Nolita

The International Center of Photography's new Bowery museum is a beautiful dedication to photography and visual culture. With state-of-the-art galleries (its white walls are populated with framed works, tablets, and electronic screens alike), 90-feet of glass frontage, and abundant metal, the space is altogether much more inviting than it sounds—optional tours encourage discussion, and the main space is meant to simulate the feel of a village square. Conveniently, it's across the street from The New Museum.

Count on Joya Carlton, the former chef at Buvette, to help open up another stellar brunch spot. Set up on the corner of bustling Kenmare Street in Nolita, the Butcher's Daughter offers the kind of vegetarian fare you can feel good about—their version of a breakfast sandwich features an egg, cashew cheese, kale, and tomato jam on an English muffin; their organic muesli is topped with fresh fruit and almond milk. The cold-pressed juices are easy to make a habit of—the honey bee, with grapefruit, turmeric, yuzu, kumquat, honey, and bee pollen is good for fending off colds. The minimalist (but Instagram-ready) decor includes big-picture windows, bleached wood, and exposed brick; produce hangs from meat hooks and herbal infusions are lined up behind the bar.

This thoughtfully curated shop by ultra-modern Danish designer Han Kjøbenhavn (the name riffs on the traditional spelling of Copenhagen) is helmed by a welcoming, knowledgeable, very small staff with a helpful but no-pressure approach, which makes it a pleasure to shop the high-end casual menswear on offer. Their sunglasses, which are unisex, are all very cool, creative versions of timeless styles; it’s the carefully streamlined, yet still innovative aesthetic that gives the shop, and the clothes, something special.

Winnie Beattie and her husband Rob Magnotta wanted to carve out a little piece of paradise in the middle of Manhattan. And they kind of did it. As the name suggests, the vibes here are cozy and chill, combining elements of surf culture and a hippie, beachy lifestyle via men’s and women’s lines like Raquel Allegra, Kule, and The Elder Statesman. For home, there’s Coqui Coqui, Apothia, and Warm’s own collection of fragrances.

Aby Rosen's new nightclub, which spans the entire second floor of Nolita hotel 11 Howard, is supposed to be a total scene at night (that is, if you can catch it on a date when it's not closed for events), but we actually like it just as much in the early evening for after-work drinks. The room is lined with velvet banquettes and a long bar that's lit from underneath, with bouquets of cherry blossoms and fresh blooms in every corner.

Rebelle was created by a team of industry insiders—the general manager (Branden McRill), chef (Daniel Eddy), and wine director (Patrick Capiello), each with star-studded culinary resumes, are all owners in the establishment. So far, it's been a potent combination—the team earned a Michelin star within a year of opening their doors. The wine list alone is a huge draw, as you'll find reasonable prices on some stellar, hard-to-find bottles and a team of sommeliers that are knowledgeable and helpful, but not the least bit snobby or intimidating. Though every dish on Chef Daniel Eddy's menu is mouthwateringly good, the steak tartare, duck, and lobster are all must-orders (and we recommend springing for the chef's counter, should you have the opportunity).

Everyone in New York has their own best-of list, but the wood-fired pizza at Pasquale Jones, from the same folks behind Charlie Bird, is a solid contender. The littleneck clam and spicy coppa (kale, garlic, smoked caciocavallo) pies are standouts, and a nice match to their wine list, which has some great reasonably priced bottles. The action here centers around an open kitchen and two wood-burning stoves; the booths—though limited—are roomy and good if you’re dining with littles in tow. Reservations are hard to come by, so walking in is your best bet, though be prepared to take several spins around the block while you wait. (Worth it, still.) Food Photos: Will Engelmann; Interior Photo: Robyn Lehr

At the heart of this family-run restaurant is a fifty-plus-year-old thin crust pizza recipe. But Rubirosa also does Italian classics like chicken parm, lasagna, and meatballs; and they have a separate gluten-free menu. Make a reservation in advance, especially if you want to eat at prime dinner time—although, Rubirosa's weekend brunch is surprisingly good, too.

This contemporary watch brand only launched in 2012, but its Swiss-made timepieces—made with locally sourced leather wristbands from “Anglo-Swedish tanneries” and with hand-finished, premium metals—are already sort of legendary. Their Prince Street brick-and-mortar (there’s another on Bleecker Street in the West Village) constitutes an airy, whitewashed space with a gorgeously minimalist design, a.k.a. typical Scandinavia-chic, where you can try out their unisex collection of built-to-last timepieces.

It's really easy to miss the stairs to the downtown space at Peasant. While the main dining room at this Nolita mainstay has a subtly fancy vibe, the basement is decidedly more cozy and relaxed. Rickety communal tables, rustic details, and candles are a little romantic, sure, but it's not at all cheesy. You still have access to the full menu—don't miss the seasonal pastas—as well as the standout wine selection.