Today is an exciting day!!! I’ve been working on updating my New York City Travel Guide for the last few weeks and am thrilled to finally share it with you! Before I decided to move to New York, I’d been visiting the city multiple times a year for nearly two decades. I know there are endless things to do and restaurants to try, so this list is not exhaustive whatsoever, but these are my top recommendations that I’ve tried myself or have on my wish list wanting to do! Since I live in the West Village and have spent a lot of time on the Upper East Side, I feel like most of my recommendations are in those two areas… but I’m eager to explore other pockets of the city more once I’m here full time! I definitely need to check out more of Brooklyn, the Upper West Side, and I know the restaurant scene in the East Village is amazing – I just haven’t gotten to those areas as much. I plan to keep this city guide up to date with the latest, most relevant discoveries, so feel free to bookmark this page and save it for later.
Keep scrolling to read about my favorite restaurants, bars, hotels, things to do and places to shop around town! Enjoy!
EAT & DRINK
THE WEST VILLAGE, GREENWICH VILLAGE, MEATPACKING DISTRICT AND CHELSEA
4 CHARLES PRIME RIB – Haven’t been to this steakhouse yet, because it’s a real challenge to get into! But I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about it!
11TH STREET CAFE – This small cafe is just around the corner from my apartment in the West Village and has delicious coffee! They also serve breakfast but I’ve never gotten it. I have popped by on a hot day for their rose lemonade though!
AMERICAN BAR – A local haunt for many in the West Village! Solid food, great drinks.
ANTON’S – Love this casual dinner spot! The best apple crisp I’ve ever had. Don’t miss the spaghetti with breadcrumbs either! Also open for lunch/brunch, but I’ve never been.
BAGEL PUB – This is my favorite bagel place in New York! Not only is their bacon, egg and cheese insanely good, they have a ridiculous (in a good way) number of schmear options available. I’m on a journey to try them all!
BANGKOK SUPPER CLUB – A busy Thai restaurant on Hudson as you’re heading into the Meatpacking District! Hard to snag a res here. I did sort of a progressive dinner the night I went to this spot, so didn’t get to try a bunch of food – I need to go back!
BARBUTO – A popular Italian spot in the West Village, bordering Meatpacking. I preferred their old location, but the food is always delicious!
BAR PISELLINO – The perfect happy hour spot on a nice day! Grab a patio table and order an Aperol Spritz.
B’ARTUSI – The more casual sister restaurant of L’Artusi. It’s fun to sit out on the patio on a nice afternoon, or sit at the bar for dinner with a friend. I highly recommend the crudo and the charcuterie/cheese board!
BLACKSTONE COFFEE ROASTERS – Another neighborhood favorite coffee shop! They do great breakfast too.
BON BON SWEDISH CANDY – Locations on the Upper East Side, in the East Village and the West Village! Yummy sour and gummy candies.
BUVETTE – A small French eatery right across the street from Emmett’s! Yummy for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
CAFE CHELSEA – Love this spot for lunch in Chelsea at the recently renovated Chelsea Hotel! The hotel’s bar, called Lobby Bar, is a fabulous spot for drinks too.
CAFE CLUNY – A darling little spot in the West Village! Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I usually go for breakfast/lunch. Great people watching here!
CANTO – I’ve never been for dinner, just drinks! They have a frozen espresso martini that is a great night cap if you don’t want a real dessert.
CECCHI’S – Another go-to of mine in the West Village because it’s not hard to get a res! The food is solid and the drinks are on point. I also love the murals on the walls here – such a cute New York staple! Definitely recommend adding this to your list – a great backup res to have if you’re still hoping to get a Resy alert for something else! Pro tip: order the stuffed mushroom appetizer.
CI SIAMO – Situated in the Manhattan West shopping center, it’s a strange location… but the food is amazing! A great Italian spot in a large venue – lots of tables = easier to snag a res.
CITARELLA – This is New York’s version of Eatzi’s! A delicious gourmet grocer with pre-made items like buffalo chicken salad, the best chicken meatballs, freshly baked breads and so much more! A good place to know about if you’re wanting to grab some items for a picnic in the park.
CLEO – A cute, small eatery with indoor and outdoor seating! Be sure to order the rotisserie chicken – it’s their speciality and popular for a reason!
DANTE WEST VILLAGE – A neighborhood favorite! The food is good too, but most come for the cocktails on the patio.
