Black Seed Bagels

New hot spots seem to open in Lower Manhattan every week, and the Beekman (a block from City Hall and a few minutes’ walk from Battery Park) was one of the biggest. Designed by Martin Brudnizki—whose latest work includes London’s exclusive club Annabel’s and restaurant the Ivy—the redbrick building dates back to the 1880s. It feels like something from a British period film—with rugs over terra-cotta-tiled floors, tasseled velvet club chairs, wrought-iron balustrades, and dark, wood-paneled walls. Le Gratin, the hotel’s restaurant, is by Daniel Boulud and is a destination in its own right, serving classic, expertly made Lyonnais dishes.

This Thompson Street hotel has a lot more personality than you’ll generally otherwise find in the Financial District, as it’s funnily-enough, inspired by an Aspen country house (and more specifically, it's designed by Jim Walrod). The lobby feels a bit like a ski lodge, there’s really good art on the walls, and the beds are topped with tartan blankets. Though its location is a little out of the way if you’re not planning on spending a majority of your time downtown, it’s not that deep into the Financial District and its rates are good for the quality.

The hotel offers a wonderfully secluded and private stay, while the on-site restaurant, Locanda Verde, is one of our favorite Tribeca haunts. Subtly Mediterranean in vibe, the simply decorated rooms here are cozy and airy, plus there's an incredible Shibui spa, a pool and steam room, and a pretty courtyard that's the perfect destination when you just want coffee and the morning paper. The real crown jewel though, is the Penthouse Suite. Axel Vervoodt spent two years renovating it, and the end result is absolutely stunning: In his signature way, there's stone and wood accents, rough-luxe textured walls, wooden floors, and chic simplicity throughout.

If you've ever had a meal South of Canal Street, chances are that Peter Poulakakos was involved. He owns the popular Harry's Bar & Restaurant, and also this quietly delicious pizzeria, which has been around for years. The pies are straightforward in execution (i.e., wood-fired), generously sized and topped, and reliably great. There's also an ample array of salads and antipasto on the menu, as well as Italian classics like eggplant parm. On warmer nights you can sit out on the cobblestone street.

This dressed-up restaurant has all the elements of an old-school Mad Men-style steakhouse: Oysters, tick; an excellent Caesar Salad, tick; crabcakes and shrimp cocktails, tick. And of course, if it's steak you’re after, this is one of the best places in town to get it, with all the classic options for dressing it up, from Bearnaise sauce to an egg on top. The private space is moodily-lit.

This sleek (and tiny) foodie destination in Tribeca has only 18 seats, meaning that reservations are hard to come by. If you manage to snag one, you're in for a pretty great experience. The modern multi-course prix fixe menu (expect ingredients like birch sap or moss) is served opposite an open kitchen, which is fascinating to watch.

When the beloved owner behind Mercer Street’s Honmura An moved back to Japan, and closed his restaurant in Soho, many a foodie’s heart was broken. But the Japanese food at Azabu might be just as exquisite. The restaurant specializes in small places and sushi, including delicious uni handrolls and spicy tuna maki.

Balthazar and Minetta Tavern alums Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson got together and decided to do a French brasserie. Get the brouillade (buttery, garlicky scrambled egg and escargot)—technically it’s an hors d’oeuvre, but who cares? This could easily stand in as an entrée (especially with a side of charred carrots with labneh). And while ordering roast chicken might seem like a cop-out from some of the less pronounceable items on the menu, Frenchette’s is perfectly roasted and presented on a bed of croutons that soak up all the drippings, along with a little pot of puréed potatoes. The biodynamic wine list is a departure from the usual for French spots—and a very welcome one.

Both popular and low-key, this Southern Italian spot offers the sort of classics—gnocchi, carbonara, baked branzino, plenty of pizzas—that you always want, along with some regional specialties from Calabria and Sila that make it a little exciting, too.

Despite the Chinese characters on the awning outside, stepping through the olive green French doors at Kiki's on tiny Division Street, near the border of Chinatown and LES, sort of feels like you're walking into a taverna in Greece. The vibe is part local, part cool, all fun; and the food—from grilled octopus to Greek salad, tzatziki, and Melitzanosalata (eggplant mash)—is simply done and very good.

Interior design firm Roman and Williams’s expansive retail space in SoHo, Guild, is home to three things: a furniture and homeware showroom, an art gallery, and La Mercerie, chef Marie Aude-Rose’s picture-perfect French café and the real reason to come here. Aude-Rose excels at creating food you want to take time savoring, and the egg dishes are especially wonderful—highlights include a soft-boiled egg with cauliflower and tofu cream and an expertly made cheese omelet. The crème brûlée puts all other crème brûlées over the world to shame.

This 30,000 square-foot French-style food hall offers a bustling market divided into different “districts" (from a café and an ice cream shop to an ample salad-and-prepared-food spot), as well as multiple restaurants. There’s Le Bar, which as its name suggests is best for a glass of wine and shared plates, and then the gigantic Liberty Bistro, with standard bistro fare and a view of the water.

The best seat here is actually in the courtyard—shielded by palms, you feel truly removed from the city. The Italian food is hearty, comforting, and reliably great whether you come for breakfast or a big dinner with friends. Their private dining room is surprisingly spacious (it can hold up to 60 seated guests), but a warm stone fireplace keeps things cozy.

The candlelit room filled with wooden farmhouse tables and exposed bricks is the perfect setting for Iron Chef winner Marc Forgione's delicious comfort food, from filet mignon to blackened chicken.

Tucked away at the northern end of the Seaport, this old-school steakhouse is one of Manhattan’s main rivals for Brooklyn’s Peter Luger, which is just across the bridge. (Plus, MarkJoseph takes credit cards.) If you don’t love or eat meat it still has its appeal: Namely there's creamed spinach, wedge salad, perfectly whipped potatoes, and asparagus.

This small and cozy offshoot from the East Village original is exactly where you want to go when you want to dive into a hearty plate of no-fuss pasta. They don’t skimp on portions, nor do they skimp on wine pours, and it’s all really well-priced.

Michael Chow made his name in the London and Hollywood art and music worlds before opening in New York on East 57th Street in 1979, where his restaurant quickly became one of the city’s main touchstones for the art world. Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, David Bowie, Madonna, and John Lennon were just a few of the restaurant’s faithful patrons (watch Julian Schnabel’s Basquiat to get a sense of the scene). To this day, a meal at Mr Chow's isn't about the food: It's about the tuxedo and white glove service and the fun, party vibe. The outpost in Tribeca is just as beautiful and scene-y—an Andy Warhol portrait of Chow in the dining room sets the tone.

Quiet and unassuming, this long-standing institution has one of the friendlier sushi chef staffs in downtown—there’s also plenty of bar seating. While there’s always something interesting on the daily sushi menu, we think they really shine when it comes to the cooked dishes and soba noodle salads. There’s also an outpost in Brooklyn and a bakery down the street.

This award-winning bar is incredibly well-executed to feel like a 19th-century Irish pub that’s been subtly turned on its head. (For one, the mixologists are some of the world’s best.) On the ground-floor, you’ll find a classic, though impeccably-designed taproom with bottled punch, whiskeys, and craft beers (along with a hearty menu of sandwiches and pies); Upstairs, it gets a little bit fancier as they make historically accurate cocktails from the 19th-century in a lounge-like room. The food menu upstairs is actually the same, with offerings like sausage rolls, oysters, and burgers.

From June through October, this oyster bar aboard the historic Sherman Zwicker schooner docks at Pier 25 in Tribeca. Under yellow and white stripe canopies, servers in appropriately nautical outfits distribute casual sea-side fare and cocktails from the built-in bar. During weekend days, it’s a fun lobster roll destination with kids, and in the evenings, thanks to a solid list of schooner-themed cocktails and oysters and small plates, it’s a pretty great night out. While the location is a bit remote, it’s still conveniently close to downtown—plus, how cool is it to eat on the water?

At first glance, this looks like a laid-back bar with a good cocktail list; but the major appeal, here, is that on Sundays, they bring in Maryland Blue Crabs. These are served alongside nicer bar food than you'd expect, like truffle fries and a homemade burger.

This long, dark bar on a lonesome corner in Tribeca is handsome, yet non-descript, which is what you want when the sole intent of the night is to grab some drinks with friends. You can generally always get a small table or seat at the bar, and there are darts in the back. This isn't fancy (no craft cocktails in sight), so swing by when you want something basic or a beer.

This cool little hole-in-the-wall bar in Tribeca is delightful for a quick, quiet drink (or two), and a delicious seafood dinner if you can nab a seat. There are oysters and clams on the menu, as well as an excellent brioche bun burger.

Terroir is the kind of bar where even wine connoisseurs might learn something new. And on the flip side, if you've always found wine intimidating, the incredibly knowledgeable staff are more than happy to make recommendations and teach you everything they know. Their wine menu is vast, as as is the meat-heavy small bites menu.

This is one of Tribeca’s most history-laden taverns, with the pressed tin ceilings and sagging floors to prove it. The menu is a bit random—hummus, cowboy chili, chicken tenders—but most people really come for a cocktail and a seat at the wonderfully worn-in bar.

