beware – bookings are impossible, but the wait is worth it.

Meadowsweet

When you win a Michelin star within the first four months of opening, you know you’re on to something. Brooklyn opened its arms to chef and owner, Polo Dobkin, when he launched Meadowsweet in late 2015. The trendy, but totally unpretentious restaurant is home to Americanstyle food with a pinch of Mediterranean seasonality. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, we’d say their Michelin star was well-deserved.

Bathtub Gin

Like a side of cocktails with your cuisine? Head to the Stone Street Coffee Company after 6pm and you’ll be met by a friendly bouncer who’ll ask, “Coffee or cocktails?” Choose cocktails and you’ll be ushered through a mystery door into Bathtub Gin, a hidden speakeasy complete with snazzily dressed bartenders who know their stuff. Partner your G&T with their goat cheese souffle, short rib sliders and tuna tartare tacos. Head their on Sunday’s for brunch and burlesque.

Agern

Want to blow the budget and go all out on an evening of absolute dining decadence? Look no further than the brand spanking new Agern, from Noma co-founder, Claus Meyer and chef, Gunnar Gislason. Influenced by Meyer’s nordic roots, the menu is a delicate mix of meat, fish and vegetables where the plates are practically a work of art. Guests can choose from two tasting menus, or select one (or multiple) individual dishes. And in a move that sets this restaurant apart from many others in NYC, the service charge is included in the bill. We’ll give that a hat tip, Mr Meyer.