Like clockwork, another NYFW is upon us. With packed show schedules and parties all over town, this is a busy time in the City, making it essential to plan culinary pit stops ahead of time. Whether it is for a quick bite or some fine dining, we all want to eat well… and stylishly.

Below are some exciting spots in NYC for you to consider including Gabriel KreutherHav & MarThe Bazaar, and more.

For Some French Dining

Gabriel Kreuther (41 W 42 St)

Gabriel Kreuther is a two-Michelin-star restaurant led by renowned Chef Gabriel Kreuther, which opened in 2015. Fusing his classic French training and Alsatian heritage with his love of New York City, Chef Kreuther creates a comfortably luxurious experience in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Inspired by the timber homes of Alsace, reclaimed wood beams surround the dining room, creating an elegant yet relaxed setting. Guests can enjoy a 3-course menu, a 4-course menu or Chef’s tasting menu in the Main Dining Room, or elevated Alsatian-inspired dishes, such as Gabriel’s famous Tarte Flambée or Truffled Country Pâté, served à la carte and in the Bar and Lounge. The Zagat Guide named The Bar at Gabriel Kreuther to their selective list of the “Best Bar Food” in Manhattan while New York City’s Grub Street named Gabriel Kreuther Bar as “The Absolute Best Bar Food” in New York City.

For a Quick Bite

Mercado Little Spain (10 Hudson Yards)

At the base of Hudson Yards is Mercado Little Spain, the sprawling Spanish market concepted by acclaimed Chef José Andrés. Inspired by the mercados of his home, market and all-day dining destination is a love letter to Spain and a truly authentic taste of its dynamic, diverse cuisine. Featuring three full service restaurants and a wide array of delicious kiosks offering everything from hearty salads and New York City’s best – and most unexpected – smashburgers to classic patatas bravas, xuxos, and paella and two buzzy bars, Mercado Little Spain captures the heart of every diner, whether one is roaming for a full meal or just picking up a quick bite.

For a Sweet Treat

Lysée (44 E 21st St)

Located in the heart of the Flatiron District, Lysée is a new pastry boutique and dessert gallery from acclaimed Chef Eunji Lee, recently named to Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2023. Inspired by her love of pastry as edible art, Lysée’s delicacies are influenced by a harmony between French, Korean, and NYC cultures. Spanning two floors, the concept offers a 15 seat dining room downstairs with outstanding views into an open kitchen, while upstairs, a pastry gallery awaits for guests to peruse the standing and seasonal treats on display. Current seasonal offerings include: a new Pluot Tart with Oolong Cremeux and fresh Pluot gem sliced on top with a drizzle of honey and oolong dusting; a new take on the beloved Corn Mousse Cake, now in Corn Popsicle form; Peach Sorbet and Mango Coconut Sorbet; and much more, from cookies and signature mousse cakes to airy breads, soft madelines, and an inviting, unique drinks menu.

For a Rustic Italian Meal

Rezdôra (27 E 20th St)

Rezdôra is a Michelin-Starred and New York Times three-star restaurant from Chef Stefano Secchi and Partner David Switzer in New York City’s Flatiron neighborhood. The menu celebrates the cuisine of Emilia Romagna and is centered around house-made pasta, a nod to the restaurant’s name which translates to grandmother, the matriarch of the family who hand rolls pasta. Traditionally prepared meat, fish, local vegetables, and Northern Italian wines complement the offerings. In 2023, Rezdôra received recognition as the #7 of Italian restaurants in the world by Top 50 Italy and was named one of the 100 Best Restaurants in New York City by The New York Times.

Massara (13 Broadway)

Massara is the newly opened second Italian restaurant from Chef Stefano Secchi and David Switzer. Like Rezdôra, Massara’s menu focuses on various pasta dishes, but with a focus on Southern Italy, specifically the cuisine of Campania, which includes Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri. The restaurant centers around an open kitchen that features an Acunto pizza oven from Naples, set into a wall of glossy dark-teal tile. Also featured is a custom-built wood-burning grill, used to make steaks, branzino, zucchini, and eggplant.

For Some Asian Fare

Wayan (20 Spring St)

Wayan, led by Chef/co-owner Cédric Vongerichten offers Indonesian cuisine with a modern French flair, in a sleek space warmed by teak paneling, lush plants, and whitewashed brick. The unique and varied menu combines seasonal products and savory Southeast Asian flavors. Wayan’s showpiece bar turns out innovative cocktails highlighting ingredients inspired by the region. The cozy dining room, with its soothing tones, recessed lighting, and authentic carvings, promotes the sharing of food and conversation.

Ma•dé (22 Spring St)

Ma•dé is the sister restaurant of Wayan, led by Chef Cédric Vongerichten and his wife, Ochi Latjuba Vongerichten. Drawing inspiration from the sandy beaches of Bali for its decor and the globe for its seafood and vegetable driven menu, Ma•dé is located in the heart of SoHo at 22 Spring Street just next door from their beloved Indonesian restaurant Wayan. At Ma•dé, Cédric serves a menu of fresh seafood & vegetable-centric dishes that emphasize global flavors and ingredients from diverse corners of the world, while the cocktail-driven beverage program boasts everything from vegetal and floral notes, to twists of savory umami that add a distinctive touch to each tipple.

