From being the ultimate shopping hub to al fresco dining at swanky restaurants, SoHo is your go-to neighborhood for dining at restaurants with the best ambiance. After a day of perusing the newest arrivals at Aritzia or waiting in that never-ending line to checkout at Zara, you deserve a celebratory meal at an Insta-worthy restaurant with the atmosphere to match.
Here are 23-approved dreamy restaurants with the best ambiance that you must dine at the next time you’re in SoHo.
This ritzy restaurant situated in ModernHaus SoHo is Anthropologie meets CB2, featuring a retractable roof, dreamy modern decor and colorful plush couches to sip a cocktail on. Reminiscent of a greenhouse, you’ll not only want to dine here each time for the delicious All-American cuisine, but you’ll also want to move in. This restaurant invites you to enjoy views of the city through its floor-length windows while dining in for lunch or cheers’ing boozy drinks at the bar with your gal pals. Learn More.
This is the spot you can’t miss as you’re walking down 6th Street. Lola Taverna is the perfect picturesque spot to grab a bite to eat at and impress your friend who’s from out-of-town. The restaurant looks like a dream straight from the Greek islands, with their outdoor patio decorated with romantic lights and pink flowers. Pro tip: the best time to visit is at night to experience the full effect. Learn More.
Jack’s Wife Freda is the must-visit for brunch. While notoriously known for its long lines, it is well worth the wait! When you dine here, you’ll feel like you’re at a French restaurant, sitting right in the middle of all the action and enjoying a Mediterranean breakfast with a healthy dose of people-watching. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the front entrance! With floral arrangements and Parisian-inspired decor, it’ll feel like spring all year-round. Learn More.
Escape to an Italian oasis in the city when you pay a visit to A Pasta Bar. This sweet spot takes, “la dolce vita,” to the next level with a relaxing garden-house atmosphere while enjoying freshly-made pasta after a long day of shopping. The outdoor patio looks like a dream, but you can’t go wrong with their classy interior, either. Pro tip: For your next date night, try their tasting menu for 2 and sample 5 different pastas! Learn More.
Located in the heart of SoHo, this French eatery is an intimate spot that seats up to 50-people and perfect for dining at all hours of the day. There are numerous corners of the restaurant, each with its own unique theme and charm. From the different paintings on the walls to the booth-style seating that’ll give you nostalgic flashbacks of your favorite diner, this bistro is the perfect mix of cozy, approachable, and inviting. Bonus: they have heated patio reservations available! Learn More.
Located inside Roman and Williams Guild, La Mercerie is the epitome of a welcoming design. The interior boasts tall ceilings and sleek velvet couches and curtains. Chef Marie-Aude Rose celebrates French cuisine with her classical training and avant-garde practices. This is a popular go-to spot for brunch with plenty of outdoor seating in the warmer weather. Learn More.
The vibe at Cafe Select is going for ‘European-rail-station’. As you walk up on the street, you’ll see a charming window to the restaurant with bright colored tables and vines of florals. Inside the restaurant, it’s quite cozy with a sparkling ceiling of string lights that come to life as the night goes on. Stop in to enjoy classic Swiss food and a glass of wine. Learn More.
Dramatic floral arrangements accent the light-filled space, which has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on to bustling Prince Street. Little Prince is known for their in-season floral designs which may be bright and cheerful in Spring or cooler tones come Autumn. Inside, the wooden bar is warmly lit by classic globe pendant lamps. Pro tip: don’t miss out on the french onion soup, so good! Learn More.
At the corner of Prince & Sullivan St is The Dutch, an American eatery with both indoor and outdoor charm. Chef Andrew Carmellini has a seasonal menu with favorites being the homey fried chicken (& biscuits) as well as their shellfish tower. This spot is a good staple for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Learn More.
This spot may boast a cute and cheerful interior, but it’s definitely the pancakes that draw lines down the block. Known for their famous soufflé pancakes, it is a breakfast that is both irresistible to you as well as your camera. Inside, find beautiful yellow florals throughout the restaurant – the perfect backdrop to your pancake pic. Learn More.
