Where to eat in New York, according to one of the Big Apple’s trending chefs

Ignacio Mattos was born 43 years ago in Uruguay and in 2003 he arrived in New York, a city that he conquered and which conquered his own heart. He now owns four restaurants and a hotel. Estela, now open for a decade, became a New York icon, and it was followed by Altro Paradiso, an Italian cuisine restaurant in the heart of Soho where Mattos eats three times a week. Then there is Lodi, and the most recent member of the club, Corner Bar, located inside the elegant Nine Orchard hotel in Chinatown. Here is Mattos’ essential food guide to getting around New York.

For breakfast

OCAFE is a neighborhood place for locals and my stop before or after going to Union Square Market. They have a cheese bread and a really delicious frittata. Address: 482 6th Ave. And Café Integral is where I stop for an espresso and have informal meetings. Address: 146 Elizabeth Street.

For an appetizer

We created Lodi with the idea of providing a more European experience and we take such care of the aesthetics that it ends up starring in all the photos. It has a simple and accessible offering that is Italian-inspired, and it is located in the heart of Rockefeller Center, in front of the iconic Christmas tree. Address: 1 Rockefeller Plaza.

Lunch or dinner

I like Don Pepe because it is the noblest idea of Italian-American cuisine. A family place whose members are originally from Calabria, it is located near JFK airport and serves dishes with prices ranging from around $6 to $40. Address: Newark, 844 McCarter Hwy. My favorite Japanese place is Shion at 69 Leonard Street. It has a Michelin star and is run by a friend who I have seen evolve over the last few years. He worked at Saito for a long time and is now doing very interesting things. Their omakase menu costs around $475. Address: 69 Leonard Street.

One place that is gaining a lot of relevance is Libertine. Max, its chef, was previously a sommelier and they offer good service in a casual atmosphere with simple and well-focused cuisine with dishes starting at $16. Address: 684 Greenwich St. For ramen, my favorite dish to have with my 12-year-old son, the best in the entire city is served at Okiboru House of Tsukemen. It is a very informal place, but absolutely delicious and they have two ramen options with prices between $13 and $22. Address: 117 Orchard St. And to try delicious Lebanese food you have to go to Nabila’s in Brooklyn where you can try food bites starting at $3. Address: 248 Court St.

For drinks

I recommend going to Bemelmans Bar because it is a capsule of sophistication, live music, murals and design, and because it brings together a unique New York scene. Address: 35 E 76th St. Drinks start at $16. Also Parcelle, next to Corner Bar, for its spectacular selection of wines in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Address: 135 Division St. Fanelli is a bit more casual and has an interesting mix of locals and tourists. Address: 94 Prince St.

Shops to take home a gastronomic souvenir

The Kitchen, Art & Letters is a bubble of gastronomy books from A to Z. Address: 1435 Lexington Ave. There is another place called John Derian with a good selection of objects for the home: from ceramics and antiques to fabrics and furniture. Address: 6 East Second St. And my favorite market right now is Essex Street Market, because it has fun and good things to eat or buy. Address: 88 Essex St.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAÍS USA Edition