Much ado about Lobster Rolls.

Life at The Big Apple revolved largely around the crustacean, and we stuffed ourselves silly with the endless lobster options. While the co-relation between New York City and lobsters is debatable, we would like to think no trip to NYC is complete without having a lobster roll or two. Or three. Or how about every day?

So we did lots of research, asked for recommendations, and spent our weeks trying lobster rolls from every corner of Manhattan. Not quite sick of them yet, and instead, we wished we were residents of NYC so that we could party with lobster rolls more often.

Where do you find New York City’s Best Lobster Rolls, and what are your favourites? Here’s our guide on 9 of the Best Lobster Rolls in New York City.

#1 BURGER & LOBSTER

Fans of Burger & Lobster – the famous Brit restaurant which only serves three items on the menu: Burger, Whole Lobster and Lobster Roll – will be thrilled to know that it has opened its first restaurant in United States. Like its restaurants in U.K., the three items are all served at US$20 each, and even after adding in taxes and tipping, it actually works out to be a lot cheaper than what you would have to pay for in the U.K. (as compared to £20 each).

The beef for the burger is from Nebraska, while the lobsters come from Nova Scotia. At US$20, Burger & Lobster’s Lobster Roll is extremely value-for-money and worth every cent, especially when you compare it to other lobster rolls in New York.

w 10011, 39 W 19th Street
Tel: (646) 833 7532
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: 14 St/East 23St – Broadway

#2 ED’S LOBSTER BAR

Lobster Roll, Lobster Pot Pie, Lobster Ravioli, Steamed Lobster, Grilled Lobster, Broiled Lobster, and Lobster Burger – you name it, Ed’s Lobster Bar has it. It is a lobster heaven. The Grilled Lobster is decent, but the must-try is the Lobster Roll (US$30, varies with market price).

Filled with chunks of lobster flesh, the Lobster Roll is easily the best we’ve had at New York City. Fresh, red meat lightly tossed in mayo and lemon juice, pillowed in a toasted, buttered brioche; the end result is a Lobster Roll so heavenly, it got us slightly obsessed.

222 Lafayette Street, New York
Tel: (212) 343 3236
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Spring St

#3 LUKE’S LOBSTER

There are tons of restaurants that sell lobster rolls in New York City, but Luke’s Lobster has made a name for itself by bringing the best of the Maine Coast to New York City with fresh Maine lobster, crab and shrimp rolls at unbeatable prices.

The Shrimp Roll starts at just US$8, while the Crab Roll is US$13. Unlike most seafood restaurants in the Big Apple which charge over US$30 for a Lobster Roll, Luke’s is selling its Lobster Roll at a jaw-dropping price of only US$16!

93 East 7th Street
Tel: (212) 387 8487
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Astor Place/2 Av

#4 LURE FISHBAR

Said to be a place that celebrities and famous connoisseurs patronize, Lure Fishbar at SoHo indeed has one of the best lobster rolls in New York City. But first, let us warn you about the staff and their snobbish attitude. It is honestly not the nicest place to hang out at – the vibe is so pretentious, with glum-looking staff who are not the most polite.

If you are look beyond that, Lure Fishbar has Lobster Rolls at US$30 per serving that we wolfed down within five minutes. The bread’s nicely toasted and warm on the inside, and the overflowing chunks of lobster flesh are evenly coated with the homemade sauce.

93 E 7th Street, New York
Tel: (212) 387 8487
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Astor Pl

#5 RED HOOK LOBSTER POUND

Just to be clear, Red Hook Lobster Pound is not exactly a hidden secret. If any, it is a popular Brooklyn seafood chain with an outlet in Manhattan, as well as a food truck. Cool, yes?

Its Manhattan outlet is tucked in a small alley off East 1st Street. There are five lobster rolls on the menu – Maine Style (US$16), Tuscan Style (US$16), Connecticut Style (US$16), Lobster BLT (US$18), Bikini Style (US$16) – and every lobster roll comes with 1/4 lb fresh-picked Maine lobster on a grilled, top-split hotdog bun with a Brooklyn Brine Pickle.

