Where: 196 Elizabeth St, Nolita
Why It's Worth It: Lovely Day is the kind of spot you stumble upon—and then return to again and again. The space has a lived-in charm with dollhouse-like wallpaper and tiny red booths. The food Thai-inspires, the drinks are cheap, and the crowd is wonderful.
What to Order: Branch out! Order the Hobo noodles and the borderline-addictive ginger fried chicken.
Where to Sit: Upstairs is ideal, but if there’s a wait, head outside and down the stairs. On the left, there’s a second dining room that most forget about.
Know Before You Go: It’s one of the best-priced meals in Nolita; a full meal with a drink won’t set you back more than $40.
Where: 200 Mott Street, Soho
Why It's Worth It: During a week that could frazzle the toughest of nerves, make this cozy Sardinian cafe your home away from home. Striking a perfect balance between relaxed atmosphere and polished furnishings, it's a go-to for those looking to refuel without the scene-y chaos.
What to Order: Try the cacio e pepe if you’re looking for something heartier, or the brussels sprout salad for a light indulgence.
Where to Sit: Grab the sofa by the front door if you can.
Know Before You Go: The bar serves up a great pour if you need a dose of joie de vivre in between two shows.
Where: 290 Elizabeth Street, Noho
Why It's Worth It: This buzzy spot is as well-dressed as you are, making it the perfect fashion week pit-stop. With a chic interior, classic crowd-pleasers (think steak tartare and roast chicken), and a focaccia that’s worth the carb splurge, it’s less about the meal and more about the moment. The real main course is the people-watching.
What to Order: Go straight for the sea bass and their squash with dates.
Where to Sit: Beneath the dreamy, painted clouds of the main dining room’s Italian fresco.
Know Before You Go: No luck with a table? Hop across Houston to Raf’s sister spot, The Musket Room.
Where: 145 W Broadway, Tribeca
Why It's Worth It: This New York institution has seen it all: late-night deals, artists before they were famous, fashion editors sipping on cocktails over long lunches. Earlier this year, art-world honchos Nate Freeman and Benjamin Godsill told CULTURED that a meal at the Odeon “turns the act of the stop-and-chat into an Olympic sport.”
What to Order: Under the weather? Get the french onion soup. Perfectly healthy? Get it anyway.
Where to Sit: On the red leathery bench facing the main dining room.
Know Before You Go: The Odeon claims to be the birthplace of the Cosmo, thanks to bartender Toby Cecchini in the late 1980s.
Where: 218 W 23rd St, Chelsea (duh)
Why It's Worth It: A true local favorite, this charming bistro serves up classic dishes in one of New York's most mythical hotels, offering a glimpse into the neighborhood’s rich artistic legacy.
What to Order: Indulge in their French toast filled with mascarpone and drizzled with cognac maple syrup, or go for the iconic Chelsea burger for a no-fuss choice. If you're looking for something lighter, their potato leek soup doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Where to Sit: Underneath the dining room skylight or on one of their red velvet banquettes.
Know Before You Go: The restaurant has a rotating art collection featuring works by past and present Hotel Chelsea residents.
Where: 50 Commerce St, West Village
Why It's Worth It: From the chefs behind I Sodi, Buvette, and Via Carota, this West Village tavern is cozy enough to escape the downtown chaos, yet close enough to slip back into the action. With its old-world tavern charm, it’s a great place to lay low… until the next show.
What to Order: Their pancakes and omelette with leek and ricotta are the perfect mix of sweet and savory.
Where to Sit: In a snug booth by the window.
Know Before You Go: The interior nods back to the timeless charm of 1900s West Village, the location having been a neighborhood staple for nearly a century.
Where: 205 Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village
Why It's Worth It: There are no menus to scan, no decisions to overthink—just hand rolls, made fresh, handed to you one by one to be eaten immediately. The rice is warm, the nori crisp, the fish fresh, and the whole experience will only set you back half an hour.
What to Order: The 6-roll set is the best way to try a bit of everything—or go for the bay scallop and crab hand rolls.
Where to Sit: Elbow-to-elbow on the long sushi counter.
Know Before You Go: Don’t be spooked if there’s a line. You’ll be seated quicker than you think.
