After spending nearly 30 years in New York City before moving to Los Angeles, I still find myself back in Manhattan at least four times a year. Thereβs just something about the energy, the food, the fashion β NYC has a heartbeat that never really leaves you. So, whenever someone asks about the best places to dine and stay in New York City, I love sharing my tried-and-true favorites alongside new discoveries worth exploring.
Whether youβre planning a getaway or just want the inside scoop on the best places to dine and stay in New York City, hereβs where I stay, sip, and indulge when Iβm back in the city that raised me.
π Rubirosa β A Slice of Heaven in Nolita
No list of the best places to dine and stay in New York City is complete without a stop at Rubirosa. This Nolita staple is known for its perfectly thin crust pizzaβthe vodka pie is my personal favoriteβand the kind of neighborhood Italian fare thatβs both nostalgic and elevated. It always hits the spot, especially after a long travel day. The warm atmosphere and consistently great food make it a forever favorite.
π Milos β Mediterranean Elegance
When people ask me about the best places to dine and stay in New York City, Milos is always top of mind. Whether itβs the original Midtown location or the sleek Hudson Yards outpost, their seafood is impossibly fresh, and the entire experience is refined without feeling fussy. Expect pristine grilled fish, the best tomato salad, and an impeccable wine list. Yes, itβs priceyβbut absolutely worth it.
π₯© Raoulβs β A French Bistro with Downtown Soul
Nestled in the heart of SoHo, Raoulβs has been delivering moody French vibes and perfect pepper steak for decades. For anyone seeking the best places to dine and stay in New York City with authentic downtown charm, Raoulβs fits the bill perfectlyβsexy, stylish, and soulful. Pro tip: sit at the bar for the full experience.
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πΈ Le Bar Penelope β Uptownβs Chic New Secret
This Upper East Side gem is a new favorite among the best places to dine and stay in New York City. With sultry lighting, stylish crowds, and beautifully crafted cocktails, Le Bar Penelope feels like a reward for making the trek uptown. Dress up, sip slowly, and stay awhile.
π The Corner Store β Downtown Dining, Elevated
From the powerhouse team behind Catch Restaurant, The Corner Store is the latest must-know hotspot downtown. Itβs quickly earning a spot among the best places to dine and stay in New York City, thanks to its sexy, energetic vibe and food that lives up to the hype. Snagging a table or even just making it past the doorman feels like a victory worth celebrating.
π₯ Cipriani Downtown β Timeless NYC Glamour
Iβve been going to Cipriani on West Broadway since 2009, and somehow it just never misses. Its iconic status makes it a permanent fixture on lists of the best places to dine and stay in New York City. The food is always excellentβclassic Italian with luxury touchesβand the people watching is legendary.
βοΈ Dominique Ansel Bakery β A Morning Must
Every morning I stay in SoHo, I make a point to walk to Dominique Ansel Bakery. It’s easily one of the best places to dine in New York City for breakfast. I didnβt think Iβd be a cronut person until I tried oneβnow, I never leave town without bringing a box home for family.
π Where I Stay: The Dominick Hotel in SoHo
My top recommendation among the best places to stay in New York City is The Dominick Hotel in SoHo. Spacious rooms (by NYC standards), stunning city views, and an unbeatable location make it ideal. I love being within walking distance of my favorite restaurants and bakeriesβthereβs nothing quite like it.
Want more NYC recs? Iβll be updating this guide regularly, so keep checking back. And if you have a favorite spot I should add next time, DM me on Instagram at @JoannaPallante. Iβm always down for a new discovery.
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