American Cut

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 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.

The hand-rolled, wood-fired bagel sandwiches at Black Seed are actually easy to eat (they’re much smaller than their brethren), and for the most part, they’re great—particularly for those times when the only thing that will satisfy is a bagel sandwich. Favorites include: beet-cured gravlax, a basic tuna salad, Tobiko spread, and the egg salad (though it’s heavy on the dill). There’s now a location in the Financial District and East Village, in addition to the Nolita original.

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.)

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.

This is one of the Joe Bastianich group's best restaurants, serving up his perfectly executed, regional Italian dishes in a dressed-up, white tableclothed setting. Unlike many other upscale NYC restaurants, Babbo has a fun (and never stuffy) vibe. It's hard to get a table but we like to go to the bar for an incredible plate of pasta and a glass of wine. The private room is a great place to host a fancy lunch.

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.

Housed in Mies van der Rohe's Seagram Building, this icon of a restaurant still honors its 1959 design by modernist Philip Johnson. Everything—from Philip Johnson's custom chairs and bar stools, to the metal chain curtains, to the Japanese-style pool in the middle of the dining room—is as true to the original concept as possible, making a meal here something of a field trip for Modernist design nerds. Needless to say, it's one of the city's true gems: While the Pool Room is a romantic spot for dinner, New York power lunches take place in the clubby, wood-paneled Grill Room. It's best for expense accounts: With its lofty prices and bustling location, it's usually packed with business types and Upper East Side denizens. And while it's an undeniably elegant space for an event, private rooms here are best reserved for big-deal celebrations like engagements or graduations.

For over 30 years, this venerable Danny Meyer restaurant has been continually packed, thanks to the delicious, seasonal, and local American cuisine, a movement that’s currently stewarded by chef Michael Anthony, of Blue Hill fame. The woodsy dining room, complete with Robert Kushner’s vegetable mural, is so comforting. Their private room is a great classic spot for a private event.

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.

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.

Serving haute cuisine since 1962, this place is wonderfully old school (with the buttoned-up crowd to match). The food is decadent and indulgent as are the floral arrangements, for which they’re known. Incidentally, it's not surprising that it's an excellent choice for a fancy private event. The late night jazz is well worth staying—and dressing—up for.

Le Bernardin opened in 1986 after the success of the storied Parisian original. Helmed by Chef Eric Ripert, this swanky restaurant continues to deliver some of the finest, freshest fish in the city, served with delicate yet complicated sauces that make seafood incredibly exciting. The menu is prix fixe only and organized by preparation (almost raw, barely touched, lightly cooked, etc.). The private room here is upstairs and has a separate entrance.

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 Greek seafood mecca launched the whole fish trend in NYC, and still does it to perfection. This, paired with delicious Greek mezze like grilled octopus, fresh salads, dips, and more in a beautiful whitewashed dining room with some of the highest ceilings in the city, is as close as you’ll get to the islands. The tuna burger with lightly fried zucchini sticks at lunch is pretty insane. Plus, their private room upstairs is perfect for an intimate dinner with a killer menu.

Daniel Humm of the Michelin starred Eleven Madison Park runs a food program here that is as delicious as it is elegant, all appropriate to the Jacques Garcia-designed surroundings. Choose between the clubby Parlour with velvet seats and Persian rugs or the shimmering Atrium under a massive skylight for your meal's venue—both are a treat. There are several private rooms available here, but opt for the rooftop if possible—you can actually stage a small table in the hotel's iconic cupola.

Napa's French Laundry may have put Thomas Keller on the map, but Per Se, which is perched above Central Park, confirmed his legendary status. The menu changes daily, and you can expect Keller to trot out some of his older hits along with some delightful new surprises. The meal itself can last for hours as you advance from seasonal course to course, and the set dinner menu starts at $390. The private room also happens to have one of the best views in town.

Red Farm’s menu focuses on fresh greenmarket product, artfully prepared fish, and delicious dim sum (including less familiar creations like pastrami egg rolls). The shrimp dumplings are delicious, the duck spring rolls are surprisingly refreshing, and we’re more than willing to endure the substantial wait (no reservations here) for a bowl of the veggie fried rice alone. They put together prix-fixe menus for large groups in private spaces.