DELL’ANIMA – This West Village classic just reopened on Cornelia Street after several years away! The bolognese is out of this world!!!!! Highly recommend their brunch too, for the French toast and carbonara!
DON ANGIE – An impossible to get into Italian spot that is definitely worth the hype! You must order the stuffed garlic flatbread, the chrysanthemum salad and the lasagna.
EDITH’S – If you’re in the mood for a filling sandwich or breakfast wrap, don’t miss this spot. The Sephardi Breakfast Wrap is INSANE! So so good.
THE ELK – A cute West Village coffee shop that also serves breakfast! It’s more of a grab and go place as there’s no seating inside.
EMMETT’S ON GROVE – Such a fun place to grab a drink any night of the week! They also have amazing pizza. I always order a half hot girl and a half mona lisa!
EMPLOYEES ONLY – I love this West Village spot for a pre-dinner drink at the bar! Doors open at 6pm, but expect a line to form around 5:45! It’s dark inside and very vibey – would be a sexy date spot. Really delicious, inventive cocktails! You can also eat dinner here.
ENTWINE – A cute and casual wine bar in the West Village.
FEAST ON US – If you happen to be in the West Village and want a super casual lunch spot that tastes like a home cooked meal, don’t miss Feast On Us! They do takeout or you can sit at one of the tables outside. They have rotating specials each day, along with some classic staples you can expect daily. Follow them on Instagram to see what the specials are today! I’ve now been a number of times and always get the specials – they are SO good.
FELLINI – Very similar and nearby to Bar Pisellino if you’re looking for a cocktail on a patio!
THE GOLDEN SWAN – This one is right around the corner from my apartment. My mom loved this place! The ground floor features their bar menu, while the second floor is more of a white table cloth, fine dining situation. Both are great! I’ve also heard their brunch is divine.
HUDSON CLEARWATER – A casual spot for lunch or dinner in the West Village! I love their burrata appetizer.
HUNGRY LLAMA – A fairly new coffee shop that has become very popular in the neighborhood! Very casual spot with mismatched chairs, some indoor and outdoor seating.
I SODI – Another amazing Italian spot that is hard to snag a res for! It’s much easier to get in at lunch, so that’s my pro tip if you’re dying to try it. Don’t miss the lemon pasta!
JACK’S WIFE FREDA – A healthy spot for brunch! There are now a few locations around town.
JEFFREY’S GROCERY – A cute and casual spot in the West Village for lunch on a nice day. Patio tables are hard to come by, but the vibes are spot on out there! It’s mostly seafood – oysters, lobster rolls, etc, so perfect for warmer days!
JOSEPH LEONARD – Another good spot you can usually grab a table at last minute! I wouldn’t say it’s the most consistent experience I’ve had at a restaurant, but most of my meals there have been great. Try the burger – it’s served on an english muffin!
L’APPARTEMENT 4F – Originally in Brooklyn, they recently opened a shop in the West Village on the same block at Rosemary’s! I loved the ham & cheese croissant. This is mostly a grab and go spot as they serve you from a window, but they do have a couple of tables out front!
L’ARTUSI – Another Italian favorite of mine if I’m able to snag a table! I usually can thanks to Resy notifications.
LEITAO – A lively Portuguese restaurant in the heart of the West Village! They’ve got everything you’d expect if you have visited Portugal before – even down to the pasteis de nata! The plates are huge, so plan to go with a group and split a bunch!
LIBERTINE – A small, traditional French bistro in the West Village! They’ve got your classic oeufs mayonnaise and other things you’re used to seeing on standard menus in France. Love the vibes in here!
THE LITTLE OWL – Located at the base of the “Friends” apartment building, don’t let this teeny tiny restaurant fool you. It packs a lot in flavor and ambiance! The servers are so friendly, like family – the food is so delicious! Easy to get a res here, so a good back-up spot too.
MAGNOLIA BAKERY – Known for their banana pudding, but they also sell cakes, cupcakes, bars and other delicious desserts! I’ve tried more of their banana pudding monthly specials than I care to admit – they always have their standard original for purchase, but will do a new seasonal flavor each month!
MEME MEDITERRANEAN – Not something you need to put on your list if you’re only here for a few days, but it’s right around the corner from my apartment and is a delicious weeknight option! They’re open for lunch too, but I like to take Reeses and sit on the patio around 5/6pm for a glass of wine, some hummus and a salad.
