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When it comes to seeking out the best hotels in Lower Manhattan, you know your SmartFlyer travel advisor has you covered, but what about finding the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan? Bars? Vintage shops?
With a team based in downtown New York, we’re spilling recommendations beyond the ones you might get from the hotel concierge, and instead, sharing where you can find us with friends on a Friday night. To say that we’ve scouted hundreds of venues would be an understatement, so putting this guide for what to do in Lower Manhattan – comprehensive of hotels to stay at, museums to check out, vintage shops to scour, restaurants to try, bars to sip at, and wellness studios to detox – was an ambitious undertaking. But for you? Anything! So, we’ve compiled our vetted list into a Google map below, as well as broken out where to go with whom from date night to a celebratory evening with girls.
Located in the iconic Battery Maritime Building – one of the last remaining Beaux-Arts style ferry terminals of the twentieth century – Casa Cipriani New York has been revitalized as a chic, Italian-inspired hotel. Stepping into the exclusive members- and guests-only property feels like stepping back into the days when one dressed for dinner (and here, you must). This forty-seven-room hotel is so much more; guests have access to the jazz cafe, extensive spa and wellness center, and superb restaurant. Dine and drink the night away with views overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
Photo courtesy of Casa Cipriani New York
Crosby Street Hotel (SoHo)
Part of the quintessential Firmdale Hotels group, Crosby Street Hotel is situated on a charming cobbled street in SoHo. As soon as you walk in, you can feel the influence of designer Kit Kempwhose quirky style weaves pops of color and compelling art throughout the property. With eighty-six thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites spread across eleven floors, there is something for everyone. A stay here isn’t complete until you’ve had afternoon tea at The Crosby Bar, set amongst a leafy garden.
Photo courtesy of Crosby Street Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown (Tribeca)
Set in the heart of Tribeca, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown brings residential-style living to our discerning list of the best hotels in Lower Manhattan. We particularly love the property’s six new specialty suites designed by Bill Rooney – each feature design honoring the craftsmanship and character of Downtown New York. Whether you opt for an aromatherapy treatment in the cutting-edge spa, a dip in the 75-foot lap pool, or slip into CUT Steakhouse for Wolfgang Puck’s signature offerings, your stay will be marked by Four Seasons’ iconic service. Your Barclay Street address ensures easy access to nearby One World Observatory, Westfield World Trade Center, Pier 17, and Brookfield Place.
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons New York Downtown
Hôtel Barrière’s Fouquet’s New York (Tribeca)
Walking into the doors of Hôtel Barrière’s Fouquet’s New York feels like having an infusion of the Champs-Élysées on the cobblestoned streets of Tribeca. The Parisian chic design of Martin Brudnizkigreets guests from the lobby all the way into the rooms and signature suites outfitted in whimsical Toile de Jouy wallpaper and decadent marble bathrooms. In terms of common spaces, Titsou Bar is ideal for a discreet rendezvous with a cocktail in hand whereas the sunlit rooftop bar, Le Club, makes for a stunning guest and members-only meeting point. Aside from the spa treatments done in partnership with Biologique Recherche, we also love the screening room for special events.
PUBLIC (Lower East Side)
Easily the edgiest of our picks on the list of the best hotels in Lower Manhattan, Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC makes an ideal home base in the midst of a buzzing New York energy. The property leans into its outlets in a major way, including a lobby bar, rooftop bar, avante-garde dance club, Peruvian restaurant, Pisco bar, and fast gourmet spot for takeaways. In-room interior design is sleek and sophisticated, valuing simplicity over everything; the Penthouses make for the ultimate spot to celebrate before a big night out.
Nine Orchard (Lower East Side)
Opened in summer 2022 after an intensive renovation to the 1912 Beaux-Arts building the hotel is housed in, Nine Orchard has made a splash on the New York City scene. This Lower East Side outpost was once the Jarmulowsky Bank and has since been transformed into twelve floors of character-filled rooms anchored by a buzzy dining outlet and bar, The Swan Room. The suites here are each unique, with many offering dedicated outdoor space, including the Two Bedroom Terrace Suite which has sweeping skyline views on its oversized terrace, complete with dining table and lounge chairs.
