The holidays have been all about dining out - the city is so festive right now. Here are my current favourite hotspots

Charlie Bird

This restaurant is so much fun! Located in Soho on King Street, Charlie Bird has a fantastic atmosphere with a very trendy vibe, and they play hip hop all night. The food is sourced from local farmers' markets and I loved everything we ordered. Try the Truffled Egg Toast or the Pounded Veal Chop on the Bone.

5 King Street (Entrance on 6th Avenue, South of Houston), NY 10012, 212-235-7133, charliebirdnyc.com

Betony

What a gorgeous restaurant – a loud and sexy space just recently opened. Already awarded three stars from The New York Times, Betony is now one of the most difficult reservations to get in town. The chef is from Eleven Madison Park, so you know you can’t go wrong. Order the Fried Pickles with Heirloom Peppers and Yogurt.

41 West 57th Street, NY 10019, 212.465.2400, betony-nyc.com

Robert

A fantastic place for weekend brunch, Robert is located in the Museum of Design and Art with gorgeous views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. The staff are really friendly, and with the fun, futuristic décor and live music, this is definitely one not to miss, the Grilled Cheese Eggs Benedict is to die for!

2 Columbus Circle, NY 10019, 212.299.7730, robertnyc.com

RedFarm

This is RedFarm’s brand new location on the Upper West Side (the original is in the West Village.) They serve very innovative, delicious, modern Chinese food - not your typical Chinese restaurant at all. The décor is cosy and rustic and the menu is farm- to- table inspired . The only downside? They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait - it's worth it. Try the Lobster Long Life Noodles or the Crispy Duck & Crap Dumplings.

2170 Broadway, NY 10023, 212 724-9700, redfarmnyc.com

East Pole

The UK meets UES (Upper East Side) in this charming new restaurant in a renovated townhouse. The menu features seasonal, local dishes that are inspired by the best of British cuisine: order the Fat Radish Bacon Cheeseburger with Duck Fat Chips, Pickles, the Fennel & Fish Pie or the Grilled Striped Bass.

133 E 65th St, NY 10065, 212.249.2222, theeastpolenyc.com