MINETTA TAVERN – A lively, lounge-y restaurant next to The Cellar Comedy Club! Most people go for the burger. Pro tip – get an order of pommes aligot and thank me later!
THE NOORTWYCK – A cute, vibey spot in the West Village! I’ve only been for brunch and for a drink at the bar, but I’ve heard it’s also lovely at dinner.
ORIENT EXPRESS – A small bar in the West Village with some pretty snazzy drinks! I’ve only been once but enjoyed what I ordered!
PASTIS – A classic French bistro in the West Village. If it’s nice out, try to get a table outside! Pro tip: don’t miss the sticky toffee pudding for desert.
ROSEMARY’S – A lot of people love this place for brunch, but I think it’s a little tired – I haven’t been in a long time.
SALT & STRAW – Not a new spot, but new to the West Village and a few other areas around town! Great ice cream with fun monthly flavors and specials. I love the pistachio cannoli flavor they added specifically for their New York locations!
SAN SABINO – Sister restaurant to Don Angie (and it’s right next door) that is equally hard to get into! IMO Don Angie is sooooo much better.
SANT AMBROEUS – A great cafe/restaurant with multiple locations around town. I’ve mostly only been for brunch or for dessert – don’t miss their principessa cake!
SHUKETTE – A newish Chelsea restaurant featuring the best Middle Eastern food. Some favorites from our dinner included the Frena bread (a must!), the green bean salad and the steak shish kebab.
STAFILI WINE CAFE – This Greek wine bar is known for their patio on one of the more picturesque blocks in the West Village! It’s always popping.
SUSHI 456 – A no frills but super fresh sushi spot in the West Village. Amazing quality for the price!
TALL POPPY – A fairly new bakery in Chelsea that I’ve been to a number of times! They have some classics but also have seasonal flavors and limited-edition menu items. Check out their menu here or follow along on their Instagram for their latest menu items!
TARTINE – A cute, quaint spot for lunch in the heart of the West Village. I always snag a table outside! Standard French menu that includes salads, sandwiches, and warm entrees.
TIA POL – A favorite spot of mine in Chelsea when I’m craving Spanish Tapas! I especially love to come here when it’s chilly – it’s a small, cozy spot perfect for a night of wine and warm dishes. Don’t miss the croquettes, the iberico ham, pan con tomate and more!
TURKS & FROGS – A relaxed bar in the West Village, right next to Orient Express. I love sitting in the back with the leather chairs!
VIA CAROTA – This Italian spot in the West Village is a scene! Hard to snag a res for dinner, but easy at lunch. The green salad with butter lettuce and herbs is SO fresh and tasty, as are all of the pastas. You really can’t go wrong!
ZIMMI’S – A small restaurant on one of my favorite West Village streets, this adorable spot features inviting green + white striped awnings and a fantastic menu. Highly recommend the tagliatelle with chicken ragout and sage!
SOHO, NOHO AND NOLITA
12 CHAIRS CAFE – This Israeli spot is great for a casual dinner with friends! Lots of shareable dishes.
ACME – A longtime go-to for nights out!
BALTHAZAR – Always love coming here on a solo shopping day for lunch! They treat solo diners with a complimentary glass of champagne. Food is delish, and it’s always a scene! Fabulous people watching, and you’re likely to see someone famous.
BOND ST SUSHI – With a menu similar to Nobu, it’s a classic sushi spot that doesn’t miss. Not hard to get into either, so a good backup res to have!
CARBONE – Tbh I’ve never been to the one here but I’ve heard it’s overrated! But it feels necessary to include on this list.
THE CORNER STORE – A very popular, hard to get into restaurant that is 100% worth the hype! Don’t miss the lobster & caviar roll. The filet was also perfectly cooked and topped with truffle butter… divine!!
THE CROSBY BAR – The large bar and elegant patio at The Crosby Street Hotel are definitely worth popping by for a drink!
FISH CHEEKS – Never been here, but it’s on my list!! I’ve heard it’s the best Thai food in town.
KING – A small Italian restaurant in Soho where the menu changes daily!
LEON’S BAGELS – Delicious bagel shop served from a window in SoHo! Highly recommend the bacon or sausage, egg and cheese.
LEVAIN BAKERY – Iconic cookies and other tasty baked treats.
JACK’S WIFE FREDA – A healthy spot for brunch! There are now a few locations around town.