Soho Grand Hotel (SoHo)
Like so many of the other spots on our list of the best hotels in Lower Manhattan, you never know who you’ll run into in the lobby of Soho Grand Hotel, but that’s just one of the things we adore about this downtown staple. The seasoned traveler hangs their hat here for its recently renovated rooms and flowing creative energy. Your transition from day to night is seamless when staying at Soho Grand thanks to its buzzing Grand Bar & Salon, Club Room, and even late-night bites at Soho Diner. In the summer months, don’t miss out on a drink at Gilligan’s; the watermelon margaritas are not to be missed.
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel (Financial District)
Nestled in Lower Manhattan at the site of New York City’s debut of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel invites guests to be a part of the next chapter in history. Today, the 1883 Temple Court building includes The Bar Room at Tom Colicchio’s Temple Court where a nine-story Victorian-era atrium is the backdrop to handcrafted cocktails beneath the wrought-iron balustrades and pyramid-glass ceiling. For special occasions, the two Turent Penthouse suites make for the ideal place to take in the skyline before sinking into the old-world glamour of the accommodations – bathtub beside the bed and all.
The Dominick Hotel (SoHo)
Positioned on a prime Spring Street address, The Dominick is the gateway to all SoHo and greater downtown New York City has to offer. One of the things that makes this property part of our list of the best hotels in Lower Manhattan is its unparalleled views from floor-to-ceiling windows across forty-six floors of spacious guest rooms (starting at 425 square feet, well above average for Manhattan!). The Sohi Suite is located on the highest floors of the hotel with wrap-around floor-to-ceiling windows for a real wow factor without even having to get out of bed. This is your perfect spot for wellness-focused travelers who want to North America’s only Barbor Signature Spa featuring relaxation lounges, salt inhalation chambers, hammam treatments, steam, and sauna. Equally, we love it for girls’ trips due to close access to some of the city’s best shopping.
The Greenwich Hotel (Tribeca)
Located on the corner of Greenwich and North Moore in Tribeca, The Greenwich Hotel is as unassuming yet cool as its undeniably cool owner, Robert De Niro. A stay here feels like checking into your tucked away pied-à-terre, where rooms and suites are complete with Tibetan rugs, English settees, Moroccan tiles, and antiques. Much of the woodwork is reclaimed, including the 250-year-old pine farmhouse that was transported from Kyoto to create a lantern-lit swimming pool. A stay at The Greenwich isn’t complete without a treatment at Shibui Spa, where the shiatsu room features a traditional bathing room with a large tub for Japanese bathing rituals. Finish your night with dinner at Locanda Verde for Andrew Carmellini’s modern riffs on Italian cuisine.
The Mercer (SoHo)
If you too heard Jennifer Aniston utter, “He’s staying at The Mercer” in a recent episode of The Morning Show in reference to her billionaire costar’s New York digs, you’re interest was likely piqued. The definition of “if you know, you know,” this boutique, 73-room property manages to keep a low profile, despite being one of the best hotels in Lower Manhattan. We especially love the Corner Loft, a chic suite overlooking Prada, Lure, Fanellis, and SoHo’s undeniable buzz. For dinner, be sure to have your SmartFlyer travel advisor book you a table at Sartiano’s; don’t forget to order the Caprese Martini, or, if you’re in the mood for something truly indulgent, the Dirty Umami Martini has brine that takes a week to make, complemented by a bump of truffle caviar.
The Standard, High Line (Meatpacking)
A walk down an elevated train line restored into one of New York’s most creative green spaces leads you straight to The Standard, High Line. From its fun outposts at ground level including a bustling German beer garden to the iconic rooftop discothèque Le Bain, a stay at The Standard is anything but boring. Rooms here are purpose-built, but certainly not lacking in views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. For an extra dash of fun, the Liberty One-Bedroom Suite is your wood-paneled playground complete with a seven-foot round platform bed, teacup bathtub for two, a large walk-in rain shower, and a dining area for six. In the summer months, a drink up on The Rooftop is a must.
Warren Street Hotel (Tribeca)
Firmdale Hotel’s latest property, Warren Street Hotel is a celebration of contemporary art and design with interiors by the brilliant Kit Kemp Design Studio. This Tribeca hotel makes a splash with less than seventy bedrooms, suites, and residences. Its turquoise façade sets the tone for its creative amenities and outlets, including a drawing room, Orangery, and 150-seat Warren Bar and Restaurant.
Best Restaurants in Lower Manhattan
When it comes to compiling a list of the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan, we were tempted to turn this into no less than seven different guides based on the wide array of recommendations from our downtown-based team. But, we know that your time is valuable, so we decided to compile our favorites, broken down by neighborhood, all in one place. Be sure to refer to our Google Map for an easy visual breakdown.