Things get interesting when you mix French and Vietnamese cuisine. The décor at BoCaphe is just that – super quirky with a little bit of everything. Inside there is plenty of inspiring wall art, tropical vibes, and a beautiful skylight in the back room. Pro tip: If you come on the weekends for brunch, there is an unlimited mimosa special. Learn More.
Enjoy the views from above at Azul Rooftop above Hotel Hugo. The restaurant channels a Cuban cantina vibe, inspired by the streets of Old Havana. Specialties include tacos, frozen drinks, and of course a Cuban sandwich. The views are unbeatable and showcase a 360 degree lens of the NYC skyline. Learn More.
Feel like you’re dining on a luxury yacht at Lure Fishbar in the middle of Soho. The interior of this restaurant was designed with a nautical theme in mind that transports you to the calm of open waters. The menu leans heavily in the seafood category with sushi and oysters. However, there’s a delicious burger with ‘bacon onion jam’ for all the land-lovers. Learn More.
Pera Soho feels like a secret escape within Soho. The outdoor courtyard is tucked away behind the restaurants extra tall walls which makes it feel oh-so exclusive. Indulge in Mediterranean classics whether it’s for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just drinks. Pro tip: If you come for dinner service, the string lights really add to the vibe. Learn More.
It doesn’t get much cozier than 19 Cleveland. The Israeli restaurant thrives on homey vibes with beautiful décor that remind you of sitting in your own living room (but nicer). The aesthetic is on point with hanging plants and string lights throughout the restaurant. Pro tip: we recommend going for brunch and getting the Shakshuka. Learn More.
Okay, it doesn’t take that much for us to fall in love with a good wine bar – but this one is really something special! A unique concept – Niche Niche offers a “dinner party” with curated wines chosen by industry experts. The menu is ever-changing and rotates cuisine styles each day (e.g. – Italian, Spanish, French, and more). The Dinner Party Experience is four courses and four wines (in tasting format) for $88. Learn More.
You cannot physically pass by Ladurée in Soho without being awe-struck. This is the perfect spot to take out of towners as it’s guaranteed to make a big impression. The outdoor seating is perfection and open mostly year-round. Indoors feels like the most glamorous spot to enjoy an afternoon tea. Pro tip: if you can time this right with Cherry Blossom season, your photos will be unbelievable. Learn More.
Shuka is a super stylish restaurant with a Mediterranean flair. The building exterior is bright pop of blue with nearly floor to ceiling windows. There is a decent amount of outdoor seating in the back, as well as a quaint garden room at the back of the restaurant. Pro tip: don’t miss out on trying the unique cocktails off their menu. Learn More.
This cozy Italian spot honestly has all of the charm. The interior is the set of Friends, meets rustic Italian café. The staff are very friendly and the goal is to make you feel so at home, you don’t want to leave (#successful). This spot is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and has a decently versatile menu. Our personal favorite was the brunch poached eggs over polenta. Learn More.
Le Coucou absolutely exudes elegance. The restaurant is Michelin star rated, serving fine French cuisine. If you watched Inventing Anna on Netflix, you might recognize this place as the restaurant she was always frequenting. Located in 11 Howard hotel, this spot is perfect if you’re trying to impress your company. Learn More.
Step out of New York City and into Barbie’s restaurant – not really – but this place is pink everywhere. Pink walls, pink chairs, pink ceilings, pink plates! The restaurant is inspired by the pastel colors of the Italian Riviera. The restaurant motto is in fact “PINK AS FUCK”. This is the perfect option for weekend brunch with the girls. Pro tip: Our favorite brunch meal is the cacio e pepe with poached egg. Learn More.
Nomo Kitchen is one of the most glamorous spots for Brunch in the city. Enter the restaurant through an arched pathway of greenery and string lights. When you make your way inside, you are met with a fully glass ceiling perfect to admire the outdoors, while staying comfortably indoors. Throughout the venue are extra dramatic chandeliers that make this entire place a serious vibe. While open for dinner service, this place is most well known for their brunch. Learn More.
Ah, a tropical oasis in the heart of Soho. Gilligan’s will make you feel like you’re on island time with frozen drinks and tropical trees. The vibe here is “Montauk meets Manhattan” – a vibe we definitely need. The restaurant serves brunch & dinner. Seafood is the staple food here, but pizza is also a close second. Learn More.
