new york city
New York City will always have a special place in my heart. After spending the summer of my junior year of college gallivanting around this extraordinary place as a young intern, my craving to visit as much as possible has persisted into my adulthood. The energy, the sites, the people…everything about New York is truly magical. And I’ll argue it is home to some of the most iconic, delicious and unique dining experiences in the world. Whether on a date, with the girls or even by your sweet self, there is the perfect table waiting for you in New York City. Here are some of my favs at the moment:
There’s nothing more charming than an Aussie cafe and New York has some of the finest. One of which, and by far my favorite, is Banter. I’m ALL ABOUT a healthy meal that explodes with flavor paired with a latte so good, you may or may not order another - and this my friends, is Banter. The menu offers nutrient dense egg dishes, fresh salads and bowls, tasty sandwiches and wraps and so much more. And believe me when I tell you, this is the best oat latte I’ve ever had (which is saying a lot) and it was served authentically in a glass cup…love that. Its two locations - Greenwich Village and West Village - give quintessential New York vibes, aka intimate spaces with indoor/outdoor seating to welcome any and all. I’ve had the pleasure of dining here by myself and it was truly the most lovely, wholesome morning. PS, don’t sleep on the Golden Folded Eggs…
My favorites: Golden Folded Eggs | Oat Latte
Locations: Greenwich Village | West Village
Another Aussie cafe that was chef’s kiss, 10/10, stunning stunning stunning - Two Hands. Perhaps it’s the colorful meals, or the intentional ingredients, or the craft coffee, or maybe it’s simply the charming people, but Australians sure know how to cafe. I dined at Two Hands’ Nolita location with my sis and it remains a meal we both dream about on the regular. The menu is bustling with everything you want in cafe food and I’m telling you, any item you choose will feature every color of the rainbow which is just superior. Remind me to find an Aussie cafe everywhere I travel, k thanks.
My favorites: Brassicas Salad | Chicken Bowl | Oat Latte
Locations: Nolita | Tribeca | Williamsburg | NoHo
At this point, you just can’t visit New York without making a stop at Jack’s Wife Freda. Since I lived in the city as a mere 21-year-old, the once teeny restaurant has grown into quite the scene with 4 locations and undoubtable popularity amongst tourists and locals alike. The restaurant is iconic, tried and true New York, with a menu that will satisfy all from morning until night. I’ve dined here many of times but only for brunch because I just can’t imagine a Jack’s Wife Freda dining experience without the Maya’s Breakfast Bowl. Next time, I’ll have to make a dinner res because everything just sounds so damn good.
My favorites: Maya’s Breakfast Bowl | Oat Latte
Locations: SoHo | West Village | Chelsea | Williamsburg
During my most recent trip to the city, we celebrated my brother-in-law’s birthday and there was truly no better place to do just that than Bowery Meat Company. Let’s just say he’s quite the meat connoisseur and in his humble opinion, Bowery Meat Company served him one of the best steaks he’s ever had (which is truly saying the most). Shortly after being seated, we were greeted by our waiter carrying a platter of raw meat revealing the menu’s selections and sizes…completely unexpected and not for the faint of heart but a very unique moment that helped make the whole experience feel wildly authentic and vintage. I love a good steak restaurant because there really isn’t anything better than protein and veggie plate and on this menu, you can guarantee your meat will be 100000/10 quality AND every side is chef’s kiss.
My favorites: Grilled Nueske Bacon | Blistered Shishito Peppers | Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Saba | Filet Mignon
Locations: Bowery
I do A LOT of research on where to dine before going on vacay and prior to my spring 2022 New York trip, American Bar was one of those spots that I just HAD to book a res for. So, given American Bar reservations only open up 1 week prior and the inherent popularity leaves no room for a guaranteed table, I set my alarm and jumped on Open Table as soon as I could to pencil us in for dinner here one evening. T God I made it happen because I now consider American Bar to be one of my favs in the city. Described as timeless and classic Americana, American Bar delivers the very best when it comes to dining out - a gorgeous sunny yellow dining room, shiny brass bar and overall Euro vibes PLUS an outstanding, versatile menu that will satisfy everyone at the table. Every drink and dish to arrive at our table was stunning and the experience filled me up with so much joy.
