Autum in New York City
and my favourite spots to eat in Manhattan
The opening scene of You've Got Mail perfectly captures, in my opinion, the quintessential romance of New York in the fall. I had always wanted to visit the city in autumn (I’m a PSL confessing addict and I don’t even drink coffee) but never managed to—until last month. The result? A carb overload.
Below is a little guide to my favourite spots to eat in Manhattan. I left the city not wanting to return, but as I write this, I can't stop thinking about going back
As my favourite New Yorker would say: To New York City—the good and the bad.
Besos,
Santi
*Breakfast
Café Sabarsky
A beautiful and cozy Viennese café with a vintage charm inside the Neue Galerie. My idea of a perfect breakfast on the Upper East Side, before visiting the Met, the Guggenheim, or Zitomer—my favorite pharmacy.
Order: Bavarian sausages with warm pretzel & sweet mustard (and the Sachertorte!)
Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop
Comforting breakfast classics and an old-school, authentic NYC atmosphere. Nothing fancy! So happy places like this are still open in the city.
Order: Egg and Cheese on a roll
Chelsea Hotel
A historic spot in Chelsea. I stayed here right after its reopening and was so excited that I wrote about it for Condé Nast Traveler.
Order: The omelette with roasted potatoes, or the gigantic french toast if you are feeling naughty.
Apollo Bagels
Apparently the best bagels in NYC at the moment (though who knows in two weeks). The queue on a Saturday morning is a who’s who of the West Village.
Order: Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese
Café Cluny
I love this cute, cozy café in the West Village.
Order: Ricotta pancakes, Avocado toast.
Lenwich
A reliable NYC deli chain for delicious morning sandwiches. I know it’s not a cute spot, but I promise the sandwiches are worth it.
Order: Egg sandwich with bacon, or the Turkey, avocado, and bacon.
Hawa Smoothies
A low-key spot I discovered by accident while staying across the street at the Moore Hotel. I just love their ‘Hot Passion’ smoothie!
Order: The Hot Passion: Strawberry, blueberry, banana and peanut butter.
*Lunch/Dinner
The Odeon
I first discovered this spot because Lena Dunham has their logo tattooed lol, but I genuinely love the food, the people, and the vibe. It’s run by the same owners as Café Luxembourg on the West Side, which I also like.
Order: Croque monsieur, the mac and cheese, the roast chicken
Lodi
I’m a big fan of Ignacio Mattos, and I love this gem in Midtown—great for a casual but refined meal. Also, check out Estela and Altro Paradiso in the West Village.
Order: Prosciutto and fig sandwich.
ABC Kitchen
Cute restaurant, fresh ingredients and a farmhouse vibe (what could go wrong?) Conveniently located near Rescue Spa, where I stock up on Biologique Recherche and EltaMD sunscreen.
Order: The star of the show is their Caramel popcorn sundae. Trust me.
Cipriani Downtown
This is a bit of a show-off spot, but I promise it’s good! It still maintains a very classic vibe. I prefer this location to their Upper East Side counterpart; it’s beautiful, especially when the light streams through the big windows.
Order: Tagliolini with ham and cream, the vanilla meringue cake, and a Bellini, of course.
Via Carota
Craving a trip to Italy? This is it.
Order: Zucchini Fritti, Carciofi Alla Romana, and literally any pasta on the menu.
Lucien
A cozy French bistro in the East Village.
Order: Steak frites
Bar Piti
Quite authentic rustic Italian dishes. I once brought my own pasta seasoning and they almost killed me. Apparently, it's a celebrity hotspot, but I’ve never spotted any. Heads up: they only take cash.
Order: Rigatoni Pitti
Jack’s Wife Freda
When I’m feeling nostalgic I come here for a mediterranean comfort meal
Order: Peri Peri Chicken, the Fried Zucchini Coins, Roasted Cauliflower.
Keens Steakhouse
Looking for a legendary old-school steakhouse? Come here.
Order: The green salad, THE STEAK, the Bloody Mary, and the key lime pie!
Cafe Habana
Classic Mexican on Prince Street. I remember coming here the first time I was in NYC, and it’s still going strong.
Order: Grilled corn with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder & lime
Omen Azen
My friend Carlota took me to this minimalist spot in Soho. Very low key but good Japanese food.
Order: Soba noodles with tempura
Il Cantinori
Do you remember that SATC episode? I hope you do, because the only reason I came here was to celebrate my birthday ‘alla Carrie’. Turns out the food is delicious, and the romantic vibe was on point <3
Order: Any pasta on the menu
*Pizza
I have a thing for a foldable, thin-crust slice of pizza—my favorites in NYC are:
L’industrie Pizza
Order: Burrata slice
Prince St Pizza
Order: Spicy pepperoni square
Scarr's Pizza
Order: Plain cheese slice
Joe’s Pizza
Order: Plain cheese slice
*Munchies
Culture Espresso
The best chocolate chip cookie in the city, and I’ve tried almost all of them. Better than Levain!
Order: Chocolate chip cookie
Dough Donuts
I am a Krispy Cream guy but these oversized donuts are to die for.
Order: Plain glazed, Mocha-Almond Crunch
Bedford Cheese Shop
A cheese lover's paradise.
Order: Let them recommend something.
Regina’s Grocery
Old-school deli. Best sandwiches and Italian specialties.
Order: Cousin Anthony
Billy’s Bakery
Homemade-style baked goods. A bit like Magnolia but much better quality.
Order: Red velvet cupcake
*Drinks
Bemelmans Bar (The Carlyle)
Iconic Upper East Side spot. So beautiful, it has a crazy line to get in. Apparently, the trick is to enter through the hotel and say you're staying there.
Order: Martini
The Portrait Bar
Sophisticated Midtown cocktail bar with classic drinks.
Order: Old fashioned
Overstory
My friend Pablo took me to this rooftop bar in the Financial District with crazy views of the city. It’s perfect for the sunset hour.
Order: Highball
Julius’ Bar
Best gay bar in the city with the best dive bar food!
Order: Manhattan
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