new york [f*cking] city

 

coffee spots

  • Ralph’s: with locations uptown at the iconic UES Ralph Lauren and in flatiron, this is a solid option to fuel your shopping with caffeine in a beautifully branded cup

  • St Jardim: the kind of place where you can start with coffee and end with wine – depending on the time – all while feeling like you’re in euope

  • Felix Roasting Co.: fell in love with this spot when they first opened on park ave by my old place, the newer soho location is super convenient if you’re running around downtown

  • Banter: with west village + greenwich village locations, this place offers my turmeric latte that I just can’t quit

brunch spots

  • Buvette: a piece of france in the west village, there are few better places for eggs + croissants

  • Sadelle’s: the bagel towers here are insane…come for lox + all the fixings!

  • Balthazar: this Keith McNally-owned staple is buzzier than ever post-COVID

  • Boucherie: another french staple, brunch here feels festive all year round; there’s a few locations so take your pick

drinks?

  • Bar Pisellino: if you want to feel like you’re in Italy for a moment, this is your spot [pro tip: put your name in at Via during lunch service for dinner, then, you can hopefully get a table before 8p + pop back across the street to Pisellino for pre-drinks!]

  • Dante West Village: my fave for cocktails in the entire city…their beverage program is so impressive. the original location is in greenwich village + focuses on negronis whereas WV is martini-driven

  • American Bar: while this spot is notoriously hard to get a res, I actually prefer to just come for a pre-din drink

  • Lavaux Wine Bar: okay, we’ve covered france + italy, now it’s over to switzerland. this cozy wine bar complete with its on gondola has an incredible wine list, including swiss wines which can be tough to find

burgers, anyone?

  • Fairfax: I love it here because it’s good for almost any situation whether it be a date, din with friends or with family; the Bar Sardine burger is a must-try

  • Ruby’s: Australian fare with really solid healthy-ish options or, an indulgent burger! there are a few options across the city

  • Corner Bistro: in my quest to try all of New York’s top-rated burgers, this has been a solid repeat. cash only, so come prepared

  • Emily WV: while it’s predominately a pizza place, people flock here for the burger!

  • Au Cheval: back to burgers…this tribeca spot is a spin-off of the famous chicago institution + creates buzz for good reason. I’m a huge fan of the basement bar!

  • Raoul’s: it’s all about the burger! Have to snag an early res because they only make 24 burgers per night, first come first serve basis.

din spots

  • Joseph Leonard: owned by same people as Fairfax (Happy Cooking Hospitality) this is a top pick as a romantic spot without being overtly formal. The entire menu is simple but exceptional and the staff is too fun for their own good!

  • Left Bank: well, where do I begin? there’s literally no restaurant in NY that I’ve eaten at more consistently. this place feels like home + you simply can’t miss their cacio e pepe

  • Roey’s: the sister restaurant to Rosemary’s just down Greenwich Ave, I prefer Roey’s as it’s cozier. the broccoli rabe pizza is unbelievable

  • Don Angie: just a touch further up Greenwhich is one of my top picks for italian. the lasagna is a non-negotiable!

  • Via Carota: see my recco on Pisellino for how to snag a table at this seemingly impossible spot, promise it’s worth it.

  • Perry St: if you want something a bitmore formal, Perry St is a Jean Georges spot where you just can’t go wrong. get the lobster pasta.

  • JoJo: the only uptown recco on my list and yest another Jean Georges (his first restaurant). I just love the vibe here, it’s very sweet without being stuffy. farm to table.

  • Wayan: final on my list in the Jean Georges family, this one comes from son Cedric and his wife! they opened this spot to honor the cross-cultural heritage between France and Indonesia (where his wife is from). ;ots of shared plates!!

  • Anton’s: back to WV…directly across from Dante (you could Dante for drinks then Anton’s for dinner). Definitely have to do some pastas and mains.

  • Estela: with one Michelin star, I’d declare this a special occasion kind of spot. I still think about the endive salad.

  • Llama San: japanese-peruvian fusion brought by the same team as BK spot Llama Inn (also love), this is an elevated multi-course experience worthy of a celebration dinner

  • Pastis: I swear I don’t only go to French places…but this one, this one is a MUST, especially if you’re at The Whitney across the street

  • 12 Chairs: this Israeli place is simple but vibey, I could eat everything off the menu here, twice, but I especially love their mezzes

  • Nat’s on Bank: this seafood-forward menu is brought to you by some other NY faves (Fat Radish + Orchard Townhouse) as well as Charleston’s Basic Kitchen is a great new add to Bank Street

  • Shukette: chef Ayesha Nurdjaja’s newest venture beyond Soho staple Shuka is one you won’t want to miss – it’s all about shared plates here