New York Guide: Dining with Friends
Go And See
10 June 2026
Celebrate summer in the city with a special guide to the best sips and bites in town — featuring recommendations from New York Magazine’s Erik Maza, gallerist Felix Rodder, writer Zoe Ruffner, art advisor Sarah Levine and Métier creative director Melissa Morris.
MARCEL
At Marcel, dinner comes with a rotating backdrop of Sotheby’s art and objects. Tucked into the lower level of the Breuer Building, the auction house’s new restaurant feels equal parts dining room and cultural salon. Look out for the custom Métier bags worn by servers as part of their uniform.
“Beautifully designed by Roman and Williams. The chocolate soufflé alone is worth the price of admission.”
Recommended by Erik Maza
945 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021
BARNEY GREENGRASS
There are few New York breakfasts more satisfying than a morning at Barney Greengrass. The Upper West Side institution has been serving smoked fish since 1908, but the real magic lies in the whole experience — silky sturgeon, strong coffee, sharp-tongued servers, and a dining room buzzing with loyal regulars.
Recommended by Felix Rodder
541 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024
DEAN'S
“New York is sorely lacking in pub culture! Thankfully now we have Dean’s, a sweet love letter to the British pub from the brilliant team behind sister restaurant King – and conveniently located right next door.”
Recommended by Sarah Levine
213 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10014
AMBASSADORS CLUBHOUSE
One of the most lauded Indian restaurants in London, Ambassadors Clubhouse has made its way across the pond. Their New York location has a distinctly maximalist energy, with richly layered interiors and a menu built for sharing. Inspired by the grand party mansions of Punjab, the lively restaurant serves inventive takes on North Indian cooking — from beautifully executed chaats to standout tandoori dishes and deeply comforting classics.
Recommended by Felix Rodder
1245 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
WILD CHERRY
“Nestled inside Cherry Lane Theatre, this West Village hidden gem is a destination in its own right — perfect for martinis and late dinners.”
Recommended by Melissa Morris
38 Commerce Street, New York, NY 10014
ANTONUCCI CAFE
“The perfect neighborhood restaurant that I keep coming back to. The owner Francesco and his team are wonderful. Get the Agnolotti.”
Recommended by Felix Rodder
170 E 81st Street, New York, NY 10028
FRENCHETTE
Warm, lively, and reliably excellent, Frenchette is the sort of restaurant New Yorkers return to again and again. The menu shifts nightly, riffing on French classics with just enough irreverence — rich sauces, exceptional seafood, and the kind of meal that rewards ordering generously.
“Get a table in the bar area and ask the sommelier for a natural wine rec. Their selection is fantastic and always changing.”
Recommended by Zoe Ruffner
241 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
BISTROT HA
Ha’s Snack Bar recently expanded with a new, larger restaurant in the Lower East Side. The menu continues to deliver on incredibly tasty French Vietnamese dishes.
Recommended by Melissa Morris
137 Eldridge Street, New York, New York 10002
SOBA ULALA
After closing his longtime Soho restaurant, chef Hirohisa Hayashi recently transformed the space into Soba Ulala — an intimate, more casual spot devoted to beautifully prepared soba. Made with a blend of flours from upstate New York and Japan, the noodles are reason enough to go, whether served hot or cold.
Recommended by Felix Rodder
73 Thompson Street, New York, NY 10012
LE VEAU D’OR
“The loveliest dining experience in the city is at Le Veau D'or. It's cozy, unpretentious and the food is divine.”
Recommended by Erik Maza
129 E 60th Street, New York, NY 10022
PENNY
A raw bar and seafood counter in the East Village, located above its sister restaurant Claude. Settle in at the marble bar for beautifully prepared shellfish and standout larger plates.
Recommended by Felix Rodder
90 E 10th Street, New York, NY 10003
SMITHEREENS
This intimate, softly lit East Village restaurant riffs on the flavors of New England through an unexpected lens — think pristine fish, inventive preparations, and a cozy tavern vibe.
Recommended by Melissa Morris
414 E 9th Street, New York, NY 10009
COCINA CONSUELA
Tiny, joyful, and full of character, this walk-in only neighborhood spot in Hamilton Heights serves deeply comforting Mexican food that’s worth going back for. Go for the long-simmered birria, stay for the occasional impromptu piano performance.
Recommended by Felix Rodder
130 Hamilton Place, New York, NY 10031
Photo Credits: romanandwilliams.com | deans.nyc | ambassadorsclubhouse.com | wildcherrynyc.com | frenchettenyc.com | The Infatuation | sobaulala.nyc | lvdnyc.com | penny-nyc.com | smithereensnyc.com | cocinaconsuelonyc.com | barneygreengrass.com