Pick the Connecticut Style lobster roll – hot, buttery and very robust. We couldn’t get enough of that one there.

16 Extra Place, New York
Tel: (212) 777-7225
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Broadway – Lafayette St/2 Av

#6 THE LOBSTER PLACE (CULL & PISTOL)

At US$16.95, the Lobster Roll from The Lobster Place at Chelsea Market represents superb value. Sure, it is not the fanciest, but it works great as a fuss-free meal and if you need to grab a lunch on the go. This is for takeaway, but you can sit at the few tables at the entrance of The Lobster Place.

For a proper sit-down meal, you can head next door to Cull & Pistol which shares the same kitchen. The Maine Style Lobster Roll (US$25) and Connecticut Style Lobster Roll (US$25) are served with fries on the side.

The Lobster Place opens from 9.30am, but the lobster roll kiosk only starts operating from 11am onwards.

Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave
New York
Tel: (212) 255-5672
Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: 14 St

#7 MARY’S FISH CAMP

This tiny seafood restaurant in West Village is always packed for a reason – it dishes out well-cooked New England fish shack-style seafood. The much-lauded Lobster Roll (US$32, varies with Market Price), with huge chunks of lobster meat served in a delicious roll, also lived up to the hype.

The serving is not exactly the most generous, but we would say you are paying for the supreme quality. Here, you get an honest roll that is as simple as it can get – the freshness of the crustacean flaunts its natural sweetness, and the brioche is soft and warm. We wish it was slightly more buttered, though.

64 Charles Street, New York
Tel: (646) 486 2185
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Christopher St – Sheridan Sq

#8 PEARL OYSTER BAR

Sitting within West Village, Pearl Lobster Bar is a beautiful outlet with a minimalist interior. The menu is concise, with a large emphasis on oysters. They are also widely recognized for their Lobster Roll (US$29).

Sure, the serving is a generous one, and the shoestring fries are goddamn awesome. But we thought the lobster’s sweetness was overpowered by the mayo. It is still a pretty decent lobster roll, though. The bun’s alright, but we would prefer them go easy on the sauce to let the lobster’s freshness shine on its own.

18 Cornelia Street, New York
Tel: (212) 691 8211
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: W 4 St

#9 URBAN LOBSTER SHACK

Urban Lobster Shack is red and iconic, and is very much welcomed by executives and people who want a fuss-free lunch to go. It is not hard to love them – lobster rolls are pleasantly affordable at US$13 for the classic serving, and you have the option of topping up for soup and chips and other combos.

There are also several lobster options, like the BLT sandwich and grilled lobster. But we stood at Wall Street to observe, and everyone in the long queue simply went for the classic Lobster Roll. So, Lobster Roll it shall be for you too.

15 Stone St # 1, New York
(Location changes every day)
Tel: (212) 809 2626
Nearest Station: Whitehall St

We’ve been on a mission to try the best lobster rolls in New York City over the past week, and our latest discovery is Red Hook Lobster Pound. Just to be clear, Red Hook Lobster Pound is not exactly a hidden secret. If any, it is a popular Brooklyn seafood chain with an outlet in Manhattan, as well as a food truck. Cool, yes?

Its Manhattan outlet is tucked in a small alley off East 1st Street. There are five lobster rolls on the menu – Maine Style (US$16), Tuscan Style (US$16), Connecticut Style (US$16), Lobster BLT (US$18), Bikini Style (US$16) – and every lobster roll comes with 1/4 lb fresh-picked Maine lobster on a grilled, top-split hotdog bun with a Brooklyn Brine Pickle.

The Maine Style Lobster Roll was lightly tossed with homemade mayo, but we preferred the hot and buttery Connecticut Style Lobster Roll, which was served warm with butter and lemon.

