"At both of Michael McCarty’s restaurants—in Santa Monica and New York—the givens are pretty much the same: Light French seasonal cuisine that’s beautifully presented in a sleek dining room full of splashy flower arrangements and contemporary art. All this makes for a special meal, but it’s the crowd Michael’s draws that rounds out the whole experience. It’s a slice of 90’s New York, with old-school editors, agents, and big names in the business world filling its tables."

"This gorgeous, dark, and almost gothic spot in the West Village brings all the best small and unknown perfumers together in one room. From Diptyque and Frederic Malle to lesser known brands like Agonist, and Aedes' own brand (they've now developed several scents), there's a lot to take in, so ask the guys to help you narrow down the selection. "

"This Greek seafood mecca launched the whole fish trend in NYC, and still does it to perfection. This, paired with delicious Greek mezze like grilled octopus, fried zuchinni, fresh salads, dips, and more in a beautiful whitewashed dining room with some of the highest ceilings in the city, is as close as you’ll get to the islands. The tuna burger with lightly fried zucchini sticks at lunch is pretty insane. Plus, their private room upstairs is perfect for an intimate dinner with a killer menu."

"This is a seriously charming, truly legendary New Yorker's bar: For starters, the clubby space is covered in Madeline author Ludwig Bemelmans's whimsical murals—a tribute to the city's quirky inhabitants—and to top it off, you might just run into Woody Allen playing the clarinet (his band plays Monday nights). "

"COVID-19 update: Soon to re-open at Frick Madison location. Check out the roster of virtual offerings including drawing classes and art discussions with resident experts. Housed in a classic early 20th-century mansion commissioned by the industrialist Henry Clay Frick, the collection boasts iconic works from the Renaissance to the early 19th-century, including pieces by El Greco, Goya, and Rembrandt. We especially love the absolutely over-the-top rococo room with wall-to-wall frescoes by Honoré Fragonard. 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. "

"This beloved Ritz-Carlton outpost in Midtown has recently undergone an extensive renovation, and the results are breathtaking. Staying in the elegant yet inviting updated suites and guestrooms feels like settling into your very own Manhattan townhouse, complete with soaring views over Central Park. The feel is still very much classic New York, with all the amenities you'd expect (amazing beds, beautiful bathrooms, a ridiculously chic bar), though what really sets this location apart is the luxe spa, La Prairie. "

"This beloved restaurant in The Parker Meridien does breakfast and brunch insanely well, offering an encyclopedia's worth of offerings from potato latkes to perfectly fluffy pancakes. It's a big hit with kids."

"Completed in 1993, the I.M. Pei-designed Four Seasons building was one of the most iconic additions to the New York skyline in the '90s; at 54 stories, it's also one of the tallest hotels in the city. Despite its location just steps from Madison Avenue in the most bustling part of Midtown, it feels like a quiet reprieve. If you're feeling baller, inquire about the Ty Warner penthouse on the top floor. "

"COVID-19 update: Open for visitors with pre-booked, time-slot tickets. The current About Time: Fashion and Duration exhibit is fantastic and uplifting. This beloved institution—reigning supreme on NYC’s Upper East Side—has been shepherding millions through its halls since 1880. You’ll find some of the art world’s most iconic pieces, as well as important artifacts from ancient to modern times. It’s also home to the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, which dates back to 15 BC. 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."

"Kitschy, often crowded, and rowdy on any night of the week, this 1970s bar makes a great, laid-back stop in the otherwise pretty upscale Upper East Side. We go for their excellent Bloody Mary’s and their famous, oft-lauded burgers served from lunch until late into the night. (There's now a second location in Greenwich Village.)"

"Led by Barbara Kirshbaum, who has been on more than 120 buying trips to Europe and Asia, BK Antiques carries furniture, lighting, accessories, original artwork, and silver from the 18th-, 19th-, and early 20th-century. BK Antiques also has an exclusive collection of limited editions: high-end desk accessories; a series of small “drinks” tables in wood, iron, and stone; oak console tables; barstools; wastebaskets and custom iron and wood benches."

"Walking into this Upper East Side townhouse is a quick time warp into the golden age of Vienna, before the First World War. The permanent collection, displayed almost as if it were in an elegant home, includes works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele and many design pieces from Josef Hoffman, Koloman Moser, and Werner Werkstatte. We never tire of visiting the galleries and then heading downstairs for a tea and Linzer torte at the perfectly achieved turn-of-the-century-style Cafe Sabarsky, where you dine surrounded by Adolf Loos furniture. "

"Napa's French Laundry may have put Thomas Keller on the map, but Per Se, which is perched above Central Park, confirms his legendary status. Chef Eli Kaimeh's menu changes daily, and the meal itself can last for hours as you advance from seasonal course to course, but it's all superb. Having one of the best meals in New York City comes at a price, though, as the set dinner menu starts at $325 (you can now order á la carte). The private room also happens to have one of the best views in town."

