NYC Comes To London

We've been getting all excited about the New York restaurant/nightlife invasion on this side of the pond for some time. Over the last year or so London outposts of the best of NYC scene have started popping up and we just can't seem to get enough of them with the latest opening of Balthazar this week and Shake Shack set to open mid-2013. Here's our run down of our of top five:

Balthazar
Keith McNally's New York institution Balthazar has finally opened in Covent Garden. Open all day so it's perfect for breakfast meetings through to the perfect date night. The menu features classic French brasserie dishes with a focus on seafood - totally up our street. We'll be making a reservation for a lazy weekend brunch followed by a spot of shopping very soon.

image via Londonlovesbusiness.com

La Bodega Negra

From New York's nightlife King, Serge Becker (behind The Box and La Esquina) and Will Ricker (E&O) comes La Bodega Negra, Soho's answer to Mexicana street food. Featuring two areas accessed through separate entrances on different streets -  upstairs features a buzzing walk-in bar and cafe and the hidden downstairs a more dark and delicious dining experience. We've tried out both and recommend you do too - but we loved the downstairs diner hidden behind a neon-lit sex shop facade, it mirrors the speak-easy secret (a bar through the kitchen) of it's NY sister La Esquina. Serving mouthwatering tacos, tostadas, guacamole and (on the evening we went) the most amazing marinaded steak with chimichurri - this the perfect place for a dinner date. Oh.... and did we mention the margaritas?

image via squaremeal.co.uk

Shake Shack
Almost 10 years after it first opened its doors in Madison Square Park in New York, the Shake Shack is finally set to open it's first London outpost in mid-2013... and we cannot wait! Tipped as a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its delicious all-natural (phew no horse here!) burgers, flat-top dogs, frozen custard (you gotta try it!) - this burger joint has earned a cult-following Stateside and we will be first in line when its doors swing open in Covent Garden.

image via lovingmyjetlag.blogspot.com

The Spice Market
Set in the heart the achingly cool meatpacking district in New York, this has been a New York destination for years with a old-world feel. When it came over to London with the opening of the W Hotel and got an infusion of modern cool reflective of the architecture of the W. It's situated on the edge of Soho and close to the heart of Leicester Square. Serving pan-Asian food from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten - we opted for the tasting menu to share and our favourite dishes were Black Pepper Shrimp with Sun Dried Pineapple, Spiced Chicken Samosas, Coriander Yoghurt (which stole the show) followed by Cod with Malaysian Chilli Sauce, Thai Basil and Celery and amazing House Made Ice Creams and Sorbets. A little on the pricey side for the amount of food served, we did leave a little hungry, but impeccable service and it's definitely jam-packed with high-octane glamour. Great for a client lunch or dinner!

image via spicemarketlondon.co.uk

The Box
Arguably the Daddy of New York's mysterious and secretive night life... The Box hit London back in 2011 and has held onto the same mystique and appeal over here.  Pipped as the Theatre of Varieties - this cabaret nightclub is renowned for some of the most risqué entertainment and frivolity! It's not for the faint-hearted or the early to bed, the show starts at 1am. You'll need to be prepared to spend a fair amount (drinks aren't cheap)- but we've heard great reviews and will be sure to be booking our table in the near future.

 image via cosmopolitan.co.uk