This is the second outpost of the Prospect Heights bar, loved for its great music and relaxed vibe.

On a good day, Chambers Street Wines has around 2,000 bottles wedged onto its many shelves and crates, and all of them are available for delivery. In a city packed with excellent wine purveyors, Chambers Street stands out for its dedication to organic, small-production wines and unusual champagnes (yes, there’s a whole world of champagne out there beyond the five or six labels we’re so accustomed to paying top dollar for). Chambers has compiled a slew of what it calls “sampler cases” of wine running the gamut: pét-nat (naturally sparkling), skin-contact (orange wine), red, white, and natural (biodynamic). You can try a case of six or twelve wines of the same type but from different regions and producers to note the variations and nuances of terroir.

Co-owned by two brothers from San Francisco—who were dismayed by the dearth of good Mexican spots in NYC—the emphasis here is on the basics: Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls. The ingredients are fresh and local, and the flavorings are equal parts subdued and complex. This spot is popular: There's practically one in every neighborhood.

If you're meeting friends here keep in mind that there are actually two Kaffe Landskap's in Tribeca, just a handful of blocks from each other on the north and south ends of the neighborhood. If they're looking to own an area, they've certainly done it, as it's the best spot south of Canal for an almond milk latte (or fresh juice).

Years ago, Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deborah-Lee Furness traveled to Ethiopia and met a coffee farmer named Dukale, who was growing incredible beans in an effort to support his family. In 2011, Jackman started the Laughing Man Foundation, to help farmers find a market for their beans in America, which you can sample at his Tribeca coffee shop. Not only do 100% of the profits support the foundation, but they make an excellent Flat White, too.

The sandwiches, soups, and salads here are mighty: While the offerings change daily, you can always count on a pretty delicious (and hearty) turkey sandwich, or a chopped salad packed with everything you could ever want. There's also a location in Soho.

At first glance, you’ll notice the tiny European car parked in the middle of this little shop in the old-world-like Pasanella & Sons. But you’ll really be sold by the 400-odd wines on offer, from better-known vineyards to little known European labels—there’s also a great array of accessories, like gorgeous crystal and antique corkscrews. Beyond selling bottles, they do fun area events, like tastings in the garden out back and sunset drinks on the deck of the schooner Pioneer, parked in the Seaport nearby.

With an endless array of choices—all delicious, and made with environmentally friendly, non-GMO, and organic produce where possible—Tin Building is the hot spot for just about everything: a gourmet market, music, and events. And it's perfect for satisfying a group of picky visitors. Start your morning off with a saffron golden milk from T Cafe and a brunch burger from Double Yolk. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with the California dates and little gem lettuce dressed with creamy sesame peppercorn and kosho marinated cucumbers from Seeds + Weeds.

Come here for classic, hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels: And all the relevant toppings, from super-thick cream cheese variations, to smoked lox, to a pretty great egg salad (and an egg sandwich, for mornings when nothing else will do). There’s room to sit quickly, though most people don’t linger (although they do serve La Colombe coffee). It’s also a great option for catering.

Studio Giancarlo Valle outfitted Hotel Esencia, Soho Townhouse, and some of Manhattan’s coolest lofts. This is their showroom, where you can check out their signature furniture IRL: carved-cedar credenzas, sinuate sconces, and geometric seating that doesn’t sacrifice on plushness.

Bode admirers waited seven years for designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla to introduce a women’s line, and it’s every bit as good as people hoped for, with thrift-inspired jackets, gauzy dresses, and playful accessories (like a handbag shaped like a fish, and a belt studded with multicolor rhinestones). This location is dedicated to Bode womenswear; you’ll find their iconic menswear, shoes, and one-of-a-kind pieces in separate spaces on the Lower East Side.

Officially part of the South Street Seaport Museum, this is a wonderful, old-world print shop, which actually holds the title of being New York City’s oldest operating business under the same name (Robert Bowne started it in 1775). The 19th-century letter presses are still on-site, and you can buy cards that are still made in the shop today.

At this design co-operative, designers like Flat Vernacular, Fort Standard, and Meg Callahan co-exist in beautiful vignettes scattered throughout the space. It’s founder Jean Lin who has a special knack for the whole mix, giving high-design furniture, textiles, and accessories a home-like context.

The only thing better than Cos Bar's famously vast offering of makeup, fragrance, bath, and beauty products is the exceptional customer service provided by the knowledgeable, genuinely nice beauty consultants, which is exactly how founder Lily Garfield envisioned it back in 1976 when she opened the original Aspen outpost.

The broad cobblestone streets between Bowery and Lafayette are a fitting entryway to the charm of deVOL. Founded in 1989 by two design graduates from Loughborough University, the English countryside–charactered kitchen interiors duo expanded across the pond back in 2019. This showroom boasts four awe-inspiring kitchen setups filled with dreamy cabinets adorned with handcrafted hardware and fixtures, Italian marble sinks, and an intoxicating scent of wild fig and grape. Almost all items are handmade in their Leicestershire workshops. If you can manage to pull yourself away from the dreamy kitchens, the basement is a wonderland of perfectly curated vintage furniture, antiques, and brocante.

Double Knot boasts a collection of tribal rugs, antique carpets, kilims, and other textiles from a diverse array of regions: Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Morocco. If in town, you can check out their gallery in Tribeca, which is open to the public.

This Japanese shop equips restaurants like Nobu and Per Se, meaning it's where pro-chefs go to buy their knives. They're artfully displayed on the wall and in cases throughout the space according to brand and style. In addition, we like to shop their selection of lacquered bento boxes and traditional serveware.

At La Garçonne, founder Kris Kim curates for the design-minded minimalist—always elegant, never boring. Here, you’ll discover soft longline coats (and matching trousers) from Loulou Studio, bubble-shaped rattan bags from Sacai, glittery ballet flats from Dries Van Noten, and much more.

Gallerists Penny Pilkington and Wendy Olsoff have been ahead of their time since they opened PPOW in the early ’80s, and they’ve stood by artists who otherwise might not have gotten their shot: Betty Tompkins, Martin Wong, David Wojnarowicz, Nancy Spero, and Carrie Mae Weems all showed here early in their careers. The gallery remains forward-thinking, hosting visionary artists whose work interrogates gender, race, sexuality, and inequality.

Technically, Quarters is a gallery space for Brooklyn-based lighting studio In Common With. They host installations—of their own work, and that of visiting artists. But it feels nothing like a gallery, and more like visiting extremely chic friends in their extremely chic apartment. Grab a drink at the bar, then wander through immaculately designed bedrooms, lush living spaces, and a dream of a kitchen. If you fall in love with that lamp, or that table, or that painting on the wall, go ahead and mention it to one of the associates: Everything in the space is for sale.

The Class by Taryn Toomey is a music-driven, somatic workout designed to regulate the nervous system and release pent-up energy. Sessions move through a grounding warm-up, repetitive sequences, breathwork, and a vocal release—yelling, shaking, letting go—before concluding with a calming reset. It’s equal parts physical workout and emotional catharsis. Come with an open mind; you'll leave feeling noticeably lighter mentally.

This longtime Pilates mainstay in NYC is known for its deeply individualized, almost clinical approach. Founded by former professional dancer Erika Bloom, the studio focuses on alignment, strength, and overall health through highly tailored private or duet-based sessions (no group classes). The Erika Bloom Method blends classical Pilates with somatic practices like Feldenkrais, often addressing posture, injury, or long-term imbalances. What sets it apart is its curated Wellness Collective—a coordinated group of movement, bodywork, and healing experts—which allows clients to integrate different modalities seamlessly. To book, email a practitioner directly or reach out to studio@erikabloom.com.

For exceptional skincare at an accessible price point, head to this facial spa (there are six locations in Manhattan). With a membership option, flexible scheduling, and a staff of New York State-accredited and licensed estheticians on hand, Heyday manages to make it easier and, most importantly, more convenient than many luxury facial spas to stop in for a last-minute tune-up.

This intimate, humble spot bestows all the support and expertise you need for a safe and empowering workout during pregnancy or postpartum. Using body weight, functional movements, and some resistance equipment, your private sessions are guided by pre- and postnatal fitness experts that pay special attention to your unique needs during this time: incontinence, pelvic floor strength, general aches and pains, and even emotional support. Though it’s a three-month course, just one class will leave you feeling totally strong and revitalized.

The concept here is similar to a Korean spa, with one entrance fee covering multiple tubs, baths, steams, and treatments. The execution is more Italian in style. And it’s a ferry ride (included in your fee) away on Governors Island. There are outdoor pools, epic massages, beautiful steams and saunas, and even food and cocktails, all from an Italian spa brand with locations around the world. Go with friends, family, or your SO—an incredibly memorable way to spend a day (or half of one).