Lobster rolls aside, you can also find other lobster dishes such as Lobster Mac & Cheese (US$12), Lobster Caprese Salad (US$13), Lobster Elote (US$13).

If you go to its original store in Brooklyn, you can enjoy a full lobster dinner menu with more options, and that includes Lobster Cheese Fries (US$15), Lobster Rolls (S$20), Steamed 1lb Lobster (market price).

And the ultimate question – Luke’s Lobster or Red Hook Lobster Pound? We love that Luke’s Lobster is very focused and serves only three different rolls on the menu. Red Hook Lobster Pound, on the other hand, is somewhat like a more affordable version of Ed’s Lobster Bar, offering a variety of lobster dishes.

Either way, New Yorkers are very lucky to have both Luke’s Lobster and Red Hook Lobster Pound in the city. If we were living in the Big Apple, we’d be frequenting both outlets every week.

Red Hook Lobster Pound
16 Extra Place, New York
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: 2 Av

Morning walks in SoHo, Manhattan saw us combing the streets to feed our perpetual hunger for beautiful cafes and coffee places, and one of those finds include this gem of a place called Maman.

Slightly off the beaten tracks of SoHo, Maman is a coffee, bakery and lunch outlet – or what we would like to think of as one of our favourite finds in Mahattan.

There is something about florals and French jazz that gets our hearts. This rustic bakery is every bit visually arresting. The space is lavishly filled with fresh blooms in whites and purples, like a garden that Audrey Hepburn would be seen having cakes at.

The aroma of fresh bake perfumes the place daily, and French jazz tracks are on the loop. Bakers are hard at work, and diners start their days with gorgeous house bakes and coffee; Maman is an artisanal breakfast spot, indeed.

But actually, we would say to ditch the coffee and go for the Lavender Hot Chocolate (US$4 for small, US$4.90 for large). Infused with fresh lavender, this sweet drink is brilliantly fragrant and completely addictive. It was the best that we ever had, and we couldn’t help but to get a second helping.

Maman bakes lovely pound cakes, and the one to try is most definitely the Lavender Blueberry Pound Cake (US$3.50). Lightly sweet and as au naturel as it can get, this had us change our minds about pound cakes being dry and boring.

There is also a range of quiches daily, and they are US$6.53 for a huge slice. You can have your regular croissants (US$3.50) too. If you need something more wholesome, why not pick the Egg Salad Sandwich (US$6)? We love how it is not just your typical egg mayo sandwich, but one with avocado and dill.

Did we also mention that Maman has a merchandise corner where you can pick up healthy chips, preserves and baking needs too?

Maman
239 Centre Street, New York
Tel: +01 (212) 226 0770
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat: 8am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Canal Street/Spring Street

There are tons of restaurants that sell lobster rolls in New York City, but Luke’s Lobster has made a name for itself by bringing the best of the Maine Coast to New York City with fresh Maine lobster, crab and shrimp rolls at unbeatable prices.

The Shrimp Roll starts at just US$8, while the Crab Roll is US$13. Unlike most seafood restaurants in the Big Apple which charge over US$30 for a Lobster Roll, Luke’s is selling its Lobster Roll at a jaw-dropping price of only US$16!

Established in October of 2009, Luke’s Lobster has since gone on a rapid expansion and it currently has 16 outlets, including a Nauti Mobile food truck and its first shop in Chicago. An impressive showing for a humble lobster shack.

The Lobster Roll here is made of claw and knuckle meat, with lemon butter and a light mayo dressing which does not overwhelm the taste of sweet lobster flesh. Also very gratifying is the Crab Roll. Like the Lobster Roll, it is filled with chunks of crab meat that are almost spilling out from the bun. Wash everything down with a Maine Root Soda and chips – it is one of the best meals you can have in New York City for under US$20.

