Greenwich Village, Soho, Tribeca, Little Italy & Chinatown form Lower Manhattan with its massive variety of trendy eateries, one-off boutiques and Italian delicatessens specialising in everything from meats, cheeses & fish. Don’t forget to try New York style, authentic pizza…served in single, huge, grease-dripping slices or as a whole gigantic pizza pie. We dare you to have just one slice! Feeling guilty, then follow this with some frozen yoghurt at one of the many outlets for the health conscious of New York!

Walk down to neighbouring Canal Street in Chinatown for some authentic Chinese food served in small, cardboard boxes with chopsticks (just like in those movies!)…or visit any of the umpteen ‘Dunkin Donut’ outlets…that is if you have had enough of ‘Starbucks’ coffee shops that appear on practically every single street corner (try the non-fat, tall, double-shot, skinny latte with a single bean vanilla scone to go…heaven!).

Move upstate towards 3rd Avenue and you’ll find probably the best hamburgers in New York. ‘JG Mellons’ is one of the best kept secrets in New York where the food options are simple: burgers or chilli and it’s always served almost immediately, piping hot and extremely fresh & delicious! The place is always packed but service is always with a smile from the charming waitresses. The restaurant doesn’t accept reservations and they don’t take credit cards. An olde world charm from one of New York’s hidden treasures.

A few blocks from this treasure trove is the Beekman Tower.  Take an elevator ride to the top floor where you will be greeted by gorgeous views across the Hudson River and Brooklyn Bridge.  The restaurant area is candlelit and ideal for romantic dinner dates, the food is unfussy and simple and the service, helpful & efficient.  This is one place you would expect to pay premium prices because of the location and unparalleled views but here’s the best part…a three course meal for two will cost around $35-40 per head (drinks excluded).