There’s no shortage of New York City guides, but this one is my own. A roundup of the places I return to again and again; the kind of spots I send to friends without hesitation. From favorite restaurants and museums to the best place for a pick-me-up or a perfect slice, these are my go-to NYC staples.
FAVORITE BREAKFAST
Daily Provisions (GRAMERCY PARK)
Located right around the corner from my studio, Daily Provisions is the tastiest to-go breakfast solution. My favorites are the avocado toast, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, and you cannot pass up their iconic maple cruller.
DATE NIGHT
For an unforgettable date night in NYC, we rotate between the cozy soulfulness of Rezdôra and the unapologetic glamour of The Grill.
RezDORA (FLATIRON)
Tucked in the Flatiron District, Rezdora serves handmade pasta inspired by Emilia-Romagna - deeply comforting and elegant. I recommend the Grand Tasting if you’ve never been; it’s like a full tour of northern Italy in five courses.
THE GRILL (MIDTOWN)
The Grill in Midtown is old-school New York luxury at its best. Think prime rib carved tableside, art deco everything, and a Champagne cart that knows no shame. Classic New York steakhouse vibes in a landmark space. Dress up!
MUSEUM
THE MET (UPPER EAST SIDE)
For art and inspiration, I head straight to the Met. It’s my default reset button - an afternoon wandering the Sargent portraits sparks creativity like no other.
PARK
GRAMERCY PARK
Though Gramercy Park is famously private, I feel so fortunate to work there. I love sitting in the park with the boys on weekends and walking the perimeter on my way to the studio. The brownstones are always seasonally festive and breathe the charm of old New York. The National Arts Club (my studio home!) always has interesting shows to peek in and see, and Irving Place hosts some of the city’s most fabulous gems - ice cream at Cafe Panna, coffee at Irving Farm, brunch at Casa Mono, or wine at Pierre Loti.
SWEET TREAT
DOMINIQUE ANSEL WORKSHOP (FLATIRON)
When I want something sweet, head to the Dominique Ansel Workshop in Flatiron. It’s quiet, beautifully designed, and the famous cronuts are truly unforgettable.
TRANSPORTATION
6 TRAIN OR UBER BLACK
My transportation of choice is a mix of the everyday and the elevated. The 6 train is efficient and gets me where I need to go, especially uptown to take the boys to school. But when I’ve got fragile artwork or need to show up feeling composed, Uber Black is my non-guilty splurge.
COCKTAIL
For cocktails, I toggle between the old-world glamour of Bemelmans Bar and the cool, understated Clemente Bar in NoMad.
BEMELMANS BAR (UPPER EAST SIDE)
Bemelmans, inside The Carlyle, is where I go to feel like I’m in a film. Hand-painted murals by artist Ludwig Bemelmans adorn the walls, live piano, a perfect sidecar.
CLEMENTE BAR (NOMAD)
Clemente is sexier and more modern—great lighting, great people-watching, and an excellent cucumber martini.
SLICE
STRETCH (GRAMERCY PARK)
Pizza is sacred in New York, and Stretch Pizza in Flatiron has mastered the genre. Their “Not Quite a Grandma” slice hits every note—crispy, tangy, just enough cheese. I love sitting at the bar and watching them work the dough by hand.
FAMILY BRUNCH
Weekend brunch with the family calls for either Balthazar or Gramercy Tavern.
BALTHAZAR (SOHO)
Balthazar, in SoHo, is bustling, warm, and reliably French. The eggs Florentine are a classic, and it’s just noisy enough that you won’t feel bad bringing a toddler.
GRAMERCY TAVERN (GRAMERCY PARK)
Gramercy Tavern is more serene but equally kid-friendly. The lunch tasting menu in the Dining Room is special-occasion worthy, and the service is always gracious, but I always prefer the Tavern seating.
MEANDERING
NOHO
When I have a rare open hour, I like to wander through NoHo. I’ll grab a coffee and croissant from Lafayette, pop into the goop store, or admire Basquiat’s historic studio on Great Jones. The neighborhood has that ideal mix of cobblestone charm and cool-kid energy.
PUBLIC ART
MADISON SQUARE PARK
I’ve seen some of the most thought-provoking public art in Madison Square Park. The installations rotate regularly, so there’s always something new, from mirrored sculptures to immersive pavilions. It’s also the original Shake Shack location, so I usually don’t leave hungry.
ARCHITECTURE
THE CHRYSLER BUILDING
The Chrysler Building remains my favorite piece of architecture in the city. While newer towers keep going higher, nothing beats its gleaming Art Deco crown—especially at night. For the best view, walk east from Bryant Park and look up.
PROVISIONS
UNION SQUARE GREEN MARKET
For provisions, I swear by the Union Square Greenmarket. Open year-round, it’s the best place for fresh flowers, Hudson Valley apples, local cheese, and great conversation with actual farmers. Wednesdays and Saturdays are the best days to go, especially in the morning.
PICK ME UP
DEVOCION LATTES & CHA CHA MATCHA DRAFT
When I need a little boost, my go-tos are a Devoción latte (rich, smooth, and made with lush Colombian beans) or Cha Cha Matcha’s draft matcha, which has this incredible velvety foam texture. They both feel like tiny luxuries in the middle of the day.
GIFTS
FISHS EDDY
And finally, for gifts! Whether I need a last-minute hostess item or something quirky and New York-y, Fishs Eddy is always the answer. Their shelves are packed with irreverent dishware, nostalgic diner mugs, and clever tea towels that never fail to make someone smile.
These places aren’t secrets, and they’re not all “hidden gems,” but they’re mine. They shape the way I move through the city, and I hope they’ll give you some new spots to fall in love with, too.