If you've traveled in Austria and Germany, you know how uniquely delicious (if carb-heavy) the cuisine is—and also how hard it is to find good versions stateside. Blaue Gans' menu goes way beyond the obvious weiner schnitzel and wurst by including a hearty beef goulash, a traditionally made sauerkraut, and spätzle. Meanwhile, the kaiserschmarrn is apple-filled, with perfect batter and plentiful powdered sugar. The entire space can be rented for small gatherings.

It doesn't get much better than Daniel when it comes to haute cuisine (and destinations for special occasions). From the exceptional French prix-fixe menu to the flawless service and elegant jacket-only dining room, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. For a slightly more casual (and reasonably priced) a la carte dining experience, head to the lounge. And for a special event, book their private Bellecour Room, which has windows facing 65th Street—a rarity for event rooms in the city.

In the continued migration west of all things New York comes the LA outpost of a beloved West Village cocktail bar. It's a stellar spot for a group, an ideal way to kick off a night of cocktail hopping, and the private room is our go-to for events or intimate dinners. Cofounder Dushan Zaric has transformed a former BBQ restaurant into a space straight out of a Baz Luhrmann movie, with Art Deco touches, mahogany paneling, and textured wallpaper. Fans of the original will notice the neon “Psychic” sign in the window, and indeed, there are three psychics in residence each night, available for fifteen-minute readings. But really you come for the cocktails: There are the classics for which EO is best known, plus newbies like the Hope Monkey (Kaffir-lime-infused Gin Mare and absinthe bitters). Many of the new cocktails showcase locally sourced chamomile and sage syrup, and CBD oils in addition to fresh citrus juices. There’s also a full dinner menu, but the bar snacks are probably your best bet—oysters, and fries are a good way to go.

With a guest list that has included Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Prince Charles, and Richard Nixon (he wrote his memoirs here), it's not that surprising that after a comprehensive remodel in 2011, people were upset that Hotel Bel-Air wasn't exactly the same. But we still love it: We just don't go there expecting to see the original. The lobby, in particular, is so chic, and the Wolfgang Puck restaurant is a great pick for an event.

Since 1982, Spago has managed to hold its spot as one of the busiest and most celebrated LA restaurants. Sure, there's a ton of air-kissing and people-watching, but the seasonally-focused food succeeds thanks to fresh produce, meat, and fish that's done simply and well (the beet layer salad is always a highlight). It's the kind of place that's justified by a special occasion, and there are plenty of private room options for large parties.

This wonderfully tiny, six-table spot is the latest addition to the Mozza family—with a homepage distinguished by a giant cleaver, Chi Spacca offers innumerable versions of pork and beef chops, which should definitely be shared (many are 42 to 50 ounces). Like any great steak house, even of the Italian variety, all that carne comes with a bountiful menu of delectable sides: The mashed potatoes are insane, as are the squash blossoms and grilled cauliflower. And, as this is California and all, you can trust that there's a simple grilled fish on the menu, along with a hearty kale salad. It's possible to rent the entire space for events.

With two Michelin stars at its back, Michael Cimarusti’s Providence easily ranks as one of L.A.’s best. The prix-fixe menu revolves around Cimarusti’s deep love for the sea, and the provenance of the fish on the menu is clearly-defined: There’s down-home “chowda,” lobsters from Maine, coho salmon from the Olympic peninsula, and a smattering of exotics, like ikura, uni, and razor clams. Meanwhile, the quietly-fancy space feels like it could double as the dining room of an opulent ocean liner. They have two private rooms for events.

This place has been around since the '80s, but in the intervening years, it's lost none of its appeal. As a pioneer in the Asian-fusion space (one of Wolfgang Puck's first restaurants), Chinois—which marries French and Chinese cuisine—totally revolutionized the L.A. food scene. Now, the food feels wonderfully familiar in a space that looks straight out of Ruthless People. The curried oysters, duck pancakes, and spicy miso black cod are classics. A trip here always brings a real sense of nostalgia, as this was one of the first foodie destinations in California. The excellent service and family-style servings make it perfect for a group (and there's a private room to accommodate, too).

