The Citiblog

Photo: Philippe Chow

Philippe Chow has been a prime destination for celebrity sightings for decades thanks to its upscale Beijing-inspired cuisine and luxurious atmosphere. Situated in Manhattan’s iconic Meatpacking District, the restaurant attracts industry insiders and A-listers alike, making it a hotspot for star-studded gatherings. Philippe Chow’s reputation as a fan-favorite among celebrities such as Rihanna, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Jay Z & Beyonce (and many more!) bolstered by its delectable dishes and opulent decor, solidifies it as a go-to dining destination in the area. A natural rendezvous point for both pre- and post-show meetups, dining at Philippe Chow will surely enhance the likelihood of catching a glimpse of a celeb + fashion icons.

Photo: KYU

With its prime location and trendy ambiance, KYU reigns as a celebrity hotspot all year long – Timothee Chalamet was just there recently and Hailey + Justin Bieber are fans. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s buzzy NoHo neighborhood, the Asian-inspired, woodfired cuisine and stylish + sexy atmosphere attracts fashion-savvy patrons [such as Serena Kerrigan and Nina Agdal and models from Wilhelmina] making it a magnet for fashion elites and trendsetters seeking a stylish dining experience. Situated just blocks away from renowned fashion venues and storefronts, KYU is a chic, convenient choice for NYFW-related gatherings, ensuring a high probability of celebrity sightings.

Photo: Alba/Liz Clayman

Get transported to the Amalfi Coast at Cucina Alba and Alba Accanto eateries situated below the High Line and on the ground floor of the Lantern House in West Chelsea. The concepts serves seasonal offerings, masterfully curated by Executive Chef Adam Leonti, as well as an Italian-coast-inspired beverage program with hand-crafted cocktails and premium wines.

Photo: Jac's on Bond/Max Flatow

Jac's on Bond is bringing back the nostalgia of the 80s and 90s New York music scene. Adorning the walls are iconic images of hip-hop artists taken by acclaimed photographer Janette Beckma. The photography is powerfully raw and vibrant, from Run DMC to EPMD, Gang Starr to Sade. LL Cool J can be spotted near the pool table, while a jovial street scene of Salt-N-Pepa sets the tone for a friendly cocktail.

Photo: Georgia Room

Georgia Room is a Southwest-inspired lounge in Manhattan’s Flatiron district that serves as the nexus to the eclectic energy found amongst a community of travelers and locals looking for a distinct nightlife experience. Located on the mezzanine of Freehand New York, Georgia Room pays homage to painter Georgia O’Keeffe's images of the untamable wildness and wide-open landscapes of the Southwest.

Photo: Ray's/Noah Fecks

Ray’s, also known as Manhattan’s “Champagne of Bars,” is a beloved hometown bar located on the Lower East Side. Collectively built by a few friends who wanted to create the perfect place to hang out with a few more friends, Ray’s is one of the most popular destinations in the city to grab a drink, order a bite, and shoot a round of pool.

Photo: The Wesley

The Wesley, lures guests into a subterranean dining experience. The space’s minimalist design embodies the simple pleasures of the surrounding natural environment. Plant-forward to its core, the innovative team reinvents modern fine dining by presenting seasonal and sustainable vegetable and protein offerings in captivating ways. The beverage program features locally-made spirits served alongside a wine selection that spotlights domestic organic, vegan, and women-led producers.

Photo: The Roof

The ROOF is the perfect place for NYFW after-party drinks after a long day of shows. Enjoy the scenic city from the rooftop while you soak in the fashion and culture that resides within PUBLIC. From fashion shows to after-parties. PUBLIC Hotel is the ultimate hub for all things at NYFW. Come during Sunset Hour (5pm – 8pm) and sip on a refreshing spritz as you catch up with friends on all the eye-catching designs from the runway to the street. Walk-ins are welcome.

Photo: Broken Shaker

Broken Shaker at the Freehand New York offers an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and fresh bites. Created by Gabriel Orta and Elad Zvi of Bar Lab, Broken Shaker is a James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar. Skilled bartenders shake up the perfect blend of elixirs, syrups and infusions, paired with fragrant herbs, fresh-pressed juices and exotic ingredients from around the world.

Photo: Comodo/Louise Palmberg

Comodo, the Latin American-inspired restaurant nestled on the first floor of Freehand New York offers a menu that pulls from Mexico to Brazil and beyond. With dishes made with fresh ingredients accompanied with a highly curated selection of natural wines, Comodo is the perfect spot for dinner following NYFW festivities. The cozy private dining room at the front of the restaurant is an ideal place to host an intimate brand dinner.

Photo: The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens

Chef John Fraser’s The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens at the Times Square EDITION Hotel is known for its contemporary cooking and American culinary traditions, all while emphasizing locally sourced ingredients from regional farmers and purveyors. Brasserie classics share space with a wide variety of vegetable-forward offerings, a signature of Chef Fraser’s style.

