It’s impossible to write an evergreen guide to New York City. Every time I visit, I fall in love with another restaurant, shop, or neighborhood. Plus things are constantly changing. I had a rather epic trip to NYC over a long weekend in January 2019, so here are my favorites spots from that visit.
eat
NYC has unlimited food options. I tried so many new spots – and they were all fab.
NYC has unlimited food options. I tried so many new spots – and they were all fab.
Matchaful
62 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
matchaful.com/
One of my favorite discoveries this past trip was the Matchaful pop-up in Soho. They make the tastiest matcha-based beverages. I had their Cacao Dream with matcha, ceremonial cacao, chaga, gynostemma, and maple. It. was. so. good. I literally dream about it.
Sant Ambroeus
265 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10012
santambroeus.com
Sant Ambroeus is my new go-to brunch spot in Soho. You’re immediately transported to an Italian cafe. The lattes, eggs, and bread are the perfect meal for after a late night out on the town.
The Grand Central Oyster Bar
89 E 42nd St
New York, NY 10017
oysterbarny.com
By no means a secret, The Grand Central Oyster Bar, located inside Grand Central Terminal, is a quintessential New York City restaurant. Grab a seat at the bar, order some oysters and some soup. Maybe have a convo or two with the waiter. I’m sure he’s got some stories.
Cha Cha Matcha
1158 Broadway
New York, NY 10001
chachamatcha.com
Cha Cha Matcha has been around for a few years, but I had yet to visit. One freezing day I walked to the Flatiron building and stopped in on my way back to The Chatwal. I got a matcha and a matcha croissant. Perfect combo.
Estiatorio Milos
125 W 55th St
New York, NY 10019
milos.ca/restaurants/new-york
Pricy, but oh-so-worth-it. This Midtown Greek restaurant has some of the best Greek food I’ve ever had. The fish is also incredibly fresh – and perfectly cooked. This was so good that I basically booked a trip to Greece from my table.
Balthazar
80 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
balthazarny.com
An NYC staple and a classic French bistro, Balthazar is casual yet bougie at the same time. The prices are OUTRAGEOUS, but honestly, I had a blast here. You can’t go wrong with some wine and French Onion soup. Plus it doesn’t hurt that Balthazar got some Sex and The City love back in the day.
The Digest
COFFEE & BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
drink
There are lots of fun places to grab a drink or two in NYC. I discovered quite a few new spots on this past trip.
There are lots of fun places to grab a drink or two in NYC. I discovered quite a few new spots on this past trip.
Grammercy Park Tavern
2 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10010
gramercyparkhotel.com
A dark bar tucked in the corner of the Grammercy Park Hotel, this is the best place to grab cocktails before heading to dinner or out on the town. Swanky and moody, grab a group of friends and get cozy.
Le Coucou
138 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10013
lecoucou.com
A tiny bar inside Le Coucou restaurant, order one of their signature cocktails, grab a seat on their couch and have a chat with the amazing bartenders.
The Campbell
15 Vanderbilt Ave
New York, NY 10017
thecampbellnyc.com
The Campbell is located in a revamped 1920s office inside Grand Central Terminal. Definitely worth checking out, and, no, you don’t need to be traveling anywhere to grab a drink here.
The Digest
shop
Shopping in NYC is always an adventure. There are opportunities to explore brands that you wouldn’t normally see in person.
Shopping in NYC is always an adventure. There are opportunities to explore brands that you wouldn’t normally see in person.
Glossier
123 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10013
glossier.com
This millennial favorite beauty brand is typically only online, but their flagship store in Soho is a must-visit if you’re into beauty. It’s part show room-part beauty counter. Impeccably designed, it’s basically a playground for beauty addicts like myself.
Le Labo
Pic taken at 233 Elizabeth St
Multiple locations
lelabofragrances.com
Where do I start? Le Labo is BOUG-IE, but I love it so. Santal 33 makes me feel like Superwoman and it well worth the price tag. Don’t @ me.
The Digest