Decades after opening, this place—like its counterpart in NYC—is still going strong, retaining that old-school Santa Monica feel. With chef Frank Fermin's revamped menu, outrageously fresh cocktails, and a breathtaking redesign of their lush back patio, we’ve recently come to regard it as our very classy new evening drinking destination. The candle-lit back patio is also a magical spot for hosting an event.

Connie & Ted's is undeniably one of the best options in L.A. for a great New England-style seafood meal. The menu is vast and great all around, but you can't go wrong with the daily fresh catch, prepared simply and skillfully—that or the fish and chips, which is buttery, flaky, and not the least bit greasy. Same goes for the overflowing fried oyster sandwich, which you'll be all too happy to eat with a fork and knife. Their family-style dinners, served to up to 16 guests on the private patio, are perfect for any low-key special occasion.

This is the quintessential LA hangout where the fun people-watching comes with a side of craft cocktails and decent Italian food. The Butterfly Room (named after its centerpiece, a heart-shaped painting by Damien Hirst) is roomier than most private dining areas (it can accommodate up to forty guests) and has a private entrance.

There are now 32 outposts of Nobu—and they draw a devoted touristy crowd—but the Malibu location, positioned on a bluff overlooking the ocean, is worth braving the hordes. The backdrop offers sweeping views that deliver the drama people love for big, festive moments like a rehearsal dinner, plus the food is reliably good.

The first thing to know about Scopa is that it’s massive. In addition to a sea of cafe tables there are shared banquettes, communal tables, and a stretch bar which is home to an extensive spirit offering (there’s a healthy wine list as well). They even have a private room upstairs, with a peek-a-boo window overlooking the main dining room. We suggest starting with one of the expertly curated Italian cold cut and cheeses plates before diving into the more substantial pastas and mains. The menu is packed with classic Italian dishes (lasagne, whole branzino) which Chef Antonia Lofaso (of Top Chef fame) executes flawlessly. This is also one of the few non-Italian bakery spots in town where you can get a decent cannoli. Plus, unlike many L.A. eateries, this one serves food until midnight on most evenings.

It’s been several years, but Gjelina—a restaurant that ushered in a new sort of veggie-centric California cuisine—is as mobbed as ever. The crowds make a lot of sense: Everything is always excellent, from the vegetable sides to the whisper-thin jalapeño and smoked mozzarella pizza. Come when it opens so you can snag a table on the patio out back. (If the lines are too long, grab something to go at GTA, its takeaway spot next door.)

You’d never guess that The Tasting Kitchen sits on one of Venice’s busiest thoroughfares: It’s partly because of the fortress-like entrance, and partly because the loft-y, two-floor space revolves around a small grove of transporting olive trees. The food—modern Italian by Portland transplant Casey Lane—is excellent, made even better by the comfortable, leather wrapped Eames chairs, welcoming bar area, and always kind and attentive service. While it's one of the city's major culinary destinations—and gets really booked—if you walk in at 6, you can generally always get a table, and there are two big communal tables in the bar. If you have at least 20 people, you can book their elegant private space upstairs.

Luxe ingredients like lobster and caviar, made with a nod to traditional French technique, earned Melisse two Michelin stars. A tasting menu is basically mandatory at a place like this—if you're adventurous go for Chef Josiah Citrin's Carte Blanche menu. It's a great place for a white tablecloth-style event in one of their private rooms, too.

For the true Italophile, pull out all the stops and order the seven-course pasta tasting menu at the more dressed-up of the two Mozza dining rooms. If you choose, you can accompany each course with their suggested wine. Their wine room is an ideal location for a small private event, but it's also possible to arrange a full buyout.

Cassia came on the scene in 2015 as the brainchild of two great culinary couples: Rustic Canyon’s Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb and Spice Table’s Bryant Ng and Kim Luu-Ng. With a great cocktail program, a somm-selected run of Rieslings, an airy dining room, a legitimately good patio, and buckets of natural light, it’s still one of most pleasant spaces in Santa Monica, especially south of Lincoln. But it’s the warm service and excellent food—an 80/20 blend of Chinese-Singaporean and Vietnamese, with French inflections—that will have you booking a return reservation before you’re out the door. We ordered a generous pile of green papaya salad, chickpea curry with clay oven bread (or lettuce cups, if you’re gluten-free), ultra-tender Hainan chicken confit, and a mushroom satay we’ll be thinking about for a long, long time.