For a Buzzy Vibe

Hawksmoor (109 E 22 St)

Hawksmoor, the lively British steakhouse and bar, originally founded in 2006 by co-owners and childhood friends, Huw Gott and Will Beckett, made its NYC debut in Gramercy Park in 2021. Located inside of the historic United Charities Building, built in 1892, the space was restored to its original glory with 30-foot vaulted ceilings, 146-seat grand dining room, elaborate crown molding, stained glass, and a 50-seat wraparound brass-topped bar. Hawksmoor is known for their pasture-raised dry-aged steaks grilled over charcoal. The acclaimed bar program offers “the coldest martini in NYC,” and is a two-time winner of Best International Restaurant Bar at Tales of the Cocktail.

Nubeluz (35 W 28 St)

Located on the 50th floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Nomad, Nubeluz was envisioned as a lightbox in the sky by globally-renowned architect Rafael Viñoly and brought to life by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. At Nubeluz, the interior is a celebration of light and the city, harking back to the classic hotel bar while taking advantage of the views over the iconic skyline. It is modern and quintessentially New York.

The Bazaar (35 W 28 St)

The Bazaar by José Andrés, located within The Ritz-Carlton New York, Nomad, is a vibrant mix of sophisticated cuisine, artful service, and playful theatrics. The menu is inspired by the rich culinary parallels between Japan and José’s native Spain, showcasing shared techniques like grilling, frying, and raw preparations. Both countries have a deep respect for high-quality ingredients—whether it’s the incredible seafood served raw in dishes like sashimi and Spanish urchin, or the unmatched flavors of Spanish rubia gallega beef and Japanese wagyu. Designed by Spain’s Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio, the space is filled with painted and natural wood, texturized glass, ceramic tiling, and drapery used as wall coverings. The atmosphere is warm and theatrical, rooted in natural hues of rust and indigo with golden touches and natural wood, creating an immersive dining experience that celebrates the cultural interaction between these two storied culinary traditions.

Hav & Mar (245 11th Ave)

Hav & Mar is a vibrant seafood house from Chef Marcus Samuelsson located in the renowned arts district of Chelsea in the Starrett-Lehigh Building (this year’s NYFW headquarters). The stunning dining room and dazzling bar, a mix of contemporary and classical design, features original work by award-winning artist Derrick Adams. Chef Samuelsson and Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi’s energetic and globally inspired menu focuses on thoughtfully sourced seafood and seasonal greenmarket produce. Gracious hospitality, show-stopping cocktails, and a groundbreaking wine list spotlighting BIPOC and female producers contribute to Hav & Mar’s convivial and festive atmosphere. Among many accolades, Hav & Mar holds two stars from The New York Times and was listed in Pete Wells’ “The 100 Best Restaurants in New York City in 2024.” Executive Chef Fariyal is a James Beard Foundation Award ‘Emerging Chef’ finalist.

For a an Escape from the Hustle and Bustle

hakubai (66 Park Ave)

This year, The Prince Kitano New York, the first Japanese-owned hotel in New York City, opened hakubai, a new Kaiseki fine dining restaurant nestled in the lower level of 66 Park Avenue. From the craftsmanship expressed in the cuisine to elegant dining vessels created by Japanese artists, hakubai blends traditional Kaiseki principles with modern sensibility and approachable character. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Jun Hiramatsu and Head Chef Keisuke Otsuka, hakubai offers an 11-course, seasonal tasting menu ($225 per guest) as well as brand-new sushi and a la carte menus. While dining, guests can enjoy the sophisticated and elegant ambiance of the 71-seat restaurant, which encompasses two dining bars, a 20-seat dining room, luxurious cocktail bar, and two unique private dining rooms. Unexpectedly intimate in scale, hakubai transports visitors to a timeless era of beautiful, understated modern dining enhanced by the creative connection between artist and art which is embodied by hakubai’s expert culinary team.

Collective Governors Island (825 Gresham Rd)

Situated within a 173-acre sprawling green space surrounded by views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan’s glimmering cityscape, Collective Governors Island is an oasis for both overnight guests and those seeking a memorable day trip. The property offers the ultimate escape from the bustle of the city, accessible by an 8-minute ferry from Manhattan and a 5-minute ferry from Brooklyn.

From private chef’s tasting dinners to al fresco a la carte dining, each culinary experience at Collective Governors Islandis curated with a focus on seasonal cuisine highlighting local farms and purveyors, all inspired by the island locale. On the Sunset Terrace, guests can pair light bites with specialty cocktails and carefully sourced beers, wines and more. Other activities include morning yoga, a self-guided tour of the island on a two-wheel cruiser to explore the island, or a spa day at QC NY, Collective’s neighboring immersive European spa, complete with saunas, steam rooms, and more.

 

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THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY

Sandra Bernardo

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