Murray Hill

This little Italian cafe in the Redbury Hotel feels straight out of Rome. In the morning, we come here for some of the best espresso in the city, plus amazing Italian pastries, non-tooth-breaking biscotti, and great frittata paninis, which they'll pack up for you to take into the office. Around the lunch hour (and until 6), they serve light pizzas, sandwiches, and soups to a grab-and-go lunch crowd. We love to sneak in right before six for an affogato or a cocktail; they always have a white and red wine, plus Italian drinks like Peronis, Aperol spritz, and negronis.

With locations in New York City at the Laser Skin & Surgery Center and Southampton, Dr. Anolik is a top board-certified dermatologist. In addition to being best-in-class for lasering, he's the clinical assistant professor of dermatology at both the NYU School of Medicine.

Located in the NYDC, this showroom is many a high-end interior designer's secret source for exquisite and unique vintage-inspired furniture and upholstery. Their blackbook of craftsmen is impressive, as is their catalog of completely customizable pieces.

The hand-knotted carpets at Odegard come in a wide range of designs from classic to modern, all made using green, sustainably-sourced materials. In addition to their contemporary designs, they're also a great source for vintage flat-weave khelims and dhurries that are made with artisans from around the globe. She has an outlet space in Long Island City, too.

The NYDC is "to the trade" so be sure to go with an interior designer or decorator. With showrooms for most design brands worth their mettle, from McGuire, to Odegard to Profiles, and more, it's an incredibly impressive resource for decoration inspiration (and shopping). They offer many services, including an Access to Design program where they'll hook you up with the right designer.

Manufacturing designs by the likes of Barbara Barry, Jacques Garcia, and Bill Sofield, McGuire is one of our go-to sources for outfitting a home, both indoors and out. We especially love their Barrel Lounge chairs, which are as sophisticated in a living room as they are in the garden.

Spanning seven narrow stories in Murray Hill (yes, Murray Hill), Dover Street Market is like a fair funhouse for fashion: Every nook, cranny, and balcony is lined with some of the most inspiring shopping set dressing in New York City. You’d expect nothing less from Rei Kawakubo, the founder of Comme des Garçons, who has an eye for the most cutting-edge labels around. Like its counterparts in London and Tokyo, DSM boasts a Rose Bakery, making this the sort of place where you can literally spend five hours.

Beyond being one of the more perfect independent grocery stores around, Fairway is the perfect New York cross section: You'll see young families, old ladies in fur coats, students looking for good food at good prices, and just about every New York "type" you can think of.

Beyond being one of the more perfect independent grocery stores around, Fairway is the perfect New York cross section: You'll see young families, old ladies in fur coats, students looking for good food at good prices, and just about every New York "type" you can think of.

A meal at this Japanese restaurant, whether for lunch (the only time you can have their incredible ramen), or dinner, is a truly artful experience, and an introduction to a slower, more mindful style of eating. For one, it’s Shojin cuisine, vegetarian food that’s served in Zen Buddhist temples throughout Japan. And for two, the cooked dishes are beautifully presented, in traditional ceramics that are sometimes hundreds of years old. Both lunch and dinner are tasting menu only, so it’s worth it to take the time to enjoy it.