EAT
Bungalow: This is a destination and must-go restaurant. Some of the finest Indian dishes you will experience. You'll need a game plan to get a reservation or plan to line up early.
Cosme: Absolutely fantastic Mexican. Deserves all the accolades it has gotten. Come prepared to be in awe from every dish. Sister restaurant of famous Mexico City restaurant Pujol.
Santo Taco: From the Cosme crew. You know its going to be good! Located in Soho
Ceres: What do you get when a couple of alums from Eleven Madison Park start a pizza joint. Excellent pies and huge line ups, Worth the wait!
4 Charles Prime Rib: I seriously wish you good luck on getting a reservation but it's worth the effort! The burger has been known to the best in NY or anywhere.
Loring Place: Chef Dan Kluger formerly from ABC Kitchen opened this space in the Greenwich Village/NYU area. I sat at the bar – lively, fun and great crowd. The assortment of cookies for dessert were excellent.
The Dutch: When Esquire says it's one of the 40 most important restaurants of the decade - they ain't lyin'. On a nice day I prefer sitting on their sidewalk patio.
Lilia: When visiting NYC its almost essential to go to Brooklyn and this is the place to hit up. I can't glow enough about Lilia. Michelin winning Chef Missy Robbins is a genius. Good luck getting a table. Go here!!
Carbone: Say the words, "I was at Carbone" and it will give you instant street credit.
Balthazar: You absolutely can not go wrong here. A french bistro that gets it. If you are dining alone they greet you with a flute of champagne. Located in Soho this has always been a favorite stop for me for Brunch or Dinner.
ABC Kitchen: In my books a "can't go wrong" place for burnch or dinner. Not too difficult to get a reso. When you can't get a table anywhere - go here.
One White Street: Love this place located in Tribeca. Sitting outside at the white table cloth tables is quintessentially New York.
Upland: Just walking into this place you know it's going to be good. It does not disappoint. One of my faves. In the Nomad part of town. No luck getting the table you originally wanted? Then go here - usually quite accessible.
Cafe Commerce: Worth a venture up to the Upper East Side. Vibrant room and stay for the dessert. You will not regret.
Catch: Located in the Meatpacking with a very busy bar scene. Good for groups that are looking for a fun night out.
Esse Taco: Go to Brooklyn (WIlliamsburg) and hit up Bedford Ave for some tacos. Super Casual and so cool! The full on street side, open walls and windows makes for a really fun experience.
Locande Verde: Quintessentially New York. Located in Tribeca. One of my favourites. It's a classic. Don't ever leave LV.
Buvette: West Village casual. Coffee, lunch or small bites at dinner. Its fantastic for all. On one trip I went twice, That’s how much I love it. They have an awesome cookbook as well.
Torrisi: One of THE hottest tables in New York and it's warranted. Goof luck getting a reso. Try going for lunch - may have a better chance of getting in.
The Polo Bar: It’s the 'to be seen' restaurant. Old school and opulent. Good luck getting a table and good luck NOT seeing a famous person there.
Lucali: David Beckham’s favorite pizza joint – located in Brooklyn
Ci Siamo: Another great Danny Meyer restaurant. Perfect place to go after or prior to an event at Madison Square Garden.
Via Carrota: I love Buvette, so its no surprise I would love this Judy Williams' West Village restaurant. Gwenyth agrees with me too.
Ceconni's: Located in Dumbo and great place to go and escape Manhattan for an evening.
L'Industrie: Looking for the best slice of Pizza in New York? Look no further just be prepared to line up.
The 86: One of those place where getting a table is like winning the lottery. It's worth the effort for this opulent NYC steakhouse.
Sartiano's: Italian in Soho at the Mercer Hotel. Uber cool.
Marlow: Upper East Side restaurants are making a come back. This is one of the best ones.
The Odeon: It's a classic. When you are a classic in NYC - you know it's good. Located in Tribeca.
BRUNCH
Raf's: If I have one day in New York. - this is where I go, Splendid! I love the room.
Café Cluny: No reservation policy. Located in West Village. Gorgeous location and neighborhood.
The Little Owl: This West Village corner restaurant was listed as one of the top tables in NY in Esquire magazine. Christy Turlington lists it as a favourite. Also good brunch. Its located in the “Friends” building.
Standard Grill: The Meatpacking at your doorstep. Good people watching and a perfect pre shopping and browsing stop to your Meatpacking afternoon.
Buvette: I recommend going early!
Sadelle's: This place is sooooo NYC. Unique brunch in Soho
La Mercerie Cafe: A must visit place in Soho. Start your morning here and then browse the hood. Your morning is planned! Weekend brunch here is fantastic. Such a beautiful place.
Commerce Inn: Something really cool walking up to this on a secluded street in the West Village. That is the charm but the brunch (especially the pancakes) is why you go here.
Bubby's: Tribeca hot spot. Did I mention it was a hot spot. JFK Jr and Carolyn's place for brunch. Expect to line up.