The interior of Leo's is another gorgeous creation from Ken Fulk, with marble tabletops, verdant wallpaper, checkered, East Coast-style floors, and wicker stools. Tucked away from the main restaurant are two distinct private dining spaces. The Tiki Lounge is a bamboo-wrapped tropical oasis perfect for an intimate dinner. The Hideaway is an ode to old-Hollywood with sumptuous palm-patterned wallpaper and room for up to twenty-eight seated guests. As for the food, the oysters here are served old-school, on ice and with a generously poured flute of champagne. The menu's just as good off the raw bar—we love the lobster roll, shrimp toast, and tater tots.

The slick interior and miles-deep wine list make this is a great place for a dressed-up celebratory dinner. The food spans a variety of cuisines but the emphasis remains on local and organic fare. We're partial to the Sunday brunch (get the beignets) and the burger any night of the week. They have three elegant rooms for private parties—the events team is particularly skilled at florals.

While there are delicious small plates for veggies to tuck into, the mains at this Chef Jennifer Puccio-helmed spot have the carnivore crowd in mind. The Marlow burger is particularly memorable (and by memorable, we mean it's one of the best we've ever had). Ken Faulk—regarded as one of the most talented interior designers in the city—re-imagined the sprawling space to resemble an elevated butcher shop. They have several spaces to accommodate private parties, the best one being their private patio space: It's decorated with herbs and other greenery and dotted with heat lamps that make it comfortable year-round.

Come nighttime, the dim lighting and loud music draw a younger crowd to this tightly-packed gem a few blocks off the main Mission drag. The lineup of house-made pastas is as unusual as they come. From maltagliati with braised rabbit and sunchokes to trenette with pork sugo and chili, the concepts are always inspired. The pizzas are just as interesting. It's not a light meal, so come with hungry friends as a lot of it is great to share. The dough room where they roll the pasta during is available as a private dining room in the evenings.

Not nearly as fancy as sister restaurant, Quince, Cotogna serves up Northern Italian fare using the highest quality ingredients from nearby markets. It’s the kind of stuff we’d happily eat on a nightly basis: fresh pastas, veggie plates, wood-fired pizza, and simple fish entrees. In the elegant, almost all-wood dining room, the vibe is lively but not loud as tables are generously spaced. If you can get a table, great, if not, dining at the bar while watching the chefs at work is pretty awesome, too. A better option yet is to snag the Chef's Table in front of the open kitchen (or reserve the entire place).

The indoor-outdoor dining room is equal parts rustic (Edison bulbs, communal tables) and modern (exposed kitchen, cement floors) while the food is hearty Northern California fare through and through. Taking full advantage of the region's bounty, Chef Thomas McNaughton developed relationships with local farmers who provide just-plucked produce for dishes like squash maltagliati, figs with coppa di testa, and melon and burrata. If you're hosting an event, keep in mind that the attached Salumeria, which is a market by day, becomes a cozy dining room by night.

Michael Tusk's Quince has fast become the standard for fine dining, so it's no surprise that his catering business, Tusk Events, is booming. They can handle events of any size, but it's good to remember that Quince's family-style tables can also be reserved for large parties—a nice option if you're looking to host a gathering with minimal-effort. The various tasting menus, aided by a miles-long wine list, make for a pretty perfect weekend date night or decadent catch-up session with pals.

We love that the Oaxacan region of Mexico serves as Chef Matt Gandin’s muse at this Arts District favorite. The result? A menu of ceviches, tamales, tacos, and insane shared dishes that stays true to tradition while bringing something innovative to the table. It's a pretty awesome space, too, with an exposed-brick dining room, plus a massive outdoor area with fire pit and beer garden. If you've got a group of 20 or more, ask about their private room in the back, where they serve those crazy-good sharing plates family style around one long table.

This big, bustling Italian restaurant is a huge hit with the after-work crowd on weekdays and for date night or group hangs on weekends; and with five separate private dining room options, it's a classic on the holiday office party circuit. The sharable plate of house-cured meats is a must order no matter what your reason for venturing out. The rest of the menu reads like a greatest hits list of Italian comfort food: loads of seafood, grilled veggies, and of course, pasta. Though the main dining room has a great convivial vibe, we prefer to take our meals at the bar (coincidentally, the cocktails here are excellent).