Best Restaurants in Lower Manhattan for a Casual Lunch
Ambra (West Village): Perfectly positioned on Hudson Street, this freshly-opened spot offers Italian classics without pretense with Chef John DeLucie at the helm of its dependable menu.
Atla(Noho): Fans of CDMX’s renowned Pujol will love Enrique Olivera’s casual counterpart to dressier Cosme. Flooded with light and a collection of specialty mezcals behind the bar, we recommend the flautas and chilaquiles paired with their Michelada for an easy lunch.
Di Palo’s(Little Italy): If you’re craving an authentic Italian deli, this family-owned spot has been a staple in Little Italy since 1925.
Fanelli Café (SoHo): The TikTok crowd loves a moment at Fanelli, and we can’t blame them. Eats here are simple, but that’s what makes it great. The grilled cheese is oddly satisfying.
Golden Diner(Chinatown): Charmingly located beneath the Manhattan Bridge, Golden Diner is your source of comfort food. The menu is inspired by cuisine hailing from Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China to ensure you have a truly eclectic New York diner experience.
House of Joy(Chinatown): This is your go-to for authentic dim sum where you can pick off the cart; we love it for lunch and you can’t leave without ordering the black sesame rolls for dessert.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor(Chinatown): An institution dating back to 1920 when it was a tea parlor and bakery, a visit here isn’t about frills, but the feeling of stepping back into the past. We love the soup dumplings – but don’t forget to bring cash!
Veselka(East Village): A beloved Ukranian restaurant, this is your go-to for comfort food including pierogies and soups.
Best Restaurants in Lower Manhattan for a Casual Dinner
Altro Paradiso (SoHo): For a modern take on Italian fare, chef Ignacio Mattos is serving up beautiful dishes that constantly rotate based on the season.
Emmett’s (Original location is in SoHo): If you’re seeking a chiller vibe, Emmett’s was opened by native Chicagoan Emmett Burke as a nod to homesick Chicagoans and New Yorkers to come together around a reimagined Chicago-style Pizza.
Fairfax (West Village): Ideal for more casual nights when you want something dependably delicious but not fussy, Fairfax has the iconic Bar Sardine burger which still ranks as one of the best in the city despite the original location where it was served no longer being open.
John’s of Bleecker St(West Village): We couldn’t have a roundup of the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan without a pizza place or two; John’s makes the list for its sit-down style offering where there are no slices available but instead it’s all about pies.
l’abeille à côté (Tribeca): Located beside sister restaurant l’abeille, we had to include this French-Japanese spot for its emoji chicken drumsticks alone!
Left Bank (West Village): Practically considered an extension of the SmartFlyer home kitchen, this is where you’re most likely to find us on any given weeknight. We adore the entire menu, but chef Laurence Edelman’s take on cacio e pepe is one of the best we’ve ever had (and that includes in our extensive Italy travels!).
Lil’ Frankie’s(Lower East Side): This cash-only institution is known for its lemon pasta that can satiate your worst Amalfi Coast craving in the dead of winter.
Thai Diner(Nolita): A Thai love letter to the classic American diner, a visit here is pure New York comfort while giving you a taste of Southeast Asia with dishes featuring beloved flavors like coconut, peanuts, rice noodles, and fresh seafood.
Noreetuh(East Village): While we love the uni musubi and other elevated takes on Hawaiian classics, their wine list with 200+ bottles beckons all the sommeliers from around the city and is really what makes this quaint East Village staple a standout.
Virginia’s (East Village): Sometimes you just want an amazing burger and this one is cooked with a healthy amount of bone marrow. Wash it down with a Debbie Gibson – a martini that doubles as a cute pink drink that celebrates umami rather than having it as an undertone like your classic gibson.
Best Restaurants in Lower Manhattan for Date Night
Anton’s (West Village): One of our favorites for a romantic, candle-lit dinner, Anton’s food is described as “a love letter to the melting pot of New York more than it is any specific kind of regional [European] cuisine. It’s region specific, it’s New York specific.”
Casino (Lower East Side): A newcomer to the New York restaurant scene, Casino is your spot for a see-and-be-scene Southern European meal. The ambiance alone would make it a contender for our list of the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan for a date night, but the killer cuisine locks it in for us.
