"Arguably one of Brooklyn’s best pizza joints, you’ll find rustic, wooden tables surrounding a brick oven here, which is the perfect stage for the pie-throwing theatrics of chef Mark Iacono. Lucali doesn’t take reservations, so get there at around six to snag a table—the thin-crust pizzas and calzones are absolutely worth the wait."

"As the jewelry extension of the East Village tattoo parlor, New York Adorned, you might expect that the jewelry here would be of the skull and crossbones variety. But it's actually gorgeous, and for the most part, dainty: There are sapphire studded earrings from UK-based designer Polly Wales, tourmaline slab necklaces by Lola Brooks, and diamond rings in the shape of mini-crescents by Anna Sheffield. They also have an excellent—and unexpected—range of home goods and gifts. There's a new outpost in Los Angeles, and a great shop in the Hamptons."

"Located in a gallery-like space in the LES, Maryam Nassir Zadeh is more like a gallery than a boutique. You’ll find totem-like objects arranged on the floor, really stunning jewelry that you don’t know if you should wear, or just display, and plenty of up-and-coming labels. MZN has put designers like Dieppa Restrepo, Bernhard Willhelm, Jacquemus, and Lizzie Fortunato on the map."

"You'll only find Caitlin Mociun's eponymous jewelry collection on her site—but should you go to her new, Williamsburg store, you'll see the work of her friends, too, including hexagonal brass necklaces by Iacoli & Macallister, and Chen Chen and Kai William's marble bangles. You'll also get to shop Mociun's full line, from her signature eensy, triangular turquoise pendants to her custom rings, which feature a mismatched—and stunning—combination of stones."

"Hearty, meaty sandwiches and Montreal-style deli food (house-smoked meats, poutine, brisket, and more) are served here, deluxe. Make sure to get a pickle on the side and wash it all down with a good glass of wine. There's also a location in Brooklyn."

"COVID-19 update: Open for pickup and delivery (with incredible make-your-own-dumpling kits available for nationwide shipping). For years, the Lower East Side has played host to the New York dumpling craze, of which we were avid participants from the start. However, every time we picked up those steaming pockets of goodness from a LES hole in the wall that started it all (which shall remain unnamed), in the back of our heads we worried about the provenance of the ingredients. They were so good, but at what cost? Then, Mimi Cheng’s came along and began serving up delectable Taiwanese-style dumplings made with antibiotic-free, local meat and fresh veggies. And, their hole in the wall is beautiful, whitewashed and dotted with bright yellow stools. For a fun date night, sign up for a Monday evening dumpling making class. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."

"Housed in a renovated public school, PS1 has been a beacon for contemporary art lovers since the 60s, though it officially only became part of MoMA in 2000. With the unerringly avant-garde Klaus Biesenbach as its director, PS1 has presented many groundbreaking shows including Francis Alÿs, Ari Marcopoulos, and Confetti System, a timely Mike Kelley retrospective shortly after his death, and the “Greater New York” series. In the summer, the Warm Up series—where great DJs play in the museum’s courtyard—draws a fun crowd. There's also an on-site cafeteria, M. Wells Dinette."

"This is definitely one of the best soba joints in the city: We like the Nolita location the best, but this one on the LES is very cozy. Go for the Mera Mera Dip Soba, with minced chicken and a fiery broth: The noodles are packed with flavor, chewy, and perfectly al-dente. Don’t miss the homemade silky tofu, sprinkled with grated ginger, scallions, nori and bonito flakes, which is as creamy and delicious as a hunk of fresh burrata."

"We love this pretty little spot for Japanese home-style breakfasts and lunches. It’s worth waiting for a seat, as the chef sets the menu daily, and then serves the beautiful offerings on traditional ceramic dishes. On Mondays and Tuesdays the team behind the legendary Yuji Ramen (two ex-Roberta’s alumni) set up shop as a special treat. The fresh seafood—all of it sourced locally, never imported from Japan—is a major part of the pre-set Sansai meal, which can include anything from egg omelets to uni noodles and always miso soups and rice."

"Whether you head to the Carroll Gardens original or the West Village outpost, you can expect a home-style Italian meal in a casual, neighborhood setting from Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo. We love their vegetable-centric offerings, house-made pasta, and hearty Meatball Parmigiana, which is pretty great for lunch. "

"With cafés in four major cities, La Colombe is looking to build a little empire—which makes total sense. The in-house beans are some of New York City's best, and the café itself is serene and beautiful. Locations vary in size (some have tables where you could totally pull out a laptop), and you can usually find a place to at least perch for a bit. This outpost is the most spacious; it's good for writing or reading but doesn't offer Wi-Fi."