"For many years—well before Williamsburg was hip—New Yorkers flocked to this 100-year-old steakhouse for its famously perfect cuts of meat, which, along with the excellent service, have earned it a Michelin star. The space is old-school, with dark wood paneled walls and bentwood chairs. Many come just for the atmosphere and the “Luger-Burger,” which is one of the best in the city—it also happens to be a steal at lunch. Famously, they don't take credit cards (though they do accept debit)."

"This old-school delicatessen has been around for over 100 years and carries every conceivable kind of smoked fish. It's a fun stop even just to see the hand-painted 1950’s sign outside, and the vintage Americana interiors it has carefully stewarded through the decades. Greengrass is also a restaurant that’s particularly great for breakfast—there are plenty of egg and bagel options to accompany your choice of smoked fish. And, in keeping with tradition, portions are huge, so go hungry."

"The owners of this elegant jewelry store in the Sherry-Netherland Hotel have been in the antiques and fine jewelry business since 1851 when the family opened their first shop in Kiev. They specialize in antique jewelry, with a focus on Fabergé and other European lines. You could get lost for an entire afternoon ogling the gorgeous pieces with no intention to buy, but it's a great destination when you're looking for an exceptionally special gift."

"Run by the Raoul brothers and their family, and open in Soho since before the neighborhood scrubbed itself clean, patrons return again and again for the bistro fare, and the charming, authentically eccentric vibe. It genuinely feels like a secluded little Parisian nook, where you can find great French staples and a late night scene at the bar."

"Keen’s is awfully old-school (est. 1885), and that actually makes it a nice pick for after-work drinks, as it's blessedly absent of any sort of scene. Like any respectable steakhouse, they’ve got a miles-long Scotch menu. The enormous muttonchops are the famous, must-order menu item."

"Come here for classic, hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels: And all the relevant toppings, from super-thick cream cheese variations, to smoked lox, to a pretty great egg salad (and an egg sandwich, for mornings when nothing else will do). There’s room to sit quickly, though most people don’t linger (although they do serve La Colombe coffee). It’s also a great option for catering."

"Sarabeth’s started out as a bakery in Chelsea Market in the 80s, where owner Sarabeth Levine perfected cookies, scones, and cakes (with unabashed amounts of sugar, flour, and butter). After she became legendary, she opened Sarabeth’s and basically launched the craze that is weekend Brunch. Years later, it’s still hard to get a breakfast reservation at any of her roomy, all-American, restaurants, but it’s so worth it for luscious pancakes and french toast, not to mention ideal omelettes. There are additional locations in the Upper East Side, Midtown, Gramercy, and Tribeca."

"Inspired by the LA original of the same name, this is a “trust me” sushi spot, which means you’re at the mercy of Chef Takahashi and his team behind the bar. The barely seasoned omakase they make consists of incredibly fresh fish—sourced at the fish market early each morning—served on warm, perfectly moist rice. It’s a tiny, no-frills nook, and the best seats in the house are at the bar."

"Considering the neon-covered exterior and old-school name, the atmosphere inside Brooklyn Diner is surprisingly fancy—after all, it's helmed by the award-winning Chef de Oliveira. That said, classic meals are definitely the standouts: The chicken soup, macaroni & cheese, and giant lunch salads are reliably great, and you’ll have to arrive early in the day if you want to have the chicken pot pie (they almost always run out). Expect a short wait if you forget to make a reservation. There are two locations in Midtown, on 57th and 43rd."

"Jamie Creel and Christopher Gow are serious collectors who spend much of their time traveling the world sourcing far-flung objects for their townhouse shop. We go just to see the wacky and elegant displays that mix coral and taxidermy, Suzani textiles and kitschy South African ceramics. It’s a real mix with prices to match, and if you’re looking for a truly offbeat gift—like say, a hand-blown glass hammer and nails—chances are you’ll find it here. "

"Hidden on the seventh floor of Bloomingdales, back in the bedding department, Forty Carrots is still serving the best frozen yogurt in the city. An early pioneer of the fro-yo movement (it opened back in the ‘80s), they have all the classic toppings, from gummy bears to Butterfingers, and you can ask for more than one flavor swirled."

"COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed (though some vendors are offering takeout). The designer behind the Plaza's food hall is Todd English, who kept things upscale and fancy (if a little bit overly branded) for the venerable New York venue. Home to stands like Lady M, Epicerie Boulud, Luke's Lobster, and Sabi Sushi, it's a great, quick lunch stop if you're heading into Central Park. Pick up dessert at Billy's Bakery or William Greenberg—the former makes amazing black and whites."

