Ulla van Skyhawk, April 2025
Want the full list? Reach out to us for our full guide featuring 40+ curated spots we've handpicked during our time in the city. Need help snagging a table at one of the buzzy places? We’ve got the connections.
Let's skip the tourist trap nonsense. NYC isn't a checklist—it's a vibe, an attitude, a constant evolution of what's worth your time and what's just noise. After years of trial and error (and some spectacular dining bills), I've compiled my actual go-tos when friends ask where they should stay, eat, and drink. No affiliate links, no sponsored mentions—just spots that have earned their place in my regular rotation or sit firmly on my "when I'm feeling fancy" list.
Fouquets – ~$1,200
Tribeca's answer to "what if a Parisian hotel had a New York attitude?" Art deco touches, staff that actually remember your name, and the kind of discreet luxury that makes you feel like you've discovered something before everyone else (even though the fashion crowd definitely knows about it).
The Fifth Avenue Hotel – ~$800
A boutique gem in NoMad with an imaginative twist on Manhattan maximalism. Think art-laden interiors, a historic mansion vibe paired with modern amenities, and butler service that makes you feel like you’re in on a stylish secret
Aman New York – ~$3,200+
When you need to disappear completely but still be in Midtown. The Crown Building transformation doesn't just elevate hotel standards—it ignores them completely and creates something else entirely. Massive suites, an otherworldly spa, and the distinct feeling you've temporarily left New York while being in its very center. Worth the splurge when life calls for recalibration.
William Vale – ~$350
The Brooklyn option that makes Manhattan hotels nervous. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the skyline like it's exclusively yours, while the longest outdoor pool in Brooklyn turns summer days into something worth posting about. Williamsburg location means actual neighborhood vibes instead of tourist central.
The Twenty Two Hotel – ~$900
Off Union Square, this reimagined brownstone doesn't try to be The Greenwich Hotel, and that's its superpower. Marble bathrooms bigger than most NYC apartments and the kind of thoughtful design that doesn't scream for attention but definitely gets it.
The Grill
The return to form New York needed. Mid-century Americana without the kitsch, tableside preparations that feel theatrical without being gimmicky, and steaks that remind you why we invented expense accounts. Prime people-watching territory for media and finance crowds.
Chez Fifi
Think understated opulence, creative French-inspired dishes, and an ambiance that’s intimate without being stuffy.
Cafe Zaffri
Levantine fine dining housed in The Twenty Two Hotel. Dramatic interiors with skylit ceilings frame Chef Attea's modern Middle Eastern creations and a standout lamb Wellington.
The Nines
Piano bar meets supper club with plush red velvet everything. The Burger No. 9 and Kapsian Potato are non-negotiable orders. Come for dinner, stay for the scene that unfolds as the night progresses.
Penny
A sleek, contemporary spot where the wine list is as curated as the art on the walls.
Claud
The kind of place where an early evening drink regularly turns into ordering the full menu and closing down the place with new friends at neighboring tables.
Four Horsemen
The Williamsburg wine bar that ruined all other wine bars. Natural selections that taste intentional, not just funky for the sake of it. Small plates that outperform most full restaurants. No reservations means you might wait, but you should.
MISIPASTA
The kitchen operates with surgical precision, turning out deceptively simple pasta that haunts you days later. The wine program complements, the counter seats offer dinner and a show.
Hamburger America
Where gourmet burgers meet classic American comfort—simple, satisfying, and made with quality ingredients.
Ivan Ramen (my absolute favorite Ramen spot!)
Hands down, the best ramen I’ve found in NYC. Their sides are just as exciting—each bite tells a story of rich, soulful flavors.
7th Street Burger
A no-frills spot that nails the comfort food vibe with juicy burgers and an East Village attitude.
This Bowl
For a light, fresh, and beautifully presented lunch that redefines what a midday meal can be.
Rooted
A haven for those who appreciate farm-to-table freshness paired with creative twists on seasonal fare.
Happier Grocery Deli
Think organic, artisanal, and thoughtfully crafted dishes that give you that mid-day boost.
Locanut
Offering a casual yet upscale lunch experience that makes taking a break feel like a mini-retreat.
La Cabra Soho
A must-visit for its impeccably roasted coffee and a cool, laid-back vibe in the heart of Soho.
Librae
Serving artisan pastries and expertly brewed coffee in an ambiance that’s both modern and inviting.
Devocion
Where the beans are as fresh as the NYC air, paired with a minimalist space that lets the flavors shine.
St. Jardim
An elegant spot that marries artisanal baked goods with high-end coffee—perfect for a leisurely start to your day.
L'Industrie
Bringing a refined take on New York pizza, balancing classic flavors with inventive toppings.
Fini
A spot where every slice feels like a work of art—crispy, perfectly charred, and brimming with flavor.
Upside
Modern, quirky, and unapologetically bold in its approach to pizza, with a creative menu that keeps you coming back for more.
Whether you’re booking a suite that feels like a secret hideaway, savoring a craft cocktail in a tucked-away wine bar, or grabbing a slice that’s anything but ordinary, these NYC spots capture the spirit of luxury without taking themselves too seriously. Explore, indulge, and make your own memories in the city that never sleeps—because in New York, style and substance go hand in hand.
Enjoy your stay in the Big Apple. Cheers!
