The end of the year is upon us and we’re sending out 2022 with a recap of NYC’s best and finest. We’re wrapping up all our yearly highlights, with a focus of course on everything *ambiance*. New York City has so many impressive places eat, drink, and be merry, that it’s hard to choose the winners but we gave it our best shot (shoot us a DM if you agree/disagree). Check out our roundup below for some of the best that the city has to offer whether it be restaurants, rooftops, or a day out on the town.
The winner is… Nubeluz.
Nubeluz blew onto the scene this year as one of the hottest new rooftops with killer views of the city skyline from 50 floors up. Nubeluz was envisioned as a lightbox in the sky, enticing guests with its stylish interior and modern interpretations of classic cocktails.
The winner is… RH Guesthouse
This year brought a new Renovation Hardware restaurant to the NYC dining scene. A grand yet intimately scaled space, The Dining Room at The Guesthouse offers a live-fire dining experience in a setting defined by floor-to-ceiling travertine, a monolithic hearth, and embedded Molteni rotisseries.
And the winner is… Chanson Le Salon
You can’t miss this stunning spot while walking the streets of TriBeCa. If you’re enchanted by floral setups, fruity drinks and pretty garnishes along with marble countertops, the ambiance at Chanson Le Salon is chef’s kiss. Le Salon will make you feel at home with its modern French cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
And the winner is… St. Mazie Supper Club
And the winner is… Palma
Palma is nested on quaint Cornelia Street in the heart of Greenwich Village, with a hidden garden filled with fresh flowers in all seasons and a 200-year-old Carriage House for private dining in an elegant yet warm setting. The ingredients arrive fresh each day from an organic garden and local markets.
And the winner is… The Terrace at Time Square Edition
The Terrace Restaurant is a casual, all-day eatery inspired by the French brasseries and American chophouses chef & restaurateur John Fraser worked at early in his career. The hearty menu includes homemade pastas, steaks, and chops as well as a variety of vegetable dishes, always a signature of Fraser’s restaurants.
And the winner is… Le Pavillon
Forget you’re in Midtown when you step into the stunning floral-edged oasis, Le Pavillon. The space incorporates 10,000 pounds of lush black olive trees imported from Florida. The restaurant is named in homage to Henri Soulé’s iconic restaurant, which defined the culture of haute French dining in Gotham as far back as 1941.
And the winner is… Oxomoco
Oxomoco is a Michelin Starred wood-fired Mexican restaurant from chef and restaurateur Justin Bazdarich (Speedy Romeo), housed in a foliage-filled, sun-drenched space in Greenpoint. The regionally agnostic cuisine sources influence from across the country (Yucatan, Baja, Oaxaca, Mexico City, etc.), proudly using organic, heirloom corn from Mexico to prepare house-made tortillas.
And the winner is… Wild Ink
Wild Ink is the story of a cook travelling through Asia who keeps a food journal of his travels, tastes, and experiences which cumulate when they finally reach New York City. The relaxed restaurant atmosphere creates a warm upscale vibe. The décor includes a bamboo ceiling and a mix of Asian and New York influenced architecture.
And the winner is… Le Gratin
It’s been a couple month since we’ve been but we’re still dreaming about the Croque Madame sandwich at Le Gratin. The space lets you travel back in time and step into a French bistro straight out of the movies. Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant features classic French dishes as well as specialties from the Lyon region.
The winner is… Gallow Green
Voted our favorite rooftop because it’s a little off the beaten path, yet goes all out in design for each and every season. Whether you go in winter and eat in a charming tent or experience the warm breeze on an NYC summer night, this rooftop is always a hit. While shorter than some other city rooftops, you can still experience big city views with a direct view into The Highline.
The winner is… Swingers Crazy Golf
Swingers is a a massive, decked-out space complete with multiple bars and lounge-y areas, a food court, lots of colored lights and twirling things, and three elaborate nine-hole courses on which to putt away a night out on the town. Grab a drink at the bar and take it around the course with you.
The winner is… Sea the City
A perfect activity for birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or maybe just a Wednesday night. Start your journey from a pier in Jersey City and board a duel hot tub boat that cruises around the harbor. You can rent out the entire boat or just book a spot in one of the tubs.
The winner is… Peak
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better view of the city than the one you’ll get at Peak, which sits mighty high on the 101st floor of Hudson Yards. Chef Chris Cryer executes new American classics to the absolute nines, with delicious staples like the Waygu burger.
The winner is… Baccarat Hotel Bar
This spot has all the glitz & glamour you could ask for. From the moment you enter, you will be met with dazzling chandeliers, 60-foot floor to ceiling windows, and a sophisticated clientele that only NYC can pull off. The bar design is set to emulate that of glamorous ballrooms of French hotels and the royal stables at Versailles.
The winner is… Sveta
Sveta is a cozy restaurant and bar located in the heart of Greenwich Village. The restaurant is known for their seasonal cocktail menu that offers elaborate and Instagram-worthy drinks. The atmosphere feel is homey, often sprinkled with seasonal florals whether you’re dining inside or on the outdoor patio.
The winner is… Rosecrans
If you’re looking for a place to get your floral fix on, Rosecrans might just be the best option. The West Village flower shop is a charming, cozy cafe with antique furniture and fresh flowers everywhere from succulents to roses. In addition to purchasing flowers, you can also grab a coffee and choose from a selection of pastries.
The winner is… Caffè De Martini
Gran Caffè De Martini is a small slice of Italy nestling in the leafiest of the Brooklyn suburbs. A beautiful floral display awaits you during every season outside Caffe’ De Martini. This cozy café has both indoor and outdoor seating plus delicious pastries and genuine imported coffee.
The winner is… PS at Pine & Polk
Pine & Polk is NYC’s newest provisions store, offering a selection of high-quality and artisanal charcuterie, condiments, floral bouquets, grab-and-go options and more! Behind the cocoa aisle lies a secret cocktail bar called PS (as in Pacific Standard) with an inviting lounge area that beckons shoppers to take a seat and have a sip.
The winner is… The Fulton
The Fulton is located in the prime South Street Seaport neighborhood. The menu is designed by world renowned chef, Jean-Georges. The menu specializes in fresh seafood, but landlovers also have a few food options to choose from. The restaurant has an indoor dining room as well as a beautiful outdoor patio with stunning water views of the East River.
The winner is… Aire Ancient Baths
Aire Ancient Baths feels like one of the best kept secrets in NYC. This spa spot is ultra exclusive and you will need to reserve your time slot and date well in advance. Aire Ancient Baths only allows for a limited amount of guests at one time so you will practically feel as if you have the place to yourself. Hop between their different pools and you can choose to cap off your day with a massage after your soak.
The winner is… Rolf’s
It’s hard not give Rolf’s the title of best Christmas bar in town. The restaurant is actually decorated year-round but becomes a prime destination during the holiday season. Nearly every inch of the ceiling is covered with shimmering ornaments or garland. Unfortunately, you can only get a reservation via phone and they book up well in advance during the peak season.