"This restaurant/bar feels like an old-school New Orleans club that’s been recently rediscovered. Distressed walls, gas lamps, a deco bar, and Thonet bentwood chairs just add to the effect. With a raw bar and a menu of seafood classics, it’s a solid choice for a weekend brunch or dinner, but we prefer it later in the evening for an old-fashioned drink at a dimly lit table. There’s also a long list of absinthes to choose from, which is fitting for the epoch this spot evokes."

"Great fried chicken, end of story. Owned and run by three women who met while working at Diner, this is a super casual spot that offers an authentic spin on Southern food. The wonderful savouries are matched only by their sweet, down-home American pies. There's a new location on the Lower East Side."

"Andrew Tarlow and team have a tight grip on the Williamsburg dining scene, and so they've finally made their first foray deeper into Brooklyn. At Roman’s, the short menu of simple Italian dishes changes daily, making it the kind of neighborhood joint you can hit on repeat. As the food is delicious, there’s always a crowd—if you’re looking for a quiet meal, opt for earlier on in the week. "

"Hip, but not overrated or overrun, this all-day cafe from the guys behind The Jane Hotel is a great place to meet up for a coffee or casual lunch/dinner. They sell artisan goods up front. "

"If we were to name the most loved bookstore in the city, this would be it (after all, it's been operating out of the same location since the '20s). The staff picks and recommended reading tables are always on point, and, along with fiction and non-fiction titles, their photography and fine art section upstairs is wonderfully comprehensive, as is their dimly-lit rare books floor. "

"This Italian spot on Thompson Street boasts Vito Schnabel's artwork on the walls, Zac Posen designed uniforms, a floor inspired by The Godfather, and a slightly more upscale version of the Italian-American fare you'll find at their other restaurants: It's pretty 1950's meets hipster chic. And like the good old days, the food is rich and luscious from lobster ravioli to rich sides like creamed escarole and corn tartufato. "

"Apart from the tasty Italo-American dishes—a now famous uni pasta, homemade spaghetti (kids go nuts for it), perfect roast chicken—the music is what really sets this restaurant apart. Colorful old-school boombox prints decorate the walls, and Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, and Dre boom from the speakers, making the meal a good one for a big group (they actually have a private dining room if you're inviting more than ten people), rather than an intimate gathering. "

"Whether you’re looking for a place to buy flowers, sip coffee, or enjoy a cocktail and dance to a live DJ set, you can find it all under one roof in Brooklyn. Cafe Erzulie—named after the Haitian Voodoo goddess of love, beauty, and dance—is a lush indoor-outdoor tropical cafe. A flower shop by day, it seamlessly transforms into an intimate cocktail bar at night. On Thursdays, there's live Caribbean jazz set under strings of lights in their outdoor space, and on the weekends, the dance floor opens up for some of Brooklyn's best up-and-coming DJ’s. Don’t leave without trying the green tempeh sandwich, and for a drink, the summer sorrel "

"This is the best new-wave steakhouse in the neighborhood, as evidenced by the fact that it's usually at capacity by 6pm. It's worth the sometimes two hour wait (we leave our number and head next door for a drink) for an insane aged steak for two or four, not to mention a perfectly-dressed bibb lettuce salad, lush truffle oil mashed potatoes, and delicious, seasonal options from the grill. "

"Designed by the visionary Roman + Williams team, The Ace has some of the most memorable interiors in the city. The lobby has become something of an all-day hangout even for those who aren't guests, with its Stumptown coffee bar, cool concept shops—both a mini Opening Ceremony and No. 8—and unlimited free-wifi. Meanwhile, April Bloomfield's two restaurants, The John Dory and the cozy pub-like Breslin, serve up top-notch food. It was and continues to be a hot spot in a once totally boring and dilapidated part of town. Photo: Douglas Lyle Thompson"

"We dare to say this hole-in-the-wall (literally), Israeli place makes the best falafel sandwiches in the city. In fact, they make three varieties of the best falafel in the city. Get a sandwich to go and wash it down with their perfect, equal parts sweet and tart lemonade. There is also a location in Nolita."

"This quaint spots looks like just another family brownstone on a lovely street. As the kind of place you could easily move into, it's no surprise that this 12-room hotel does have residences available for longer stays. You’ll sleep in Frette linens and take strolls around Gramercy Park. The Inn has the sweetest tea room in town, too, called Lady Mendl’s."

"Tucked away in South Williamsburg, this is one of the best places to see up-and-coming indie bands. It's always a fun night out, particularly because there’s food (including lots of vegan and vegetarian options) by way of Bouley and Acme vet, chef Ronald Murray. Much to the joy of locals, they've recently introduced weekend brunch.  "

"Designed to look like an old-fashioned luxury European hotel, this is a great (and affordable) place to stay. The rooms, like the Bunk Bed Cabins, are small, but they have everything you need (TV, Wifi, a DVD player, an iPod)—minus a huge price tag. Don’t expect a quiet stay: The lounge gets plenty of foot traffic when the bar opens, though you can always seek refuge at Café Gitane, the hotel’s popular restaurant."