Hidden on the top floor of a charming building in Tribeca (the elevator opens directly into an airy, high-ceilinged, all-white oasis), this sleek studio is where Raquel Medina-Cleghorn’s roster of famous clients go for sculpting, high-tech, skin-reviving facials and body treatments. Medina-Cleghorn employs ultrasound, intra oral massage, microchanneling, LED photobiomodulation, and more to bring skin to life. She herself is a calming presence, and when you walk out of a session, the difference in your skin is noticeable.

Ricari Studios is where the New York fashion set goes for lymphatic drainage—it’s known for having one of the most effective treatments in the city for reducing bloating, sculpting, and resetting your system. Treatments use specialized Italian Icoone technology to stimulate lymphatic flow, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation—which is especially great post-travel or post-event.

It’s always an effort to sit up after a massage, but it’s nearly impossible to wrench yourself off the table after one of the transporting treatments at the onsen-modeled oasis that is The Greenwich Hotel’s Shibui Spa in Tribeca. The Japanese aesthetic—lanterns softly illuminate the heated pool in the main lounge area and embellish the treatment rooms, low-slung day beds, guests padding around in the best-looking Japanese Yukata robes—sets a tranquil, removed mood that’s instantly anxiety-dissolving. Prepare to be smoothed down in replenishing botanical oils that leave your skin a thousand times glowier than you’ve ever seen it. During the Drunken Lotus massage, essential oils are worked over every inch of your body, then tired muscles are stoked back to life as they’re enveloped in hot, sake-soaked towels. The seasonal aromatherapy bath soaks are over-the-top and can be added on to any treatment—think you (or you plus your better half, if you opt for the couples soak), in a tub, steeping in healing ginger-infused waters.

This is not your regular neighborhood mani/pedi joint. Set up above the bustle of the Financial District, the low-key space is outfitted with mid-century modern antiques (you won't find any oversized massage chairs) and the technicians are incredibly well-trained.

No goop wellness list would be complete without Tracy Anderson—Gwyneth’s longtime friend and trusted trainer. Opened in 2009, her Tribeca studio brings the world-renowned Tracy Anderson Method (TAM) to life through signature classes like muscular design,  dance cardio, and multitask Band (featuring her proprietary Iso-Kinetic Band System), along with private training. The space spans three levels, with signature Super G floors, private training rooms, women's locker rooms, and a retail area. As with all Tracy Anderson studios, classrooms are kept at controlled heat and humidity, meant to support performance and results.

Models flock to the Tribeca studio of facialist Eileen Feighny della Faille, who’s made a name for herself with skin-clearing, Korean-style facials. A session with Feighny della Faille lasts a full two hours and involves a detoxifying, grounding, pampering, skin-rehabbing sequence of extractions, aromatherapy, radiofrequency, ice therapy, customized herbal masks, LED light, and more. If you can’t get in to see her—she’s often has a wait list—follow her best skin tip: Give yourself a face massage as often as you can. “Face massage is so important,” she says. “Massage your products in at every step in your routine, for lymphatic drainage, stimulating skin, and giving that energized, healthy glow.”

Imagination Playground, designed by David Rockwell, is one of the city's most deluxe parks for little ones, with an enormous sand-pit, Rockwell's own system of big blue blocks for kids, and plenty of water and sprinklers. It goes without saying, but you'll want to pack a change of clothes since they can't resist getting wet.

Located in the northern-most area of Battery Park City with direct views of the Hudson, this is one of the best parks in the city, with several play structures for different age groups, a water area, and a sand pit. Kids can also climb and interact with the playful Tom Otterness sculptures installed throughout the park.

Granted, this stretch is as touristy as it gets, but it’s a great day’s outing with kids. Skip the shops, and head to the South Street Seaport Museum, where you get to climb aboard several historic ships, including the Pioneer, an authentic 19th-century schooner which hosts rides from May through October. (Don't miss Bowne & Co., an old-world print shop, which is attached to the South Street Seaport Museum.)

This exuberant Firmdale Hotels offering is sort of the perfect mix of over-the-top design flourishes and straight-up excellent hospitality, which makes it an instant hit for kids. Dotted with dog statues and bright colors, the rooms are fun, rather than stuffy, and there are lots of considerations for little ones: Adjoining rooms, cots, pint-sized bathrobes, a kid’s menu, plus babysitting service. There's also an on-site screening room.

We almost don’t want to put any more of a spotlight on this hotel, as its lobby lounge is one of our favorite places to get work done outside the office. It’s hardly ever crowded, and there are always tables and couches available—some near a log fire—for meetings, lunches, and laptop time. Located right near Washington Square Park, The Marlton’s dark, artful interiors, elegantly outfitted rooms, and snappy Margaux restaurant, bar and lounge area, makes it a pretty great spot.

The Mercer is known for its practical, elegant spin on comfort: Homey amenities include a library of books and movies, while the rooms are modern and simple, with special attention given to good bedding and spacious bathrooms.

The rooms at this renovated Soho hotel are decorated smartly and elegantly with plenty of comfort and flair. People flock here for the scene-y rooftop pool, and incredible views of Manhattan from the gym, the sky bar, and many of the rooms.

Between its penthouse bar, its dance club, Le Bain, The Standard Grill, and the Biergarten, it seems that this is where everyone wants to see and be seen on any given night in New York. The ultra modern interiors are worth checking out, as is the architecture: The building straddles the High Line and boasts incredible views of the Hudson.

As the crown jewel of restauranteur Keith McNally’s downtown empire, Balthazar channels all the charm and style of a Parisian bistro—booths and antiqued mirrors included. Dining here feels like an event, and as such it draws big crowds for its Coq Au Vin, Moules Frites, and burger. We actually like its adjacent bakery best, where you can take perfect croissants, loafs of bread, and coffee to go.

Bustling, no-frills, and speedy, the chalkboard of reliable specials (and menu classics) pleases all palettes: For one, they do a really good and simple Rigatoni Pitti. There’s seating inside and out, though in warmer months, you’ll want to grab a chair on the sidewalk patio.

This high-end sushi spot occupies a classic Soho brownstone, and it’s an institution for great fish and unexpected presentation—don’t miss the bigeye tuna tart, which is a knockout. The three distinct dining rooms are elegant and inviting and great for groups (provided you book well in advance). And don’t be surprised if you get in a long conversation with the chef, who makes the rounds to say hello.

Rooted in an appreciation for traditional French cuisine, Jody Williams's beloved neighborhood wine bar is a favorite for indulgent pastries and French toast at breakfast, and snack-size French Coq au Vin and the like at lunch and dinner. It's as good for a quick bite to eat as it is for a full meal, and the setting, with a tin ceiling, exposed bricks, and French-style cafe seating, is a perfect, romantic spot for a date or intimate dinner. Williams' food is so good, and the concept so well-received in the city, that she's taken it to Paris, where even the hard-to-please French have welcomed her style of French cooking.

The Cuban-style food and quick take-out (especially the corn) satiates that very specific craving, and the place is always flooded with people from midday to midnight. There's a location in Tokyo, and strangely enough, in the Malibu Country Mart.

This Italian spot on Thompson Street boasts Vito Schnabel's artwork on the walls, Zac Posen designed uniforms, a floor inspired by The Godfather, and a slightly more upscale version of the Italian-American fare you'll find at their other restaurants. And like the good old days, the food is rich and luscious from lobster ravioli to sides like artichoke hearts and corn tartufato.

Incorporating North African and Middle Eastern flavors makes this a bit more than your average Provencal-centric restaurant. There is always Bouillabaisse on the menu, but you can have that, Tunisan flatbreads, and a Chicken Tagine, too. Just like the food, the decor—tiled floors and accent walls, rattan seating, and old wooden tables—fully captures that bright, airy Provencal sensibility.

This is definitely one of the best soba joints in the city. Go for the Mera Mera Dip Soba, with minced chicken and a fiery broth: The noodles are packed with flavor, chewy, and perfectly al-dente. Don’t miss the homemade silky tofu, sprinkled with grated ginger, scallions, nori and bonito flakes, which is as creamy and delicious as a hunk of fresh burrata.

This Peking Duck-dedicated spot—tucked away in a converted laundromat beneath RedFarm—has the sort of exquisite Chinese food that you’d expect from Ed Schoenfeld and Joe Ng. While the Peking Duck was excellent (you have to reserve one in advance), we were most blown away by the uni noodle and octopus salad and the crab fried rice.

Both a shop and tapas bar, we head here for hard-to-find Spanish ingredients like Bomba rice, excellent Manchegos, smoked paprika, and an endless variety of delicious preserves. It's nearly impossible to walk away without snacking on one of their perfect tortillas. There's also a market in Queens.

Don Angie is classic red-sauce Italian, with the requisite pull-apart garlic bread and chrysanthemum salad buried in Parmesan cheese. The pastas are spectacular, and you really can’t go wrong, but make like every other table in the room and order the lasagna. This is a tough reservation, but we’ve heard if you go around opening and ask the host in person, they can often score you a spot later that week.

Owned by the adorable husband/wife team Sarah Schneider and Demetri Makoulis and chef Nick Korbee, Egg Shop was founded on a mutual love of the egg sandwich. That said, their menu has since expanded to include all kinds of egg specialties, from ricotta scrambles to smoked salmon benedicts. There's also a location in Williamsburg.