"Maialino is NYC restauranteur Danny Meyer's trattoria outpost at Gramercy Park Hotel. The kitchen is helmed by Nick Anderer, who previously had stints at kitchens in Rome and Milan and Italian ones Stateside, like Mario Batali's Babbo. (Anderer is also still a big part of the pizza joint, Marta, too.) The dinner menu is very well done, and they have a nice, separate space for private parties. But less expected is that this is also an ideal spot to grab a cup of coffee or stay and sit for a bit if you find yourself in Gramercy during the afternoon."

"Open for business since 1930, The Carlyle is just a few blocks from Central Park and Museum Mile. And you can’t check-out without stopping for a drink in Bemelmans Bar, which has murals painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the author of the Madeline series. This is one of the best hotels in the world in terms of service, décor, comfort, and amenities."

"This NYC institution opened on the lowest level of Grand Central in 1913, the same year the station was built. Over the years it lost a lot of its luster due to poor management, until it got a desperately-needed facelift in 1974. Since then, it's consistently topped the list of the city's best seafood spots—as it's name suggests, the oysters are particularly epic."

"Not only is this opulent and over-the-top hotel decked out with pieces from Basquiat, Warhol, and Botero, but it’s also adjacent to the magical Gramercy Park, which is only accessible—via key—to residents of the neighborhood (and, as luck would have it, guests of the hotel). The Baroque vibe is theatrical and fun, and there’s an on-site Italian restaurant (and bakery) from Danny Meyer that makes room service a treat."

"COVID-19 update: Open for socially distant shopping and pickup. The beautiful art deco interiors come with top-notch service here, where you’ll find a classic buy of all the designer lines. We especially love the seventh floor for its inspired home goods section, which includes designers like Kelly Wearstler and John Derian. At holiday time, their ornament selection definitely stands out. (And their men's store down the block is wonderful.) 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."

"This massive, man-made, historic park in the middle of Manhattan might just be the thing that makes city life bearable for so many of its citizens: With acres of green space, it’s a public oasis offering incredible playgrounds, swimming pools, public concerts, running tracks, dog parks, gondola dotted lakes, a boathouse, a wonderful zoo, and the John Lennon Memorial. It’s a wonderful place."

"A meal here is a total, resolutely vegetarian, treat. This Michelin-starred, Art Deco-esque restaurant is also an investment, both in time and money. But it’s absolutely worth it, as the kitchen, under the direction of chef Daniel Humm, sends forth molecular gastronomy-inflected dishes that are pristine and precise. On the tasting menu, you’ll choose the main ingredient—the rest is up to the kitchen, meaning that each dish is a wonderful surprise."

"The food is classic Italian by way of New York—but it’s the beautiful presentation and cozy uptown vibe that make this spot so special. It’s a siren song for some of the city’s most interesting personalities, like Joan Didion and Jerry Seinfeld."

"COVID-19 update: Open for delivery, and opulent outdoor dining. It doesn't get much better than Daniel when it comes to haute cuisine (and destinations for special occasions). From the exceptional French prix-fixe menu to the flawless service and elegant jacket-only dining room, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. For a slightly more casual (and reasonably priced) a la carte dining experience, head to the lounge. And for a special event, book their private Bellecour Room, which has windows facing 65th Street—a rarity for event rooms in the city. 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."

"This luxurious Upper East Side hotel is rare for NYC (one with an on-staff florist and elegant club room for all guests to enjoy, even less so), with rooms so plush and inviting that you’ll be tempted to stay indoors rather than leave to explore the city. This is even more true now that it has Majorelle and Jacques, its restaurant and bar respectively, and palm-tree laden Pembroke Room for elaborate breakfasts, brunches, and high teas—all of which are the result of a recent renovation. The rooms are old-New-York in the best possible way: marble baths, plush beds, city views, and, also rare, space to stretch out. "

"COVID-19 update: The Metropolitan Opera has adapted to current restrictions with their new Met Stars Live in Concert series. Book your ticket, tune in from home and watch live performances from the likes of Anna Netrebko, straight from the Met stage. Whether it's your first time or you're a season ticket holder, an opera at the Met, with its shimmering gold curtains, monumental Chagall murals, starburst chandeliers, and red carpets, is one of the most unforgettable experiences in New York. From a classic Verdi to a contemporary John Adams opera, the production value, from the singers to the costumes and the sets, is pretty spectacular. 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."

"Here, you’ll get access to New York fantasy life, from 24/7 exclusive access to Bergdorf Goodman, Laduree macaroons at the bedside, custom bikes for touring the city, and Jean Georges Vongerichten-crafted picnics to go (he runs the The Mark’s restaurant). The rooms themselves are gorgeous; revamped by Jacques Grange, the interiors are sleek, and just a little splashy."

