Being a visitor in New York City can be highly intimidating. Beyond navigating the subway and streets, the restaurant scene is complex, varied, and to the uninitiated, confusing. Every New Yorker has had the tricky situation of trying to show off the city’s best to a visiting friend, though to each person that can mean something different.

This guide was built to satisfy both tourists and New York hosts, chock full of essential eating, iconic dishes, classic joints, and neighborhood guides. The next time anyone is in town, just point them this way.

Eater’s bringing this guide to life with a trip to NYC, with help from Black Tomato. See the full itinerary and book a trip now.