New York City's Hottest International Cuisine Spots

Carnegie Deli - At the corner of 55^th St. and 7^th Ave is, without question, the most renowned deli in New York City. It's well known for its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches which are homemade and ridiculously large according to the locals. Other favorites include chubby cheese sandwiches with sour creams, baked short ribs, salmon omelets, and lots of cheesecake. By NYC standards, the place is really old with an unusual seating style of long benches that seat about 10 people. Expect piles and piles of your favorite meat being through on your sandwich, as portions are very generous here. For more information, visit carnegiedeli.com.

Katz Deli - Another bona fide Jewish establishment that boasts some of the best pastrami on rye sandwiches in the world. Dating back to 1888, the Deli has been featured in movies like 'When Harry Met Sally' among others. It offers very little else in the way of service and decoration, but it has its own signature style by having customers go through turnstiles, take raffle tickets, and having them receive their food cafeteria style. Autographed pictures of movie stars and other celebrities hang from the walls as well. All in all, expect to pay about 15 dollars for a sandwich and a soda.

Address: 205 East Houston St.
Katzdeli.com
212-254-2246

ITALIAN

Carmine's

For an ideal Italian dining experience, Carmine's is one of the best you'll have in the city. It has two locations - one on the Upper West Side and one in Times Square. Carmine's serves its food family style and serves some of the best lemon chicken and Caesar salad in the city. According to some, each entrée can serve about three eaters so you are assured of hearty fillings. Just don't expect to make reservations for groups under 6 for dinner (7:00 and on) so be sure to bring enough friends. Prices per plate range from $10 to $20.

Address: 200 West 44^th St, 90 St. and Broadway
Carminesnyc.com

Lombardi's

Located in New York City's Little Italy section, it is the oldest pizzeria in the country. Here, you can enjoy the finest pizza in the area - all baked to a nice crisp in coal fire brick wood burning ovens and real tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes. The variety of toppings is astronomical and the way it is cooked really makes a difference in adding that sizzling flavor to every pizza dish. The décor itself makes you feel a step back in time as well. Overall, a large 18 inch pizza will cost close to $16, with 1 topping for $3, 2 toppings for $5, and 3 toppings for $6. Try to book ahead of time just in case you really want to secure seats at this famous eatery.

Address: 32 Spring St.
212-941-7994
Lombardispizza.com

AMERICAN

Hard Rock Café

The Hard Rock Café, arguably the worlds most popular American style restaurant, is known for its bigger than average burgers, salads, and fries along with the intense memorabilia collections found through each restaurant. New York City's flagship location, the one on W 57^th Street between 7^th Avenue and Broadway on Times Square, was added to the old Paramount Theater which used to house popular artists like Elvis. Here, you are led downstairs to the restaurant (the store is on the main floor) where friendly staff will accommodate you. If you're a music memorabilia fanatic, there is no place like the Hard Rock Café. Order a burger and fries here anytime for true American flavor. Prices for food range from $10 to $20.

Address: 1501 Broadway
212-343-3355
www.hardrock.com

FRENCH FLAVOR

Balthazar

Balthazar is one of New York's City's most revered French eateries. The décor models itself after an old Parisian restaurant with high ceilings and wooden surfaces that seem to echo the conversations of its patrons all around. Here, you can appreciate a very extensive lunch menu from macaroni and cheese to salads. It's also known for its basserie fries, with has a nice reputation for being crisp and textured. If you want to eat here, it is best to make reservations a couple of days in advance. Just don't expect a spacious setting with big tables, as there is not enough room for jackets and other accessories. Try the egg dishes with mushrooms on pastries and you won't be disappointed. Prices for food range from $21 to $30 and are in general, more expensive than the norm.

Address: 80 Spring St.
212-965-1785
www.balthazarny.com