Cecchi’s (West Village): This low-lit bistro slings burgers, fries, and martinis with a heavy dose of old New York nostalgia beneath its beautiful murals.
Libertine (West Village): Newer to the scene, Libertine is bringing a Parisian flair to the corner of Greenwich Street and Christopher Street for its exacting and inventive menu; the duck two ways is a must.
Lure Fishbar (SoHo): If you want to feel like you’re aboard a boat without leaving SoHo, Lure has you covered. Here, as you could have guessed, it’s all about the freshest seafood selection, including killer oysters.
Marc Forgione(Tribeca):This French-Japanese fusion menu serves up bold farm-to-table cuisine in a rustic-chic candlelit setting.
Roscioli (SoHo): For fans of this Roman favorite, Roscioli descended upon New York this year to garner great excitement from foodies. The upstairs portion of the SoHo location is an homage to its Campo de’ Fiori sister restaurant with ingredients sourced from the deli whereas there are also two nightly seatings for the tasting menu.
The Commerce Inn (West Village): Nestled on the quaint corner of Commerce and Barrow, this romantic restaurant celebrates early American tavern vibes. Here, libations flow and simplicity shines.
Torrisi(Nolita): Part of the Major Food Group family, this hard-to-snag table is deserving of the hype; if you can’t manage a Resy, try for a walk-in at the bar where you can wonder at the ice-cold martinis being slung and silky Italian pasta coming out of the kitchen.
Waverly Inn (West Village): The ideal spot for a cozy night by the fireplace (no really, there’s a working fireplace), we adore a romantic night at Waverly Inn for comfort food cozied up in one of its red booths.
Best Restaurants in Lower Manhattan for a Fun Dinner with Friends
12 Chairs Cafe (SoHo): When you’re looking for a spot that’s going to cram you in like sardines and fill you up with delectable Israeli fare, 12 Chairs is that spot. The hummus is a non-negotiable and everything is for sharing.
Casa Carmen (Tribeca): For those seeking a twist on classic Mexican fare, this elevated Tribeca haunt is inspired by Carmen Ramirez Degollado whose work aims to preserve authentic Mexican cuisine for future generations.
Holiday Bar (Greenwich Village): Another sceney spot (perhaps you saw Taylor Swift here with the Haim sisters as of late), this sister restaurant to American Bar has been described as “so ‘80s, it’s modern.
Port Sa’id (West Village): If you’re looking for a vibey (we’re talking, DJ playing vinyl while you eat) Israeli spot, the latest from chef Eyal Shani is your go-to.
Saint Theo’s (West Village): The other sister restaurant to the classic American Bar and Holiday Bar is inspired by Venice and the Mediterranean Coast; it’s ideal for a lively friends dinner that’ll inevitably turn into a late night.
Shuka (SoHo): Another MagDougal Street favorite, Shuka is helmed by Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja and serves up her take on crowd-pleasing Mediterranean fare. This is a solid option when you need a reservation for a larger party.
Best Restaurants in Lower Manhattan for a Celebratory Dinner
4 Charles Prime Rib (West Village): Scoring a table here is akin to winning the lottery, so if you can manage it, you are obligated to order the prime rib or burger, followed by a sundae.
ITO Tribeca: This omakase-style Japanese restaurant is led by Michelin Star chef Masa Ito and Kevin Kim offering a sixteen-seat omakase counter.
l’abeille (Tribeca): Awarded one Michelin in the first six months of its opening season, this intimate forty-eight-seat French restaurant has a Japanese influence.
Perry St (West Village): For a more upscale meal, Jean-Georges’ Perry St feels intimate and celebratory-worthy without being stiff.
Semma (West Village): The only Indian restaurant in New York City to be awarded a Michelin star last year, this Southern Indian spot has such hype that entire New York Times and Resy articles have been written about how hard it is to get a res; but, we have heard rumors of walk-ins turning into seated tables, so give it your best shot.
Shuko (Union Square): If you’re seeking a stellar omakase experience, this brainchild of Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau has an eighteen-course omakase that is sure to be one of the best of your life, Japan included.
sushi ichimura (Tribeca): Awarded a Michelin star within four months of opening, chef Eiji Ichimurawelcomes guests to his ten-seat counter for an elegant ambiance to enjoy omakase.
