Daniela's guide to New York City
Doing Manhattan the eia way
Welcome to my guide to New York City—my favorite playground and the city that never sleeps. As a longtime New Yorker, I’ve roamed these streets, dined in its hidden gems, and discovered the nuances that make this city uniquely extraordinary. This guide isn’t about the famous landmarks and must-see spots; it’s about the off-the-beaten-path treasures and local spots that truly capture the essence of NYC. Here’s how to do NYC the eia way:
Where to dine and drink:
For dinner:
Buvette — A favorite for French cuisine. On the corner of Bleecker and Grove, Buvette is an iconic West Village spot. Their simple green salad is what brings me back time and time again.
Le Baratin — Another charming French bistro in the West Village. Order the French fries and thank me later.
Lil Frankie’s — This restaurant would be where I would order my death row meal from. Here’s my order: start with the Margherita pizza, with spaghetti limone and spaghetti pomodoro and a side of sautéed broccoli - always. Pro-tip: Cash only.
Carbone — Must order: the spicy rigatoni with sautéed broccoli rabe. John loves their chicken parm!
Taverna Kyclades — Best Greek food outside of the Greek isles. Everything on the menu is a slay.
Keens — Think cold, crisp martinis with thick onion rings. The standard steakhouse favorites.
Vegetarian:
Le Botaniste — Their vegetarian chili and a salad is my lunch-time favorite!
Dirt Candy — This is a tasting menu for vegans. Even meat-eaters will love this place. Such a fun experience and everyone should try a plant-forward meal every once in a while.
Spring Cafe — The tempeh reuben sandwich, the buddha bowl, or any of their salads are a must. They’re all organic and super healthy - can’t go wrong!
For lunch:
Cipriani Downtown — My recommendation: the artichoke salad or the corn salad with any of their pastas to split. Sit outside - one of my favorites for people watching.
Via Carota — Impossible to get a reservation and don’t expect to get a table for 4 at noon. Walking in and sitting at the French marble bar is the best vibe. One of my favorite bread services in the city. Their best dish is the cacio e pepe!
12 Chairs — This is your place for Israeli food. Think hummus and shawarmas and all the fixings.
19 Cleveland — This is my favorite place when I’m shopping in Soho to pop in for a quick bite. Brunch or lunch - my family personally loves the Shakshuka here. Obsessed with their hummus as well!
For a slice of pizza:
Upside — To make you feel better, their pizza is used with sourdough crust. Good for your gut! *wink wink*
John’s on Bleecker — Be prepared to wait in a line. But it’ll be worth it! This is an establishment in NYC for a reason.
Rubirosa — The best for a whole pie. Try the tie-dye pizza!
For brunch:
Clinton Street Baking Co. — If you love pancakes, this is your place. My personal favorite is their flat-top hash browns.
Mason Pickle — Go for the pull-apart rolls. Stay for the rest.
Cecconi’s Dumbo — One of the best views in the city. This restaurant is inside Soho House in Dumbo. You get an entire panoramic view of the New York City skyline.
Soho House in Meatpacking — It’s called “The Feast” for a reason. IYKYK.
Dudley’s — Inexpensive, quick, easy and something for everyone on the menu.
Friend of a Farmer — Get the breakfast burrito. Hands down.
Jacob’s Pickle — Every southerner is going to love this place. They’re known for their variety of different biscuit sandwiches. The jalapeño cornbread will slap you upside the face.
For a bagel:
Murray’s — It’s just so good. That’s it. Nothing else to say.
Zucker’s — For my smoked-fish-loving friends! The bagels themselves are great too.
For a sweet treat:
Little Cupcake Bakeshop — The Brooklyn Blackout Cake. If you know me, you know I’m a cake connoisseur and this is the best that it gets.
For a drink:
Soho House in Meatpacking — I love the dark and moody feel at this club. Their fireplaces are my favorite in the city.
Dead Rabbit in Fidi — If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try some craft cocktails, no one does it better.
Balthazar — While the food is overrated here, the French 75 at Balthazar is my all time favorite drink in the city. Sub gin for cognac. Light on the simple syrup. Trust me, it’s delicious. This is a “see and be seen” place. While enjoying my French 75, I was next to Harry Styles and Nicolas Sarkozy. Just saying.
Where to stay:
Lowell — Upper East Side quiet luxury at its best.
Park Hyatt — Midtown chic, spacious rooms, huge marble soaking tub. You’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of NYC.
Whitby — Obsessed with this midtown hotel! It’s a London-based hotel group. Every detail is perfect. I’m obsessed with the bedding at this hotel!
Public Hotel — This is a great hotel for solo travel. The rooms are small, but the vibe is high. Location cannot be beat! The rooftop is everything and don’t forget the famous escalator selfie.
Crosby Street Hotel — The sister hotel to the Whitby, but downtown. Same things I love about the Whitby.
Where to shop:
That’s a whole other post in and of itself. Stay tuned.
Where to workout:
PVolve — This is my OG workout. It’s changed ownerships, but I still think the workout is amazing.
SLT — Lagree method. Level of difficulty: 10.
New York Pilates — Good, solid workout. Very teacher dependent. Affordable and fun!
Dogpound — This is your opportunity to meet with some of the best personal trainers in the world and get a customized workout plan that you can take home with you and use.
Top beauty spots:
Joey Healy Brow Studio — The only person I let touch my brows! Even living in Atlanta, I will only go to Joey for brows any time I’m in the city. No waxing or threading. Hand-plucked only, followed by the most precise brow tint. Holy grail.
Karine Kazarian - A hidden gem for a Biologique Recherche facial in the city. Many of you may think the Biologique facials are out of your price range. This is an affordable facial. I love the 90-minute customized remodeling facial. You will leave looking like you just had a facelift. There’s no extractions or steam or anything I tell you guys to stay away from.
