The clean, minimal vibe of Upper East Side neighbourhood favourite The East Pole extends to its farm-to-table menu. We strongly suggest grabbing a plate of the flavour-packed beetroot and walnut hummus, served with crudités and house-made flatbread. It's hardly surprising that the decor here is just as spectacular as the dishes: picture azure-coloured leather booths, low ceilings and naked light bulbs. FYI: The East Pole Manhattan cocktail is rumoured to be Carrie's go-to.

Milan meets Madison Avenue at the Lower East Side outpost of this acclaimed restaurant chain. Handmade rigatoni, grilled artichokes and authentic risotto are the main attractions, but we also recommend the roast lamb chops and tender chicken thighs, which are super-fresh and come accompanied by crispy potatoes and a smattering of garden herbs. Take your time over the dessert menu, which is famous for its mouth-watering creations. Sweet tooth? You'll love the lemon sponge and chocolate mousse. Pro tip: don't visit without sampling some choice bins from the seriously well-curated wine list.

Stepping inside Balthazar is like teleporting to a fancy French bistro. Interiors marry traditional Parisian touches with contemporary comforts: think floor-to-ceiling mahogany shelves heaving with house wines and walls that shimmer with dramatic antique mirrors. Start by ordering the silky onion soup, before working your way through the steak frites and ending with a plate of creamy profiteroles, all washed down with a hearty glass of bordeaux. It's also worth noting that Balthazar serves one of the best brunches in New York City.

A World's 50 Best Restaurants regular chart-topper, it's no secret that this place has amassed a bunch of awards. Now, the post-lockdown Eleven Madison Park is back, and better than ever, albeit with a major twist: a plant-based menu. Head chef Daniel Humm is championing the sustainability angle, and we're certainly not complaining. Be prepared to splurge and order a selection of starters for your group. Make sure to include the vegan caviar and the tomato and coriander eggplant. If, like us, you're trying to behave yourself, suppress the cocktail cravings with one of the insanely flavoursome non-alcoholic pours.