Jams: At 1 Hotel Central Park. If you are uptown near Central Park this is your place for brunch.
PRESIDENT OBAMA ATE HERE:
Nomad: It got even more hipper and cooler now that President Obama dined there.
ABC Kitchen: Barry has great taste
Carbone: Suave, cool - just like the first couple.
Estela: Soho, small plates and splendid Mediterranean. When Esquire says its one of the 40 most important restaurants of the decade - they ain't lyin'
STAY
Location is key – if you want to stay close to the park - Anything from 55th street and above is pretty good. The higher the street the better. I personally prefer to stay downtown below 30th St. Specifically the Flatiron District.
The Mercer Hotel: Very sleek and ultra hip…awesome…in the heart of Soho.
The Crosby: Discreet, excellent service and maybe even a movie star sighting. My top hotel recommendation in NY.
The Dominick: A unique spot located in between the West Village and Soho. You won't be disappointed.
The Standard: Hot property in the Meatpacking – if you want to stay in this area, forget about the Gansevoort and stay here.
The Surrey: If you are wanting to treat yourself. Look no further. One of the best in city
The Edition: For me this property has the best location in NYC across from Madison Square Park. I mean outstanding location. Very hip and modern. My current preferred hotel to stay at in NYC.
William Vale: You many want to consider staying at this super cool hotel in Brooklyn. Good value, close to the MTA station (Bedford) and you are in Manhattan in two stops.
Ritz Carlton NoMad: Staying in NoMad is my preferred location and now they have a Ritz.
1 Hotel Central Park: Looking for a cool place near the park. Look no further.
DRINK
230 Fifth: No better place on a nice summer evening. Rooftop lounge with priceless views of the Manhattan skyline.
Bar Pisellino: Perfect for a mid-afternoon espresso or aperitif. Have a seat on the sidewalk patio and watch the West Village walk by.
Employees Only: True NYC lounge. I say forget the dance club and just come here.
PDT: Acronym for Please Don’t Tell. Enter through a vintage phone booth – seriously! Located in the East Village. must visit.
Westlight: Rooftop bar at the William Vale in Brooklyn – get your instagram ready for the views of Manhattan
Chambers: Yes it is a restaurant but I prefer the cocktails. A great way to cap off your evening in Tribeca.
Bazaar Bar: At the Ritz Nomad. A great place to have drinks with friends. Especially if you are looking for classy, sophisticated, and buzzy.
Manhatta: Epic views of Manhattan. Another Danny Meyer hot spot.
The Mark: The lobby bar at the Mark is perfect! Upper East Side people watching.
COFFEE AND BAKERIES
Cafe's, Coffee and Baked Goods:
Blue Bottle: On the Highline, Rockefeller, Bryant Park
Seven Grams: May be my favourite cafe in NYC. A very inviting Scandinavian design. Excellent baked goods to go.
Ralph's Coffee: A few locations but I like the location in NoMad.
Interlude: This place is soooo cool. Worth a trip to Tribeca
Daily Provision: Danny Meyer’s café next to the Union Square Cafe
Stumptown Coffee: Located at the Ace Hotel. The coffee is outstanding but there is no place to sit and the baked goods are mediocre at best.
Marlton Hotel: There is an awesome espresso bar at this hotel. Worth a visit!
Birley Bakery: A hot new opening worth a visit to the UES. Original location in Chelsea, London
La Tazza Doro: Shopping in or near Union Square. Even if you aren't - this Italian cafe is perfect for coffee or lunch.
La Cabra: A rare place to sit down and have a coffee in Soho - perfect for a shopping break.
HANG
Brooklyn Bridge: I always include 'The Bridge' to be a part of my running route.
Yankees Game: Hot dog and a brew In the Bronx to watch the iconic Yankees.
Mets Game: CitiField is the new digs for the Mets. They even have a Shack Shake there!
Central Park: Afternoon picnic, morning run, early evening stroll, carriage ride or simply find a rooftop that has a good view. It's an essential part of your visit to NYC.
Highline: A beautiful place to walk elevated above the Meatpacking District – hidden in NYC’s concrete jungle.
MOMA: One of many museums. Obviously there are several others but this is one of my favourites.
Brooklyn: Probably needs its own list...It's definitely worth a visit. Park Slope and Williamsburg are two great neighborhoods to explore. Take the L train to Bedford Station and walk!
Mandarin Oriental: If there is ever a view! Best view in NYC. Go for a drink at the Aviary NYC. The expensive drinks are well worth it just for the view.
West Village: Just walk it…and walk it again.
Essex Street Market, Chelsea Market, Union Square Farmers Market: Always like going to local markets and these are the best.
Washington Square Park: Grab a coffee, get some lunch and just absorb the NY stimulus. Not a tourist trap, mostly locals enjoying a beautiful square.
Nike Run Club: Niketown on Fifth Avenue, Soho and Flatiron all have specific nights and days when they have a running clinic. A fantastic way to see the city and meet some cool New Yorkers.