New York City is the kind of place that gets under your skin + seeps it’s way into your heart — well, it definitely has for me in this lifetime. The city pulses with a ceaseless rush of energy + inspiration; from the buzzy coffee bars that fuel your morning pre that early workout or run before the city awakes, the iconic hotels + their lobbies where — if the walls could talk — would tell of fashion, history + pop culture’s entwinement, scandals, + Carlyle-level-secrets, not forgetting the later-night dinners that somehow transform into the stories you’ll remind yourself of as you head into the years of earlier + earlier dinners in years to come. Having lived there in my 20s, I can most certainly say this remarkable + unparalleled city shaped parts of me in countless ways. Despite the fact that I’m now firmly + happily in my cosier, quieter era of life in my countryside home in Ireland with my husband + our dog, I will never be able to resist its magnetic pull drawing me back year after year to see loved ones + get that little city fix. No matter where life takes me, where we go, or what personal era of a mood I’m in, New York will always feel a little like home in one way or another. Below is my curated edit of places + experiences inspired by my love for chic spots, great new finds, + a touch of that classically elusive NYC magic that always leaves me wanting that little bit more..
The HSF NEW YORK CITY Edit
DINNER DESTINATIONS
Raf’s (NoHo) If you’re searching for a spot that merges trendy with timeless, Raf’s is all of that + more. With the sleek yet warm interior + a menu that’s worth every bite, it’s a must. It’s the talk of the town since opening back in 2023 for good reason — so chic, so divine. It’s one of my favourites for breakfast, lunch, or dinner // Torrisi (SoHo) Torrisi is part of that new wave of can’t-miss Manhattan restaurants. Expect thoughtful Italian-American dishes in a lively dining room that’s brimming with major NY energy. Like BRIMMING. It’s electric. Every morsel is an ode to New York’s Italian heritage + every table an opportunity to catch your next celebrity spotting in the city // The Corner Store (SoHo) A cozy gem that brings a fresh twist to comfort food, The Corner Store is where local (but like elevated GP level) vibes meet classic, hearty cuisine. Between the friendly staff + warm ambiance, it feels like a home away from home — perfect for a laid-back, stylish dinner in the city // Monkey Bar Born in 1936, monkey Bar is the quintessential old-school New York establishment, + if you were once a Mad Men fan, you’ll recognize its storied interiors. Martinis, plush banquettes, + that iconic monkey mural — it’s pure retro New York City glam + a major vibe // Sartiano’s at The Mercer Hotel Looking for a scene - I mean who isn't it’s NYC! Sartiano’s inside The Mercer is another of the hot newer spots on the block. It’s a magnet for the city’s in-crowd, offering an intimate dining experience beneath chic, low lighting. You’ll feel like an insider the minute you walk in // American Bar (West Village) Deemed a “new classic,” American Bar has a playful but elevated menu — expect modern twists on beloved American staples. It’s one of those spots that makes every night feel like a Friday night // Le Coucou (Chinatown) A jewel box of a restaurant + nestled in one of the cities coolest hotels, 11 Howard, French cuisine is reimagined by chef Daniel Rose for the modern palate. Elegance seeps from every corner, from the rustic-chic interiors to the artfully plated dishes // Elio’s (Upper East Side) Iconic + beloved by locals for decades, Elio’s is a classic Upper East Side Italian gem. Sit at the bar or snag a cozy table in back — it’s a “who’s who” of regulars enjoying pasta, wine, + time-honored conversation. Think Gywenth Paltrow growing up in the city, it was her family’s Sunday dinner haunt // Pastis (Meatpacking District) Pastis is a spirited Parisian-style brasserie in the heart of the Meatpacking District. Keith McNally’s iconic spot, which first opened in 2000, enchants diners with classic French fare — steak frites, anyone? — + offers that originally Sex-And-The-City kind of prime people-watching. Every visit feels like a mini getaway into the world of that special kind of Manhattan buzz // The Polo Bar (Midtown) An elegant tribute to classic American style, The Polo Bar is Ralph Lauren’s Midtown gem. Rich leather banquettes + a refined steakhouse menu create a timeless setting, plus a glamorous crowd that often includes fashion insiders. Perfect for unwinding over a classic cocktail + indulging in hearty delights with a luxe twist.
