The ultimate East Coast foodie guide

Having grown up in Southern California, where the cities sprawl and cars are king, I’ve come to love the compact cities and Atlantic charms of the East Coast, where ethnic enclaves allow visitors to circumnavigate dishes from around the globe, block by bustling block.

Let’s say you are a traveling food fanatic, shuttling between Toronto, Boston and New York City on holiday or for work. And let’s say you don’t want to waste one single calorie on a bad meal while in these three superlative cities. The good news is that, between their 38,000-plus restaurants, these edible urban oases allow you to indulge in everything from highbrow Michelin fare to hyper-local dishes (clam chowder in Boston, the crispy New York pizza slice and the peameal bacon sandwich in Toronto – you should seek out all three).

Ready to narrow down where to stick your fork? Then allow me to hand over to three foodie experts – acclaimed chefs who have eaten their way through the best dining rooms of this culinary triumvirate – to take on the waistline-expanding task of telling you where the locals are eating now.

New York

By Jess Shadbolt

The bakery (and the bagel)
I can never get enough of Alf Bakery at Chelsea Market. Its croissants (plain, almond or ham and cheese) are a personal favourite of mine and, either way, a visit to Chelsea Market is a great way to spend an afternoon. For bagels, it’s got to be the classic: Russ & Daughters.

The place to celebrate
Some friends of mine have just opened Le Veau d’Or on the Upper East Side and it’s just so perfect for a special occasion. It offers quintessentially classic French cooking and is utterly delicious.

The iconic cocktail spot
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle is an institution for a reason. There is no better spot to while away an evening than at the bar, sipping ice-cold martinis while listening to their resident pianist. It is old school New York in a nutshell.

The knockout newcomer
One of my all-time favourite chefs has just opened a new spot in the Lower East Side called Eel Bar and it’s everything you possibly want in a restaurant. The food is inspired by the Basque Country and is simple, tasty and relaxed. Pop by and say hello to Aaron!

The best wake-up call
Buvette in the West Village is my absolute go-to for breakfast. It’s tucked away on a proper New York-y street, and yet somehow manages to transport you to Paris with its classic French pâtisseries and a whole section of the menu dedicated just to les croques.  

The most delicious postcode
I live in Fort Greene in Brooklyn – a small neighbourhood that hugs the park and is bursting with independent restaurants (Roman’s and Theodora are two of my favourites). Plus, there’s a great farmers’ market on Saturdays. I love spending my days merrily eating and drinking my way around all the tree-lined streets.

The one to look out for
Chefs Sadie Mae Burns and Anthony Ha – the team behind the beloved Vietnamese inspired pop-up, Ha’s Dac Biet – are finally opening a restaurant later this year. When it opens, be sure to run to 297 Broome Street – you’ll find me waiting in line, too.

Take off to New York

Toronto

By Eva Chin

The winning dish
If you eat one thing, make sure it’s Takja BBQ House’s soy perilla cold noodles. There’s a lot of good cooking in the city right now, but this is a standout for me and just so perfectly balanced.

The best wake-up call
White Lily Diner for brunch, please. The line-up starts early, but it’s well worth it for the sausage gravy alone! This is a comforting diner breakfast done right and serving all the classics, but also some more unexpected and healthier dishes made with vegetables from the White Lily Farm. For a good bakery, try Roselle and Emmer – both places sell out by the afternoon.

The dim sum hotspot
I would always recommend going to Hong Shing in downtown – a 28-year-old Chinese Canadian restaurant icon and one of the best in Toronto. And make sure to also get dumplings from Yummy Yummy Dumpling House in Chinatown. Chinese food is at its top-level game in Toronto, so be sure to know what exactly you are craving as there is a designated spot for every genre!

The place to celebrate
There are two right now – Twenty Victoria (modern, seafood and vegetable-forward, 20 seats) and Aburi Hana, Yorkville, with a menu that riffs on a traditional but grandiose Kyō-Kaiseki dining ceremony. Both places are great for a blow-out meal and are consistent at delivering the best level service standard in Toronto. Two very exciting restaurants.

The wine lover’s den
Oenophiles, it’s straight to the Wood Owl on Danforth. I would say it’s more of a wine-focused small restaurant, but it’s one of my top wine list picks in the city and well worth the short drive out from downtown. The wine and food alone are fantastic, but together the pairings are perfect because they really bring out the best of each other. 

The underrated must-try
Restaurateur Jen Agg has done it again with her beautifully built The General Public restaurant. I genuinely feel like Jen’s restaurants aren’t talked about enough. The food and service standards across the board are always so high, consistent and attentive. This spot in particular is casual and relaxing, but also very personal.

The iconic bar
My favourite has to be Mother. Co-owner and bartender Massimo Zitti is a wizard with cocktails, and (when I ask!) he always makes the best freestyle cocktail for me, any time of the day. I also love a Hemingway Daiquiri from Rhum Corner. Either way, I’m ending the night at Haidilao Hot Pot, which is open till 4am and is the best after-dark food spot in downtown Toronto.

Take off to Toronto

Boston

By George Mendes

If you only drink one cocktail
Make it a Mezcal Margarita from Hecate – an unmarked, subterranean bar hiding beneath Greek restaurant, Krasi. I’ll always get this drink for its perfect blend of smoky mezcal and bright citrus – bold yet refreshing. For another darkly lit speakeasy, head inside Raffles Boston and find the Blind Duck.

The traditional treat
Make a trip to the North End especially for a Boston Cream Pie at Mike’s Pastry. Mike’s Cream Pies offer the perfect combination of light, airy cake, a smooth and decadent custard filling and rich chocolate glaze. Totally delicious.

The winning dish
Asta in the Back Bay has a corn soup with mussels that, for me, is a standout right now in Boston’s culinary scene. The dish masterfully balances the sweetness of fresh corn with the briny depth of local mussels, offering a rich and seasonal dining experience. If you want the best of Boston, this is the place to go, and the dish to try.

The best wake-up call
The Friendly Toast is my favourite for breakfast in Boston thanks to its eclectic menu, generous portions and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its quirky décor and creative twists on your average dishes, it offers everything from breakfast street tacos to an indulgent toasted strudel. Or, if it’s coffee you’re after, South End Buttery always hits the spot.

The one to look out for
Andrew Hebert is the city’s rising star. At Baleia (in the South End) his inventive seafood dishes and skilful techniques are setting him apart from the rest. Plus, he loves Portugal… like me!

The place to celebrate
Reserve a spot at La Padrona – our Italian restaurant here at Raffles Boston. It’s ideal for special occasions with an elegant yet lively atmosphere (it’s loved by both guests and locals), exquisite Italian-inspired dishes (the lobster and uni risotto is a must) and impeccable service. It knows how to make every celebration feel extraordinary.

The seafood sensation
You’re in New England, so fresh seafood is a must. Neptune Oyster Bar is my top pick for clam chowder and lobster rolls due to that exceptional freshness. The chowder is creamy and loaded with tender clams, while the lobster roll features sweet, succulent lobster meat in a perfectly simple preparation. Its commitment to quality makes it a standout for classic Boston seafood.

Take off to Boston