If you are feeling greedy, go for the Noah’s Ark set (US$44) – it comes with two 1/2 Lobster Rolls, two 1/2 Crab Rolls, two 1/2 Shrimp Rolls, and 4 Crab Claws.

Other than the original shop in East Village, Luke’s Lobster has outlets in Financial District, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Midtown East, Park Slope,

Luke’s Lobster
93 East 7th Street
Tel: +1 212 387 8487
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Astor Place/2 Av

If you’re planning a trip to The Big Apple and you’re strapped for time, here are our top five neighborhoods in Manhattan, New York City worth your time of day, as well as a list of hotspots you won’t want to miss.

C H E L S E A

A lesser-known neighborhood (to the naked eye), Chelsea has one of the most vibrant gay scenes in Manhattan, albeit more commercialized over the years. Despite that, there are still noteworthy restaurants and watering holes, and sprawling flea markets where one can score antiques and vintage pieces.

A premier contemporary art district, Chelsea showcases some of the most edgy yet increasingly blue chip galleries like David Zwirner, Gargosian Gallery, Gladstone Gallery, Haunch of Venison, Petzel Gallery, as well as the recent addition of the High Line—a resurrected green space that offers walkers a bird’s eye view of the bustling neighborhood (one of Manhattan’s most popular destinations).

One of the best pizzerias in New York City is Grimaldi’s (it’s even got the thumbs up by Zagat) at Limelight Marketplace. The best part is its 24/7 call ahead for pick up that eliminates waiting in line. For something a little more opulent, head over to The Nomad for decadent classics like foie gras torchon, and roast chicken (stuffed with foie gras and black truffle).

E A S T  V I L L A G E

The East Village is best known for two things: drinking, and shopping—vintage shopping, to be more precise. One of the best neighborhoods to score some pretty great buys—we’re talking good-as-new Salvatore Ferragamo belts from as low as US$90—the East Village is a paradise for vintage lovers. Our favorite stores for high-end and luxury brands include Amarcord Vintage Fashion (of which said belts were purchased), Buffalo Exchange, Eleven Consignment Boutique, Screaming Mimis and Tokio 7.

Now that we’ve gotten shopping out of the way, let’s get on the alcohol wagon. Home to the highest number of bars in the city (if not in the world), this ‘hood boasts three cocktail bars that made it to The World’s 50 Best Bars 2013: PDT (Please Don’t Tell; #13), Death & Co. (#21), and Pouring Ribbons (#44).

Top of our list cocktails at PDT include an old-fashioned made from bacon-infused bourbon and maple syrup, as well as an aptly named Sazerac: Staggerac, of 140-proof bourbon and absinthe. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Yellow King at Pouring Ribbons—a gin and mezcal cocktail that includes yellow pepper thyme syrup.

S O H O

Named after the South of Houston Street in London, SoHo back in the 20th century used to be a neglected slum of manufacturers and wholesalers, followed by galleries (due to the widespread availability of artists’ lofts and architectural buildings)—eventually turning it into the new headquarters for the New York art scene that attracted the chic art crowd.

Today, the trendy and eclectic neighborhood has taken it a notch up with restaurants, shops and unique boutiques like Evolution: a taxidermied animal greets you at the door, and a plethora of anatomy merchandise like skulls and animal teeth awaits—‘nuff said.

Here is a guide to 5 of New York City’s best restaurants & most talked about eateries. From a small bar-concept Japanese diner to 3 stars Michelin French restaurant, there is bound to be one that you will like.

Popular contemporary art galleries include Museum of Modern Art (MoMA); one of New York City’s high-profile museums, and SOHO Gallery for Digital Art that will wow tourists with contemporary digital art and events—admission is free. While small, the Guggenheim Museum SoHo (don’t mistake this for the famed Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on 5th Avenue) showcases modern art that lures curious minds back with its permanent exhibit of Andy Warhol’s series of paintings, The Last Supper.