LUNCH + BRUNCH
Café Gitane (SoHo) Credited with pioneering the now-ubiquitous avocado toast, Café Gitane is the OG + exudes a breezy, bohemian spirit in the heart of SoHo. Blending French + Moroccan influences, it’s perfect for a relaxed brunch + prime people-watching — truly a downtown classic // Fish Cheeks (East Village) If you love a punchy, flavor-packed meal, make your way to Fish Cheeks. Immediately. Their Thai seafood is legendary (+ even though I’m not a drinker, I can attest that the margaritas are *chefs kiss*). My cousin, a local, goes here every Sunday night like it’s a religion + I totally understand why — it really is that good // La Mercerie (SoHo) A bright, French-inspired café inside Roman + Williams Guild, La Mercerie elevates lunch to an art form. Beautiful space, artful plating, + the lingering aroma of fresh blooms make this a serene mid-day pit-stop amid the fabulous energy of SoHo // Le Bilboquet (Upper East Side) For a true Upper East Side scene, Le Bilboquet is the place for those who know. It’s that perfect combination of bistro charm + stylish clientele. Grab a table outside if the weather allows + indulge in the famed Cajun chicken dish - again I can attest // Atla (NoHo) Atla has that cool downtown vibe — fresh, modern Mexican fare in a minimalist space. Pop in for a healthy, nourishing lunch or an early delightful dinner. It’s light, bright, + consistently delicious // Bonberi (West Village + SoHo) Health-minded + effortlessly chic, Bonberi is like stepping into a little wellness sanctuary. My kind of heaven. It’s smoothies, plant-based bowls, + a focus on nutrient-rich ingredients that satisfy as much as they do nourish // Jack’s Wife Freda (SoHo, West Village + Chelsea) A beloved brunch + lunch institution. JWF is a friendly neighborhood feel with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, + a crowd that feels like an extended family. Their signature green shakshuka is a literal delight // Lafayette (again!) Lafayette does lunch as gracefully as it does coffee + pastries. The salads are fresh, the sandwiches hearty, + the ambiance is always sunny, no matter the time of day or year // The Butcher’s Daughter (Williamsburg + Nolita) Green juices, veggie-centric bowls, + a coastal California aesthetic to match, The Butchers Daughter is perfect for recharging yourself midday. You’ll emerge feeling energized + ready to conquer the city // Gemma at The Bowery Hotel (East Village) A tried + true downtown classic for all who know, Gemma’s rustic Italian fare pairs beautifully with The Bowery Hotel’s cozy, bohemian energy. Great for a relaxing weekend brunch or a spirited lunch as you watch the world go by. Actually great for any time of the day (or night).
COFFEE CULTURE
Fellini (West Village) There’s a dreamy, old-world Italian charm to Fellini. Tucked in the West Village, it feels like a warm neighborhood hangout; perfect for people-watching as you sip a great cortado + let the city’s rhythm fly past you // Sant Ambroeus (for me, it’s always the SoHo or Madison Avenue locations) When I want to immerse myself in pure New-York-people-watching at it’s best, I head to Sant Ambroeus. Both the SoHo spot + their Madison Avenue locale serve silky espresso in a space that feels refined yet relaxed — like stepping into a sweet slice of Italy in the heart of Manhattan. The people watching it other level here too // Café Kitsuné (West Village) Café Kitsuné is as chic as it gets — impossibly stylish design, impeccable pastries, + a playlist that puts you in a sunny, wonderful mood whatever the day or weather. A must for a legit matcha or signature fox-adorned pastry // Lafayette Lafayette is a love letter to New York from those chic airy Parisian cafés that can’t quite ever be replicated yet Lafayette gives it a great shot. It’s bright, bustling, + boasts one of the best croissant selections in town. Stop in any time of day for a coffee + go or brunch here is especially dreamy.