My favorites: Tuna Tartare | Brussels Sprouts | Chopped Salad with Salmon | Peanut Chicken Salad | Pasta Primavera *Will’s choice
Locations: Greenwich Village
Another one of those legendary New York eateries, Dante is a hot spot you won’t regret adding to your reservation schedule. Having opened its doors in 1915, Dante screams old New York and is an iconic stomping ground for all generations, celebs, tourists and local Greenwich villagers alike. Dante is all about community and you can certainly feel the warmth when you arrive to the quaint space. Note, I dined at the original Caffe Dante on Macdougal but there’s a new location in West Village that I am now dying to go to. Come for the dreamy cocktails (or Negroni if that’s your thing because Dante is known for it), stay for the classic New York ambiance and truly divine menu.
My Favorites: Marcona Almonds | Marinated Olives | Blistered Shishito Peppers | Shrimp Salad
Locations: Greenwich Village | West Village
Now, I may not be a pasta gal on the regular, but when I’m in New York, you best believe she is enjoying a huge bowl of pasta. And boy did Lil’ Frankie’s deliver on this rare occurrence. This special restaurant is always bustling and you’ll truly appreciate being packed in shoulder to shoulder with your neighbor. The intimate and iconic New York eatery is frequented by large groups ordering bottles and bottles of wine and so much food, you can barely see the table - this exact scene describes my most recent experience and it was perfection. There’s nothing better than indulging on great food and wine surrounded by people you love, and Lil’ Frankie’s is where it’s at. I fell in love with the endless wine list and truly died with my first bite of rigatoni, and you will too.
My favorites: Fried Fresh Calamari | Antipasto Plate | Mezzi Rigatoni Polpettine Ragu
Locations: East Village
Bury me in Mediterranean food and specifically, a meal from Shoo Shoo. Perhaps some of the best Mediterranean I’ve ever had AND a restaurant so gorgeous and poppin’, you won’t ever want to leave, Shoo Shoo is a Nolita gem you must make time for. Dinner hours attract a young crowd, contributing to its party-like vibe and the food and bev is LITERALLY SO GOOD I could cry. I am a sucker for good hummus, tahini and falafel and Shoo Shoo delivers on so many levels. Great for date night or with a group of friends, plates can be shared or enjoyed individually but I promise, you’ll want every excuse to try as many plates as possible. The Moroccan Lamb Rague atop hummus will fucking change your life.
My favorites: Shoo Shoo Warm Hummus | Greek Salad | Moroccan Lamb Rague | Steak Frites | Roasted Cauliflower | Falafel | Shoo Shoo Kabab | Lebanese Lamb Arayes
Locations: Nolita
WOW. I still don’t have words for this dining experience. From the gorgeous modern Japanese decor, to the wildly unique cocktails, to the robust and honestly out-of-this-world menu, Rule of Thirds is truly magical. Located in the trendy af neighborhood that is Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Rule of Thirds is one of those dinners I’ll remember vividly forever. First and foremost, the space is HUGE, which is incredibly unique for New York, making it the perfect setting for a large group din. They even offer private huts for reserve and your own personal chef will prepare your meal right in front of you. Secondly, the cocktail list features unique drinks you won’t find anywhere else…and they are absolutely lovely. We had the pleasure of meeting one of the restaurant’s cocktail creators and his expertise shines - he’s really outdone himself with these sips. Lastly, the food is just superior. It’s best enjoyed family style which is amazing because you’ll want to try it all…and we did exactly that. Think authentic Japanese cuisine with a spicy modern flare and undoubtedly some of the best food you’ll every eat. There really aren’t any words to describe Rule of Thirds so just TRUST ME.
My favorites: Jigoku cocktail | Maitake Binchotan | Tuna & Nori | Sashimi | Karaage | Hot Honey and Yuzu Salad | Chilled Silken Tofu | Wagyu Nikujaga | Blake Steak Tonkatsu | Smashed Cucumbers
There’s something nostalgic about Serafina (specifically its Meatpacking location). Perhaps it’s the infamous yellow umbrellas, or the quaintness of the intimate space, or the views of the iconic streets of Meatpacking. Likely all of the above and more, I’ve always loved this spot and will keep dining here as my visits to New York continue (and in PR since there is a location in San Juan too!). I love a loaded salad and the Serafina Chicken Salad is exceptional. And if salads aren’t your thing, this Italian eatery’s menu offers alllll the classics - pizza, pasta, antipasti and a wine list that won’t disappoint. Serafina is the perfect option for brunch, lunch or dinner so if you’re in the mood for good food in a spectacular location, this is the place.