W E S T  V I L L A G E

The L.A. of New York City, the West Village (located fairly near Chelsea) played a crucial role in the gay-rights movement. While the scene has since died down, shops, bars and restaurants in the West Village (along Christopher Street) still remain loud and proud.

Despite its rich and famous demographic, the small neighborhood still manages to remain cozy and picturesque with spunky joints like RedFarm—a modern Chinese-inspired farm-to-table concept that features inventive dishes like manila clams with Lousiana crawfish and lemongrass lobster broth served as a shooter, and pac man shrimp dumplings (each ‘pac man’ comes in a different flavor).

Unless you’re made of cash, a holiday in this ‘concrete jungle’ will easily set you back by the thousands. Read our guide on how to travel to New York City on a budget.

Famous for their chargrilled burger is Spotted Pig, a couple doors down from RedFarm. Accompanied by Roquetfort cheese and incredibly addictive shoestring fries, this juicy burger is a mouthful of perfectly grilled meat. If you’re up for a drink, don’t miss Employees Only that bagged the #12 spot in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2013. Head bartender Steve Schneider whips up spanking bespoke cocktails that never fail to deliver.

U P P E R  E A S T  S I D E

Best known for filming hit American television series Sex and The City (1998) by HBO, and recent teen drama series Gossip Girl (2007) by The CW, the Upper East Side is one of the most famously affluent neighborhoods in the Manhattan borough. Luxury departmental stores that stock high-end brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, Prada, and Valentino amongst others, line the street along Fifth Avenue; Bendels, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Apart from high fashion shopping, don’t miss famed noteworthy spots Lady M; the freshest and finest cakes and confectionary delights—some of our favorites include green tea mille crepes, strawberry mille feuille, and strawberry shortcake—worth every calorie; Momofuku Milk Bar for some pretty epic cookies; Ladurée, the famed Parisian patisserie for the much-lauded macarons; and Dylan’s Candy Bar—their flagship store in New York City showcases a full-fledged candy bar and café that serves Instagram-worthy candy cocktails.

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine nightlife writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features have been published in Appetite Asia, Catalog Magazine and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure.

The Big Apple: concrete jungle where dreams are made of. Unless you’re made of cash, a holiday in this ‘concrete jungle’ will easily set you back by the thousands. So if you’re looking to tour New York city on a budget, here’s a guide on how to have your cake and eat it.

How to Get There

While there may be numerous flight comparison websites these days, we reckon your best bet would be cheapoair.com and tripadvisor.com. Needless to say, if you’re planning a trip to The Big Apple on a budget, book your trip in advance.

The general rule of thumb is the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper they’ll cost you. Booking a year in advance may even save you up to SGD900. Tip: a flight to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) tends to cost less than one to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), a mere 15-minute drive apart—a distance small enough to justify the discrepancy in airfare.

Where to Stay in New York

Accommodation in New York City doesn’t come cheap. One way to overcome exorbitant accommodation is through Airbnb—a great way to experience the city the way the locals do, make new friends, and save some cash while you’re at it.

A decent private room starts from USD30 a night for places out of the city (Queens, Bronx and Brooklyn) and USD40 for within (Manhattan). If you’re looking to experience New York City in a Sex And The City way, the Upper East Side (Manhattan) is where the magic happens. A comfortable private room will set you back an estimated USD85.

How to Get Around in New York

If you’re traveling around without a local, the best way to get around (without losing your way) is by the Metro (train). Single fares start from USD2.50 per trip, taking you as far as Manhattan to Brooklyn. If you’re planning to stay for more than four days, be sure to get the seven-day pass (USD30) that gives you unlimited rides on the Met.

As train exits may be confusing for newcomers, trust us when we say, an unlimited pass would end up costing you less than paying single-trip fares. Tip: download the free MTA Weekender app that will alert you of real time disruptions or train breakdowns—you’ll thank us for it later.

Iconic Attractions to Visit in New York

If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know that museums and parks are a must-see in New York City. That however, can mean spending a hefty wad of cash tickets.

