The Plaza Food Hall
1 West 59th Street
As soon as we get to NY, the first thing Murad and I do is go to the Food Hall. It’s located in the Plaza Hotel (the one where they shot “Home Alone”). It’s a tiny cellar with a sign that is barely noticeable. But once you go inside, you’ll find yourself in a true gastronomic heaven! Besides the Food Hall restaurant itself, there is a number of other establishments suited for any taste and budget.
Here is where you’ll find the best pancake joint in the whole city: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or mocha, basically any flavour you can think of! But let’s get back to Food Hall. It offers a fusion style cuisine and absolutely everything is exquisitely delicious, from the freshest sushi to pizza. Pay extra attention to crab burgers and the Mexican quesadilla. Nomnomnom.
Soho House New York
29-35 9th Avenue
This restaurant is part of the legendary Soho House hotel - a very special New York place. For one thing, only members of an elite private club can get in. A privilege possessed only by the mightiest of the mighty: celebrities, politicians and other successful (and obscenely rich) individuals from very different circles.
The membership is not free either, you want in - be ready to pay a hefty sum on a regular basis. So in case you’re lucky enough to fit in any of the categories mentioned above, or maybe were invited as a guest, come during breakfast: it is supposed to be extremely good. During summertime, there’s an open roof terrace with a pool, next to which they serve excellent brunches.
TAO Downton
92 9th Avenue
One of my personal favourites. There are two TAO in New York: both Uptown and Downtown have one. I prefer the latter. First of all, it’s so beautiful Downtown. Secondly everything is just so tasty. Finally - it’s a trendy place, where I actually saw Justin Bieber and Usher.
Photo: Murad Osmann
The focal point of the space is the eight handed Hindu goddess. Dimmed lighting, low comfy sofas and quiet lounge music just make you want to spend the whole evening whispering sweet nothings to your other half.
Chelsea Market
75 9th Avenue
The loudest and the also the yummiest place in the city. Every day, very early in the morning the freshest seafood, fruits, meats and pastries are delivered here. It’s an enormous gastronomic market. Multiple stands and restaurants with very different food for people with all kinds of existing tastes and preferences! Located in the bohemian part of New York, which only adds to its undeniable allure.
Peacock Alley
301 Park Avenue
In the legendary Waldorf Astoria hotel - once a favourite spot of both gangsters and a number of presidents, - there is also the no less iconic Peacock Alley café which I advise you to visit during breakfast time. Why? Well, perhaps because eggs Benedict were invented right here! They also host the famous Sunday brunches.
Catch NYC
21 9th Avenue
The true cherry on top in the popular avantgarde Meatpacking district. I love this place for its totally unique atmosphere. You can have dinner here while admiring the latest fashion trends sitting at the next table. You have to try the house specialty - a roll appetiser, and for the main course order the lobster or the deep fried seabass. By the way, during the night this place transforms into a very hot bar!
Cipriani Downtown
376 West Broadway
Once inside, you are instantly transported to the sunny, soulful Italy. One step - that’s all it takes. The most surprising thing about this restaurant in the heart of Soho is that for all the years we’ve known and loved it, neither the food nor the quality of the service has changed one bit. They both have stayed excellent. Favourite dish - the green pea risotto.
Mari Vanna
41 East 20th Street
An American branch of a Moscow based restaurant. It’s uncanny how this place, that serves the traditional Russian home-style meals, is so popular among the native New Yorkers.
You can often successful models and businessmen here. It gets especially fun around New Years, when the stronger drinks are poured right out the samovars.