JEAN’S LAFAYETTE – A lively spot in Noho with an amazing burger!
LADUREE – A french patisserie known for their macarons! My personal favorite flavors are rose and salted caramel.
LURE FISHBAR – A solid spot for lunch if you’re shopping in Soho! Definitely get the tuna crispy rice – it’s one of my favorite renditions of it in the country!
THE NINES – Such a fun spot on a night out! Feels very quintessential New York. I’ve eaten there once and the food is okay – you’re really going for the pianist, amazing lounge vibes and great cocktails. The pianist gets swapped for a DJ later on in the night and it really turns into a dance party! So fun.
OR’ESH – This is the Mediterranean sister to The Corner Store! Equally hard to get a table, but if you go early you can snag a spot at the bar. Beautiful interiors and very vibey! Favorite dishes were the shrimp spaghetti, Jerusalem bagel, and the branzino. And don’t sleep on the cardamom soft serve for dessert!!!
ORIANA – A beautiful new restaurant (as of May 2026), featuring fire-driven flavor and an amazing wine selection. The hanger steak is to die for, as is their bread service…. frankly everything was delicious from start to finish! A great spot for a group dinner where you can order a bunch to try & share!
RAF’S – I’ve been here for lunch and for dinner, and I prefer going for lunch! The burger is one of the best I’ve had in the city!
RAOUL’S – Such a fun, lively dinner spot! Go early and grab a spot at the bar to get the burger (it’s not on the regular dinner menu – just offered at the bar). The tuna carpaccio is unreal!
RUBIROSA – Truthfully I’ve never been into the restaurant, but I’ve ordered it on Doordash a few times. Their signature Tie-Dye Pizza is to die for! It features vodka sauce as the base, mozzarella and a squirt of pesto on top… such a great combo!!
SANT AMBROEUS – A great cafe/restaurant with multiple locations around town. I’ve mostly only been for brunch or for dessert – don’t miss their principessa cake!
SARTIANO’S – Love this Italian spot for dinner! Easier to get into than some of the other Italian hot spots, and the food is GOOD.
SLOANE’S – located on the second floor of The Manner Hotel is this gem of a cocktail bar! A darkly lit, sexy space with stunning chandeliers and a swanky interior vibe. Perfect for a date night drink pre- or post-dinner!
SWEET REHAB – Another place that’s been on my list, this Soho spot specializes in French desserts!
TEMPLE BAR – A dark, sexy bar with great cocktails in Noho! Right around the corner from Bond Street Sushi, I’ve been here before or after dinner there more than once.
TORRISI – This is Nolita Italian restaurant is at the top of my most-wanted list! I haven’t been yet and it’s another place that is impossible to get a reservation for! One day…
THE WAVERLY INN – A neighborhood favorite! It’s not too hard to get a table at this spot, so it’s nice to have as a back-up. I recommend trying to get a table in the garden room at the back!
GRAMERCY, UNION SQUARE, AND FLATIRON
11 MADISON PARK – A vegan fine-dining experience on the East side! This spot used to be carnivorous, but the chef had a change of heart and now the restaurant exclusively serves plant-based cuisine.
2ND AVENUE DELI – This Jewish deli is iconic! The hot pastrami sandwich is so fresh and flavorful, and don’t miss the fried corned beef pierogis! Also, their black + white cookies are unbelievable!!!
ABC KITCHEN AND ABC COCINA – Jean-Georges can do no wrong. I haven’t been to either restaurant in awhile, but they were always favorites when I would visit New York from Dallas over the years!
BORGO – A delicious Italian spot with an attractive interior and amazing vibes! It’s particularly cozy in winter thanks to the fireplace in the middle of the restaurant. Go for brunch just so you can order the arancini – some of the best I’ve ever had!!!
CAFE CARMELLINI – A true fine dining experience! My mom and I loved this place. Everything from the setting, service, presentation and flavor was spot on. Highly recommend this spot for a special occasion! The sticky toffee pudding was beyond.
CAFE PANNA – The BEST ice cream spot! There’s always a line at this Gramercy favorite. They change flavors daily! Check out their Instagram for the latest menu options.
CARLOTTO – This is the Italian sister to Ocean’s! They have the same delicious focaccia, which they serve with salted butter and olive oil – I wish more restaurants would do the combo like they do. I just went for the first time in July 2025 and we ordered the sweet corn agnolotti and the pappardelle with wild boar bolognese… both were fantastic!
