It was on our bucket list to visit New York City during the holidays and this year we finally decided to do it! I was told it was a magical place around Christmas, but I didn’t truly believe those people until I visited. New York during Christmas was incredible! There is always something to do. I have had many requests for a travel guide to New York City over the holidays and I wanted to list off my favorite restaurants and things to do. I was unable to add hotels in this post, but I plan on sharing a few in the future.
BRUNCH
BLUESTONE LANE: My favorite spot in NYC. Get the Brookie Board! This plate is half avocado toast and half a yogurt muesli parfait. It is DIVINE! They also have the best ice latte’s
A.CAFE near Central Park: I personally have not been here, but my friend Josie (@josie_sanders) raved about this place. She said it is very affordable and the french toast was amazing.
ANDREW’S COFFEE: If you are wanting the good old “hole in the wall” diner breakfast, then definitely head over to Andrew’s. We loved how it was a little more affordable and we were able to get in and out pretty quickly
MAGNOLIA BAKERY: A popular grab and go coffee and pastry shop! Very very cute inside
OTHER POPULAR BRUNCH SPOTS: Jacob’s Pickles (The #1 most recommended place. Also popular for dinner too), Butcher’s Daughter (Cute spot for photos)
PIZZA
RUBIROSA: This is my favorite pizza place in NYC. I highly recommend calling and making reservations. We called a week in advanced and we got the last spot left on a Wednesday! We love their supreme pizza. We do not even like pepperoni, but for some reason the pepperoni on this pizza is AMAZING!! I also love their arugula salad. It has a lemon garlic vinagerette on it that is light and tangy.
LOMBARDI’s: We have never been there, but apparently it is the first pizza place in the USA.
Other popular pizza places recommended by friends: Artichoke Basille’s, Prince Street, and Jon’s of Bleeker Street.
BAGELS
(we have YET to make it to a bagel place due to never having the time, but here are the most popular recommendations)
- BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE
- ESS-A-BAGEL
- BEST BAGEL COFFEE (I have seen a long line for this place)
ITALIAN
AUNT JAKES: This is another restaurant that is a popular place for a date night in NYC. It is located right in the heart of Littly Italy. They recently moved to a larger, updated location. We loved the “build your own pasta” on the menu. All the pasta is made from scratch right when you order.
Other popular Italian restaurants recommended by friends: Gnoccheria by Luzzo’s, Palma, Puglia’s, Il Mulino (in SoHo), Il Buco Alimentri and Vineria, Carmine’s
MORE RESTAURANTS
CATCH NYC: I went to Catch NYC in September with girlfriends during NYFW. This was a recommendation from my friend Madi (@sweetteawithmadi). CATCH has the BEST sushi I have ever had. My favorite items from the menu are the crispy shrimp , The Catch roll, and the lobster avocado roll. The carnival dessert was amazing! They are donuts with three dipping sauces.
RH ROOFTOP RESTAURANT: This is by far one f the most beautiful restaurants I have ever been to. This is at the top of the Restoration Hardware store in the meatpacking district. Everything is inside but is all clear glass so you get the feeling of being on the room without being cold! My favorites on the menu are the caesar salad, the truffle fries, and the burger!
TAVERN ON THE GREEN: Michael and I went here for lunch last February. This iconic NY restaurant is located in central park! Make a reservation ahead of time!
THE MEATBALL SHOP: We LOVED eating at the Meatball Shop when we visited NYC last February. I have never seen so many different types of meatballs in my life! This is NOT just an Italian restaurant. You can add any flair to your dish and I love how you can customize your bowl. You pick a meatball, sauce, and base.
BEAUTY AND ESSEX: This is one of the coolest restaurants I have ever been to. It is hidden inside a shelf door at a pawn shop. When you first walk in it looks like a pawn shop and then the man at a the front counter will open a hidden door to take you too the restaurant! I do not remember the food as much but the entire atmosphere was amazing!
EATALY: This is a fun place to visit even if you aren’t hungry. Eataly is a giant market filled with cheeses, meats, pastas, wines, desserts, veggies, and more! You could spend hours in here trying the different foods! This i located right by the flatiron building.
OTHER POPULAR RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS: Jacob’s Pickles (popular for brunch too),
ROLF’s GERMAN RESTAURANT: This is the most popular restaurant to eat at during Christmas time. It is covered (LITERALLY) in Christmas ornaments. I would get a reservation weeks in advanced!
STARDUST DINER: This place was started by Ellen Degeneres! We went an visited here with my family a while ago but it was so fun! The waiters and waitresses all are amazing broadway singers and performers. They will break out into song throughout your dining experience.
THE PALM COURT at the Plaza: This was a cool experience ,but WAY to pricey. It was $100 for high tea. Definitely do other things first before this!
CHRISTMAS IN NYC “MUSTS”
CARTIER BUILDING (the bow building) – or basically anything on 5th Avenue! SO pretty. The Sad Building is gorgeous too!
BRYANT PARK (Ice skating and the Christmas market) – this was our favorite thing to do. cameras and phones are not allowed on the rink…booo
ROCKEFELLER PLAZA: The happiest place in NYC. The TODAY show is filmed outside each morning, ice skating, and tons of shopping!
THE ROCKETTES: I cannot stress enough how amazing this show was. 100% go see the holiday show. UNBELIEVabLE. It is a 1.5 hour show.
UNION SQUARE PARK: this also has a christmas market (not as cool as Bryant Park)
CENTRAL PARK: The iceskating is beautiful! Personally it is the most beautiful rink in NYC. We walked to the famous Bow Bridge. Take the route that goes through “The Mall” SOO gorgeous.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar: There are igloos on this rooftop! Recommended by a bunch of people. I have personally never been.
SERENDIPITY: Get the frozen hot chocolate.
SHOPPING AT MACY’s: This is the world’s largest store! 8 stories of EVERYTHING!
That is all I got for now! I plan on sharing more on hotels to stay at soon.
