New York City has always been a very special place to me. My father was born and raised in Brooklyn, and most of my extended family still lives in the city. I grew up traveling across the country for holidays and family reunions, so it makes sense that the city feels like a second home to me. It’s overwhelming (read: impossible) to provide a comprehensive list of New York faves, so I’ll just leave you with the places I find myself returning to again and again. Enjoy!
This bustling neighborhood hangout in the heart of heart of NOHO always delivers. Housed in a former bakery space, Raf’s is a bakery by day and lively restaurant by night. I like grabbing a seat at the convivial bar and dining solo. The people watching is great, and I give high marks to the epic bread basket, crudos, pastas, and roasted meats from the hearth if you’re feeling spendy.
My dear friend Sashka introduced me to this GEM a few months ago, and I am still dreaming of the zesty sweet corn salad, crispy rice salad, and coconut crab curry. Great vibe, friendly service, and insanely good food.
This west village charmer serves up the most charming, cozy atmosphere, and I go back again and again for the perfectly crisp zucchini fries, bountiful salads, and festive drinks. Perfect for a date or small group gathering.
This cozy spot, nestled at the end of an alleyway off the Bowery, serves simple, rustic, reliable American fare - don’t sleep on the killer mac and cheese in a skillet and classic cocktails.
This gem was recommended by my chef brother and remains at the top of my list. It’s often crowded and hard to get a reservation, but you can typically show up early for lunch and walk right in. High marks for the roasted veggies, sky high salads, and fresh pastas. Also check out their sister restaurant I Sodi which is equally good.
I guess I have a thing for Italian. Altro is stylish and buzzy with high ceilings and a glimmering brass bar. I’ve spotted many a celebrity here - if you like that sort of thing. Get as many pastas as you can handle!
A beloved French bistro nestled in the meatpacking district, Pastis has my whole heart. Crisp fries with aioli, a perfect lobster cobb salad, excellent service, and unbeatable people watching.
People line up down the street for this hand roll bar for good reason - I would happily live on the crisp seaweed, fresh fish, and warm rice served up in perfect bundles. Just be prepared to wait.
I come from a family of die hard ice cream lovers, and this place is one of my favorites in all the land. Prepare to wait in a lengthy line of ice cream enthusiasts for scoops, pints, affogatos, sundaes, soft serve, and Aperitivo drinks. The menu features seasonsonal ingredients and rotates daily, and everything is made fresh on site. I’m especially partial to the soft serve with sprinkles.
Brooklyn Faves
Brooklyn really deserves its own guide, but here’s a quick roundup of my absolute faves: Rule of Thirds (a stunning space offering a fresh take on Japanese favorites), Harts (a cozy gem serving She Wolf bread, and a spectacular seasonal rotating menu), Bonnie’s (a trendy and delicious Cantonese spot), Greenberg’s (this is where I bagel), and Malai (super special ice cream spot featuring South Asian ingredients).
This boutique hotel has my heart and is typically where I stay when traveling solo. The rooms are quite small but lovely, and the lobby, bar, and restaurant are warm and inviting - a great place to read, work, meet up with someone, or treat yourself to a solo3 drink and a little nibble.
A Soho House hotel in the heart of midtown. The vibe can feel a bit exclusive, but the rooms are spacious and lovely, the central location makes walking everywhere a breeze, and the massive library and bar is a lovely spot to work or catch up with a friend.
Even the tiniest rooms at this Williamsburg spot are full of charm. The beds are piled high with pillows and views of the Manhattan skyline can’t be beat. The food is also top notch - you can’t go wrong with the perfectly blistered chicken, creamy cacio e pepe, roasted cauliflower, and a glass of wine.
If you want to be situated steps away from the park surrounded by greenery this is your spot. Bonus: farm-to-fork food from critically-acclaimed Chef Jonathan Waxman.
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Have a favorite NYC treasure you’d like to share? Please post in the comments below.