I have spent quite a bit of time visiting New York, with kids, without kids, with my husband and most recently on a girl’s trip! So, I’m excited to add a few more spots to my favorites. You can check out some of my previous posts to see some of my other favorite places as well!
Where to go for brunch?
If you are looking for something traditional near central park Sarabeth’s is your spot. If the weather is nice you can sit outside and enjoy the view of the park across the street. Sarabeth’s is beautiful with white table cloths and even with the formal atmosphere still has a casual feel. The foods that stand out the most are the eggs benedict, lemon and ricotta pancakes, and short rib hash. Everything is amazing and a great blend to offer something for everyone! It is certainly on the pricier side but worth trying!
We recently dined at the Maman in Tribeca and it was amazing! There are numerous locations around town but not all have the full dining menu so be sure to check before you arrive. The décor is beautiful with a cozy casual vibe. They also have a coffee stand in the front if you just want to grab coffee and a pastry to go. We enjoyed the waffle-iron hashbrown and a few of the breakfast sandwiches. It was certainly busy so be prepared to wait if you do not have a reservation.
Entry to Mamam 
Waffle-Iron Hashbrown
If you are looking for something a little more low key and not quite as much of a production like some of the trendy NYC brunch spots, Maison Kayser is a great option. Known for their pastries and breads it’s a great option to dine in or if you are in a rush grab something to go. If you are not in rush take your time and enjoy one of the many espresso options with their egg’s benedict or quiche dishes. There are many great Parisian dishes to try and you won’t be disappointed.
Where to grab lunch?
If you are running from site to site around NYC Eataly is great place to break up the day! Eataly is a large Italian food hall with two locations in the city. One in the Flat Iron area and the other downtown. We stopped by the downtown location after visiting the Statue of Liberty. It can be a little overwhelming when you walk in so be prepared. There are two ways to enjoy this place. If you have time and want the full dining experience, walk towards the back and you can sit at the restaurant. There is usually a line, so be prepared to wait. If you want to try a little of everything you can indulge in the food court style and try a little of everything. From a pizza bar, pasta bar, sandwiches, seafood and even gelato, there is so much to try! It can be more of a challenge if dining with kids but if you are a with a group it’s a great way for everyone to enjoy what they want! You can also shop and grab pastas and sauces to take home just like you’ve been to Italy!
Chelsea Market is another great food hall located in the Meatpacking district. With over 30 different food vendors to choose from, you can enjoy everything from seafood to dumplings to cheeses and chocolates. Another great option where everyone can enjoy exactly what they want! You can even start at the Chelsea Wine Vault to purchase a bottle of wine to take with you to enjoy with your tastings! We enjoyed a progressive dinner and tried a little of everything! Try the lobster!
If you want to experience the famous Plaza Hotel but not quite wanting to spend hundreds of dollars at the Palm Court, you can check out the food hall downstairs. Another great place with a little bit of everything from pizza to a caviar bar. It is smaller than some of the other food halls but a great option if you are busy shopping on 5th avenue.
Where to dine for dinner?
There are so many great restaurants in NYC but this one stood out this past trip. Besides the lobster pasta tasting amazing the porterhouse was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had! They even make their own steak sauce table side. I was so excited to share about the steak that I forgot to mention the garlic knots to start. We also shared the Italian chopped salad which was delicious. We had a table of 6 and with the salad, porterhouse, pasta, and branzino it was more than enough to share. Of course, we had to top it off with dessert. The desserts were also amazing! We indulged in the hazelnut s’more, tiramisu congelati, and cannoli. Besides needing a cart to roll me out after, it was one of the most amazing dinners! I highly recommend!
If you are looking for a great sushi spot, Blue Ribbon Sushi is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. You can be as trendy or as casual as you would like and blend right in. If you are looking for rolls, sashimi or cooked dishes there is something for everyone. The sushi was so fresh and tasted amazing! They have such a variety of things to order and you won’t be disappointed!