EN Japanese Brasserie flies a bit under the radar, which is a great thing because it means that it's generally quiet and hushed. While the tall ceilings make the space feel much bigger than it actually is, the vibe is still warm and inviting. The traditional Japanese cuisine goes way beyond sushi (though the sashimi hardly disappoints) and offers great options for picky and adventurous eaters alike. There are six private rooms modeled after a meiji-era apartments; the intimate spaces only hold up to 20 people.

We were thrilled when Igancio Mattos (formerly of Chez Panisse, Il Buco, and Isa) opened this spot on East Houston (he now has Café Altro Paradiso nearby on Spring Street). The dishes are of a Mediterranean slant, and while they’re unfamiliar and unexpected, he never sacrifices taste or pleasure for innovation. There are many swoon moments on the menu: egg salad on matzo, raw scallops with yuzu, beef tartare with sunchoke, and ricotta dumplings. It’s a small spot with rustic accents that never threaten to overshadow the food. It can get quite loud, and tables can be hard to come by, but if you can get one, go.

Restaurateur Gabriel Stulman (of Happy Cooking Hospitality) re-concepted his West Village Italian restaurant, Perla, into Fairfax, a Mediterranean eatery with a straightforward menu of inventive dishes you'll want order over and over, oh and a great wine list. Part of the swap was changing out formal dining room tables for more casual living room furniture and communal tables (many of the pieces taken from the Stulman's own home), making it super comfortable. It's also a great place to host a party.

Inspired by the word for everyday food in Swedish (husmanskost), the fare here is generally rooted in comfort and familiarity. That said, chef/owner Ned Baldwin is too pedigreed to keep it simple, having come from Prune. You’ll find everything from little neck clams to a perfectly prepared burger.

We like to stop by this homey café and wine bar for the occasional snack—a house-cured plate of salumi and a glass of wine—just as much as for a full, rustic meal. With gallerist David Zwirner as one of its backers, it’s no surprise this artfully restored ex-lumber supply space fills up with the art crowd on a regular basis. It's ideal for an event, too—their skilled planners will design a beautifully rustic event at long tables in the back rooms.

Indochine's opening back in 1984 was actually a dinner in honor of Juilan Schnabel—and the entire art crowd showed up to celebrate. Blessedly, the place hasn't changed much since then; the wallpaper is iconic, and the Chilean sea bass has garnered a cult-like following. They know what they're doing, so you can trust them to handle private events of any size.

Jean’s is the kind of restaurant you might have found in late-’90s St. Tropez—clubby, intimate, and legitimately chic. (If “clubby” is something that would normally put you off: fair, but stay with us for a moment.) The crowd wears Bode and Eckhaus Latta; tables fill up with outrageously good Caesar salads, French dips, burgers, and fries; and the spicy olive-oil martini will change your life. Everyone is here for a good time, and they’re having it.

In SoHo, King, the work of two alumni of London’s River Café, is the toast of the town. On the menu: hand-rolled ricotta ravioli with pesto and elegant dishes of wild striped bass.

Lafayette serves all three meals in a beautiful brasserie space: Copper pots hang in the kitchen, horseshoe-shaped booths are spacious and inviting, while the clean, fresh look of the bakery—with blue-and-white patterned floor tiles and lots of white marble—offsets the rusticity of the dining room. We like the oysters, along with the rotisserie chicken for two and an order of the fries. It's also a great place to meet for breakfast, with simple, quality dishes that all have a French twist. The private wine cave has its own bar, which makes it ideal for office holiday parties.

Despite its two-floor, 100-plus-seat space, tables are somewhat hard to come by at L'Artusi, which makes the spots at the white marble bar all the more valuable. The menu centers around several pleasing pasta dishes, with Italian-inspired seafood and meat mains, plus plates like L'Artusi's roasted mushrooms with pancetta, fried egg, chilies, and ricotta salata. There's also a serious wine list, and Sunday brunch to consider.

Modeled after a classic French bistro, you can't help but feel like you're in Paris here. When you try the food—light, fluffy crab cakes, delectable bouillabaisse—you'll feel truly transported. This is a great place for brunch.

This tiny corner restaurant has a great neighborhood vibe and hearty, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It's the kind of place you can always rely on for homey classics, like eggplant parm and a perfect roast chicken.

This hangout for Australians (for real) offers an insanely delicious burger, along with meal-worthy salads. It's a great pit-stop for a quick bite should you be shopping your way through Nolita. The original location has doubled in size (expanding into next door's space) since opening in 2003, and there is another location on the border of Murray Hill and Gramercy.

Lombardi's gets the title of being the U.S.'s first ever pizzeria, meaning it does receive its fair share of tourists. The best way to get your hands on this pizza is to order for take-out. Lombardi's has tough competition, but this is certainly a contender as one of the best in the city.

Now under the ownership of Joe Bastianich, Lupa is full of ambiance and offers all sorts of affordable pastas served family style. Our favorite: Bavette cacio e pepe. It's simple but the quality of the ingredients makes it luxurious. You'd never know it, but they actually have a private room in the back. Or, for a larger group, you can reserve the entire restaurant.

This great neighborhood spot—care of the team behind The Little Owl—is one of our favorite spots for lunch. The American fare is simple and delicious, meaning the turkey sandwich is perfect, and the burgers are pretty great, too.

The décor is nothing special, but the Middle Eastern dishes—standards from tabbouleh to falafel, plus their trademark oven baked "pitzas" (that's a pita served like a pizza)—are more than a cut above your standard Turkish café. Plus, it's really well-priced. We love this as a lunch option or as a crowd-pleasing take-away.

While it’s nothing special when it comes to atmosphere and décor, this unassuming Japanese nook in Soho serves up delicious Kyoto-style food, including plenty of super fresh sashimi and small, flavorful cooked dishes. We’re partial to the Omen udon noodles, served simply with seaweed and hot or cold broth. This spot is a big hit among artists, actors, and creatives, who probably love the food as much as its hushed, relaxed vibe.

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 salsiccia 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.)

It’s a weekend in New York. In other words, head to Pastis—it has returned, and it’s done so perfectly. The subway tiles, the vintage mirrors, the mosaic flooring, and best of all, much of the original menu are still there. Order a dozen oysters, maybe the Gruyère omelet, and glass of light rosé—everybody else is. Then sit back and enjoy the real reason you’re here: The stellar people-watching.

From the dining room at Raf’s, you can watch almost everything on the menu emerge from the vintage bread oven in the kitchen’s back wall: escargot, brick-oven chicken, leeks vinaigrette, and other French-Italian magic. Order more than you have room for, let it load up on your teeny table, and don’t skip dessert from pastry chef Camari Mick.

Run by the Raoul brothers and their family, and open in Soho since before the neighborhood scrubbed itself clean, patrons return again and again for the bistro fare, and the charming, authentically eccentric vibe. It genuinely feels like a secluded little Parisian nook, where you can find great French staples and a late night scene at the bar.

Rubirosa, by the people behind Staten Island’s Joe & Pat’s, is known for their “tie dye” pizza (a vodka-sauce margherita with a pesto drizzle) but we’d argue every pizza on the menu is equally deserving of the attention. The pies are big, with thin, crispy crust. Most people stick to the pizzas, but you’d be right to explore the other red-sauce classics: chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, baked clams—all good.

It's no surprise that Major Food Group's take on the deli has been a big hit. Come in the morning or afternoon for bagels, smoked fish, and chopped salads.

The scallion puffs are a heavenly riff (yes, puff-pastry) on scallion pancakes; the scallop crudo in gingery broth is invigorating, cozy, and something you wish were easy to whip up for week day dinners; and the cashew-eggplant dish is molten, epic, perfect. This gem in the West Village showcases the beauty and expansiveness of Chinese—and Chinese American—food.

We frequently dream of a slow, savor-every-minute dinner at Shuko, where incredible hand rolls and sushi sets make for a great omakase.

The menus for lunch and dinner here include the standards—there's hummus, tzatziki, boureki, and the like—but this isn't your typical family-run diner. The chef turns out fresh interpretations all day long. At lunch, we tend to gravitate toward their big, fresh salads, and in the evening, we love combining "mezedes"—hearty veggie dishes—with our mains.

A two-month wait for a seat at Nakazawa’s bar, a chef whose claim to fame is having worked under Jiro, is not unheard of. Pedigree aside, the wait for the restaurant makes total sense: You’ll get 20 perfect pieces of perfect nigiri. The cuts are gorgeous, and it’s dressed up ever so slightly with just an ingredient or two (yuzu paste, lemon, salt).

Thai Diner is like if a classic American diner copulated with a tiki bar, and there’s nothing quite like it. At brunch, you get babka-and-Thai tea French toast and steak-and-egg lettuce wraps. At lunch and dinner, you might go for bok choy chowder and green-curry bucatini. A lot of it is unconventional, sure—but put your trust in chefs Ann Redding and Matt Danzer, whose previous restaurant Uncle Boons is much-missed in Nolita, and you’ll never be disappointed.