Best Restaurants in Lower Manhattan for a Classic New York Dining Experience
Balthazar (SoHo): Okay, this is our last Keith McNally on the list, but it couldn’t be a true guide to the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan without this celebrity staple. We love it for brunch, but late-night service at Balthazar hits just the same.
Carbone (Greenwich Village): Perhaps the least surprising addition to the list, but we’d be remiss not to mention the legendary Carbone. A stay at one of the best hotels in Lower Manhattan ensures you access to a concierge who may be able to pull a few strings, because you have to try the spicy rigatoni.
Don Angie (West Village): one of our team’s go-to’s, everyone knows that you have to order the lasagne, but starting with the chrysanthemum salad is a non-negotiable for us.
I Sodi (West Village): Recently moved into a new, larger space, this classic is perfect for comfort foods harking back to owner Rita Sodi’’s native Tuscany; the lasagne is famous, but the maltagliati deserves equal fanfare.
Katz’s Deli(Lower East Side): A classic for a reason, there are few better places to enjoy authentic Jewish deli fare; you can’t go wrong with a pastrami sandwich and matza ball soup.
La Mercerie (Soho): If you want the feeling of Paris meets New York, La Mercerie can help with that. The restaurant is chicly positioned within a homewares store where you can buy the cutlery and glassware you’re eating off – but don’t head off shopping before trying the hot chocolate chip cookie.
Le Coucou (SoHo): Another French favorite, Le Coucou is described as shrinking “the intercontinental divide separating the City of Light and the Big Apple, proving the true essence of fine French dining can thrive in any time zone.”
Locanda Verde(Tribeca): Located on the ground floor of The Greenwich Hotel, this Andrew Carmellini spot offers soul-satisfying Italian fare with an urban twist.
Minetta Tavern (Greenwich Village): Another staple by Keith McNally, Minetta Tavern boasts one of New York’s best burgers, but it’s so much more. If you want the quintessential, dimly-lit bustling brasserie feeling in the heart of the Village, look no further.
L’Artusi (West Village): Long known as not only one of the best restaurants in the West Village but in the entire city, guests from far and wide flock for the olive oil cake, but when it comes to mains, the garganelli is a sleeper hit.
Raoul’s (SoHo): A relic of what old-school New York dining was all about, soaking up Raoul’s signature cracked pepper sauce is a reminder of what going out to eat is all about. If you want the burger on a weekday, arrive early for bar seats (walk-in only) – they only make twelve per day for patrons of the bar; on weekends, you can order them at tables, too.
One White Street (Tribeca): Located in a charming townhouse with the address 1 White Street, dining here is like coming home – if “home” has impeccable cuisine.
Pastis (Meatpacking): A Keith McNally classic, you can never go wrong with a weekend brunch at bustling Pastis; their French onion soup and steak frites are staples.
Via Carota (West Village): Not a week seems to go by without Via Carota being mentioned by Deux Moi, so that should give you a sense of how sought-after a table is here. Luckily, they are equal opportunity and take no reservations; your best bet is to get in line by 4:30 p.m. to snag a table.
Best Bars in Lower Manhattan
As equally sought after as the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan, a list of the best bars in Lower Manhattan is a highly subjective task – one you can assure we take seriously. So, we’ve compiled our top picks for cocktails downtown.
B’artusi (West Village): A perfect spot for an aperitivo while you’re waiting for your table at sister restaurant L’Artusi to open up, the team here is incredibly friendly and sure to make any time here
Bar Pisellino(West Village): Another perfectly paired cocktail bar to a sister restaurant, Bar Pisellino is just across from
Dante(Greenwich Village): The original location on MacDougal dates back to 1915 and while the menu has certainly changed since then, this legendary cafe
Double Chicken Please: Named the Best Bar in North America and the number two bar in the World for 2023 by the 50 Best, it shouldn’t come as a surprise Double Chicken Please is on our list. We recommend angling for a walk-in and sitting at the back bar solo since it’s one of the most difficult seats to snag and offers an experience to imbibe something that tastes exactly like comfort foods like cold pizza (trust us).
Le Dive (Dimes Square): A step up from neighboring cool-kid bar, Clandestino, but still the same crowd of the downtown scene, where you’re likely to run into artists and musicians; from the same hospitality group as the Nines.
Jac’s on Bond (Noho): From the team beyond Ray’s and Pebble Bar, Jac’s on Bond brings that same cool factor to this cocktail bar complete with a pool table and menu offering small bites.
