NYC Guide!

NEW YORK CITY BABY! One of my all time favorite cities to visit. Everything about it is just magical and of course the food scene is out. of. control. I really don’t think there’s another place on Earth with as many amazing food options as New York City. From bagels, to Italian food, to dumplings, to burgers, it is the absolute best of the best. While I have visited the city several times, I feel like I’ve barely even scratched the surface of what is out there. What I do know is that the places that I have been are freaking AMAZING and I dream about them on the reg. Even if I couldn’t try another new restaurant in NYC, these favorites would keep me coming back again and again.

Of course there’s more to life than food (not really though), so I’m including some fun bars and must sees while you’re there! Enjoy xx.

Favorite Restaurants

1. Don Angie, Italian– One of the best Italian meals I’ve had, including in Italy! Honestly, I would do anything to have this place even remotely close to me. I dream about it on the reg. DO make reservations ahead of time! This place books like a month out (same goes for a lot of other great NYC restaurants). Must order: stuffed garlic bread, chrysanthemum salad, lasagna for two and the sweet potatoes. Now I’m sad and hungry.
2. Misi New York, Italian– Fresh pasta, super high quality ingredients, simple Italian dishes. My personal heaven. Order the the charred marinated peppers with the whipped ricotta crostini, slow roasted tomatoes with hot honey, and the sheep’s milk ricotta filled occhi with lemon (see above photo).
3. Shoo Shoo Nolita, Mediterranean– A modern take on Israeli/Mediterranean food that will blow your taste buds away. I loved the Moroccan cigars and the hummus with lamb ragu. We actually didn’t order one “entree,” just a ton of small plates. Amazing!
4. Shuka, Mediterranean– I would seriously come here just for the whipped feta with pistachios. Such amazing, fresh food!
5. Pinch, Chinese– I LOVE Chinese food but it has to be really good (I don’t half ass my Chinese food) and this place did not disappoint. They made make all their dumplings and they are PHENOM. I think we ordered just about everything on the menu and it was all fantastic.
6. Au Cheval, Diner/Burgers– This place originated in Chicago, but I think it’s the best burger in New York. Their fries are also insanely good and they make killer cocktails.
7. Piccola Cucina, Italian– A great spot for fresh pasta and it just gives you all of the NYC vibes. They play music and dance and sing late night and it’s super fun!
8. Little Prince, French– The service here isn’t the best not going to lie, but it’s a great SUPER CUTE spot (I like it for lunch). The French Onion Soup Burger is a must order!!
9. Blue Ribbon, Sushi– Any place that flies in their fish from Japan is a win in my book. The sushi here is amazing and it’s super fun!
10. Emily, Pizza and Burgers– Square pizza and *debatable* one of the best burgers in NYC. The food here is amazing and I love the atmosphere.
11. Thursday Kitchen, Vietnamese– Ok, I have yet to actually get into this place but it always comes highly recommended. They don’t take reservations so go early and grab a drink somewhere while you wait. And it’s going to be a wait (I have always been quoted 2+ hours).
12. Rubirosa, Italian– Another classic New York spot. Get the Rubirosa Salad and the Tie Dye pizza!

Quick & Casual

1. Prince Street Pizza– Yes, it’s worth the wait in the long ass line. BEST PIZZA EVER.
2. Minzon, Israeli– Went here inside Chelsea Market and I dream about the chicken pita I ordered on the reg. UNREAL.
3. Very Fresh Noodles, Asian– Fresh, hand pulled noodles are my love language. I got the soup with I think lamb? It was the most popular. OMG it was unreal. Also inside Chelsea Market (they have other locations too).
4. Eataly, Italian Market– A great place to walk around and grab a charcuterie board!
5. Emmett’s, Pizza– This place is known for their deep dish pizza, but my friend introduced me to their thin crust and HOLY S*&% it’s so good. Ask for a side of the special sauce and also the Greek Salad is low key the best I’ve had. Super causal, bar atmosphere.
6. Joe’s Pizza– Classic, New York slices of pie. The best!
7. Artichoke Pizza– Imagine putting spinach artichoke dip on top of a pizza. Yeah, I know. Go here. Order it. There’s tons of locations.

Breakfast & Brunch

1. Black Seed Bagels– Super good bagels and bagel sandwiches. Pricey, but worth it. They also have gluten free bagels!
2. Balthazar, French– A New York classic! It’s also pricey af but it’s a super fun classy brunch spot. Don’t skip on the fresh bread for the table, it’s to die!!!
3. Sadelle’s, Bagels– Great bagels with the option to have a sit down brunch or take a bagel to go. Home of the famous bagel tower seen all over Instagram but if you ask me, get the bagel to go and save $120.
4. Ess-a-bagel– If you want a really effing good bagel and cream cheese, this is your spot.
5. Good Thanks, Australian– This place is one of my favorite brunch spots. I don’t know how they make their eggs so perfect but omg it is seriously art.
6. Two Hands, Australian– Apparently the Aussie’s know how to do breakfast. Another great healthy brunch spot! Such good avo toast.

Drinks

1. Serra by Birrebia– The prettiest rooftop bar that changes seasonally. Come for the IG pic, stay for a cocktail.
2. Restoration Hardware– Something so amazing and comforting about this place. Grab a glass of wine, stroll around and find a nice couch to plop on a relax. Trust me, you’ll love it.
3. Cecconi’s– Views for days and amazing cocktails. Need I say more? Food here is great as well.
4. Employee’s Only– Great spot for drinks before heading off to dinner! These bartenders know what they are doing.
5. La Esquina– I’ve never eaten here (I refuse to eat Mexican food in New York when I live in San Diego) but it’s super fun late night for drinks!

What to Do

1. 9/11 Museum– This is a MUST. Do not leave NYC without visiting this museum. Buy your tickets online ahead of time, bring tissues.
2. Walk the high line- Really cool experience! They turned an old train track into a mile long park. Super pretty and a great little walk.
3. Central Park– Central Park is just so magical to me. I could seriously walk around for hours! You must check it out even just for a short walk while you’re in New York.
4. See a show– Putting this on here because I know it’s a must but I actually have yet to do it. NEXT TIME I SWEAR.

Tips

1. Your maps app on your phone has transit directions. Use these to navigate the subway system. It’s a lot faster than taking a taxi or uber (damn NYC traffic is hell).
2. Share!! If you’re with a group, order a few things to share so you can venture to 2 lunches or dinners a day. If you’re solo, eat half and give the rest to someone in need.
3. Walk! Walk everywhere. It’s a great way to see the city and it’s usually not much slower than taking a taxi or Uber. I use the mile rule: if it’s a mile or less away, walk!

Hope you find this helpful! xx