Chef Melissa Perello's first San Francisco restaurant, Frances, earned a Michelin star for its refined, uncomplicated dishes, so everyone's expecting great things from her next spot, just-opened Octavia. The entire operation, from the speckled pottery dishes to the wooden tables to the meal, is rustic with a modern bend, and the space is light and airy with Scandinavian furniture. Like most Bay Area chefs, Perello changes her menu with the seasons, but recent favorites include a little gem salad with persimmon, a pork chop with escarole and mushrooms. The private dining space in an attached converted bakery is a great space for an event that's special without feeling too fancy.

The gentrification of the Mission hasn't included a ton of new architecture, so Farina's neon sign and sleek modern build makes it stick out a little on the street—all the better, because their famous Neopolitan pizzas (cooked in a specially made oven) are not to be missed. The best seat in the house is the back patio, which is super lush, and benefits from the Mission's warmer microclimate (it's usually about 10 degrees warmer here than in the rest of the city). The entire patio can be rented out for private events, and the restaurant provides heat lamps that make it a good option year-round.

In a city that's known for great seafood, Farallon has been a go-to spot for fish and shellfish for almost 20 years now. It's sort of an old-school joint at this point, but the oyster menu is miles-long, and the dinner options always include a great lobster dish and excellent grilled fish. Décor-wise, they’re famous for the jellyfish lounge, where jellyfish lamps hang from the ceiling and the mezzanine level itself is shaped like the creature. While it;s a little bit over-the-top, you have to appreciate the lengths they took to make the space unique and special. The private rooms here are decorated in the same fantastical style, and they've been around long enough to appreciate the value of having an event planner on staff, which always makes things easier.

The place to be at this lounge-y restaurant (which is up on the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos) is the covered outdoor patio, which has long fire pits that keep guests warm in the cooler months—you can actually eat outside here all year round. Chef David Bazirgan puts together shared plates in unexpected combinations—soft-shell crab with banana ketchup, asparagus with smoked egg yolk, sweetbreads with kimchi and pineapple—which keeps things pretty exciting. They're also known for a fantastic cocktail program. Private dining options here spill onto the patio, making it a particularly good choice for cocktail reception-style events where guests will want to walk around.

Town Hall has been a local favorite for a while now, with indulgent, Southern-style cooking—the best menu items include fried chicken, barbecue ribs, and classic veggies like okra and fried green tomatoes. Their event space in the back is lined with wide windows that make it perfect for a mid-morning or early-afternoon event.

The first thing you'll notice about Beretta is the elegant décor—industrial chandeliers dangle from the high ceilings and glass light fixtures dot the bar. One of the first spots that brought the Mission to culinary fame, they're best known for great Italian comfort food (don’t miss the thin crust pizzas and classic pastas) and an insanely good brunch (how can you not order the carbonara brunch pizza?). The upstairs event space is perfect for an event that feels sophisticated but with a little bit of cool factor.

Boulevard won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2012, and it's easy to understand why; the food here is consistently outstanding. The menu changes seasonally, but straightforward dishes like a soft-shell crab with polenta, a delicate squash blossom risotto, and a classically awesome Filet Mignon are executed in a really elegant way. The location right on the Embarcadero lives up to the great menu—you’ll have views of the bay from most seats. Their private wine vault is a comfortable space for small events, but they also have a larger room that’s a nice (and conveniently located) pick for corporate functions.

Acquerello has been serving upscale Italian in Nob Hill for 25 years now—with excellent food and a decidedly grown-up setting, it’s exactly the kind of place you want to go to for special occasions. Run by a father-son team from Bologna and an executive chef/partner that’s been with them from the beginning, the classic Italian dishes are unshakably good. There are two private room options that are both relatively formal.

It’s not easy to find Greek cuisine served in an upscale, white tablecloth setting, which makes Kokkari sort of unique in its class. The best menu items here are the classics: moussaka, lamb chops, and a killer (and gorgeously presented) greek salad. The hole-in-the-wall private dining room here feels like a secluded wine cellar—it's cozy and perfect for smaller groups.