Torrisi reopened in 2023, just a block up from where the original Torrisi Italian Specialties made a name for chefs Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone a decade prior. The new Torrisi is a fancier affair, with white tablecloths and servers in starched shirts. That said, the food is even better than at the O.G.—go for plates of ragù, rotisserie, and ravioli, and whatever specials are posted on the wall today.

Grilled mushrooms and smoked scamorza, wild boar ragu... the Italian small plates from chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi are ridiculously well done. Another major draw: The gorgeous outdoor patio. As Mario Batali put it, this place "is everything right about the West Village."

This is the sort of kid and group-friendly spot that every neighborhood needs. The focus is on hearty pizzas, pastas, and veggie-driven sides. No big surprise since these are the people behind Five Points (RIP) and Cookshop.

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.

Nothing gimmicky here, just well-executed steakhouse classics. The West Village’s 4 Charles is a lamb-chop, brick-chicken, little-gem place. (It’s the signature of Brendan Sodikoff, the guy responsible for Chicago’s steakhouse renaissance.) Like its predecessors Au Cheval and Gilt Bar, 4 Charles is old-school, complete with wood-paneled walls and tufted-leather booths. Get the burger, and you’ll be chasing that high forever.

Aby Rosen's 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.

This downtown wine bar is from the same team behind some of our favorite bar-restaurant spots in London and Paris. The concept is a cozy, candle-lit, living room-esque space with plush couches and decorative throw pillows, mod chairs, and marble-topped tables. The wine list is unsurprisingly very French, and impressive, plus there's a small but sufficient small-plate snack and dinner menu. In other words, this makes an excellent date spot.

Speakeasy-style Temple Bar was the place for martinis in the ’90s, and while it’s been reborn under new ownership, the moody, elegant vibe remains the same. It’s a grown-up place with a discerning door guy; dress nice.

Ok, yes, you might take one look at the line at All’antico Vinaio and swear off the whole endeavor. But get in that line, and you’ll (eventually) walk away with one of the best sandwiches you’ve ever eaten. This family-owned shop started in Florence in 1991 and landed stateside a few years ago; people keep coming for its just-baked schiacciata bread, Florentine salami, and friendly service. Could the sandwiches be a little more loaded? Sure. But it’s still the best Italian sandwich you’ll get just about anywhere.

As the crown jewel of restauranteur Keith McNally’s downtown empire, Balthazar channels all the charm and style of a Parisian bistro—booths and antiqued mirrors included. Dining here feels like an event, and as such it draws big crowds for its Coq Au Vin, Moules Frites, and burger. We actually like its adjacent bakery best, where you can take perfect croissants, loafs of bread, and coffee to go.

Both a shop and tapas bar, we head here for hard-to-find Spanish ingredients like Bomba rice, excellent Manchegos, smoked paprika, and an endless variety of delicious preserves. It’s nearly impossible to walk away without snacking on one of their perfect tortillas. There’s also a market in Queens.

They brew Intelligentsia coffee here, and make a mean macchiato, though it's their work with a chai (and alternative milks) that is really winning hearts across the city. They also serve insane donuts.

Founder Rachel Krupa had an ambitious goal when she opened The Goods Mart in Silver Lake: to create a convenience store unlike any other in the country. Now, with the Silver Lake location sadly shuttered, The Goods Mart has made a move east, occupying a much-needed space on Lafayette in SoHo. Think of it as the corner store for a new era, where prices are low, the quality is high, and the mission is rooted in community. Shelves are devoid of artificial colors, flavors, and other nasties and even the slushies are made with organic ingredients and served in paper—not plastic—cups. But back to the mission: Customers have the option of donating to different monthly charities at checkout, while good food approaching its sell-by date is delivered to the homeless in partnership with the nonprofit Lunch on Me.

Some people are saying this is the east coast counterpart to Erewhon, and the comparisons are apt: This boutique health food store has a stellar hot bar, an especially well-curated selection of healthy snacks, and as many functional beverages you could try in a year. The vibe is really good and the service is friendly, if not always fast.

We’re Jack’s Coffee loyalists in Amagansett, and you can find all the same magic—perfectly roasted beans, egg breakfast sandwiches, simple salads, a smattering of good juices—at their Greenwich Village flagship.

This shop has been around forever, and they can help you find literally any healthy, impossible-to-get ingredient you can imagine. There's a vegan bakery, a juice bar, and plenty of organics.

While you don't want to bring too much web-dependent work since the Wi-Fi can get choppy if the café is packed (it's small and gets full on weekends), this is probably the prettiest spot in the city for an afternoon of writing or reading. While the French-inflected menu is full delicious options, it's the cookies—arguably the best brain food ever—that get the most praise. And the coffee game is pretty strong, too.

The gorgeous Marlton Hotel lobby happens to be home to a great espresso bar. Here, you'll find a simple but perfectly executed offering of coffee drinks, teas, and snacks. While tables tend to go fast, you can usually grab a couch or armchair.

This ice cream place is run by Nicholas Morgenstern, a classically trained pastry chef (he was formerly head pastry chef at Gramercy Tavern) who turned out to be a whiz at crafting elevated flavors. Using only the highest quality ingredients, if you're craving a creamy and non-processed—treat, this is the spot. Beyond the scoops, the shop is incredibly charming: The exterior is painted royal blue and the inside is set up like an old-fashioned parlor with counter seats and a window ledge.

There are few weekend morning activities quite as essential as picking up coffee and bagels at a local neighborhood shop. In the West Village, the place to go is definitely Murray’s, a long-time neighborhood favorite. They offer every conceivable type of schmear, including a great egg salad. There are tables for eating in, though these travel well, making them pretty perfect picnic fare in warmer weather.

No matter that no more than five people can fit in Olive's at once (and that it's really easy to miss when walking by), the sandwiches, soups, and salads here are mighty: While the offerings change daily, you can always count on a pretty delicious (and hearty) turkey sandwich, or a chopped salad packed with everything you could ever want. There's also a location in the Financial District.

Good Brazilian pão de queijo is weirdly hard to come by in the city, but anyone who's had a taste of these gluten-free cheesy puffs will tell you that sniffing them out is a worthwhile cause. Not only does this Greenwich Village café churn out really good Brazilian pastries; it also sources coffee almost exclusively from Brazil, South America, and Africa. What’s more, the space itself is comfortable and welcoming, so you never feel like you and your laptop are unwanted.

PopUp’s bagels are worth the hype. They’re incredible right out of the oven—which, since they churn out fresh bagels all day, they always are. Their “rip and dip” cream cheese method is inconvenient if you’re on the go, but perhaps you’ll take it as an invitation to sit and savor breakfast.

We dare to say this hole-in-the-wall (literally), Israeli place makes the best falafel sandwiches in the city. In fact, they make three varieties of the best falafel in the city. Get a sandwich to go and wash it down with their perfect, equal parts sweet and tart lemonade. There is also a location in Nolita.

Whether you’ve had Van Leeuwen on the streets of Brooklyn or in Culver City, it’s instantly recognizable. They’re particularly famous for their vegan ice cream, a combination of cashew milk, coconut milk, cocoa butter, and carob beans that’s incredibly creamy and indulgent (and a major victory for the dairy-sensitive).

For our second brick-and-mortar venture, we brought a bit of West Coast to New York: Taking inspiration from 1930s Hollywood homes designed by Billy Baldwin and Paul Williams, we tapped LA design firm Commune to bring the Noho space to life. The 2,100-square-foot shop echoes a private residence—enter from cobbled Bond Street into to a large room stocked with a curated selection of pieces from brands like Officine Générale, Matteau, Ciao Lucia, and our own G. Label by goop. A clean beauty apothecary is stocked with goop-approved products, and a fully-functioning kitchen showcases wares from our favorite home goods lines, and plays host to cooking demos.

In a sprawling, white-washed space on Crosby Street, BDDW shows off Tyler Hays's genius. And what that manifests as is beautifully designed and hand-crafted furniture, ceramics, and rugs—all with a rustic yet pristine, modern feel. It's stunning, particularly in the way that it's presented in pretty suites throughout the labyrinthine space. Along with Hays's work, BDDW also carries a few other equally exquisite items like Lindsay Adelman's sculptural lighting and Kieran Kinsella ceramic side-tables.

If you’re hosting (or looking for a hostess gift), this is the store to count on for colorful martini glasses, pretty cocktail napkins, and nice olive oil in a cute bottle. They have two stores: This one’s in the West Village and the other is in Greenpoint.

There aren't many better jewelry boutiques in the country: Offering a mix of new and estate pieces, the curation here is stunning, but also cool (sometimes a hard-to-accomplish feat). The original is in the Brentwood Country Mart in Los Angeles.

Crate & Barrel's sister store is full of modern, really well-priced furniture items and home accents, making it a great stop when in need of a few practical pieces for a quick home upgrade. We always stock up on their glass and dishware—they're great, easily replenished, kitchen basics.

