Blog Posts

Right in the heart of Nolita, you’ll find Café Mulberry, a small, tranquil spot that shares its name with the street it sits on.

Leitao is one of those places I keep going back to again and again for a girl's night out.

Come Prima is that understated Upper East Side spot you keep going back to. It works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner. Simple, really well done Italian, great pastas, solid wine, and a slower kind of meal that feels rare in the city. But the real essence is the people. The waiters and owners make the place warm and attentive, which is why it feels like more than just another restaurant. https://www.comeprimanyc.com/

Chez Fifi is pure Upper East Side energy, dim, loud, and a little chaotic in the best way. Martinis are flowing, the chicken is the move, and there’s truffle on everything. It’s rich, indulgent, and feels like a full night out, not just dinner. Hard to get into, expensive, but that’s kind of the point. https://www.chezfifinyc.com/

Shukette in Chelsea is loud, packed, and completely worth it. The flavors are insane, bold, smoky, and layered in a way that makes everything hit. The cauliflower is a must, easily one of the best things on the menu. And the fish in the cage is the moment, a whole grilled fish that comes out dramatic and full of flavor. It’s high energy, made for sharing, and just a really fun meal.

Oslo Coffee Roasters is a classic neighborhood spot that keeps things simple and does them well. They roast their own beans, and it shows. The espresso drinks and cold brew are consistently strong without feeling overhyped. The space is small, so it’s more grab-and-go than a place to sit and work, but that adds to its charm. https://oslocoffee.com/

Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Was it worth the stress of getting a reservation? Honestly, no. The food was really good, but this is New York, where really good is everywhere. I had higher expectations given how hard it is to get in. I was especially excited about the T-bone and tuna steak, but they were only weekly specials the night I went. I enjoyed the meal, but I’d only come back if getting a table was easy. https://www.theodoranyc.com/

You’ve probably seen Commerce Inn’s pancakes all over your feed. Yes, the fluffy ones topped with blueberry compote.

Calling all nut butter lovers! I found your new favorite spot. Tucked in the heart of NoHo, Buddy Buddy serves specialty drinks with a unique twist: nut butter. From their signature drinks to gooey pastries, it’s the perfect place to catch up with a friend. The atmosphere is super immersive, and the interiors are so thoughtfully curated you really feel transported into the world of Buddy Buddy. If you’re into nutty flavors, this is going to be your spot. If not (or if you ha

Located on the Upper East Side, Birley Bakery brings a slice of London infused with the elegance of a traditional French boulangerie-pâtisserie. The space feels like a refined European escape, where glass displays are filled with beautifully detailed, handmade desserts that are as much works of art as they are indulgent treats. From delicate pastries to perfectly baked viennoiserie, every item reflects a sense of craftsmanship and care. It’s also an ideal spot to slow down wi

Since moving to NYC, I’ve struggled to find Mexican staples like tortillas without trekking all the way to the Bronx. I’d gotten used to missing some of my favorite foods, so when I had dinner at Cuerno , those warm, house-made tortillas took me straight back to Mexico. From the moment you walk in, you’re met with the vibrant elegance of the kind of restaurants I used to frequent in Mexico City. We were greeted with a complimentary mango drink, plus chips and salsa to start.

If you’re craving a sweet treat, the cinnamon rolls at Spirals are the answer.

Having an Italian dad basically made me an Italian restaurant critic, so I don’t say this lightly. Sandro’s is easily one of my top three Italian restaurants in New York. Located on the Upper East Side, it feels like a true neighborhood Italian spot. The swordfish with cherry tomatoes is one of my favorites, simple, fresh, and perfectly done. And if you know to ask, there’s an off-menu secret: baby eels, a dish regulars immediately order.

Casa Mono may not be Mexican, but the culture of sharing plates immediately felt familiar to me. This Spanish restaurant near Gramercy Park is the perfect place to order a few dishes and enjoy them around the table. The scallops with minted cashews were a standout, along with the fluke crudo ceviche and the skirt steak with onions. It’s the kind of place where the table fills with small plates, and the meal turns into a long, easy dinner.

I’m a picky steak eater, mostly because I grew up in the land of Brazilian churrasco, where good meat is taken seriously. But Kiko absolutely delivers. Located on Spring Street in SoHo, this Asian-inspired spot has a lively, relaxed atmosphere and surprisingly easy reservations on Resy. The T-bone is the standout, perfectly cooked, rich, and easily one of the best steaks I’ve had in the city.

I’ve been going to Sasabune since I was a little girl. This is not a place for trends, but for those who truly appreciate authentic sushi. Located on the Upper East Side, it is simply unmatched.