Friday Favorites: Restaurants

Mar 8

Mar 8 Friday Favorites: Restaurants

My favorite part of having people visit me is taking them to my favorite restaurants, cafes and bakeries in the city.

I try to eat relatively healthy when it’s just me. I cook at home, plan my meals, and grocery shop each week. But I definitely love going out to eat, especially when someone is coming to visit. So here are some of my favorite places to go in the city and what I like to get when I go there!

1. Carmine’s

I’ve been going here since I was a kid. We used to go every year after watching my Uncle run in the New York City marathon. They serve delicious, family style Italian food and it’s such a good place to go with a group. Everything is delicious, but I love the Antipasto Salad and Calamari appetizers and the Rigatoni with Sausage and Broccoli to share…and the Spaghetti and Meatballs. I really can’t choose it’s all so good!

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@carminesnyc

2. Molyvos

This is a phenomenal Greek restaurant. Everything is good, I have never had something I didn’t like. I love to get the Spanakopita and cheese-board to start and the Moussaka as my entrée.

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@molyvosnyc

3. Bosie Tea Parlor

Everyone knows I love tea. This is the cutest place to go and get afternoon tea. I usually do the ‘tea for two’ and you choose your own tea flavor, two macaron flavors, and three sandwich flavors. They also give you scones and it is all so cute. The atmosphere is so relaxing too.

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@bosieteaparlor

4. La Pecora Bianca

I’ve only been once but was super impressed and would go back right now. We went for dinner and got the Burrata appetizer and I ordered the Gramigna which is curly pasta with housemate sausage, broccolini and chili flakes. It was SO GOOD. I ate the whole thing. I’d love to go for their brunch because they’re pancakes look out of this world.

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@lapecorabianca

5. Magnolia Bakery

Another place I’ve been going since I was a kid. They have the BEST cupcakes, hands down. They’re frosting is amazing. Get their classic vanilla cupcake with buttercream frosting, delicious. If you’re not a cupcake person their banana pudding is spectacular as well.

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@magnoliabakery

5. Levain Bakery

Another great dessert, Levain’s classic chocolate chip cookie. Best cookie I’ve had in the city. They warm them up before giving them to you and they are so warm and gooey.

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@levainbakery

6. Sarabeth’s

Sarabeth’s has the best breakfast/brunch. Whether you are a sweet or savory person they have it all. I love a good omelette and home fries but their French Toast is high up there on my list.

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@sarabethsofficial

7. Periyali

Another fantastic Greek restaurant. Their Greek Salad and Spanakopita are great appetizers and their lamb chops are so so good.

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@periyali_restaurant

8. Playa Bowls

I go here an alarming amount. Once a week at least. These are the best smoothie bowls I’ve ever had. They’re so fresh and delicious. I get the power bowl with extra peanut butter and it never disappoints.

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@playabowls

9. Old Rose Café

I wrote about the Old Rose a few weeks ago, but I have to add it to my list. The space is gorgeous and the food was spectacular. I got the avocado toast and it had a spicy kick making it different from other avocado toast and I loved it. Everything about being there was enjoyable.

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@oldrosenyc

10. Todd English Food Hall

Last but not least, the food hall in the plaza. This one is such a fun place to bring people when they’re visiting. The plaza is right at the end of Fifth Ave by Central Park. After a day of shopping and sight-seeing, this is a great way to end the day. I LOVE their Lobster Mac & Cheese. It is so rich but worth every bite. They also have delicious Sushi.