CASA MONO & BAR JAMON – A Michelan-starred Spanish restaurant featuring an extensive menu of tapas. Bar Jamon is their more casual community table style eatery next door!
COQODAQ – If you’re into fried chicken, this needs to be on your list! It was perfectly cooked and the batter + sauces were mouthwatering. A fun experience but not a place I need to go to often!
GRAMERCY TAVERN – Another New York classic! Go early and put your name on the list for a bar seat.
JAVELINA – If you’re craving Tex-Mex, this will do in a pinch! They’ve attempted to recreate Bob Armstrong dip from Matt’s El Rancho in Austin, along with Magnolia Cafe’s famous Mag Mud queso! It’s not perfect, but it satisfies the craving.
L’AMERICANA – A great spot for cocktails pre- or post-dinner, but they also have good Italian food if you’re hungry! They have a stellar espresso martini.
LA TETE D’OR – Daniel Boulud’s latest restaurant featuring a French take on steakhouse classics. It’s on my list!
LEN LEN – A fun little Thai spot on the same block as Gramercy Tavern! When you walk in you’re greeted by what looks like an Asian market – such a cute idea.
MARTINY’S – A cute spot with unique cocktail creations like their Caprese martini! I’ve sat at the bar, but they also have seating upstairs that has more of a lounge vibe.
OCEAN’S – A yummy spot in Gramercy with a menu that has it all! Sushi, steaks, salads, etc. Highly recommend the greek salad and the Rocketman sushi roll!
OLD TOWN BAR – A casual, pub atmosphere similar to Pete’s (but it’s usually less crowded)!
PETE’S TAVERN – A low key, easy pub featuring all the fare you’d expect – fish & chips, chicken pot pie, shepherd’s pie, etc! Very lively and a fun place for drinks after work.
THE PORTRAIT BAR – A gorgeous cocktail bar featuring delicious drinks and elite snacks like cheesy gougeres and crispy oysters. Stunning interiors!
PURA VIDA MIAMI – This Miami healthy fast-casual restaurant opened a Flatiron location and it’s a great place to pop in and pick up lunch! They have indoor and outdoor seating, but also make it easy to order for take away!
REZDORA – An elevated dinner spot featuring fresh Italian cuisine! Be sure to order the “Grandma walking through the forest in Emilia” pasta – fantastic! The olive oil cake is also spectacular. At brunch, don’t miss the Gnocco Fritto!
UNION SQUARE CAFE – This spot reminded me a lot of Hillstone (of which there’s also a location in Manhattan)! It’s a busy, casual spot for lunch or dinner right off of Union Square. Think American classics, great cocktails, etc.
UPLAND – A casual restaurant with Hillstone vibes, but featuring Italian cuisine! The lemon pasta and vodka pizza were both outstanding.
YELLOW ROSE – A local neighborhood favorite with great margaritas (yes, even frozen!) and yummy tacos. While they don’t have any regular queso, they do have queso fundido that is delicious! Their house-made flour tortillas are divine!
THE UPPER EAST SIDE & MIDTOWN
AMARENA – A beautiful Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side! A nice spot for a date night.
BEMELMAN’S BAR AT THE CARLYLE – A classic on the Upper East Side!
BG RESTAURANT – A delightful spot for lunch if you’re shopping on the Upper East Side!
BON BON SWEDISH CANDY – Locations on the Upper East Side, in the East Village and the West Village! Yummy sour and gummy candies.
BUTTERFIELD MARKET – This is a deluxe deli, gourmet grocer and frozen yogurt shop that is SUPER popular! I have yet to go, but am dying to try their seasonal froyo creations!
CASA TUA – This Aspen and Miami favorite now has a New York outpost at The Surrey Hotel that is equally popular! Delicious Italian food. There’s also Casa Tua Lounge across the hotel lobby, which is a great spot for cocktails + you’ll find bar eats like sliders, sushi and more.
CIPRIANI – A New York classic in the Sherry Netherland hotel! Hearty Italian food and a vanilla meringue cake that will knock your socks off.
CITARELLA – This is New York’s version of Eatzi’s! A delicious gourmet grocer with pre-made items like buffalo chicken salad, the best chicken meatballs, freshly baked breads and so much more! A good place to know about if you’re wanting to grab some items for a picnic in the park.
