Kitty Coles' Guide To Dining In New York

I recommend these spots and stop-offs if you are taking a trip …

I stayed at The Hoxton, Williamsburg. It has incredible views of the city from the rooftop. The rooms are very small, but the location is great and we barely spent any time in the room anyway.

Ha’s Snack Bar, Broome Street, Lower Manhattan: Incredible. I’ve loved co-founders Sadie and Anthony’s cooking for a while and their tiny restaurant didn’t disappoint.

Keens Steakhouse, 72 West 36th Street: My friends booked this for my birthday and we went straight here as soon as our plane landed. Unlike anything we have in Dublin or London – wood-panelled walls covered in pictures, white tablecloths, perfect martinis and huge steaks. It’s simple but the most perfect place for a celebration in New York. I can’t fault it – I had the best night.

King, 18 King Street: I may be biased because Jess Shadbolt, the owner, is a good friend, but this little spot in Soho is perfect. White tablecloths and a daily changing menu inspired by southern French and Italian cooking; it works as both a neighbourhood spot and a place to celebrate. We loved it so much we wanted to go twice.

Thai Diner, 186 Mott Street: We went here before our flight because we couldn’t face another super-rich meal. Order the cabbage rolls and prawn cocktail. We loved it – really fun.

Sunny’s Bar, Red Hook, Brooklyn: Just go to Red Hook anyway. Red Hook feels like its own little pocket of Brooklyn – quiet, cobbled streets and slightly industrial, with big skies and the water looking out to the Statue of Liberty. It’s worth the trek for its small galleries, relaxed bars and, of course, Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie shop. (SO many people told me to go to Red Hook Tavern too, but we had dinner at Ha’s Snack Bar instead.)