So here’s the lowdown on how to avoid entry fees: Bronx Zoo (pay as you wish on Wednesdays—a.k.a free if you’re gutsy enough), Brooklyn Botanic Garden (free on Tuesdays, 10am to noon on Saturdays and weekdays in winter; November to February), Brooklyn Museum (free every first Saturday of the month), Museum of Modern Art (free 4pm to 8pm on Fridays), New York Aquarium (pay as you wish from 3pm on Fridays; 4pm in summer), and New York Botanical Garden (free on Wednesdays, 9am to 10am on Saturdays). Other all-day free icons attractions include Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and Times Square.

Where to Eat in New York

A plethora of good food awaits—whatever your budget. Most gastropubs offer value-for-money lunch deals with incredibly generous portions—we’re talking to share (in terms of Asian portions). Lillie’s is such. A three-course lunch set starts from $12 (valid 11am to 2pm on weekdays) and even comes with a beer! Opt for the Lillie’s seasonal—a dark full-bodied beer with a refreshingly hoppy finish.

Not to be missed is the iconic burger joint Shake Shack. For a full Shake Shack experience, visit their original location at Madison Square Park. Queues form as early as noon (even during the winter!) so be sure to head down early. Stuffed with 100% all-natural Angus beef on a soft burger bun, you’ll be hooked at the first bite. An original ShackBurger with homemade ShackSauce costs USD4.75, or make it a double (USD7.35)—it’s just too good to share.

Where to Shop in New York

Now that we’ve settled accommodation and getting around, it’s time to get down to the fun part—where to shop. For designer goods at a fraction of the price, vintage is the way to go. One of the best places in the world for vintage designer goods, flea markets and vintage stores are abound in New York City—you just need to know where to look.

One of the most well-known ones is the Brooklyn Flea with up to eight different locations (depending on the season). Expect to find vintage designer goods—we nabbed ourselves a leather Coach bag (USD70) and an old school Dooney & Bourke leather satchel (USD90). Also available are artisan food products, handmade jewelry, antique furniture and more. There’s even a food section where you can sample delicacies by gourmet purveyors. Showcasing almost 200 vendors, set aside a full afternoon for this flea—it’s time well spent.

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine nightlife writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features have been published in Appetite Asia and Catalog Magazine. For on-the-go food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure.

This post is slightly late. I had wanted to share this in January, but I was so caught up with work and travelling last month that I did not have the chance to sit down and review my year of eating.

I had many exceptional meals last year, which makes it difficult to pick my ten favourite dining experiences. As I reflected back on the places that I have eaten at over the last 12 months, the meals that left an impression and came to mind were because of the company. The best meals are often not the ones at expensive and fanciful restaurants, but the ones that you share with good friends.

Here are the ten best meals that I had in 2012.

Bourke Street Bakery

When you are visiting Sydney, a visit to Bourke Street Bakery should be on the top of your list of things to do. It is a neighbourhood joint where locals meet their friends for coffee; or drop by to grab some pastries for breakfast. Everything that we had at Bourke Street Bakery was fantastic. In particular, the chocolate tart was the best that I have had in my life.

633 Bourke Street
Surry Hills, Sydney NSW 2010
Tel: (02) 9699 1011

Black Coffee Lyrics

Black Coffee Lyrics is one of the best kept secrets in Gold Coast. It is not difficult to understand why it is so popular. The restaurant and cocktail bar is an “insider” spot for coffee and good food. It has a kick-ass vibe – artsy, cosy and very very cool. In short, the sort of underground cafe for those “in the know” to hang out.

I had a fabulous meal there, and I think you will love it too. This is definitely a must-visit place if you are in Gold Coast.

