Robert Pattinson enjoyed a dinner date in New York on Friday but – gasp! - Kristen Stewart was nowhere to be seen.

The New Moon star was bombarded by fans and photographers as he left La Esquina after a meal with some male pals.

He was later spotted leaving the Bowery Hotel, where he had been drinking with the same group of friends.

Rob and rumoured girlfriend Kristen Stewart skipped the New Moon premiere party in NYC on Thursday to have a more cosy night together, according to reports.

"They sat very close to each other [and] looked very happy together,” an eyewitness at Avenue night club tells US Weekly. “They chatted together the entire time."

When the pair left around 3am, "they were holding hands," says another onlooker.

See Rob on Friday and Saturday below