Katana Kitten(West Village): Consistently voted as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, this Hudson Street haunt comes from iconic bartender Masahiro Urushido’s temple of hospitality, creating a destination for cocktail aficionados and industry insiders alike.
The Mulberry Bar (Nolita): In an effort to bring back some of the old-school charm of New York, a group of hospitality pros opened this basement bar as their side gig. Today, access to this subterranean lounge behind an unmarked door is a bit hard to come by, but spots do occasionally pop up on Resy.
Overstory (Financial District): Located on the 64th floor of 70 Pine Street, Overstory is is surrounded by a wraparound terrace with 360-degree views of the New York City skyline, a view that only enhances its exceptional cocktails.
Superbueno: (East Village) A celebration of Mexican-American culture, you will always find the party here (even on a Tuesday night). And when we say to order Vodka y Soda, it’s because it is scientifically better than any other version of the beverage. If you don’t necessarily want a party scene but want to sip on rare agave distillates and mezcals, blocks away in the East Village you can find their sister establishment, The Cabinet, whose back bar is full of hard-to-find bottles.
The Flower Shop(Lower East Side): If you’re seeking a grittier night out, this beloved Lower East Side spot serves up solid cocktails in a nostalgic feeling ‘70s inspired space with colorful furnishings and a downstairs bar with a pool table.
The Nines: Located above Acme, The Nines is very much the chicer, older auntie of its well-known sister bar. Come to the nines dressed, well, to the nines and prepare for a beautiful evening of jazz paired with well-balanced cocktails.
Where to Get a Nightcap in Lower Manhattan
Amor y Amargo (East Village): This bottle shop and bar is an ode to amaris and bitters and their back bar is lined with many exceptional (and hard to come by) aromatics.
Bedroom 6(Lower East Side): A members club for the poetic, this Absinthe-heavy establishment celebrates the history and lore of the Green Fairy and hosts a few candle-lit seatings on weekend nights; their waitlist is as long as the establishment is clandestine, but you can request to follow them on Instagram in hopes of snagging a seat.
Death & Co (East Village): An award-winning bar dating back to 2010, Death & Co continues to receive recognition as a leader in the cocktail space, and this flagship location is proof of that.
Employees Only (West Village): This place is by no means a secret spot (the inevitable line outside will indicate as much), but a go-to for a reason.
Gem Wine(Lower East Side):Evocative of European cafe culture, we recommend ordering a bottle (or a couple) with your companions and sitting and enjoying the warm ambiance of the saffron-colored wine shop; also the tasting menu is constantly changing based on what is in season but it satisfies every time.
Ruffian(East Village): If you want to expand your wine palette by way of unusual natural wines like an amphora-aged, Croatian orange, you’ll find it here.
Temple Bar (Nolita): Beloved by the glitterati of the fashion industry, Temple Bar lures its clientele with more than fancy cocktails; here, it’s equally about lounging at a small table in what is possibly the darkest room in Manhattan.
Best Cafés in Lower Manhattan
Airmail Newsstand (West Village): Primely located on Hudson Street in the epicenter of the village, this outpost offers coffees, pastries, magazines, coffee, books, and thoughtful gifts the traveler in your life will adore.
Abraço(East Village): Known as the best espresso in Manhattan, you won’t find any non-dairy milk varieties for their cappuccinos. Your cortado or latte will be served in an Anthora and we suggest the olive oil cake on the side!
Fabrique(Meatpacking): Walking past this Swedish bakery will have you stopping in your tracks once you see their cardamom buns glistening through the window.
Fellini Coffee (West Village): A viral sensation thanks to TikTok, Fellini opened in the cutest little corner space for takeaway coffees
Felix Roasting Co. (Soho): In their newest outpost (you can also find Felix in Aspen at Hotel Jerome!), the Feliz team has exclusive pastries from Dominique Ansel alongside specially roasted coffees.
Frenchette Bakery(Tribeca): Practically hidden behind a nondescript door between Church and Worth Streets, Frenchette Bakery is serving up bread, croissants, pizzas, sandwiches, and coffee from the geniuses behind its famous restaurant.
Librae Bakery (East Village): A self-proclaimed third culture bakery with Middle Eastern roots met by Danish technique, this bakery takes pride in being the first ever Bahraini female-owned bakery.
Sullaluna (West Village): Freshly opened in the summer of 2024, this Italian-helmed café brought its concept from Venice to the heart of New York. They’ve thoughtfully combined a bookshop with their Italian menu allowing you to have something as simple as a cappuccino or elaborate as a pasta dish!