HOEXTER’S – A fun spot on the Upper East Side for dinner! The interiors are so gorgeous, with different eye-catching wallpaper looks in each space. Don’t miss the burger or the gorgonzola garlic bread.
J.G. MELON – A classic burger joint on the Upper East Side.
LADUREE – A french patisserie known for their macarons! My personal favorite flavors are rose and salted caramel.
LA GOULUE – An elevated French bistro with a party space in the back where they host supper club dinners and events! I’ve been for a regular dinner, and on Halloween for a private party in the back room. So fun!
LE BERNARDIN – Iconique! Consistently rated as a top restaurant in the world.
LE CHARLOT – A favorite French spot on the Upper East Side! I like to go for lunch and sit outside. The avocado and hearts of palm salad is always ordered, and I love the steak au poivre or veal scallopini for my entree!
THE EAST POLE – An easy spot for a healthy lunch!
LE PAVILLON – Another Daniel Boulud restaurant where it is truly a world class fine dining experience. My mom and I dined here a couple years back and really enjoyed our evening! Very expensive though.
LE VEAU D’OR – A storied New York restaurant that reopened recently! Haven’t been yet but looking forward to trying it soon.
THE MARK BAR – This is a go-to for my friends who live on the Upper East Side, and it’s dog-friendly! I’ve brought Reeses a handful of times. They even have a dog menu!
MATCH 65 BRASSERIE – Probably my favorite spot on the Upper East Side! I usually go for lunch, but have also had fun dinners there. You MUST order the Tuna Tartare! The burger is also phenomenal.
MONKEY BAR – A classic New York eatery and drinks spot in Midtown! You might spot a few celebs here.
PAOLA’S – This Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side has more of a casual, family feel too it. The bolognese and chicken parmesan were both fantastic!
THE POLO BAR – A classic on the Upper East Side, if you can get a reservation!
SANT AMBROEUS – A great cafe/restaurant with multiple locations around town. I’ve mostly only been for brunch or for dessert – don’t miss their principessa cake!
SARABETH’S – A great go-to for breakfast/brunch with multiple locations around town!
TRIBECA
BUBBY’S – in Tribeca! Known for their cake-like pancakes. I sometimes walk Reeses down there and we sit outside for an early breakfast – if you go before 9:30 you typically don’t have to wait.
BRASSERIE FOUQUET’S – One of my favorite spots on the West side that I think is super underrated. This hotel is impossibly chic! The food is always delicious and the vibes are immaculate! I love the red glassware, chandeliers, etc. Don’t miss the lobby bar either, Titsou, which is hidden behind a bookshelf off of the main entrance to the hotel!
FRENCHETTE – I haven’t been here in a minute, but it’s a darling French bistro! I remember the chicken being sublime.
HOUSEMAN – A Tribeca spot I haven’t been to yet but heard great things about!
LOCANDA VERDE – I ate here sooo long ago (like 2010), but it was *the* hot spot back then. Can’t speak to it now, but the reviews are still good!
RIGOR HILL MARKET – A little cafe/marketplace offering breakfast, lunch and a selection of seasonal produce + baked goods for purchase! I had a ham and cheese croissant that was life changing.
TERROIR – This is another Tribeca wine bar + restaurant I haven’t been to yet, but have heard great things about!
THE EAST VILLAGE, LOWER EAST SIDE AND FINANCIAL DISTRICT
CLAUD – A small French eatery in the East Village! I’ve only been once, but loved the vibe.
CLINTON STREET BAKING CO – I’ve never been, but have heard it’s very similar to Bubby’s!
CROWN SHY – This restaurant was SO good, but the location is not ideal IMO. It’s down in the Financial District which is pretty much empty on the weekends!
JOE’S SHANGHAI – Not fancy by any means, but if you’re craving soup dumplings this is the place to go!
LE DIVE – This French-inspired wine bar on the Lower East Side is so popular, they just opened an outpost in the West Village!
LIBRAE BAKERY – Such a delicious spot for coffee and a pastry! They have rotating seasonal flavors along with some standard fare (don’t miss the black lime babka or the rose pistachio croissant!).
THE LION’S BAR & GRILL – There is always a wait, but the burger is worth it! Put your name down and wait it out at Goodnight Sonny across the street.
PARCELLE – An adorable little wine bar where the Lower East Side meets Chinatown. The food menu is limited, but there are some decent bites if you’re feeling peckish! The flatbreads are very tasty.
