In the city that never sleeps, eating out isn’t just a hobby it’s a way of life. New York has some fantastic restaurants to choose from, from the ultra swish to the cute and kooky. The Michelin starred mingle alongside the iconic hotdog vendors all jostling for custom. If sightseeing New York has got your appetite all worked up, here are some of the best places to grab a bite.

Gray’s Papaya

A hot dog is the staple food of choice for the busy New Yorker and Gray’s Papaya provides the perfect specimen for $1.25. Sightseeing New York with a hot dog in your hand is the perfect way to experience and will certainly have you looking like the quintessential local. A hot dog from Gray’s Papaya is perfectly griddled and the tastiest in town. The jury’s still out on the juice served at this iconic West Village establishment with some patrons likening it to a particularly cheesy pizza.

Il Cantinori

For Sex and the City fans, sightseeing New York isn’t complete without a meal in Il Cantinori. Remember the episode in which no one turns up to Carrie’s birthday party? The restaurant featured in that episode is Il Cantorini. The restaurant creates authentic Tuscan dishes in an East Village setting. The crown-roast of veal with mashed potato and peas is particularly memorable and, although the restaurant may attract a mixture of die-hard locals alongside Sex and the City fans, the service is never anything less than impeccable. Whilst the mains are delicious, the restaurant really excels in its desserts – make sure you leave room!

Gotham Bar and Grill

The Gotham Bar and Grill celebrates its 25th birthday this year and is celebrating by offering a range of speciality dishes. The first half of 2010 has a particular focus on European dishes and winter wines, with the focus for the second half yet to be announced. Whilst the European specialities may tickle your taste buds, it’s the big American flavours that have earnt the bar its infallible reputation. Dishes are flavoursome and well constructed with an emphasis on providing colourful, vibrant dishes. Try the beet and mango salad with fennel and red onions after a busy day sightseeing New York. The prices may be high but you’ll soon discover that the dishes are well worth the cost.

Mars 2112

Sightseeing New York’s major attractions with a gaggle of hungry children in tow is hard work, but you can entertain and feed them at Mars 2112. With its enviable Times Square location you’d be forgiven for thinking that Mars 2112 is like any other New York family attraction. It isn’t, it’s actually on a whole new planet and to eat out here you’ll need to take a spaceship to the planet Zog. Once you’ve arrived at the restaurant, a group of friendly aliens will take you to your table and show you your menu. The menu offers all the family favourites with burgers and hotdogs making up the staples. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the locals before boarding your space ship all the way back to planet Earth.

Author Bio: Marta Sanders-Cooper is the New York Destination Expert for Shorex, specialising in unique and unmissable, expert-led tours & excursions in major cities around the world, for the best in city sightseeing. New York tours are custom made and constructed from an extensive menu of activities, attractions and excursions, many of which are unique to Shorex.com.

Category: Travel
Keywords: sightseeing New York