Last week I went to NYC because the WSJ wanted to interview us on video for a feature they’re doing on the meal kit industry. This will be our first time getting coverage from the WSJ, so this feels very exciting for our team and me! I feel grateful my co-founder Stephen helped me prep so thoroughly for it. The interview lasted two hours and was very rigorous; it felt like an interrogation lol! The video is expected to be released around the end of August.
Though I’ve never lived in NYC other than during my 3-month analyst training in my early twenties, I’ve spent a decent amount of time in NYC and have a list of favorites I love to go back to whenever I’m in town. I do try several new spots on each visit as well. I will caveat that this list may feel very limited to a foodie who lives in NYC, so I welcome any suggestions for spots I’ve missed and should hit next time!
Without further ado, here are my NYC favorites:
BREAKFAST / BRUNCH
Russ & Daughters in the LES for bagels with lox. Sadly they were closed for renovations (until August 2023) on my most recent trip, but this is normally my first choice. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company is also really good and has two locations. Modern Bread and Bagel was a new discovery on this trip for gluten free bagels and has a few locations!
For a French brunch in SOHO in one of the most Instagrammable spaces for brunch, check out La Mercerie that’s attached to my favorite home goods store in NYC, Roman and Williams Guild. I also love the French bistro brunch in the West Village at Buvette, a chain that also has a location in Paris.
NYC is one of the best places in the world to do a decadent American brunch, something that’s so beloved around the world that when it’s well done at restaurants outside of America there are lines around the black. A classic is Clinton Street Baking Company. Something touristy but fun is Beauty and Essex for Sunday brunch.
Joe’s Shanghai has always been my go-to for dim sum. Love their soup dumplings.
For a more quirky breakfast option, try Davelle, a Japanese cafe in the LES with Instagrammable toasts in several flavors. It’s walking distance from Supermoon Bakehouse so hitting them back-to-back would be ideal.
BAKERIES
I generally avoid wheat and dairy, so I haven’t tried many bakeries. Supermoon Bakehouse is a highly Instagrammable must visit. I’ve heard Librae is one of the best in Manhattan but didn’t get to try it.
ITALIAN
Since I need to avoid wheat and dairy, I don’t eat Italian often, but one of my faves is L’Artusi. For California cuisine with a touch of Italian on the menu as well, I love Upland. Both are great for date night.
COFFEE SHOPS
Maman is a chain of French-themed cozy cafes with pastries. Check out their largest location that’s most Instagrammable and a must visit.There is no wifi at Maman. 787 is the coffee shop chain I go to when I want to work from the coffee shop as they not only have free wifi but outlets everywhere to be very remote working friendly. Their baristas are also always very friendly and they serve pastries from local bakers, many that are gluten-free and vegan.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN CUISINE
Khe-Yo for Laotian food is a must if you want something truly unique and tasty. My dad and I went there on our last trip to NYC and ordered their roasted pig head dish, which was phenomenal.
Fish Cheeks is my favorite for Thai because they’ll make things insanely spicy. This is also where Chrissy Teigen will get Thai food when she’s in town.
KOREAN
Korean food is to-die-for both in NYC and LA. Nami Nori and Mari are a must for Korean handrolls. It’s more fun to sit at the counter. Atomix or Jua for Korean fine dining if you can get a reservation. Cote is the best for Korean BBQ and the only Korean BBQ place in America with a Michelin star.
JAPANESE
Momofuku Noodle Bar is my preferred ramen spot, but I also like the ramen from Ippudo (there are several locations in NYC). Best ramen lists never include these, but I still love them lol! That being said, I haven’t had ramen in NYC in years, so I’m not sure if something better has popped up recently.
Souen for Japanese macrobiotic meals if you want something simple, affordable, easy, and healthy. It’s not exciting, but sometimes I just want to eat something neutral and clean.
Blue Ribbon Sushi for everyday non-omakase sushi and Shuko for a casual omakase in a lively environment (great for date nights). I also enjoyed the casual omakase at Sushi Blossoms. If you find yourself in Times Square, I enjoyed the casual omakase at Sushi by Bou Times Square. It’s a chain, but this location is fun. It’s in a basement and has a party vibe. I haven’t done any of the super high end omakase experiences in NYC, so I can’t make any reliable recommendations here, though my bestie Ramit Sethi loves Masa. Noda, Joji, Sushi Noz, Shion 69 Leonard Street, and The Den are also on my high-end omakase to try list.
LATE NIGHT FOOD
For late-night food open until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays after a night out, my go-to is The Kati Roll Company (several locations). Or pizza from Artichoke Basille’s Pizza (several locations). Katz’s Delicatessen is open 24 hours on Saturdays and is a must-visit for any first timers to NYC.
HOTELS
For hotels, I adore the Crosby Street Hotel and Greenwich Hotel at the higher end. If you need a mid-budget hotel but still want a great location, Ludlow Hotel is super cool. Public Hotel is also a solid option in the same area.
SHOPPING
I prefer shopping in SOHO. You must hit Khaite as it’s currently their first and only boutique in the world, though Paris and South Korea locations are coming soon. Khaite is one of my favorite clothing brands for knitwear (think sweaters, bodysuits, and stretchy dresses and skirts), though they’re also famous for jeans.
Alaia is two doors down from Khaite and is another one of my favorite brands, particularly for knitwear. If I sound knitwear obsessed, it’s because I am. Know why? Two reasons. First, I don’t have to iron it, which is particularly helpful for me as I’m nomadic 50% of the year. Second, knitwear is comfy because it stretches, which makes it great for eating in lol.
Also in this area is Cult Gaia, which is my favorite brand for resort wear.
There’s a really popular men’s streetwear brand also in this area that always has a line. It’s fun to walk through. It’s called Aime Lore Dore.
BEAUTY
I discovered something entirely by accident in NYC: Russian manicures. I broke a single nail right before my WSJ interview and ran around to 5 nearby nail salons until I could find one that could fix my nail on the spot. It was a Russian manicure shop. She fixed my nail and wow the nail is perfectly shaped and smooth. These shops are pretty rare, but there’s a cluster of them not far from Times Square. You’ll have to book in advance. Make sure you look at what they look like inside when you check out reviews. A bunch are kind of janky looking lol.
For anyone traveling to NYC soon, I hope this list helps you have the best time ever! It truly is one of the best cities in the world for food and fashion.
Julie