60/3131 Surfers Paradise Blvd
Level 2 Centre Arcade
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Tel: (07) 0218 9437

Club Street Social

There are many restaurants serving brunch, but most of them are only mediocre. Club Street Social – located at Gemmil Lane, a quiet corner off Club Street – is definitely not one of them. I am not afraid to say that it is one of the best, if not the best brunch place in town. Trust me, that is no small praise.

With great, affordable food and cocktails served in a classy environment, I have no doubt that Club Street Social is the new “IT” restaurant in Singapore. It already has plenty of fans, so plan a trip this weekend.

5 Gemmill Lane, off Club Street
Tel: +65 6225 5043

De Ji Dai Pai Dong

This meal at De Ji Dai Pai Dong in Sha Tin, Hong Kong is not fancy, nor is it particularly fantastic. What it is, however, is a simple, cheap and delicious meal. The roasted pigeons were terrific, and so were the other dishes that we had. If you ever find yourself in Hong Kong, you must have a meal at a local Dai Pai Dong.

Ditirambo Ristorante

My partner and I had our first meal in Rome at Ditirambo, and it was one of our favourite restaurants in the Eternal City. Upon stepping in, you see tables of Italian families and couples, you hear Italian ringing everywhere. Dining among the company of locals added to the experience. The menu presented a selection of good Italian food at very humble prices. I would definitely drop by Ditirambo every time I am in Rome.

Piazza della Cancelleria
74, 00186 Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 06 687 1626

Foodbar Dada

2012 will go down in history as the year of Spanish tapas. New tapas eateries are opening every month, and in Singapore, a city full of amazing restaurants, it really takes something outstanding to make me sit up and take notice.

I have been to Foodbar Dada a few times, and I have nothing but praise for them. They use fresh produce, well-seasoned with good quality olive oil, maldon sea salt, and expertly-cooked in Josper grill.

60 Robertson Quay
#01-12 Singapore
Tel: +65 6735 7738

Jaan Restaurant

One of the best meals that I had in 2011 was at Jaan Restaurant Swissotel. I am happy to tell you that it has also made it to this list for 2012. I went back to JAAN and I had a spectacular meal – Chef Julien Royer did it again. For me, Jaan is one of the best restaurants in Singapore.

2 Stamford Road
70F Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore
Tel: +65 6431 5670

Momofuku

The two meals that I had at Momofuku Ssam Bar and Momofuku Noodle Bar might not be the best I had in New York, but they were special as I am a big fan of David Chang and what he has done in the culinary world. I was really happy to be able to finally have the chance to eat at his restaurants. This alone is a reason substantial enough for me to include it as one of my best meals in 2012.

Momofuku Ssam Bar
207 2nd Ave New York
Tel: +1 212 254 3500

Momofuku Noodle Bar
171 1st Ave New York
Tel: +1 212 777 7773

Mandarin Grill

Mandarin Grill is a 1 Michelin Star restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, one of the best hotels in Hong Kong. The lunch that I had there was amazing. A-m-a-z-i-n-g.

Having fun is an often over-looked part of fine dining. So it is really nice to know that the chefs at Mandarin Grill are enjoying playing with their food, and at the same time, we get to have fun while we eat. Case in point: the flower pot salad in the first photo of this post. I’d definitely recommend Mandarin Grill if you want to splurge on a good meal in Hong Kong.

5 Connaught Road, Central
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2522 0111

Trattoria Milanese

Trattoria Milanese is an institution in Milan. It is where locals and tourists enjoy good traditional Milanese cuisine in a fine dining setting. We sampled two of the classic dishes: the Risotto Alla Milanese, a saffron-flavoured risotto; and the Cotoletta, a fried breaded veal cutlet. Both dishes were terrific.

Via Santa Marta, 11, 20123 Milan, Italy
Tel:+39 02 8645 1991

Also read: my 10 Best Meals of 2011.

Standing at the top of Rockefeller Center, one cannot help but to be blown away by the spectacular view of New York City’s skyline. Several weeks ago, I visited this beautiful city and embarked on an eating spree.