Specializing in contemporary photography tomes, Dashwood is lined with every important book on the subject. The owner and staff are always up for helping you find something special or just for a good photo chat. Watch out for their own beautiful editions, including their two books with photographer Ryan McGinley.

After spending decades in the art, antiques, and design world—at places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the antiques store Didier Aaron, and with the interior designer Jacques Grange—Jill Dienst opened her own gallery in 2005. Now housed in a former warehouse in NoHo, Dienst + Dotter offers a highly curated selection of furniture, paintings, objects, lighting, and books, the staple of which is Scandinavian art and antiques, pure and minimal.

Lit up like a rainbow, The End of History is one of the more unique stores in the city—if not the United States. Here, you'll find really, really beautiful cased glass that's highly collectible (with prices to match). It all looks so stunning as a grouping, you'll want to take at least three pieces home. They also deal in really beautiful and rare pottery making the store an inspiration point for many home designers.

The showroom, in the original Tiffany & Co. silver department building, is not only a stunning space, but it offers an encyclopedia array of hardware options from all styles and periods—they have the largest collection of hardware catalogs in the world. Along with their own gorgeous line, they also carry designer objects from Ted Muehling, John Iversen, and Marina Beaulieu, a few of which they manufacture, too.

The vintage collection at Funny Pretty Nice leans into colorful ’90s and Y2K styles, and it’s a treasure trove of Missoni disco pants, low-rise Fendi skirts, and the silk slips Victoria’s Secret once did so beautifully.

Occupying a sliver of space in a quiet stretch of Soho, Global Table is one of those places that's packed from floor to ceiling. Sourcing items from all over the world, the prevailing aesthetic is bright, colorful, and modern, though they also have a great selection of wooden serving pieces, like salad bowls and cutting boards. It’s rare to walk out empty-handed.

100% of the proceeds from this popular used bookstore go to its very worthwhile charity that provides housing for those in need (if you're looking to unload your bookshelves, bring donations here). The gorgeous space, lined with dark wood shelves, is also available for wedding rentals. There are Housing Works thrift shops that sell furniture scattered across the city.

This shop from the Il Buco team is focused on homewares sourced from across Italy. There are gorgeous hand-blown glasses, rustic linens, and every conceivable kind of serving bowl.

Over the past few years, this lingerie boutique has grown and opened up several shops all over the city. It turns out there was a real hole in the marketplace when it came to lingerie: A place where you can find pretty lingerie that you don't feel silly wearing everyday, which means a tasteful mix of brands like Bordelle, Agent Provocateur, and Cosabella, in both basic nudes and bright colors.

We’ve gooped about Kirna Zabête before, as the owner Beth Buccini has pretty amazing taste. At her decked out Soho shop, she displays only the best pieces from high-end brands like Saint Laurent, Bernadette, and Sauer.

Because it started as the jewelry extension of the East Village tattoo parlor, New York Adorned, you might expect that the jewelry here would be of the skull and crossbones variety. But it's actually gorgeous, and for the most part, dainty. They also have an excellent—and unexpected—range of home goods and gifts.

Perfect little cashmere cardigans and sweater dresses, slouchy tunic tops, and floral printed camisoles are typical of the Parisian-inflected kids clothing here. Prices are steep, making this a good option for a special gift.

Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall–founding partners behind the charming, chic, and decadent Maman cafés (and one of our all-time favorite chocolate chip cookies)–opened this marriage of a marketplace, café, and boutique in the heart of Soho. Stocked with coveted French brands, from eclectic textiles to botanical creams to wears for littles, this is one of those shops we can spend hours in–literally. Bonus: It's an ideal spot to grab a housewarming, birthday, host, anniversary, you-name-it gift–and there's a gorgeous West Elm-clad patio out back where you can take a respite and enjoy Maman's incredible menu.

Fine jewelry that’s also fun is hard to come by—unless you happen to stumble into this bubblegum-pink Marlo Laz boutique. Glowing marble display cases house everything from gemstone-studded starburst earrings and playful heart-shaped signets to the brand’s signature “Porte Bonheur” pieces (it’s French for lucky charm).

As if founding and designing the now international furniture brand BDDW wasn’t enough, now the brilliantly creative (and energetic) Tyler Hays has opened up a second space in Soho named after a general store in his hometown of Lostine, Oregon. The reference to Hays’s childhood memories is ever-present here: Everything in the shop–from clothing to knives, butter dishes, and beyond—is handmade in Tyler’s studio in Philadelphia.

Mud, by potter Shelley Simpson out of her Sydney studio, is synonymous with Australian ceramics. Simpson’s porcelain is paper-thin and rough-hewn, and fashioned into large serving platters, everyday dishes, flatware, you name it. Some pieces have a pebble texture, others smooth, in off-white, bright peach, blue, and yellow.

Based in New York with showrooms around the country, Nanz works closely with architects and designers to get their custom work just right, providing pretty much any custom hardware you can think of for your project. Highly professional—and armed with great aesthetics—we'd recommend them, and their work, for any restoration need. They also have a massive online catalog, which is an excellent tool if you’re looking for ideas.

Owner Karin Bereson prides herself on making her cozy store the sort of place where you can shop, but also just hang out. As an avid collector, almost everything here is one-of-a-kind, though you'll also find their now-famous boot clogs.

Joanna Bibby, Solenne de la Fouchardière, and Harriet Maxwell MacDonald’s rough-luxe furniture, lighting, chandeliers, and accessories bring a sense of ethereality to any room, and their store is a wonderful showcase of the breadth of their refined style. At OCRE you’ll find beautiful pieces in all categories, from the small accents to the big, thematic pieces. Along with OCRE's line, there’s a scattering of small curios and functional, beautiful objects sourced from all over the world.

Paula Rubenstein's eponymous store on Prince Street in Soho (which she occupied for more than 20 years) made her a bit of a local legend. While now on Chrystie Street, as ever, her shop is full of incredible found objects, from industrial furniture to Navajo weavings to antique signs—the endless shelves of yellow-paged books alone are enough to occupy an entire afternoon. The collection of fabrics and linens is the stuff of dreams.

Proenza's first brick and mortar in Soho is everything you'd expect from this much-loved label: The space is a slick, geometric gray, with inlaid marble walls that are the perfect backdrop for the duo's structural pieces.

Each season, Rachel Comey designs at least one item that becomes an instant classic, worn at offices and dinner parties from Williamsburg to the Upper West Side. For years, she's been one of New York's most influential designers—and a sweetheart among local editors and buyers for her playful yet grown up pieces. We love the breezy Charles de Lisle interiors that make a feature of the exposed wood slat ceiling.

With its workshop in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a roster of lighting designers that includes Lindsey Adelman, Jason Miller, and Bec Brittain, it’s no wonder Roll & Hill has been among the most in-demand lighting studios for New York’s in-the-know. The cat’s out of the bag now, though, with a sleek space in Soho that highlights each sculptural piece with just enough furniture to give it context. It’s a traditional showroom, so you won’t walk away with anything, but everything is technically for sale.

Iconic design duo Roman and Williams have curated their Soho brick-and-mortar into a decorator’s dream. It’s full of original furniture, avant-garde lighting, glassware, sculpture, and home goods made by master craftsmen around the world. And did we mention there’s a full-on restaurant situation inside the shop? La Mercerie is super-romantic, with a French menu, and Guild Bar is open early evenings for French fries, caviar, and cocktails. (Best part is: If you’re obsessed with the glass your drink is served in, you can take a whole set home.)

These guys make the best denim. That includes a tight run of classic cuts in just a few different washes, all of them perfect. But we’re especially into their signature styles: ’90s straight-cut jeans, low-rise pairs with drawstring closures, and ones with colorful hand-painted stripes up the back (more wearable than you think).

If we were to name the most loved bookstore in the city, this would be it (after all, it's been operating out of the same location since the '20s). The staff picks and recommended reading tables are always on point, and, along with fiction and non-fiction titles, their photography and fine art section upstairs is wonderfully comprehensive, as is their dimly-lit rare books floor.

A longtime mainstay in the village, the hand-picked selection at this crammed and cozy little shop is amplified by the store's incredible staff and their spot-on recommendations. Unsurprisingly, readings here are a warm and intimate experience.

Back in the '50s, when famed industrial designer Dieter Rams was the head of design at Braun, he developed a modular shelving system to hold his now-iconic hi-fi systems—and a company, started by Neils Vitsœ, was born. The system has been in production ever since, and in an anti-obsolescence testament, it's changed very little, meaning that original Vitsœ owners can still add onto, and change, their systems today. It's incredibly strong (Rams was an architect), meaning it can house huge vinyl and coffee table collections—and then you can take it with you when you move. (The planners will re-draw your systems for you for free.)

Created with Watches of Switzerland

Donald Judd moved into 101 Spring Street in the then derelict Soho in 1968, and over the course of twenty-five years, renovated each of the five floors in the building according to his singular aesthetic. The result is a space that is as much a home as it is a piece of art. The Judd Foundation opened up the space to docent-led tours, where visitors get to see his custom-made furniture, and the art and objects he acquired over the years. It’s a wonderful window into Judd’s entire sensibility.