Where: 1 Oliver Street, Chinatown
Why It's Worth It: At first glance, Bar Oliver looks like just another trendy downtown spot. But the food will transport you to the pintxo bars of San Sebastián.
What to Order: The gilda is a perfect salty bite. Or opt for the chistorra and seasonal mushrooms with egg yolk.
Where to Sit: If you’re a smoker, sit outside. Bar Oliver is one of the rare spots in the city that still has ashtrays on the tables!
Know Before You Go: Indulge with some vermouth. Just trust us.
Where: 143 Division Street, Chinatown
Why It's Worth It: Dimes Deli is the antidote to NYFW chaos. This is where you'll find something nourishing, without overthinking it.
What to Order: The seared salmon bowl is protein-packed deliciousness. Or get the chili for the soul.
Where to Sit: There’s only one countertop so it’s a shared silence situation—perfect if you just want to zone out and eat without small talk.
Know Before You Go: Dimes Market is right next door, so if you need a snack for later, pop in after your meal.
Where: 5 Beekman Street, Fidi
Why It's Worth It: Tucked inside the Beekman Hotel, Le Gratin is Daniel Boulud’s delectable love letter to Lyon.
What to Order: The escargot is a must. If you prefer to play it classic, the roasted chicken is a go-to.
Where to Sit: The brown leather couches in the back, tucked beneath the mirror-clad walls—perfect for keeping an eye on who walks through the door.
Know Before You Go: Account for dessert when you're ordering. We know you'll want it by the end of your meal.
Where: 72 Hudson Ave, Downtown Brooklyn
Why It's Worth It: Nestled on a quiet cobblestone street, this Brooklyn gem offers a welcome escape from the Manhattan frenzy—it has the rustic charm of an Upstate retreat, minus the drive.
What to Order: The rigatoni, cast iron chicken, and of course, their famous Guinness chocolate cake.
Where to Sit: Cozy up in the main dining room during the colder months.
Know Before You Go: Share everything—the food is too good to keep to yourself.
Where: 329 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg
Why It's Worth It: Misi is all about precision and restraint. It’s not trying to reinvent Italian food—it’s just doing it really, really well. The place is sleek but warm and the pasta is delicious. No notes.
What to Order: The ricotta toast is a must to start. Then go with the brown butter tortellini and finish that off with the olive oil ice cream.
Where to Sit: The counter seats facing the open kitchen. Watch the masters at work.
Know Before You Go: Don't expect heavy mains. You’re here for handmade al dente bites, not a steak.
Where: 36 E 61st Street, Upper East Side
Why It's Worth It: Wrapped in rich wood paneling, glowing in soft candlelight (yes, even at noon), this Uptown hotspot turns a midday bite into a full-fledged indulgence. Who said luxury should wait until dinner?
What to Order: The beef wellington, or the branzino for the pescetarians.
Where to Sit: Next to the nearest Warhol.
Know Before You Go: Reservations are elusive, but if luck is on your side—and the downtown set is otherwise occupied—you just might snag a table.
Where: 20 E 76th Street, Upper East Side
Why It’s Worth It: Casa Tua’s Upper East Side outpost is built on two decades of the restaurant group's success in Miami Beach, Aspen, and Paris. Here, simple yet refined dishes are accompanied by an ambiance steeped in art, culture, and understated elegance at the Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel.
What to Order: Take a pick from any of their signature pastas and finish your meal with their famous pistachio ice cream.
Where to Sit: Angle for a spot by one of the restaurant's impressive works on display, from artists including Roe Ethridge, Frank Gehry, Candida Höfer, and Seydou Keïta.
Know Before You Go: If you're looking for a lighter fare, or simply a place to take the weight off your heels, slip into the Casa Tua lounge for a perfectly frothy cappuccino or a specialty crafted cocktail.
Where: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown
Why It’s Worth It: Le Rock makes any trip to Midtown sweeter. Brought to you by the Frenchette team, the restaurant captures the charm of classic French dining while ditching the stuffy atmosphere.
What to Order: Don’t miss the duck confit—crispy, tender perfection—or the velvety butternut squash soup.
Where to Sit: On the leather couch, right in the heart of the action.
Know Before You Go: The wine list is stellar, so pair your meal with a glass (or two) from their carefully curated selection.
