In town for Frieze Week and wondering where to grab dinner or happy hour? Whitewaller New York, out now, can guide you to some the city’s best restaurants and bars, and below, we’re sharing our top picks.
Courtesy of Augustine.
Paul’s Casablanca
Charged by the energy of nightlife leaders Paul Sevigny and Brian McPeck, Paul’s Casablanca has reinvigorated the SoHo neighborhood with a lounge-meets-nightclub. Each night, from Thursday to Sunday, Paul’s Casablanca offers a different music genre, and the 3,000-square-foot space is turned into a mecca of marvel where guests can wander throughout the three connected rooms. Large arched doorways lead guests from room to room, and a festive disco ball spins to encourage guests to dance the night away.
Photo by Nick Solares.Courtesy of Hanoi House.
Whitewaller recommends: Visiting on a Sunday for the legendary Morrisey night.
Photo by Nick Solares.Courtesy of Hanoi House.
Westlight at The William Vale
At the top of The William Vale hotel, this gorgeous rooftop bar is a sophisticated lounge that provides exquisite craft cocktails, with sweeping skyline views of Manhattan. Guests can enjoy an elevated ambience while enjoying a new Brooklyn scene.
Photo by Nick Solares.Courtesy of Hanoi House.
Whitewaller recommends: Enjoying a light snack on the terrace.
Courtesy of MIMI.
MIMI
This decadent French restaurant offers elaborate classics within an intimate contemporary space. Guests are welcome to relax at small banquette tables while enjoying rich seafood fare and complementing meat dishes (like a neighborhood favorite—the blood sausage).
Courtesy of The Top of the Standard.
Whitewaller recommends: Sipping a blood orange negroni at the zinc-topped bar.
abcV
Enter this wellness jewel and you will find a space filled with light, inspired by the sun and moon, providing an oasis for the senses. Elevated vegetarian offerings paired with high vibration elixirs reflect a menu so delicious that it could only have been created by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and the abc Carpet & Home creative team.
Whitewaller recommends: Asking for a recommendation—they will not lead you astray.
Indochine
Indochine, a Downtown French-Vietnamese restaurant, serves delicious fare in an exotic environment, amid palm fronds and dim lighting. This classic spot deserves high praise for their services, ambience, and entrées.
Whitewaller recommends: Trying the Indochine Martini with the steamed Chilean sea bass.
Narcissa
Located in The Standard East Village, this restaurant is spiced up with California cuisine by chef John Fraser. Offering unbeatable flavors through slow cooking, roasting, and rotisserie dishes, the farm-to-table American menu is inventive, refined, and inviting.
Whitewaller recommends: Relaxing on the outdoor patio on a warm spring night.
Hanoi House
Craft beer and pho makes up a large part of Hanoi House—a new addition to the East Village food scene. Vietnamese comfort food is in the spotlight, and guests can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at ease.
Whitewaller recommends: Indulging in a noodle soup and BBQ meat.
abc Kitchen
The experience of dining in a space as beautiful as the food is delicious can only be replicated by the abc creative team in partnership with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, passionately committed to offering the freshest organic ingredients. Expect a locally sourced changing menu in a restaurant you will never want to leave.
Whitewaller recommends: Saving room for one of the decadent desserts.
The Polo Bar
Ralph Lauren’s The Polo Bar is an exclusive venue where reservations are required, the experience is worthwhile, and the ambience is praised. The mahogany-toned English-style setting is complemented with irreproachable service, a quality wine list, a selection of local craft beers, and worthy cocktails.
Whitewaller recommends: Sitting at the bar for a drink and enjoying savory small bites!
Sant Ambroeus SoHo
This Sant Ambroeus location offers classic and decadent bar bites, full plates, appetizers, desserts, and fine Italian wines—a splendid representation of their prized Milanese cuisine. Inside, guests can find a relaxed atmosphere with wrap-around seats, stand-alone tables, and one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Whitewaller recommends: Sitting outside and enjoying an espresso and a pastry.
The Top of the Standard
Panoramic views of the city, golden jazzy décor, and cocktails galore—it’s no surprise that this is a favorite venue for many. The bar provides an ideal scenic setting for late-night drinks and weekend brunches.
Whitewaller recommends: Enjoying a romantic nightcap under the grand chandelier.
La Sirena
La Sirena, led by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, is a sprawling new spot in Chelsea with complex dishes and delicious cocktails. The refined Italian restaurant also has a tapas bar, located in the barroom, and a relaxing main dining room, too.
Whitewaller recommends: The Fideua pasta.
Mace
This modern East Village bar stands out for its meticulously well-crafted cocktails. Bold beverages are packed with a complex choice of innovative ingredients, such as egg white, tobacco essence, Yakima smoked salt, and tapioca pearls.
Whitewaller recommends: The Mace cocktail.
Augustine
Augustine, by Keith McNally, is a decorative brasserie that serves modern French cuisine and a variety of complementing cocktails. Located in The Beekman hotel in the Financial District, the restaurant is a hotspot for an elegant and lively crowd.
Whitewaller recommends: The Waldorf salad.
