Here are our top 5 recommended restaurants in New York.

Gran Electrica

Gran Electrica is an authentic Mexican restaurant in the middle of the Brooklyn neighbourhood known as ‘DUMBO’. With a menu inspired by Mexican street kitchens, you can look forward to homemade tortillas and spicy sausages. Mexican artists are behind the colourful and quirky décor. If you come when the weather is good, it is absolutely amazing to sit on the charming patio to enjoy the view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the southern tip of Manhattan.

5 Front St,

Tel: +1 718 852 2789

Station: High St. (A, C)

Locanda Verde

Locanda Verde, owned by screen legend Robert De Niro,  is one of New York’s best restaurants.  Always packed, the vibe here is quintessential New York. The atmosphere is relaxed and the decor raw, but homey. Though the food is super delicious, the prices are pretty reasonable – at least by Manhattan standards. Try the superior organic chicken for two, but even if you fill yourself up on it, there is no way you can avoid the chocolate dessert. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner – and for brunch on the weekends. No matter what time you want to dine, book a table –  that, or be prepared to wait.

377 Greenwich St.

Tel: +1 212 925 3797

Station: Franklin St. (1)

Shake Shack

Few things scream ‘USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!’ more than burgers, shakes and hot dogs. Shake Shack’s all about these all-American fast foods. Celebrity chef Danny Meyer is brains behind the hugely successful operation – branches have opened up all over the city in a very short space of time. The original location is in Madison Square Park, where you could have to queue for hours (literally) to get your hands on a burger and fries (yes, they’re that good!) Consider checking out the branch on 86th Street, which is far less busy and more spacious. The burgers themselves provide an excellent reason to stop by, but if you’re not particularly hungry, plump for a ‘float’ (a soft ice cream mixture stuffed with lots of delectable goodies like brownie chunks).

154 East 86^th St.

Tel: +1 646 237 5035

Station: 86^th St. (4, 5, 6)

Red Rooster

Just 10 years ago, it the thought of having to make a reservation at a Harlam restuarnt weeks in advance was unimaginable. Not so now – Red Rooster hasn’t so much defied low expectations, but smashed them. The happening joint – operated by the Swedish-Ethiopian top chef, Marcus Samuelsson – serves up soul food with a hint of Swedish twist. The result; a devine combination. The décor is just as young and hip as the restaurant’s customers. Try the innovative version of ‘mac and cheese’ or the truffle oil fries. Book ahead if possible.

310 Malcolm X Boulevard

Tel: +1 212 792 9001

Station: 125^th St. (2, 3)

Tao

Tao’s popular for two things: The excellent Asian-fusion food, and an astonishingly formidable interior design. Think cool, lounge-like atmosphere with a heavy touch of Asian mysticism. A statue of Buddha several metres high surveys the room, but even he doesn’t reach the high ceiling, which is decorated with huge banners, adorned with Asian writing. Tao serves fresh sushi, spicy spring rolls, chicken and fish – it’s hard to pick a bad choice from the menu here. The food is served ‘family style’, which means that all of the various dishes on the table are shared for all to try.

42 W. 58^th St.

Tel: +1 212 888 2288

Station: 59^th St./ Lexington (4, 5, 6)