The Whitney—a long-time doyenne on the UES—shut its doors and moved to the Meatpacking District, where it sits in a Renzo Piano–designed building at the southern end of the High Line. The Whitney decamped because of space constrictions uptown, a situation that's now eased by its 200,000 square feet. Bonus: It's open until 10 p.m. on Fridays.

Beauty Supply is the downtown salon where you go for a cool-girl cut or lived-in color that channels off-duty model vibes—and it's not uncommon to find an actual model sitting in the salon chair next to you. Owner and colorist Emaly Baum has earned a devoted following among blondes—her roster of A-list clients includes Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Lawrence—who turn to her for exceptionally natural color and her signature "good grow-out." Since opening in 2021, Beauty Supply has moved a few doors down to a larger, airy space to meet the growing demand. There's a large table at the center of the room where you can work while your color processes or you get a blowout, plus a well-curated selection of products that includes goop clean favorites like Reverie. It's nestled on a charming block in SoHo known as "Little Paris"—a fitting spot for a salon where you always walk out with effortlessly undone, French-girl hair.

Broome Street Yoga is Gwyneth's go-to yoga studio whenever she's in New York City, offering what she describes as a "deep miracle" inside the body. It's located inside a Hindu temple in lower Manhattan, grounded in traditional practice, and dedicated to the ongoing study of yoga. Classes span multiple styles—from breath-focused sessions to those incorporating meditation, sound healing, or strength-based work—so there's something for every level and interest. Many classes are also available online, making it easy to stay connected whether you're in the city or not.

Get a facial with aesthetician Crystal Greene at her serene SoHo studio and walk out looking—and feeling—fantastic. Her treatments are a beautifully pampering haze of face massage, firming laser (she uses the obsessed-over LYMA), gentle exfoliation, powerful masks, and a custom blended serum infusion she concocts on the spot for clients’ specific skin concerns. She’s intuitive, radiates calming energy, and her hands—not to mention the results you see—are pure magic.

We love their big old-fashioned sign and window displays which make it look like it’s still a mom and pop shop from the 1960’s. Inside, it’s the opposite, full of their own ever-growing and excellent line of body care products, and the best of what’s new from other brands like Diptyque, La Roche-Posay, and Boiron. They take great care to stock the best offerings in beauty and body care, so it’s always fun to go and pick up a special treat. They also fill prescriptions.

They've got every treatment under the sun here, at a range of prices. If you're not looking for a massage or facial, just book the water lounge and spend the day between the pool, the sauna, and the jacuzzi. It's fun to do with friends.

This quiet, underground spot in Soho is the sort of place where roses float in bowls of water and treatment rooms are candlelit. We come here for the waxing, specifically for “The Gourmet.” With essential oils and vitamin E to reduce irritation and redness, it's a smooth finish all around.

Visit world-famous brow expert Jimena (pronounced him-eh-nuh) Garcia at her Soho studio on Broome Street, at Chanel’s atelier down the street (she’s the brand’s first-ever brow artist), or in LA or Paris, where she travels to see clients (she also offers virtual sessions). Wherever you catch her, rest assured her face-transforming powers are in full effect. Garcia is amazing at creating flattering, natural-looking brows, and she’s full of tips on how to maintain them at home, too—embrace a little imperfection is a crucial one. But get in to see her, if you can—she’s the ultimate brow whisperer.

Jin Soon Choi, the fashion world's go-to for nails, has taken her tiny nail salons to the next level. Each mani and pedi is more like a mini spa treatment for your hands and feet, with a menu of massages, essential oil and hydrating treatments to choose from. Her technicians are great, the space is lowkey, and blessedly low-tech (no vibrating massage chairs, here), and she has a five-free line of polishes, too (goop did a collab with her). There are also locations on the UES and Tribeca.

Husband-and-wife team Shinnosukae and Megumi Kida launched this intimate, six-seater salon in 2014, and it’s since become a favorite of an in-the-know clientele that includes models and celebs seeking a low-key hair fix. Cozy as it is, you’ll never feel rushed. In fact, the warm, attentive service, plus cool and comforting interior (brick walls, rustic-chic wood fixtures, and plenty of plants) make it a nice little getaway for both men and women. It somehow manages to be a barber shop and full-service women’s hair salon (color, cuts, blowouts all on offer), all while maintaining a homey, comfy vibe.

This all-natural Australian brand's first salon in New York is beautifully turned out in an airy, semi-industrial space in Meatpacking. Haircuts, blow-outs, and color treatments are all done using Original & Mineral products, which leave hair in much better shape than when you walk in.

You walk out of this sleek acupuncture-massage-wellness studio feeling reinvigorated. There’s acupuncture for fertility support, pain and stress relief, gut health, and more. The 75 minute acupuncture facial starts with a health assessment and facial mapping, so the aesthetician can customize the facial, which always includes some combination of acupuncture, gua sha, microcurrent, lymphatic massage, and an adaptogenic tonic. In the red-light body treatment, you’re splayed out in your treatment room, bathed in red light as you’re guided through a tranquil meditation—and you might feel the calming, centering benefits for days.

The haircuts here are expensive, but it is a worthwhile, once-in-a-lifetime treat. Orlando Pita and his staff have created the looks behind many a fashion show, editorial shoot, and ad campaign: In other words, they know what they're doing, and will arguably give you the best cut of your life.

Oula—a maternity center that combines midwifery and obstetrics for prenatal, delivery, and postnatal support—is an incredible option for pregnant people seeking low-intervention births. The staff of midwives is brilliant—friendly, vivacious, knowledgeable, supportive (there is zero judgment whether you want an epidural or drug-free delivery)—and visits feel unhurried and comfortable. They take insurance including some Medicaid, and are committed to inclusive and equitable care to serve a diverse patient base. There's another location in Brooklyn.

The Skin Lab evokes a ramped up version of what you feel slathering on The Rich Cream (or any other totally amazing Augustinus Bader product)—luxurious, refined, completely innovative, and located at the intersection of indulgence and science. The studio is complete with the classic Augustinus Bader–blue, copper detailing, and the most high tech facials. You start off with a skin consultation with an expert and choose your preferred treatment. We love the Ultimate Facial, which combines customized skincare picks, exfoliation, micro current, oxygen therapy, ultrasound, and LED—all completely tailored to your skin’s needs. Even better, they have a three-treatment approach to help you find the best route for your glowiest skin ever.

In a city flooded with Duane Reades, this neighborhood pharmacy is a standout. The pharmacists are the friendliest around and know their stuff, so don't be afraid to ask for advice. You'll also find great alternative health products, cosmetics, and vitamins.

Located in a gallery-like space in the LES, Maryam Nassir Zadeh is more like a gallery than a boutique. You’ll find really stunning jewelry that you don’t know if you should wear, or just display, and plenty of up-and-coming labels. MNZ has put designers like Dieppa Restrepo, Bernhard Willhelm, and Rafael Indiana on the map.

Owner and buyer Jen Mankins has built a bit of an empire out in Brooklyn, drawing Manhattanites out to shop in the process. Her eye is both quirky and cool, meaning that you’ll find a pretty irreverent (and bright) mix here, along with picks Alexander Wang, Zero + Maria Cornejo, and Tsumori Chisato. The racks for men are just as on point.

For years, this teeny tiny shop on Williamsburg's main drag has been one of the best resources in Brooklyn for jewelry. Stackable rings, sweet little pendants, and more precious offerings from designers like Elisa Solomon fill the cases. Weirdly, because space is tight, we actually like shopping their website more.

While the selection here is small, it's exquisite enough to draw a Manhattan crowd to Red Hook, one of Brooklyn's more far-flung neighborhoods. Owner Russell Whitmore has an unerring eye for the types of estate and auction pieces you won't see elsewhere: You'll find diamond cluster rings from the late 19th century and Etruscan revival bracelets inset with tiny drops of pearl and turquoise.

You'll only find Caitlin Mociun's eponymous jewelry collection on her site—but should you go to her new, Williamsburg store, you'll see the work of her friends, too, including hexagonal brass necklaces by Iacoli & Macallister, and Chen Chen and Kai William's marble bangles. You'll also get to shop Mociun's full line, from her signature eensy, triangular turquoise pendants to her custom rings, which feature a mismatched—and stunning—combination of stones.

San Francisco based sneaker start-up Allbirds recently opened their first NYC concept store in Soho, complete with—wait for it—a human sized hamster wheel to test shoe durability. In honor of the opening, they've designed custom laces inspired by New York City’s subway lines alongside a new, limited-edition, midnight blue colorway. We love the sustainable ethos behind each pair of shoes-they're largely engineered from temperature-regulating, odor-minimizing merino wool that's inspired by co-founder Tim Brown's Kiwi upbringing. (They're also ideal for anyone who doesn't like wearing socks.) Grab a perch at their shoe bar to be fitted if you need extra attention.