Photo: Cititour.com

Pink Taco was founded in 1999 by restaurateur Harry Morton, son of Hard Rock Café co-founder, Peter Morton. First established at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the Pink Taco brand has since expanded to New York City and beyond. The restaurant’s Mexican-inspired fare is rooted in its California heritage and takes an uncomplicated and innovative approach to LA-style street tacos using local and scratch-made ingredients.

Photo: Gitano Island

Gitano Island is a tropical restaurant and beach club on Governors Island, NYC. After four sensational seasons in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, the team behind GITANO has taken on the ambitious venture of transporting the Garden of Love Restaurant to a new 27,000 square foot waterfront setting, just a 5 minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. GITANO has also introduced a tented stage and an exciting program of local and international DJs and live artist performances.

Photo: The Standard Grill

The Standard Grill immediately became an icon of the Meatpacking District renaissance, celebrating the flavors and traditions of old New York with a contemporary edge. Live entertainment and luxe finishes elevate the timeless atmosphere to new heights. Defined by bold flavors, the finest ingredients and an unmistakable New York attitude, The Standard Grill pioneers New American cuisine wherever it lands.

Photo: Popular

At POPULAR, diners have a special opportunity to enjoy authentic, original, healthy, and globally inspired Peruvian fare by Chef Diego Munoz. Signature dishes include authentic ceviches, wood-fire roasted pollo a la brasa and duck leg fried rice as well as American classics like prime New York strip steak, and an abundance of fresh vegetables. To accompany Chef Diego’s flavor-forward cuisine, POPULAR serves stylish pisco cocktails and a selection of international wines.

Photo: The Press Club

Located at the intersection of Nomad and Herald Square, The Press Club Grill captures the essence of the Mad Men era in New York City, with a reinterpreted expression of Continental cuisine through the use of local, seasonal, high-quality ingredients executed with modern techniques. With its nostalgic design elements and homage to mid-century modern aesthetics, it offers a distinctive atmosphere that transports guests to the charm of old-school New York. Helmed by Chef Franklin Becker, Stephen Loffredo, and Tora Matsuoka, The Press Club Grill is the first premier restaurant venture for the Hospitality Department.

Photo: Silver Lining Lounge

Silver Lining Lounge is an intimate, dreamlike live music and piano lounge inside the Moxy Lower East Side hotel on the Bowery frequented by notables such as Lupita Nyong’o, Vashtie Kola, Lucinda Taffs, Scarlet Schoeffling, etc. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere and a vibrant crowd. This hotspot ushers in a new era of sophisticated nights out with live performances by a diverse group of local musicians, curated by The Flower Shop co-founders. Silver Lining offers an array of Japanese-inspired cuisine with small bites and table-side caviar service that pairs well with the eclectic menu of specialty cocktails that pay homage to cultural moments, movies, and music.

Photo: Sake No Hana

Sake No Hana is a modern Japanese concept from TAO Group Hospitality. Set on the Bowery in New York City’s Lower East Side, frequented by notables such as Brooklyn Beckham, Heidi Klum, Taylor Lautner, Julia Fox, etc. This elevated dining destination designed by the famed Rockwell Group offers a unique culinary experience with a menu rooted in the purity of Japanese cuisine, paired with playful Western techniques and tastes.

Photo: The Pasta Corner/Jonathan Young

Dine like a French pop star at NYC’s just-opened first Pasta Corner, the first NYC location of the Los Angeles and Paris fresh pasta import co-owned by one of France’s biggest pop stars Matt Pokora (married to singer and actress Christina Milian) and his longtime friend, food entrepreneur Vincent Benoliel of LA bakery Michelina. Guests can enjoy French pastries like sweet and savory croissants in the morning (don’t miss the signature hazelnut praline croissants!) and fresh house-made pastas and sauces in dozens of combinations, including Matt Pokora’s favorite Tagliatelle Black Truffle available for dine-in or takeout.

Photo: Ichibantei/Michael Tulipan

Fuel up late night at Ichibantei serving Japanese comfort food till 3am in glam new location An East Village favorite for late-night dining has just moved to a glam new two-level space (formerly VNYL) and serves food until 3am (bucking the post-pandemic trend of kitchens closing at 10pm). Housed in a former movie theater, the two-story dining room features oversized vintage Japanese Yakuza film posters on dark walls, theater mirror lights, and lip murals by Japanese artist Cazul. Signatures dishes include grass-fed Angus beef Ichibantei Steak topped with garlic chips; Hamburger Steak; Tuna Steak; Tonteki Pork Steak (Kurobuta pork); Chicken Nanban; and Donburi rice bowls.

Photo: Seasoned Vegan Real Quick/Michael Tulipan

Grab gourmet vegan food on the go at Seasoned Vegan Real Quick with a new location in the East Village. Fans include Stevie Wonder, Indie Arie, Danny Glover, Colin Kaepernick and Cory Booker among others, opened in the East Village last week after closing uptown earlier this year. Owned by mother and son team of Chef Brenda Beener and Aaron Beener, the restaurant draws on the family’s New Orleans roots and features popular dishes, including its signature Craw Pretzel Boy, a crawfish po-boy on a pretzel bun, and BBQ Craw Sandwich smothered in bayou BBQ sauce.