📍 Added in March: This newly opened spot hums with folks from all walks of life, embodying the sophistication of an NYC establishment while serving up the warmth of a Levantine-inspired menu. It’s open all day, but dinner is my personal favorite, in part because of skewer service. Think cabbage and pine nuts or skirt steak with amba, a tangy mango pickle, served with all the fixings. Perfection. 

📍 Added in March: Hillstone was a favorite of mine back in Central Florida, where I grew up, and it’s one of the few things that has followed me into my NYC life. Find a bar seat at lunch, start with a sushi roll, then commit to the cheeseburger—one of my favorites in Manhattan—where the patty-to-sauce-to-bread ratio should be studied. Sure, it’s great for a business lunch, but it’s also perfect for an uninterrupted afternoon with a good book or a productive catch-up on emails.

📍 Added in March: This buzzy spot has proved the perfect excuse to refresh my seafood intake. I lean toward the heartier dishes, like the butter beans and grilled squid with pistou, a fragrant French basil sauce. The seafood rice? Easily my most-craved bite. And the cherry on top (or in this case, the citrus)? Soft serve with tart kumquats. Be sure to book a reservation.


📍 Added in March: Since I moved from Harlem to Brooklyn, I’ve been on the hunt for my go-to neighborhood spot—the kind of place that takes the guesswork out of where to bring everyone, from family to friends, and maybe even a date. That place, for me, is Sisters. Brunch is the ideal time to stop by, whether for a solo meal or a lively group hang. With a solid menu and laid-back energy, it’s the perfect kickoff before easing into weekend plans.

📍 Added in March: Have you ever been mesmerized by the decadent food scenes in a Studio Ghibli film? The ones with steaming bowls of soup, slurpable noodles, and platters of sushi that practically beg to be devoured? That’s exactly what came to mind when I stepped into Momo Sushi after hopping off the Morgan stop in Bushwick. Known for its sushi bombs—perfectly pressed rice topped with fresh fish—Momo is best enjoyed with friends who love to order everything.

I’m a new Crown Heights resident, and Agi’s Counter is my go-to café to kick off a midweek morning. Start your day with their dill-and-cheddar sandwich, a savory masterpiece featuring a perfect fried egg, mayo, and a shave of Alpine cheddar. Don’t miss the bakery counter, where you’ll find spanakopita babka—a marriage of the classic Greek spinach pie and the twisty, sweet layered bread. Agi’s is closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan a visit during the back half of the week.

This all-day Mexican eatery is great for a casual lunch at the bar or catching up with friends for happy hour. The easygoing vibe doesn’t compromise on flavor. Here, I like to order for the table. Begin with the chicken soup, a broth balanced with fresh cilantro and mixed veggies. Tack on the cheese quesadilla and add mushrooms, then wrap up with the pork al pastor gringa, a fun, shareable entrée. What’s a Mexican meal without churros for dessert? You know what to do.

Bridges in Chinatown is a sexy downtown spot, perfect for dinner before a night out or an uninterrupted catch-up with friends. The menu is a playground for rich and unexpected flavors that will have you feeling adventurous rather than overwhelmed. Start with sardines with anchovies and peppers, then move to the comté tart—a savory masterpiece with nutty French cheese, chanterelles, and a buttery crust. Pair it with a glass of wine and soak in the chic, intimate atmosphere.

Pre-theater dining hits a new high at Café Chelsea, breathing fresh life into Midtown West. This bistro, located right next to the iconic Hotel Chelsea, exudes grown-up-in-NYC vibes. Amid French classics, the ravioles du Dauphiné shine: a sheet of ravioli with Comté cheese, cracked pepper, and olive oil. Begin here, add steak frites or the chicken and a crisp glass of wine, and cap it with a chocolate soufflé, then it’s off to Broadway.

This neighborhood spot is everything you could want in a French bistro. Its charm lies in its simplicity: perfectly executed omelets, buttery croissants, and crisp frites that seem to arrive at the table just when you’re thinking about them. It’s the kind of spot where a leisurely breakfast can turn into lunch, especially if you’re indulging in a second café crème. On weekends, snagging a patio seat feels like winning the New York brunch lottery, so aim to arrive early.