Absinthe was an early pioneer both of the craft/artisanal cocktail scene in San Francisco (the absinthe cocktails are still amazing) and of the Hayes Valley neighborhood (they were one of the first in the area). The cuisine slants French, but not in a restricting way—you’ll find a Hawaiian swordfish alongside their famous French onion soup and coq au vin. The upstairs private space is unique in the city for being completely separate, with an exclusive-use bar and entrance.

Chef Dominique Crenn is equal parts poet and chef, as evidenced by the creative titles of her tasting menu, which includes dishes like "the sea" or "walk in the forest." She’s also known for inventive presentation—expect lots of props, like dishes with glass panels, or mossy branches, to adorn your meal. The private room makes for a lovely space for a private meal.

Acadia's 10-course prix fixe menu, which includes two cocktails that are mixed table-side, earned it a Michelin star. But if you don’t have the time (or budget) for the full experience, go just to sit at the bar and order the burger, which is served with bacon onion jam, gruyere, and taleggio mornay. Though it's best reserved for exceptionally special events, their private dining room has space for 20.

Balena is the second restaurant the team behind The Bristol and Formento's, and it manages to capture the same sophisticated but comfortable vibe as the former, with tall ceilings, rustic furnishings, and some seriously cool firefly-like light fixtures. The menu here is straight-up Italian, filled with classic dishes like a potato gnocchi in a mushroom sauce, a fennel sausage and onion pizza, and a classic roasted chicken with romesco and walnut parmesan. The private room has its own bar that's decorated with back-lit wine bottles for a cool stained-glass effect.

Blackbird is another member of the Avec family, with a Jetsons-level futuristic interior, complete with an architectural slab of a bar lined with chrome swivel chairs. In contrast, the Midwestern menu is super hearty and the service fittingly warm and attentive. On the second floor, you'll find a secluded dining room, where private parties are assigned dedicated serving and cooking staff.

We love Stephanie Izard's Girl & The Goat because craft is the key to every single one of the dishes. The food is separated into three categories—meat, fish, and vegetables—with plenty of crossover in between. Combinations are unexpected and bold flavors abound, all with a feminine, comfortable touch. Don’t miss the selection of house-made breads served at the beginning of each meal, and if you’re a beer drinker, you will be pleased with their unusual collaborations with Three Floyds. The "Underground Goat," their private dining space below the restaurant, is one of the most sought-after party venues in town.

Over a century ago, this Michigan Avenue landmark served as home base of the Chicago Athletic Association. The building had been vacant since 1997, so it was a pretty big deal when design firm Roman and Williams stepped in to re-imagine the massive building as a slick 241-room hotel. Sport is still a prominent theme here, as evidenced by a tricked out game room and walls of museum quality athletic memorabilia. And while the stained glass windows, grand ballroom, and general clubbiness were left intact, the brass lighting fixtures and leather furniture (both in-room and throughout the hotel) are welcome additions. There's also the sexy rooftop restaurant, Cindy's, and three more places to eat and drink. Incidentally, the cozy library at Cindy's is an excellent place to host a private event—it doesn't feel at all like a corporate hotel space, and the views of Lake Michigan are jaw-dropping.

Dining at The Publican is always a treat. It’s kind of the ideal menu, with oysters, roast chicken, fries, and lots of delicious sides. The room is big and light and open, plus, many booths have little saloon style swinging doors on them for privacy. Their butcher shop and cafe (Publican Quality Meats) is next-door, and offers a full butchery plus sandwiches and old-fashioned breakfasts; it can be converted into a dining room in the evening for private events.

A few years ago, the team behind Boka enlisted Simeone Deary Design Group to give the Michelin starred restaurant a top-to-bottom overhaul. The resulting space—an earthy mix of muted mauves, with one wall covered entirely in antique door handles and another in live moss—is the perfect setting for Chef Lee Wolen’s refreshingly unfussy take on fine dining: heirloom carrots, brandade ravioli, and the now famous roasted chicken. The desserts are pretty extraordinary too (see: 70 percent South American cacao mousse). The terrace opens up onto the patio and has doors that close to the main dining room for private events.

