I know there are a bajillion restaurants in NYC, and my goal one day is to eat at every single one of them. But for now, I figured I’d share my personal top of the top list.

Now I’m not saying these are everyones favorites by any means, every palette is different and i’m sure Yelp and Zagat may have a different opinion, but these haunts have served me well over the years and I thought I’d share.

Note: I know I am missing a bunch of cuisines, they will be covered in Part II soon. There are simply just too many good restaurants in NY!

Best Steak: Peter Luger

For a perfect steak there is nothing like Peter Luger’s porterhouse. NOTHING. I still dream about it from time to time. It is an institution for a reason. However if you would like a bit more of an exciting menu BLT prime is pretty good as well.

Best Brunch:  Undecided

What is New York without brunch? Brunching is one of my favorite NYC pastimes and thankfully options are a dime a dozen. I can’t pick one because there are simply too many favorites.
In Williamsburg I would recommend EGG, Five Leaves, LOKAL, and Brooklyn Label (best huevos rancheros in NYC hands down).
As for the city Jane, Penelope, Nook, and Prune are always a good bet.

Best Japanese BBQ: Yakiniku West

Be prepared to get your shoes off for this one. Yakiniku is a pretty hole in the wall type of spot, but if you’d like a bit of meat, and maybe even some sushi head on over. Well priced, and delicious, it also doesn’t hurt that Decibel is right next door.

Best Burger: PJ Clarks

I know there are a million burger joints that are great in NYC but for me PJ Clarks is simple, delicious, and most importantly, consistent. I’ve been dragging people there for the past 9 years and have never had a disappointed diner. Although there are three locations I’ve always made it a point to go to the midtown location on E 55th.

Best Korean: Hamh Ji Bach

Both in K-town and in Flushing, Hamh Ji Bach delivers across the board when it comes to Korean. The Bulgogi and Kalbi BBQ is to die for as is the bibim bap and pretty much everything else. Spend a day at the Korean bath house Spa Castle, and end it off with a dinner at Hamh Ji Bach. Trust me get your kimchi on here and you will not regret it!

Best Korean Fried Chicken: Bon Chon

Bon Chon is where my love affair with Korean Fried Chicken began. I love it so much I wrote my first dusty co article about it here.

Best Dim Sum: Dim Sum Go Go

Dim Sum GoGo is a dim sum fusion joint in the heart of Chinatown, if you are ever jumping on a chinatown bus somewhere you must stop by. You can’t miss it, its huge, and usually packed to the brim. No chicken feet here unfortunately, and no carts either, but all the regular dim sum staples can be found as well as a couple of fun variations. If you like chicken and garlic try the GOGO roast chicken, absolutely delicious.

Best Bowl of Wings: The Habitat

You will get your hands dirty and come out of this place looking like an oompa loompa, but boy is it worth it! Make sure to go on their wing night, wings are 25c a pop. Order a side of baked mac n cheese, and for you non wing lovers the burger and pretty much everything else is on point.

Best Vietnamese Sandwich: Bahn Mi Saigon

Don’t let the jewelry store fool you, this place can make some mean food. The sandwiches are so good, they are actually better than the bahn mi I had in Vietnam. So If you’re looking for some questionable meat slapped on a crispy baguette, look no further.

Best Venezuelan: Caracas

If you like arepas there is basically no other choice. Caracas is so good they opened another branch in Williambsurg, and in spite of its new larger location don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line for this goodness.

Best Cheese Plate: OTTO Enoteca

OTTO Mario Batali’s restaurant is a great place to meet friends for an after work get together. Ambience, pizza, and artisanal cheese plates are awesome.

Best Grocery Store Eatery: Eataly NYC

This place alone makes me want to live in NYC. A foodie shoppers haven its the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace in the world with a bunch of restaurants to boot. Not to be missed.

I’ll be adding any notable new finds when I go back in May. Enjoy!