My favorites: Serafina Chicken Salad | Meatballs | Prosciutto and Burrata | Fresh Calamari | Margherita Pizza *Will’s choice
Don’t @ me with this image…my guilty pleasure is a salad with a side of bacon. I realize that may not be your thing and it probably seems boring BUT promise me when I say NoMo Kitchen is a hot spot for good food, great vibes and its location is to die for. Nestled in the lobby of the gorgeous NoMo SoHo hotel where cobblestone streets and fashion killas are a plenty, NoMo Kitchen prides itself on an “American rustic” menu - key staples include housemade pastas, a great selection of meats and seafood, and classic sides. Plus, this stunning restaurant has quite the electric vibe with pops of color, giant sparkly chandeliers and indoor/outdoor chic garden aesthetic.
My favorites: Kale Caesar Salad
There really is no wonder why Bar Pitti is frequently visited by A-list celebs. The iconic “village Italian” eatery is a classic New York pizza and pasta haven known equally for its people-watching as its truly incredible and authentic Italian cuisine. It is old fashioned Italian in the best way - a quaint space with indoor/outdoor dining that will have you elbow to elbow with your neighbors, a large board menu featuring all items in chalk writing, the sounds of clinking wine glasses and Italian tunes, and big ‘ol plates of some of the best food in the city. I adore the authentic look and feel of the decor - it feels warm and homey, as if an Italian family has invited you over for a big pasta dinner. You won’t find any modern takes on classic Italian meals…just pizza and pasta exactly how I imagine it’s enjoyed in Italian home kitchens.
My favorites: Rigatoni
I am a sucker for healthy restaurants. When a menu boasts a variety of loaded salads and bowls, fresh veggie sides and an array of lean proteins to pair them with, this is my idea of heaven. And Westville just may be a little slice of heaven on earth. I’ve dined here all by myself as well as with my husband and I can honestly say I vividly remember both meals because they just hit. There are few meals that mean more to me than salmon, brussel sprouts and a breakfast salad, and Westville nails them all. Each dish is prepared with fresh, colorful ingredients and you can’t beat the natural flavors. From brunch to dinner and drinks, you can expect to leave a meal at Westville feeling nourished, happy and truly good in your body.
My favorites: Poached Eggs Over Kale Salad | Grilled Salmon Plate with Brussels Sprouts with Honey Dijon and Cauliflower with Tahini
12 Chairs is a hot spot for Middle Eastern food amongst locals and tourists alike. As I’ve mentioned, Mediterranean / Middle Eastern restaurants have delivered some of my favorite meals to-date. I just love the fresh herbs, spices, veggies and overall healthful options this region has perfected into its traditional and beloved dishes. And 12 Chairs absolutely fulfilled my cravings. I’ve only had the pleasure of dining here for brunch but the experience of enjoying an authentic Israeli breakfast was incredibly unique and satisfying. I am itching to go back for dinner, especially when the space turns into a huge party in the evenings. The menu is loaded with everything you know and love about this cuisine - hummus, pita, tahini, tabouli, kebabs and so much more. And I promise, the chefs deliver. BRB mouth watering…
My favorites: Eggs Siniya | Western Omelet *Will’s choice
Cheers.
*a few musts for happy hour or late night drinks (some of which I wish we dined at too)
Happy Hour or Din/Drinks
rintintin (Nolita)
While We Were Young (West Village)
Dudley’s (East Village)
Rooftops
THE ROOF (The Bowery)
Make Believe (Lower East Side)
Late Night
The Spaniard (West Village)
The Happiest Hour (West Village)
Temple Bar (NoHo)
Vig Bar (Nolita)
Sweet and Vicious (Nolita)
Mother’s Ruin (Nolita)
Spring Lounge (Nolita)
Cafe Balearica (Williamsburg)