The menu at this hidden gem (it's quite literally hidden near a Home Depot in an unmarked building) remains exciting: gnocchi with maple bacon, steak tartare with fried capers and egg yolk, PB&J bread pudding. In the summer, they open up a garage door in the back of the building to an open-air astroturf patio; head to the back to play a game of ping pong while you wait for your meal. The private dining room here is legendary, too—tucked away near the entrance to the main dining room, it's a popular pick for the film and music crowd.

Just-opened Formento's is the latest spot to join The Bristol and Balena family. It's old-school Italian in every way, from the white tablecloths and tufted leather banquettes to the chicken parm and Italian wedding soup. They have a big, open loft upstairs for private events.

Owner Arjun Waney (he's behind London favorites like Zuma, Roka, and Oblix) seems to have nailed that special formula for modern dining, which obviously involves great food. If the meals alone don't fully justify the membership fee, the art collection (you'll see a John Baldessari and a Tomas Saraceno sculpture in the stairwell) and exquisitely decorated common spaces for gathering over coffee and afternoon tea definitely do. Members and their friends can also book one of the Club's 16 enormous, gorgeously-appointed hotel rooms, which offer 24 hour butler service. Perhaps most importantly, though, members get access to 1863, the club's intimate bar and performance space, where you can see some of London's best musicians perform literally feet away.

Like the rest of André Balasz' hotels and restaurants (the iconic Chateau Marmont in LA and Mercer in NY, to name a couple), his first venture in London is undoubtedly one of the sceniest in town. Part of the allure is the decor, courtesy of Studio Ko, who seamlessly integrated original features like the fireman's pole, brick and tilework, and fire doors with velvet seating, glitzy marble bars, and old-fashioned, flower-print carpeting. And part of it is chef Nuno Mendez' brasserie-style menu that's packed with his near perfect takes on the classics like Caesar Salad and Roast Chicken, plus some of the most delicious and inventive appetisers in town—the crab-stuffed doughnuts are a brunch favorite. A private dining room at a hotel like this is a must, and the elegant—though much less splashy—room here ticks all the boxes and accommodates 12.

The River Café hardly needs an introduction. Serving unmatched Italian since 1987, it is a landmark among restaurants everywhere. They've always been known for their simple, seasonal fare, and the location right along the Thames is great for a sunny Sunday lunch or a special dinner. There's also a private room just off the main dining room that seats up to 18 (fitted out with the Café's signature hot pink rug, and minimal tabletop), which makes an ideal venue for an occasion. You'll definitely want to try something that's been cooked to perfection in their pink wood-fired oven, which has been the central focal point of the restaurant since its renovation, undertaken under the watchful eye of architect (chef Ruth Rogers' husband) Lord Richard Rogers.

Modeled after a Raj-era Indian sports club, Gymkhana balances old-world interiors with some of the best Indian in London: It was voted the number one restaurant in London in 2013 before going on to win a Michelin star in 2014. The food is served family-style—Tikkas, Biryanis, Saags—but things get really exciting when it comes to the bread. The duck egg bhurji with lobster, for one, is epic. Perfect for intimate, private dinners, the restaurant also has two beautifully appointed vaults that seat 9 or 12: They are tasting menu only so, go prepared for a big meal.

Jason Atherton is the master at creating a buzzy atmosphere at his restaurants, as evidenced by the fact that it's nearly impossible to land a reservation at Pollen Street Social and the Social Eating House. Meanwhile, Berners Tavern, located inside Ian Schrager's Edition Hotel in Fitzrovia, is no exception, attracting locals in the creative industry for breakfast and lunch meetings, and a decidedly more dressed up crowd for dinners and weekend brunch. Here, inside the large ballroom-like space, which is covered from floor to ceiling in a dramatic display of framed images, Atherton serves up meaty, seasonal British game along with some of the best Dover Sole in town. The sleek private dining room for 12 doesn't lose out on any of the drama, as its situated right under a restored, historic skylight.

After cutting their teeth on the vineyards in Napa, Charlotte and Michael Sager-Wilde brought their love for great Californian wines back to London, where they’re something of a rarity. A meal at their first large restaurant venture, under converted railway arches in Bethnal Green, is pretty transporting (and a lot less than a ticket to Napa), pairing wonderful wines with an Italian-influenced seasonal menu of small plates. The terrace upstairs tucked into one of the railway arches, makes a great spot for a private meal; meanwhile, winos will love checking out the Sager-Wilde's collection in the room's glass cave.