Sogno Toscano (West Village): The perfect place to get a cappuccino when you want to feel like you’re in Rome, Sogno Toscano opened its first cafe after long supplying Italian ingredients to some of the country’s top restaurants. We love their live music in the evenings for when coffee afternoons turn into red wine-tinted evenings.
What To Do in Lower Manhattan
Best Downtown Museums
9/11 Memorial Museum (Financial District): A visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum is sure to be as emotional as it is impactful. Every detail from the elevator ride to the authentic artifacts has been considered and will surely leave its mark.
International Center of Photography Museum (Lower East Side): As one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to photography and visual culture, the ICP uses exhibitions to create an open forum for dialogue about the power of imagery.
Museum of Chinese in America: Since 1980, MOCA has celebrated the living history of the Chinese experience in America by preserving and presenting the 200-year history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of American communities of Chinese descent.
New Museum(Lower East Side): The concept behind this New Museum was created in the 1980s out of a gap in seeing new work by living artists across traditional museums.
Tenement Museum (Lower East Side): This museum celebrates the enduring stories of what it means to be American by sharing immigrant and migrant stories through guided tours of two tenement buildings on Orchard Street.
The Whitney Museum of American Art (Meatpacking): This impressive, geometric structure hovering over the West Side Highway at the end of Gansevoort Street houses a wide range of twentieth-century and contemporary American Art.
Best Downtown Vintage Shops
9th Street Vintage (East Village): Perfect for rare vintage denim enthusiasts, you’re most likely to find a pair of 60’s Big E Levi’s in your size here, one of the most coveted styles amongst vintage collectors.
Biggie’s Bodega(Lower East Side): This “cool kid curiosity shop” is focused on tobacciana including mid-century modern porcelain table lighters, 1920s cigarette cases, and other antiques for the home.
Desert Vintage (Lower East Side): Here, you can find everything from 1920’s beaded dresses to 1970’s Saint Laurent. It bodes well that celebrity stylists looking for vintage for their clients shop here and we especially love the interior designed by Green River Project.
Ending Soon (Lower East Side): If you are shopping for pieces that would have been seen on Posh Spice, Ending Soon has hand-selected contemporary classic wear. Think: Calvin Klein ’90s silhouettes.
James Veloria (Chinatown): This spot specializes in archival Vivienne Westwood, James Veloira also sources collector-worthy items from John Paul Gaultier, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, and more.
Stock Vintage (East Village): Many of Stock’s clientele hail from the design teams of major fashion houses who shop from them as inspiration for future collections.
Tokio 7 (East Village): With a focus on archival pieces and vintage collections from Japanese designers, including the big three (Commes de Garçon, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto), Tokio 7 stays true to the owner’s Japanese heritage in its curation
Homewares Shops, Bookstores, and More
Aede’s Perfumery (Lower East Side): Stockists of rare perfumes; looking for the formula that Marie Antoinette used to wear, you’ll find it here.
Big Night Out (West Village): The theme here is that not every night is a dinner party night, but any night can be Big Night. Here, you can source artisanal pantry items alongside stunning glassware and really anything you’d need for a killer tablescape.
Coming Soon New York(Lower East Side): This playful homewares store curates beautifully crafted items for the home including furniture, fine art, and smaller gifts.
Gohar (Nolita): This newly opened and only storefront of Laila Gohar and her sister Nadia Gohar’s eponymous brand, Gohar, is teeming with everything you need to be a fun host.
Mast Books (East Village): This carefully curated storefront is full of architecture and art books.
New York or Nowhere(Nolia): A brand built solely to celebrate love for all things New York City, their flagship store is crisply merchandised with New York prints and apparel.
Philip William’s Posters (Tribeca): Offering the largest collection of vintage posters in the world including travel-themed prints and international food and beverage reproductions.
Three Lives & Company(West Village): Nowhere near the size of some of New York’s mega book stores, Three Lives is your “shop around the corner” beloved by many renowned writers who consider it to be one of the greatest bookstores on Earth – we happen to agree.
Something for our Health Fiends
The Class (Tribeca): For an energy-clearing workout that’s equally mind and body, The Class will bring you back to the present moment.
the ness (Tribeca): This dance-based, movement-focused fitness method offers workouts both on and off the trampoline.