HOTELS TO FALL INTO BED WITH
The Lowell (Upper East Side) Sumptuous + very much boutique energy in every way, The Lowell embodies quiet luxury + is perhaps one of my favorites. Even if you’re not staying, lingering in its lobby or enjoying breakfast in the Pembroke Room or perhaps a light dinner or drinks at Jacques are entirely worthwhile indulgences // The Mercer (SoHo) Minimalist chic in the heart of SoHo, The Mercer is a classic that sets a very stylish stage. Sip a drink at the bar, do some prime people watching, + let the swirl of downtown energy inspire you // 11 Howard (SoHo) Sleek Scandinavian design meets subtle hints of unpredictability. Again, whether you’re sleeping over or just seeking that quiet refuge from the city, 11 Howard’s communal lounge spaces are perfect for catching your breath // The Mark (Upper East Side) This Upper East Side gem is a modern classic. From its striped lobby floors to the elegant bar, The Mark exudes a playful sophistication. Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or just to marvel at the architecture // The Carlyle (Upper East Side) Few hotels are as storied as The Carlyle. It’s my personal favourite for its depth of NYC heritage. This is where old New York society mingles with contemporary flair. You can feel it’s storied history in all things chic, all just a block from Central Park. A cocktail at Bemelmans Bar—surrounded by whimsical murals—is an absolute must // The AMAN (Midtown) Situated in the heart of Manhattan, The Aman redefines urban tranquility. Like any of the groups locations, if you’re craving a serene escape from the city streets, the spa here is second to none + specifically here a night of Jazz is a very chic way to get a little NYC energy to vibe to // The Waldorf (Upper East Side) One last one, The Waldorf is perhaps one of the cities most iconic. I was lucky enough to stay here on it’s last few nights of it’s previous + iconic self before it underwent a $2 billion renovation. Regardless though of whether it’s in it’s former or current rendition, this is somewhere to experience once in your lifetime + somewhere where what’s happens at the Waldorf stays at the Waldorf. Think Presidents, famous singers, iconic actors etc.
STORES I VIBE TO
John Derian (West Village) Stepping into John Derian feels like entering a whimsical world of artful decoupage + dreamy home accents. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted, making this East Village gem a must for design lovers seeking something truly special // Goop (Nolita) A sleek wellness + lifestyle boutique from Gwyneth Paltrow, Goop offers everything from clean beauty to holistic self-care essentials.. + of course whatever you need for the bedroom. A bright, modern space stocked with curated items that spark joy + well-being, it’s very much up my alley + if you’re wanting a more wellness focused edit of the city, read my HSF Wellness Guides; The New York City Edition here // McNally Jackson Bookstore (SoHo) Beloved by locals for its indie spirit + meticulously curated shelves, McNally Jackson is a cozy retreat for bookworms like myself. I have spent hours that have turned into half days here. Pick up a latte from their café or one near by + browse the aisles as you let your literary discovery dreams come to life // Gohar (SoHo) Chic tableware + one-of-a-kind home pieces converge at Gohar, where form + function unite to transform everyday dining into an artful affair. It’s divine in here + Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their entertaining game with playful elegance. Or simply find something entirely unique // Khaite (SoHo) This cult-favorite label by Catherine Holstein reimagines American sportswear in a fresh, refined way — think plush knits, sculptural silhouettes + understated palettes. The sleek SoHo boutique mirrors Khaite’s modern aesthetic to a tee, making every visit feel like an exploration of effortless downtown elegance. It has become one of my favourite stores in the city not just for the collections but the aesthetics + design direction of the store itself. It is heaven for any aesthete // Strand Bookstore (Union Square) A true New York icon, the Strand boasts “18 miles of books” for every kind of reader. The lively maze of shelves invites hours of exploring + the rare finds are worth the treasure hunt // Bergdorfs (Uptown) The epitome of Fifth Avenue glamour, Bergdorf Goodman is where fashion dreams come to life + equally where many begin. Browse high-end designer collections, indulge in personal styling + soak in that classic uptown magic, it’s a classic. And if you wish to delve into it as a historical NYC reference point, please watch the documentary Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's — a classic // Stroll Madison Avenue (between East 57th + East 86th) This stretch of Madison Avenue is a luxury lover’s paradise. Flagship stores + iconic fashion houses line the sidewalks, offering an elegant window into Manhattan’s couture-filled world // Atelier Jolie (Nolita) An innovative space dedicated to sustainable fashion + creative collaboration, Atelier Jolie is Angelina Jolie’s venture into reimagining the future of style. Expect thoughtful pieces + a commitment to ethical design // General Strolling around SoHo + NoLita Winding cobblestone streets, cast-iron facades + a steady hum of cool define SoHo + NoLita. Explore trendy boutiques, pop into café after café + immerse yourself in the artistic pulse of downtown // The Clean Market (Nolita) Part wellness hub + part thoughtfully stocked boutique, The Clean Market caters to those craving a holistic, health-forward shopping experience. It’s your one-stop for clean beauty, supplements + eco-friendly finds // Guestg In Residence (Nolita) Founded by Gigi Hadid, this label specializes in luxe knitwear + cozy essentials. With elevated basics + contemporary cuts, Guest In Residence offers a chic update to your everyday wardrobe. Love. Period.
All imagery is my own, a short edit of so many more from years + years visiting + living in this unparalleled city
