Big Apple, Big Appetites

If you're tired of hot dog stands (street meats as I like to call them), head over to a few of my favorite restaurants. Whether you're looking for homemade pastas, a romantic dinner, or a casual bar, NYC has it all! While the city may sound a bit quieter these days, the food is still worth the visit.

Misi, Artichoke Basille's Pizza, One if by Land, Two if by Sea, The Gem Saloon, The Smith, Katz's Delicatessen, Lilia

• Misi in New York, United States

  
  katie

  Owned by the same company that runs Lilia with the same head chef, Missy Robins. Similar to Lilia but focuses mainly on their pastas. Like Lilia, you'll need a reservation pretty far in advance if you want to avoid the walk-in line that starts at around 4pm every day. If I had to choose between pasta in Italy and pasta from Misi...enough said.

• Artichoke Basille's Pizza in New York, United States

  
  katie

  This may seem like a classic "touristy" spot, but I'd drive 12 hours from Charlotte to NYC just to get a slice of the artichoke pizza. If you aren't headed to the city any time soon, they actually ship their pizza — unfortunately it's pretty expensive to do that :(

• One if by Land, Two if by Sea in New York, United States

  
  katie

  Said to be one of the most romantic places in the city, it's also rumored to be home to quite a few ghosts. The building was Vice President Aaron Burr's carriage house and some say he's still there. Guess you'll just have to see for yourself! It's on the pricier end of the spectrum, but the food and ambiance is incredible.

• The Gem Saloon in New York, United States

  
  katie

  Perfect place to meet friends after work!

• The Smith in New York, United States

  
  katie

  The food is great, but I go for their Moscow mules!

• Katz's Delicatessen in New York, United States

  
  katie

  Prepare to wait in line, but the wait is well worth it for their famous sandwiches.

• Lilia in New York, United States

  
  katie

  If you're lucky enough to get a table (seriously, book wayyyy in advance) then you're in for a treat. I would trade my first-born child for their homemade mozzarella on toasted garlic bread. If you can't get a dinner reservation, visit their walk-up cafe! You can get breakfast, pastries, coffee, paninis, and even cocktails to go. I recommend their burrata, chilies, and basil panini!