Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in New York.
Restaurants
Peasant
Cosy up in the redbrick arches of this restaurant; the glow of the open kitchen couldn’t be a more romantic setting for hearty, quality eats.
194 Elizabeth Street, New York, USA
(+1 212 965 9511)
Spotted Pig
For a little taste of London, this fashionable place on West 11th is a fantastic gastropub, attracting a stellar clientele.
314 West 11th Street, 1, New York, NY 10014, USA
(+1 212 620 0393)
Per Se
If you’re in the mood for the finest things in life, the $150 nine-course tasting menu at Thomas 'French Laundry' Keller’s legendary restaurant in the Time Warner Centre is a must. Remember to book aeons in advance.
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, USA
(+1 212 823 9335)
Balthazar
You can’t say you’ve ‘done’ SoHo without having supped on champers and a three-tiered seafood platter at this restaurant on Spring Street in SoHo; you could be in Paris but for the distinct lack of cigarette smoke.
80 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012, USA
(+1 212 965 1785)
Schiller's Liquor Bar
As much a restaurant as a bar, this place at 131 Rivington Street in the East Village is lovely for brunch or just a few drinks. Don’t let the boozy name fool you: this is also a great spot to take any little ones you might have tagging along. It has a great prix fixe kids’ menu.
131 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002, USA
(+1 212 260 4555)
Freemans
We love this 'secret' restaurant at the end of Freeman Alley between Bowery and Chrystie Street, where you can eat devils on horseback among stuffed animals and a hip LES clientele.
191 Chrystie Street, New York, NY 100002, USA
(+1 212 420 0012)
South Gate
Wild mushroom martini, with a spinach fondue, poached egg and crisp pancetta; cider-enhanced pork with a side of kohlrabi or Muscat-infused foie gras – some of the culinary surprises at glossy Mod-American restaurant South Gate in Jumeirah Essex House hotel. Toni Chi designed the sleek decor of this destination restaurant and cocktail lounge, while Kerry Heffernan channels his modern American/classic French dining expertise into creating the imaginative locally sourced, seasonal menu.
154 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
+1 212 484 5120
Bars and clubs
The Rose Bar
We suggest you visit Ian Schrager's sexy new boutique hotel, and opt for one of the fruity or spicy Manhattans in this bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel at 2 Lexington Avenue.
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
(+1 212 920 3300)
The Campbell Apartment
This bar on Vanderbilt Avenue is a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail amid the splendour of Grand Central Station.
Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, NY 10017
(+1 212 953 0409)