Here is a guide to 5 of New York City’s best restaurants & most talked about eateries. From a small bar-concept Japanese diner to 3 stars Michelin French restaurant, there is bound to be one that you will like.

Visiting New York City should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list. I’ve already ticked it off mine, what are you waiting for?

Curry-Ya Japanese Restaurant

Featured in reputable press like The New York Times and New York Time Out, Curry-Ya is a humble looking Japanese bar-concept restaurant that you definitely do not want to miss. The dishes may look simple but the steps to attain the quality are definitely far from easy. The gourmet curry has been skillfully stewed for 8 hours alongside with a large variety of ingredients such as spices, fruits, vegetables, chicken and oxtail soup. You must try the Baked Curry where raw eggs and the special curry sauce are alternated between layers of fragrant rice.

214 East 10th Street, New York
NY 10003, United States
Tel: +1 212 995 2877
Daily: 12noon – 11pm

Jean-Georges Restaurant

Countless of restaurants have vied hard in earning just a Michelin Star but to no avail. Yet Jean-Georges has been bestowed the honour of 3 Michelin Stars, standing out as one of the World’s best fine dining restaurants. This topnotch dining experience is pricey and fancy – no jeans allowed and reservations are required. If you love indulging in gourmet food in beautiful high-ceiling interiors, this is the place to splurge your cash. The signature dishes include sautéed sea scallops and yellow fin tuna. The desserts are interestingly yummy, ranging from spiced pumpkin macarons to nougats infused with pistachios and cranberries.

1 Central Park West, New York
NY 10023, United States
Tel: +1 212 299 3900
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Friday: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Saturday: 5.30pm – 11pm

Momofuku Milk Bar

“One of the most exciting bakeries in the country” said Bon Appetit Magazine. Momofuku Milk Bar is a cute bakery filled with heaps of delicious and creative goodies. The must try item would be cereal milk soft serve ice cream with cornflake crunch. Christina Tosi, founder of the milk bar, has made all these genius culinary ideas possible. She is also named as the rising chef of James Beard Foundation in 2012.

251 e 13th Street New york
NY 10003, corner of 13th street / 2nd avenue
Daily: 9am – 12midnight

Norma’s

Located at Le Parker Meridien Hotel, this breakfast place is extremely popular and crowded. Reservations are mandatory if you would like to have breakfast there. Having made a reservation, we still had to wait for another 20 minutes! While the service lacks efficiency, the scrumptiousness of the food does make it up. Orange juices are freshly squeezed and food comes in large portions. A complimentary shot of strawberry-papaya-pineapple smoothie is given to each customer – who doesn’t like free yummy stuff? The super cheesy French toast with caramelized onions and apple wood smoked bacon are to die for, definitely the best I ever had. If you are outrageous enough, feel free to order the USD$1000 caviar omelette and let me know if it is worth its absurd price.

119 West 56th Street, New York
NY 10019, United States
Tel: +1 212 708 7460
Mon to Fri: 7am – 3pm
Sat & Sun: 7.30am – 3pm

Lady M Confections

The widely acclaimed Lady M Confections have been featured in so many magazines i.e. Oprah Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar and even VOGUE magazine for a reason – they are downright delicious! The Mille Crepes sell like hotcakes and Lady M Confections usually close its store before its official closing hours. These 20 layer thin crepe cakes comes in 3 flavours, namely orginal, green tea & chocolate. The Mille Crepe is indeed a tasty complex creation; it’s extremely thin, and light yet rich in flavour. The best part is when it melts slowly in your mouth.

41 East 78th Street, New York
NY 10021, United States
Tel: +1 212-452-2222
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Saturday: 11am – 7pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm

About the writer
Hui Jun Ng is a Media and Communications student at RMIT University, Melbourne. She loves indulging in good food and traveling. She is part of a media productions group called CUTXPACE Productions and they recently completed a promotional video for Melbourne Art Show. You can follow her adventures in Melbourne here.