"The P.J. Clarke’s on 55th Street and Third Avenue—it’s been there since the 1880’s—is one of those classic NYC institutions where everyone who grew up on their burgers can think of nothing better. That sensibility translates to the downtown outpost, which seems to play particularly well with bankers who are thrilled to have a burger and a beer to wrap up the day. The Lincoln Square location is a hit with kids walking home from Central Park."

"The iconic seat of the NYPL takes pride of place on Bryant Park in Midtown. While it is still an important research institution, it's also a landmark we like to visit for many reasons beyond the book-lined shelves, from the Children's Library housing the original Winnie the Pooh Dolls, to the Rose Reading room, where anyone can grab a seat and work in peace and quiet, to the excellent bookshop, full of NYC-themed storybooks and classic reads. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the exhibitions themed around the library's holdings and the stunning Beaux Arts 1911 building itself."

"COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed. Eisenberg’s has been serving deli sandwiches and egg creams to New Yorkers since 1929, and while these types of delis are a dying breed at this point, owner Josh Konecky will proudly tell you that Eisenberg’s and its old-school style are here to stay. The menu offers all of the classics, from pastrami to BLTs to tuna melts, and regulars like to hang out at the counter and chat with the chefs (and Josh himself, of course, as he can usually be found somewhere on the premises). When you order your lunch to-go, they’ll package it '50s-style, in wax paper and a brown lunch bag with your name on it."

"Located on the top floor of Barneys’ Madison Avenue flagship, Fred’s is convenient for any mid-shopping pit-stop, but it’s also a good restaurant in and of itself. The menu is full of classic American comfort foods, from chicken soup, to turkey clubs, and large chopped salads."

"For over 20 years, this venerable Danny Meyer restaurant has been continually packed, thanks to the delicious, seasonal, and local American cuisine, a movement that’s currently stewarded by chef Michael Anthony, of Blue Hill fame. The woodsy dining room, complete with Robert Kushner’s vegetable mural, is so comforting. Their private room is a great classic spot for a private event."

"Amy’s started out in Hell’s Kitchen back in 1992 and in the intervening years, her business has gone gangbusters, supplying many of the city’s gourmet shops with their wonderful bread and pastries. Head to any of the stores—our favorite is still the largely unchanged original—to pick up a French baguette, olive twist, or one of their delicious pastries to go. As a huge bonus, they offer bread-making classes at their Chelsea Market location where you can learn how to make everything from foccacia to thin-crust pizza."

"Whether for an opera, a musical, or a ballet, an evening out at the gem-like Lincoln Center always makes for a wonderful, dressed-up night out. This season, we’re especially looking forward to George Balanchine's Firebird (scenery and costumes by painter Marc Chagall) and Swan Lake, and what the always avant-garde choreographers Christopher Wheeldon and Alexei Ratmansky have in store with Wheeldon’s American Rhapsody set to George Gershwin's music, and Ratmansky’s promised premiere in early 2017."

"Between April and September, making it to a baseball game—either to see the Mets or the Yankees—is pretty much mandatory. The Yankees have a new stadium in the Bronx—across the street from the original—while the Mets have swanky new digs at Citi Field in Queens. No game is complete without indulging in a sandwich from Parm or a burger from Shake Shack (Yankees and Mets, respectively)."

"Karen Murray brings together an impeccable edit of women's clothing plus gorgeous jewelry, shoes, bags, and home goods. The mix of names we already love in ready-to-wear and make-up (Aquazurra, Nili Lotan, Westman Atelier) plus the stream of unknowns she continually introduces make this a pretty great addition to the neighborhood's shopping scene. "

"Serving haute cuisine since 1962, this place is wonderfully old school (with the buttoned-up crowd to match). The food is decadent and indulgent as are the floral arrangements, for which they’re known. Incidentally, it's not surprising that it's an excellent choice for a fancy private event. For a relative bargain, try their $38 prix fixe lunch."

"A legendary Jewish deli, Katz’s originally opened in 1888 under a different name, and across the street from its current location on Houston and Ludlow. It was an institution long before the iconic orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally, although it didn’t hurt. Most people come for either the hot pastrami or corned beef sandwich, or the Reuben version, which adds Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Katz’s credits its slow curing method, which can last up to a month, for the meat’s superior taste. (You’ll also find matzo ball soup on the menu, along with everything else you’d expect/want, as well as less traditional offerings for a Jewish deli, like NY-style cheesecake.) For those outside of the city, note that Katz’s ships across the States."

"Le Bernardin opened in 1986 after the success of the storied Parisian original. Helmed by Chef Eric Ripert, this swanky restaurant continues to deliver some of the finest, freshest fish in the city, served with delicate yet complicated sauces that make seafood incredibly exciting. The menu is prix fixe only (starting at $150) and organized by preparation (almost raw, barely touched, lightly cooked, etc.). The private room here is upstairs and has a separate entrance. Interior Photo: Daniel Krieger"