Word Of Mouth: Marie Elena Martinez' Best Of New York

Marie Elena Martinez is a native New Yorker and works as a freelance travel and food writer for such outlets as the Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Miami Herald, Men's Fitness, Women's Adventure, and Newsday. Her penchant for wine, cheese, vanilla ice cream, and hot sauce is equaled only by her love of constantly discovering New York's manifold flavors.

Brunch: Cookshop, Norma's, Stanton Social

Fancy: Jean Georges

Best Value: Lupa

Bar Scene/Drinks: BondST

Business Lunch: Ai Fiori, Bar Americain

Burger: J.G. Melon

Pizza: Joe's

Sandwich: Katz's Deli

Food Truck: Falafel cart on 53rd St. and 6th Avenue

Regional: Great Jones Café

Hidden Gem: Little Owl

Mexican/Latin American: La Esquina, Rosa Mexicano, Barrio Chino

Japanese: Blue Ribbon Sushi

Spanish/Tapas: Mercat

Thai/Southeast Asian: Pam Real Thai

Wine List: Landmarc

Chinese: Chin Chin

Seafood: Le Bernardin

Steak: The Palm (the original 2nd Avenue location)

Italian: Babbo, Locanda Verde, Il Bagatto, Bar Italia, Campagnola (too hard to narrow down!)

Barbecue: Hill Country

Desserts: Serendipity

Indian: Junoon

Vegetarian: Angelica Kitchen

Wild Card: Blue Ribbon Bakery