"There aren't many better jewelry boutiques in the country: Offering a mix of new and estate pieces, the curation here is stunning, but also cool (sometimes a hard-to-accomplish feat). You'll find tiny little mixed stone rings from Mociun, huge diamond slice earrings, but Lito's bejeweled third eye pendants. The original is in the Brentwood Country Mart in Los Angeles."

"For years, this little restaurant has attracted lines around the block for its unwaveringly delicious brunch. If you can go on a weekday, you'll have better luck sampling their spectacularly soft, eggy french toast, or their famous Eggs Rothko basically, the best egg in a hole ever."

"This gritty Williamsburg concert hall has debuted many an indie and new wave band. It's one of our favorite venues in the city, second only to the Bowery Ballroom (it's from the same family), as the sound is great and it's nice and intimate. You can stand and watch on the ground floor, but there's more low-key, tiered standing areas upstairs for those inclined to claustrophobia. Fall highlights: Julien Baker, Bastille, Shovels & Rope, Bon Iver, and more. "

"Williamsburg has been big for a long time, but the neighborhood’s waterfront is now the place to be, in no small part because of the Wythe Hotel, which is owned by the masterminds behind Marlow & Sons. On-site, you’ll find locavore restaurant Reynards, a rooftop bar, and views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines. The building has a plethora of spaces to rent for parties, including a full-fledged screening room. Oh, and if you're traveling in a band, as one does in Williamsburg, you can book their "Band Room," complete with bunk beds. "

"COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed. Here's the thing: Happy Bones is actually tiny, but because most people come for to-go drinks, the tables are almost always empty. The two guys who run this place keep the menu and the décor blessedly simple, so you're guaranteed both a great cup of coffee and a peaceful atmosphere every time. "

"Perched on the northern tip of Brooklyn, and housed in a former glass factory, this is inarguably Greenpoint’s most notable new opening—which says a lot, as it’s a burgeoning culinary scene. Chef Elmdad Shem Tov’s heritage influences the menu significantly, as flourishes from Israel and the Middle East dot the contemporary offerings."

"For years, this teeny tiny shop on Williamsburg's main drag has been one of the best resources in Brooklyn for jewelry. Stackable rings, sweet little pendants, and more precious offerings from designers like Elisa Solomon fill the cases. Weirdly, because space is tight, we actually like shopping their website more."

"This adults-only bowling alley turned concert venue provides an entertainment trifecta, guaranteeing a pretty great night out, especially in a group. You can bowl to great music (Questlove, for one, DJs on Thursdays), dine on Blue Ribbon’s fried chicken and spiked milkshakes, and see the occasional big-name group."

"San Francisco based sneaker start-up Allbirds recently opened their first NYC concept store in Soho, complete with—wait for it—a human sized hamster wheel to test shoe durability. In honor of the opening, they've designed custom laces inspired by New York City’s subway lines alongside a new, limited-edition, midnight blue colorway. We love the sustainable ethos behind each pair of shoes-they're largely engineered from temperature-regulating, odor-minimizing merino wool that's inspired by co-founder Tim Brown's Kiwi upbringing. (They're also ideal for anyone who doesn't like wearing socks.) Grab a perch at their shoe bar to be fitted if you need extra attention. "

"While the selection here is small, it's exquisite enough to draw a Manhattan crowd to Red Hook, one of Brooklyn's more far-flung neighborhoods (also one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy). Owner Russell Whitmore has an unerring eye for the types of estate and auction pieces you won't see elsewhere (i.e., on eBay): You'll find diamond cluster rings from the late 19th century and Etruscan revival bracelets inset with tiny drops of pearl and turquoise."

"The hand-rolled, wood-fired bagel sandwiches at Black Seed are actually easy to eat (they’re much smaller than their brethren), and for the most part, they’re great—particularly for those times when the only thing that will satisfy is a bagel sandwich. Favorites include: beet-cured gravlax, a basic tuna salad, Tobiko spread, and the egg salad (though it’s heavy on the dill). There’s now a location in the Financial District and East Village, in addition to the Nolita original."

"New York is no stranger to coffee shops and teahouses, but Chalait is the first one to feature such a matcha-heavy menu. For the uninitiated, our favorite matcha latte—creamy and not too bitter—is a good intro to this potent, antioxidant-rich green tea. For nonbelievers, there’s Counter Culture coffee and a variety of loose-leaf teas. While there is no Wi-Fi, it's a good spot to get some work done."