Splurge in New York

7 places for Splurge in New York, picked by creators — with what they said.

• Katz's Delicatessen — National Geographic, Jon Barr
  Praised the pastrami, cured for up to 30 days, for slicing like butter even stacked 20 layers high, with smoking and steaming ensuring not a single slice loses its seasoning.
• Russ & Daughters — Jon Barr
  The best nova salmon and lox he's had in New York — the whole experience of pulling a ticket and ordering at the counter is enjoyable, and the quality has stayed consistent over the years. There's also a separate sit-down café on the corner.
  Heads up: The lox cream cheese bagel is pricey at $17 and the line can be long; the bagels themselves aren't baked in-house and are a bit weak — since the cured fish is the real star, some people get their bagels elsewhere.
• Estela — TOPJAW
  The signature endive salad, running since opening a decade ago, along with scallops with uni and the wagyu steak, impressed with restrained flavors and excellent service.
  Heads up: One of the pricier spots in this guide, and dinner is very crowded — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday lunch are easier to get a table.
• JOJI BOX — Condé Nast Traveler
  He said the sweetness and saltiness of the snow crab and cucumber made for a perfect bite, called the grilled kinki 'a dish with nowhere to hide,' meaning the ingredients themselves have to be top-notch, and raved that the hojicha ice cream topped with truffle was 'a flavor you can't get anywhere else in the world.'
  Heads up: It's tucked away inside a train station, so it's easy to walk right past if you don't know exactly where to look.
• Junior's — Jon Barr
  Convenient location in Midtown near 49th and 45th Streets, and open until midnight on weekdays and 1am on weekends, which is handy for late nights.
  Heads up: The Midtown location is pricey—a slice of cheesecake runs $9.25, and the egg platters are also on the expensive side.
• Peter Luger Steak House — Jon Barr
  The lunch burger special made with prime chuck is truly excellent — he prefers it to the steak — and the gruff but funny waiters give it an old-school, throwback feel.
  Heads up: Expect a 15-30 minute wait regardless of reservation time, service is brusque, and prices are high.
• Nusr-Et Steakhouse New York — Beatrice Richer
  The 8-hour roasted asado short rib and mashed potatoes were excellent, and the herb-crusted fries were said to be perfect.
  Heads up: Even with a reservation, they waited an hour for a table, and the prices are steep enough that it's really an occasion-only spot.

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