Like stepping back into old-world Eastern elegance, this beautiful dining room serves exquisitely-executed, upscale Cantonese classics, like their whole suckling pig, which requires 24-hour notice and £150 pounds. It's a splurge but makes for a memorable meal, particularly if it's served in one of the three adjacent private rooms that seat up to 26—Ping, Pang, and Pong—or combined to seat 80. The dim sum, which is less of an investment, is also great, the seafood and veggie sides are as fresh as they come, and they've totally nailed cha siu. A meal here is best enjoyed with an expense account, but you can always hit the swanky bar for one very delicious cocktail.

The phrase "over-the-top" is basically synonymous with Bob Bob Ricard: There's the hyper-luxe interiors that look like they were created by Wes Anderson's design team, there's the champagne on tap—just press the "Champagne" button at your table—there's the rich Russo-British Chicken Kievs, caviar and the like, and there's the fact you absolutely have to dress up (no sneakers allowed) or else the bouncer at the door won't let you in. It's all in good tongue-in-cheek fun, and if there's one spot that's perfect for starting a big, celebratory night out in London, it's here. And, if your booking is for more than 10 people, you get upgraded into the private dining room, which is possibly even more stylized than the rest of the space.

It's not a big surprise that restaurateur Alan Yau—Wagamama, Hakkasan, and Yauatcha—has moved on to his next big concept. (He’s sold all three of his ventures.) While the food and the beer list at this Chinese gastropub is undeniably stellar (as expected, the Cantonese roasted duck is the thing to get), the interiors, by Turkish design firm Autoban, might just be good enough to usurp the spotlight—You don't miss out on either in either of the private rooms which seat up to 12.

Tucked away on Charlotte Street, you'll find one of the most spectacular chef's tables in London. In this cozy, horseshoe-shaped space, up to 20 guests crowd around James Knappett's open kitchen where he continually develops his ever-changing 11-course tasting menu that's won him a Michelin Star. Plus, he's picked up a few tricks at a pretty impressive list of restaurants including Per Se, Roganic, and The Ledbury. This special culinary performance can be hired out for the evening, too.

Murano is the crown jewel of chef Angela Hartnett's growing restaurant emporium, and is also the place you're most likely to catch her in the kitchen making her trademark modern twists on Italian dishes and ingredients. A meal here is a highlight in and of itself, but the private dining room is where it's at. Here, Angela and her team will create a special set menu for the dinner party on request, and if you're lucky, the glass partition in the room can be retracted, allowing guests a direct view into the kitchen. There are also two sister restaurants, Café Murano, from Hartnett's deputy, Sam Williams (one on St. James Street and one in Covent Garden).

Set in a huge, light-filled space in Somerset House, Spring is helmed by chef Skye Gyngell, who won a Michelin star for her restaurant at Petersham Nurseries—and then promptly left. She’s finally returned after a long time away and is back to her old tricks: Light, seasonal, Italian-inflected dishes that are essentially perfect. For a private meal or event, there's the Salon, which is a pretty magical light-filled space located under an original glass atrium that can seat up to 45 at tree-lined tables (yes, tree-lined).

This is Argentinian restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz's very first venture in London, a restaurant with a seriously clubby feel serving up European dishes with a slightly Argentinian bent—i.e., protein-heavy dishes, like beef carpaccio and a perfect, blackened chicken. With dark, velvet-clad walls, a stunning copper bar as a central fixture in the middle of the dining room, and decidedly dim lighting, this eatery has serious sex appeal and is a perfect venue to rent as a whole for a party. The upstairs, which includes a secluded and leafy terrace (for London's good weather), is also available for rent.

This little sister restaurant to Angela Hartnett's Murano isn’t really a step down: It has a menu of hearty, Northern Italian dishes, like Fritto Misto, Linguine Vongole, and Osso Bucco perfected by Hartnett's deputy, Sam Williams. It’s the kind of place that’s great for both a leisurely family lunch (there’s even a kids menu) or a dressed-up dinner with friends in the private room that seats 22.