EAT
Le Coucou: One of New York's "it" spots. Beautiful room, awesome open kitchen. If not for dinner, go for brunch.
Bar Pisellino: When Judy Williams of Buvette fame opens up a new spot you take notice. Perfect for a mid-afternoon espresso or aperitif. Have a seat on the sidewalk patio and enjoy.
Freeman’s: At the end of an alley in Nolita/East Village. Walking up to this place alone has a cool factor.
Union Square Cafe: A New York institution. Excellent menu. The Union Square Burger is one of the best. Last time I was there, it was not on the dinner menu but ask for it and you'll get it.
Loring Place: Chef Dan Kluger formerly from ABC Kitchen opened this hot spot in the Greenwich Village/NYU area. I sat at the bar – lively, fun and great crowd. The assortment of cookies for dessert were excellent. Yes that was John Legend and Chrissy Teigen at the back table.
The Dutch: The menu, design and vibe at this Soho spot is super. Great place for brunch as well. Hit it up!
Estela: A jewel of a spot – cant miss in Nolita. When Esquire says its one of the 40 most important restaurants of the decade - they ain't lyin'.
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: So New York! Don't bother Amal and George while they dine. Say the words, "I was at Carbone" and it will give you instant street credit.
Bourbon Steak: Located in the JW Essex House. If you are looking for a great steakhouse with absolutely exceptional service and many "non-meat" options. This is your spot
ABC Kitchen: One of my favourite restaurants in NY for weekend brunch and dinner. That statement alone is self explanatory.
L'Avenue at Saks: A little bit of Paris in New York. Glam it up and get the full NYC experience.
Eleven Madison Park: Looking for a unique dining experience where money is not a factor. Recently turned into a vegetarian only and still pushing boundaries.
Upland: Just walking into this place you know its going to be good. It does not disappoint. One of my faves. In the Nomad part of town.
Maialino: Best Italian in NY – Danny Meyer’s resto at the Grammercy Park Hotel. It feels like you’re in Rome! Love this place! Update: Its been closed since COVID but reopening in a pop up location in the fall of 2022.
Eataly: A decent one stop shop for coffee, wine, gelato, dinner and lunch.
Catch: Located in the Meatpacking with a very busy bar scene. Good for groups that are looking for a fun night out.
Locande Verde: One of my favourite Manhattan restaurants. I'd go for brunch, lunch and dinner. Has a spledid cafe as well. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently enjoyed a meal here.
Buvette: West Village casual - you must go here and experience it. 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.
Dirty French: Coolest brasserie in NYC. Same owners as Carbone
Marta: My favourite place for pizza.
Charlie Bird: James Beard chef? Hot spot? West Village cool? Yes, yes and yes. If that’s not enough, the sidewalk patio will convince you.
The Polo Bar: Paris, Chicago and now NYC…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
Barbuto: It's back! One of my favourite places to frequent in NYC nestled in a cool West Village corner.
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.
BRUNCH
Prune: This tiny restaurant located in the East Village serves eclectic New American cuisine. The atmosphere has a homey sophistication.
Extra Virgin: A locals favourite and my favourite – nuff said. The best French Toast EVER!
Café Cluny: No reservation policy. Located in West Village. Gorgeous location and neighborhood.
Café Gitane: Hip cafe on Mott street. This place is subliminally New York.
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.
Buttermilk Channel: So worth the trek to Brooklyn.
Locanda Verde: In Tribeca attached to Greenwich Hotel. Best baked goods. If all you feel like is an in house baked pastry and a coffee and the dining room is full? Order at the quaint pastry counter and go to the hotel lobby of the Greenwich Hotel and savor.
Buvette: As mentioned before, if I had one day in NYC – I’d go here.
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.
PRESIDENT OBAMA ATE HERE:
Nomad: It got even more hipper and cooler now that President Obama dined there.
ABC Kitchen: Barry has great taste
Maialino: Some of the best Italian in Manhattan.
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.
Marlton Hotel: Not many places to stay in Greenwich Village but its your lucky day - this is the spot!
Four Seasons: Self explanatory.
The Mercer Hotel: Very sleek and ultra hip…awesome…in the heart of Soho.
The Bowery: Located in a great area…Soho/East Village…cool hotel bar.
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.
Mandarin Oriental Arguably the best hotel in New York. If you want to spend the $$$ this is your place. Lobby bar on 36th floor will leave you speechless.
One Hotel: Quickly becoming a favourite hotel destination. Both locations in New York are bliss. Central Park and Brooklyn...the views from both are sooooo NYC.
The Loews Regency: Updated and 100% full new renovation. Across from Barneys. My recommended spot if you want to stay in the UES.
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.
Executive Hotel Le Soleil: A vibrant prime location in the Fashion District and steps to the heart of New York City's business and shopping districts in Midtown Manhattan.
Ritz Carlton NoMad: Staying in NoMad is my preferred location and now they have a Ritz.
DRINK
230 Fifth: No better place on a nice summer evening. Rooftop lounge with priceless views of the Manhattan skyline.
Employees Only: True NYC lounge. I say forget the dance club and just come here.
Breslin Bar: Located at the Ace Hotel. Hipster central NYC.
PDT: Acronym for Please Don’t Tell. Enter through a vintage phone booth – seriously! Located in the East Village. must visit.
Mulberry Project: Swanky, dark, mixologists, busy. What more do you want.
PhD: Located at the Dream, Downtown Hotel. Good luck getting in! Intimate place for dancing and drinking.
Spyglass: Rooftop bar at the Archer Hotel – it is SO COOL!
Westlight: Rooftop bar at the William Vale in Brooklyn – get your instagram ready for the views of Manhattan
The Press Lounge: Trust me...rooftop bar.
Top of the Standard: A very difficult velvet rope.
Bathtub GIn: Another excellent speakeasy.
Aviary NYC: Like its Chicago sibling. This outpost will be a "must experience." The views from it's Mandarin Oriental home are worth it alone.
Magic Hour: The Tao Group brings a rooftop party to the Moxy Hotel in Midtown, dubbed as an Adult Playground. Definitely worth checking out.
COFFEE AND BAKERIES
COFFEE:
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!
BAKERIES:
Laduree: Famous French outpost for the most exquisite macarons in the UES and recently in Soho as well. The Soho location has a breath taking courtyard.
Dough: The best doughnuts in NYC. Located near the Flatiron.
Magnolia Bakery: I personally think its overated, but the lineups are nuts and that has an appeal to some people. At the very least, its located in a beautiful West Village neighborhood.
Maman: Several locations and just opened in the Meatpacking
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.
Soul Cycle: Several locations. I prefer the NoMad and NoHo locations. My instructor of choice is Karyn.
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! As noted earlier, The William Vale (rooftop bar) and ButterMilk Channel (Brunch) are great excuses to make your way over.
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.