New York Food Guide

New York doesn’t just feed the world’s fashion and culture scenes, it feeds appetites too. From SoHo’s syrup-drenched brunches to late-night East Village comfort food, the city is a full-course feast waiting to happen. Whether you’re hunting down the perfect Cronut, sipping cocktails in Tribeca, or discovering the next cult burger joint, our New York foodie itinerary serves up the tastiest way to experience the Big Apple in one unforgettable day.

Square Diner

This down-to-earth standalone Tribeca diner – so down-to-earth it doesn’t even have a website – is a classic diner in the true old-fashioned sense of the word. Housed in a vintage train car, it’s set on a nondescript corner at the junction of Leonard and Varick streets, but once inside it’s like stumbling upon a buzzy little neighbourhood hub.

Square Diner, 33 Leonard Street (at Varick Street)

Joseph Leonard

With only a handful of tables, this intimate cafe in the West Village has something of an upscale fleamarket vibe, with pale wooden floors and white brick walls providing a gallery-like backdrop for its tasteful arrangements of vintage trunks, photographs, art and antique mirrors. Breakfast-wise, not only is Joseph Leonard feted for its excellent coffee and inventive egg dishes, but also for its ability to turn brussels sprouts into appealing early morning fare. 

Joseph Leonard, 170 Waverly Place, NYC

Pershing Square

Pershing Square is a busy American brasserie uniquely situated on 42nd Street underneath the Park Avenue viaduct. The breakfast menu is extensive and varied – the best in New York if the signs in the window are to be believed.

Pershing Square, 90 East 42nd Street (at Park Avenue), NYC

Kitchenette

Kitchenette, an uptown Manhattan country cottage-style diner, is all about homemade comfort food. Inside, the polka-dotted pink and black interior harks back to the 1950s. Great for late risers (it’s served until 4.30pm), breakfast starts and ends with mugs of coffee and jars of fresh orange juice, but the pancakes are the speciality here. 

Kitchenette, 1272 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 123rd Street)

^{Breakfast spots by Maxine Sheppard}

New York doesn’t have to cost the earth. With a few smart moves like passes, parks, and perfectly priced eats, you can do the city like a local, not a tourist. Save big, play hard, and let Virgin Atlantic get you there in style.