Apart from the tasty Italo-American dishes—homemade spaghetti (kids go nuts for it) and the perfect roast chicken—the music is what really sets this restaurant apart. Colorful old-school boombox prints decorate the walls, and Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, and Dre boom from the speakers, making the meal a good one for a big group (they actually have a private dining room if you're inviting more than ten people), rather than an intimate gathering.

For years, this little restaurant has attracted lines around the block for its unwaveringly delicious brunch. If you can go on a weekday, you'll have better luck sampling their spectacularly soft, eggy french toast, or their famous Eggs Rothko basically, the best egg in a hole ever.

Chef Elmdad Shem Tov’s heritage influences Glasserie's menu. It's Mediterranean and Middle Eastern through and through, with plates of heirloom cauliflower and tahini, grilled flatbread with labneh, and lots of falafel.

Arguably one of Brooklyn’s best pizza joints, you’ll find rustic, wooden tables surrounding a brick oven here, which is the perfect stage for the pie-throwing theatrics of chef Mark Iacono. Lucali doesn’t take reservations, so get there at around six to snag a table—the thin-crust pizzas and calzones are absolutely worth the wait.

Hearty, meaty sandwiches and Montreal-style deli food (house-smoked meats, poutine, brisket, and more) are served here, deluxe. Make sure to get a pickle on the side and wash it all down with a good glass of wine. There's also a location in Brooklyn.

For years, the Lower East Side has played host to the New York dumpling craze, of which we were avid participants from the start. We loved when Mimi Cheng’s came along and began serving up delectable Taiwanese-style dumplings made with antibiotic-free, local meat and fresh veggies. And, their hole in the wall is beautiful, whitewashed and dotted with bright yellow stools.

You can go to this tiny, charmingly spare Williamsburg storefront for ramen in the evenings, but the best thing is their Japanese breakfast: Incredible fish and vegetables, beautifully prepared and presented. Make a reservation or get there extra early—waiting outside on the tree-lined street is actually its own lovely experience.

Great fried chicken, end of story. Owned and run by three women who met while working at Diner, this is a super casual spot that offers an authentic spin on Southern food. The wonderful savouries are matched only by their sweet, down-home American pies. There's a new location on the Lower East Side.

Andrew Tarlow and team have a tight grip on the Williamsburg dining scene, and so they've finally made their first foray deeper into Brooklyn. At Roman’s, the short menu of simple Italian dishes changes daily, making it the kind of neighborhood joint you can hit on repeat. As the food is delicious, there’s always a crowd—if you’re looking for a quiet meal, opt for earlier on in the week.

Hip, but not overrated or overrun, this all-day cafe from the guys behind The Jane Hotel is a great place to meet up for a coffee or casual lunch/dinner. They sell artisan goods up front.

This is the best new-wave steakhouse in the neighborhood, as evidenced by the fact that it's usually at capacity by 6pm. It's worth the sometimes two hour wait (we leave our number and head next door for a drink) for an insane aged steak for two or four, not to mention a perfectly-dressed bibb lettuce salad, lush truffle oil mashed potatoes, and delicious, seasonal options from the grill.

This restaurant/bar feels like an old-school New Orleans club that’s been recently rediscovered. Distressed walls, gas lamps, a deco bar, and Thonet bentwood chairs just add to the effect. With a raw bar and a menu of seafood classics, it’s a solid choice for a weekend brunch or dinner, but we prefer it later in the evening for an old-fashioned drink at a dimly lit table. There’s also a long list of absinthes to choose from, which is fitting for the epoch this spot evokes.

Operating out of a renovated 1920s train car, this quirky little spot from Andrew Tarlow has served Williamsburg since the late 90s. In the past few decades, it’s lost none of its appeal—thanks to a menu of American classics, from one of the best burgers in Brooklyn to a solid roast chicken. The atmosphere gets downright rowdy the later it gets; people roll up for late-night dinner to a soundtrack of old-school hip-hop. Come with some time before your reservation to drop by Marlow & Sons—it's just next door–for a glass of wine.

This is definitely one of the best soba joints in the city: We like the Nolita location the best, but this one on the LES is very cozy. Go for the Mera Mera Dip Soba, with minced chicken and a fiery broth: The noodles are packed with flavor, chewy, and perfectly al-dente. Don’t miss the homemade silky tofu, sprinkled with grated ginger, scallions, nori and bonito flakes, which is as creamy and delicious as a hunk of fresh burrata.

Whether you head to the Carroll Gardens original or the West Village outpost, you can expect a home-style Italian meal in a casual, neighborhood setting from Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo. We love their vegetable-centric offerings, house-made pasta, and hearty meatball parmigiana, which is pretty great for lunch.

Cafe Erzulie—named after the Haitian Voodoo goddess of love, beauty, and dance—is a lush indoor-outdoor tropical event space and cocktail bar. They're currently open for public and private events: There's often live jazz under strings of lights in their outdoor space, and on the weekends, the dance floor opens up for some of Brooklyn's up-and-coming DJ’s.

Housed in a renovated public school, PS1 has been a beacon for contemporary art lovers since the 60s, though it officially only became part of MoMA in 2000. With the unerringly avant-garde Klaus Biesenbach as its director, PS1 has presented many groundbreaking shows including Francis Alÿs, Ari Marcopoulos, and Confetti System, a timely Mike Kelley retrospective shortly after his death, and the “Greater New York” series. In the summer, the Warm Up series—where great DJs play in the museum’s courtyard—draws a fun crowd. There's also an on-site cafeteria, M. Wells Dinette.

Tucked away in South Williamsburg, this is one of the best places to see up-and-coming indie bands. It's always a fun night out, particularly because there’s food (including lots of vegan and vegetarian options) by way of Bouley and Acme vet, chef Ronald Murray. Much to the joy of locals, they've recently introduced weekend brunch.

This gritty Williamsburg concert hall has debuted many an indie and new wave band. It's one of our favorite venues in the city, second only to the Bowery Ballroom (it's from the same family), as the sound is great and it's nice and intimate. You can stand and watch on the ground floor, but there's more low-key, tiered standing areas upstairs for those inclined to claustrophobia.

This adults-only bowling alley turned concert venue provides an entertainment trifecta, guaranteeing a pretty great night out, especially in a group. You can bowl to great music, dine on Blue Ribbon’s fried chicken and spiked milkshakes, and see the occasional big-name group.

Designed by the visionary Roman + Williams team, The Ace has some of the most memorable interiors in the city. The lobby has become something of an all-day hangout even for those who aren't guests, with its Stumptown coffee bar, cool concept shops—both a mini Opening Ceremony and No. 8—and unlimited free-wifi. Meanwhile, April Bloomfield's two restaurants, The John Dory and the cozy pub-like Breslin, serve up top-notch food. It was and continues to be a hot spot in a once totally boring and dilapidated part of town. Photo: Douglas Lyle Thompson

This quaint spot looks like just another family brownstone on a lovely street. The beautifully-designed guestrooms make the boutique hotel feel like the kind of place you could easily move into. You’ll sleep in Frette linens and take strolls around Gramercy Park. The Inn has the sweetest tea room in town, too, Lady Mendl’s.

Designed to look like an old-fashioned luxury European ship, this is a great (and affordable) place to stay. The rooms, like the Bunk Bed Cabins, are small, but they have everything you need—minus a huge price tag. Don’t expect a quiet stay: The lounge gets plenty of foot traffic when the bar opens, though you can always seek refuge at hotel’s popular restaurant.

At the Wythe Hotel, owned by the masterminds behind Marlow & Sons, you’ll find an outpost of Le Crocodile, a French bar, and views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines. The building has a plethora of spaces to rent for parties, including a full-fledged screening room. Oh, and if you're traveling in a band, as one does in Williamsburg, you can book their "Band Room," complete with bunk beds.

New York is no stranger to coffee shops and teahouses, but Chalait is the first one to feature such a matcha-heavy menu. For the uninitiated, our favorite matcha latte—creamy and not too bitter—is a good intro to this potent, antioxidant-rich green tea. For nonbelievers, there’s Counter Culture coffee and a variety of loose-leaf teas. While there is no Wi-Fi, it's a good spot to get some work done.

With cafés in four major cities, La Colombe is looking to build a little empire—which makes total sense. The in-house beans are some of New York City's best, and the café itself is serene and beautiful. Locations vary in size (some have tables where you could totally pull out a laptop), and you can usually find a place to at least perch for a bit. This outpost is the most spacious; it's good for writing or reading but doesn't offer Wi-Fi.

Here's the thing: Happy Bones is actually tiny, but because most people come for to-go drinks, the tables are almost always empty. The two guys who run this place keep the menu and the décor blessedly simple, so you're guaranteed both a great cup of coffee and a peaceful atmosphere every time.

This tiny little café on Lexington serves great coffee, alongside a small-but-mighty food menu. While there's no denying how good the schnitzel and breaded chicken sandwiches are, this is an especially great choice for vegetarians. The avocado smash (which is drenched in pumpkin seeds) is fresh-tasting yet totally filling. The tiny space can get a little bit crowded during the lunch hour, so it's best to take your brown bag to go.