SCHMUCK – A cute and casual spot for craft cocktails! Love the relaxed vibe and interiors here.
SMØR – A cute little Scandinavian eatery great for brunch, lunch and dinner. Highly recommend the breakfast sandwich! The eggs were some of the fluffiest I’ve ever had. They also have a bakery two doors down, and the same owners opened up a candy shop in the space in between the bakery and restaurant. Such a great concept!
SWAN ROOM – A fabulous cocktail bar/lounge with insanely beautiful interiors and sky-high ceilings. Perfect for date night!
VESELKA – A Ukrainian diner serving up the best pierogies in the cities!
BROOKLYN
L’APPARTEMENT 4F – Originally in Brooklyn, they recently opened a shop in the West Village on the same block at Rosemary’s! I loved the ham & cheese croissant. This is mostly a grab and go spot as they serve you from a window, but they do have a couple of tables out front!
LILIA – A lovely Italian restaurant in Brooklyn! Worth the trip over.
LE CROCODILE – An elevated French spot I have been dying to go to!
RADIO BAKERY – This has been on my list, but with it being in Brooklyn and the line starting early I haven’t yet made it over to try it! The croissants look incredible. Check their instagram for the latest menu! They almost always sell out, so plan to go early.
SWOONY’S – If you’re in the mood for a solid smashburger and a martini, don’t miss this dinner spot!
STAY
THE GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL – getting renovated now but will reopening soon!
DO
CENTRAL PARK – A no brainer on a beautiful day! If you’re staying nearby, do your morning run or walk here. If you’re traveling with a bigger group or have a bunch of friends in the city, book one of these private art classes like I did this spring – it was so much fun!
CHELSEA MARKET – A great selection of food shops and restaurant pop-ups! A fun place to grab lunch if you want to try a few different things. Don’t miss the basement – that’s where most of the food vendors are.
EXPLORE ART GALLERIES IN CHELSEA
THE FRICK – recently reopened mansion on the Upper East Side with an amazing art collection! Love that you can follow the audio guides on your phone.
THE HIGH LINE – a beautifully landscaped walkway that goes from the Meatpacking District up through Chelsea! Unfortunately no dogs are allowed, so I haven’t walked on it in a couple of years.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART – Always rotating exhibits and a nice place for an elegant lunch moment!
ROCKEFELLER CENTER / TOP OF THE ROCK
POP-UP DINNERS – Checkout L’Artusi Supper Club and Petite Pasta Joint for information on upcoming pop-up dinners!
UNION SQUARE GREENMARKET – I recently started going to the market for produce and LOVE it! It’s open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
SHOP
UPPER EAST SIDE
- Madison Avenue and East 57th, 58th – for designer boutiques like Chanel, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Khaite, Toteme, Prada, and more! Don’t miss The Real Real, Kirna Zabete or Elyse Walker!
- Fifth Avenue – for department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, jewelry brands like Cartier and Tiffany & Co, as well as large budget-friendly brands like ZARA, UNIQLO, MANGO, Aritzia and more
NOHO
- On Bond Street – LUISAVIAROMA (amazing!), goop, Reformation, Guest in Residence
- Also in the neighborhood – Ulla Johnson, 3.1 Phillip Lim, AWAY luggage
SOHO
- On Broadway – Bloomingdale’s, Topshop, MANGO, Zara, Sephora
- On Wooster, Spring, Mercer, Greene streets – Chanel, Prada, Khaite, Miu Miu, Loewe, COS, Reformation, Cult Gaia, The Webster, Lanvin, Kirna Zabete, Alaia and so much more!
WEST VILLAGE
- On Bleeker street – for Doen, Leset, Anine Bing, Ganni, Buck Mason, BA&SH, Sandro & Maje
- On Hudson – Cursive Home (great for gifts, home decor/entertaining items!), Dot Reeder, Zoomies (great pet shop!)
- On West 10th – Big Night (chic tabletop/glassware items)
MEATPACKING DISTRICT
- Boutiques – Two:Minds (amazing boutique featuring high contemporary and designer labels) Hermes, Saint Laurent, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Vince, Theory, Krewe, Anine Bing
- Chelsea Market – Anthropologie + a bunch of great restaurant pop-ups and food shops!
LOWER EAST SIDE
- The Pickle Guys – buy nearly *anything* pickled. I recommend the mango and pineapple!
- Susan Alexandra, Kallmeyer, The Frankie Shop, Coming Soon
