A 24h food tour of Manhattan with chef Jason Atherton 

This article is part of a guide to New York from FT Globetrotter

I usually start my morning by spending a few minutes looking at the spectacular views of the city from the Edition hotel, where my restaurant The Clocktower is located and where I stay when visiting. When you only have a few days in New York City, you must be sure to get up early and make the most of your time there — and be prepared to walk a lot!  

The first stop in my itinerary is usually breakfast at Le Coucou, a classic French restaurant in the heart of SoHo, led by chef Daniel Rose and restaurateur Stephen Starr. The menu is seasonal and created with fresh and local ingredients. I’d recommend ordering the fresh croissants and their popular oeufs à la crème et homard, two eggs au plat with tomato and tarragon cream, and lobster — one of my go-to brunch dishes when dining there.  

After brunch, my wife Irha and I like to explore the city, especially Lower Manhattan, where you can walk through Battery Park and visit Ground Zero. This area is full of hidden gems that offer comforting and authentic yet inventive food. Among them is one of my favourite casual dining spots, Pasquale Jones, located on the corner of Mulberry and Kenmare Streets. This small wood-fired joint offers the best pizzas in town; I’d recommend the Diavola with salumi picante, provolone and mint.

After a few hours of walking, it’s time to enjoy early drinks before dinner. One of my favourite spots is Soho House, with its sophisticated vintage bar that is perfect for a relaxed glass of wine or a cocktail before heading out to dinner — it’s everything that a fashionable New York bar should be.

Whilst in NYC, I always try to visit two of my favourite restaurants — both outstanding culinary experiences that you shouldn’t miss. Eleven Madison Park, run by my friend Daniel Humm, offers a tasting menu featuring entirely plant-based dishes. It’s always a memorable dining experience.

At Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, chef César Ramirez draws inspiration from Japanese cuisine and French technique. As its name suggests, the restaurant is set around a chef’s table offering an intimate yet communal ambience.

Our last culinary stop of the day is inevitably at my restaurant. When I am not in the kitchen cooking for my guests, I like to enjoy a meal (typically the honey glazed duck, followed by an After Eight soufflé) in one of our intimate dining rooms and relax after a long day.

Jason Atherton is an award-winning chef and head of The Social Company Restaurant Group, which runs more than a dozen restaurants around the world

Where do you like to eat in Manhattan? Tell us in the comments

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