New York
New York
New York, New York…the city so nice they named it twice, right? The city has a lot to offer…A LOT, and this can be overwhelming to people who are visiting for the first time. My recommendation is to do your research. What areas do you want to visit? What places do you want to see? In my opinion this will make your visit much more enjoyable and less chaotic because unfortunately if you’re only there for a weekend, you can’t do it all, but this is also just another reason to come back!
Breakfast and Brunch
One could define this intimate Italian spot as a New York restaurant unicorn. Authentic, made to order Sicilian food AND inexpensive. Ingredients are fresh and you can even watch from your seat as your food is being prepared in the kitchen. Your pasta will quite literally come out in the pan. The restaurant is very very tiny, and it can get a bit loud, but the experience and the food make it all well worth it. At lunch time, all of their pastas are $10, and on weekend nights (around 9pm) your Italian waiter will be dancing with you in the little to no space there is in the restaurant. A perfect prelude to a night out in New York. Dinner reservations are highly recommended. Location: Soho
There is a good chance you have seen a photo from Two Hands on Instagram. Similar to my experience with Butcher’s Daughter, I went to Two Hands after seeing a photo of their avocado toast. Also, similarly to my opinion of Butcher’s Daughter, Two Hands most definitely lives up, if not exceeds, the social media hype. Just a quick visit to their Instagram page will have you planning your visit to this cute little café. The avocado toast is definitely great, but I recommend the Brassicas Bowl. And definitely have your phone ready, because phone eats first at this joint. Locations: Nolita, Tribeca, Williamsburg
Food here is served all day and all night (until 2am). They don’t take reservations and there will most likely be a wait, but it is definitely worth it. The atmosphere is charming and quaint; a little slice of Paris in New York. I highly recommend the Jambon Cru, creamy scrambled eggs piled high with prosciutto, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, on two slices of crispy toast. And, if you’re willing to splurge on an $8 glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, I highly recommend. Location: West Village
I put this under the breakfast and lunch section because I have mainly been here for brunch, but their dinner menu definitely deserves an honorable mention. Their cacio e pepe is one of the best I have ever had. Their espresso bar and pastries are equally as delicious. You truly can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. The white tablecloths, chic atmosphere, and Italian ambience might even make you forget for a second that you are in New York. Locations: UES, Soho, and West Village
I first went to this quaint little café in the West Village after I saw a photo of its adorable interior on Instagram. Will it live up to the social media hype? I questioned as I sat down at one of the tables…Well, it is on my list, so yes, it did in fact live up to the hype. From mimosas with fresh pressed juices to golden elixir lattes to smashed avocado toast…wait for it…benedicts, you will be in healthy foodie heaven. Locations: Nolita, West Village, and Williamsburg
Lunch and Dinner
Whether you come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner: your food, the service, and the atmosphere will not disappoint. There are no reservations and if you go for dinner on a weekend, expect to wait…a while. The seafood is fresh, the pasta is fantastic, and their vegetables are full of flavor. I personally recommend the cacio e pepe, you will NOT be disappointed, and in between bites of rich buttery pasta, you will forget the hours that you waited for a table. Location: West Village
Service is always great at this adorable little Italian spot. Family friendly, but it is always busy so you might have to wait for a table. My friend and I come here almost every single time I am in the city. Amazing wood fired pizzas, pasta, and the Pollanca salad is a must! Location: UES
This place has the best of both worlds: upscale Mexican food but a casual environment. This is the fifth year in a row that Casa Enrique has earned a Michelin star. Their inexpensive prices compared to the quality of their food will blow your mind. Their daily specials are always filled with the freshest of seasonal ingredients and will make you wonder why you never made the trip across the bridge sooner. Location: Long Island City
An upscale, trendy, Chinese restaurant. Service is always great and your food comes out fairly quickly. I think I sometimes dream about the crispy seaweed…it is fabulous. The bok choy and salt and pepper prawns are also delicious. If you don’t feel like leaving your house, but you’re in the mood for amazing Chinese, you’re in luck because Phillipe is on Postmates and Seamless! Locations: Chelsea, UES
A spot by Jean Gorges so you already know it’s going to be good. Stepping into this beautiful, light, and airy restaurant, you might mistake it for Gwyneth Paltrow’s kitchen or her Hampton’s home dining room. It is a mostly plant based, non-GMO, sustainable, and organic restaurant, but that doesn’t stop any of the plates from being full of favor and satisfying. I personally recommend ordering tapas style so you can try as many things as possible. Location: Flatiron
Other Faves
(Gramercy) Truly incredible breakfast sandwiches, coffee, pastries, you will be coming back for more
(Chelsea Market) Freshest seafood market in the city! Their restaurant, Cull & Pistol, has a $1 oyster happy hour Monday-Friday 4-6pm
(Hell’s Kitchen) amazing dim sum spot with the best BBQ pork buns you will ever eat AND inexpensive; a New York miracle
(Nolita, FIDI, East Village, Nomad, BK Heights) my absolute favorite bagel place in NYC