The 7 series: A Bite of the Big Apple

Series of seven. Some of my favourite places to spend time in New York

In New York, every block hums with its own flavour, every neighbourhood hides a gem, and every meal feels woven into the city’s mythology. During my time there, I curated a small collection of food and cocktail spots, some are storied institutions, others are the new darlings of downtown. Together, they capture the pulse of the city: timeless, restless, and always deliciously alive.

Dimes

I stopped by Dimes one morning in the Lower East Side, and it felt like walking into a pocket of California sunshine in the middle of New York. Everything was bright and fresh, bowls and smoothies that make you feel good just looking at them. It’s health food, but chic and playful.

Johnny’s Pizza

Johnny’s felt like the city in its purest form: no frills, pizza boxes, and slices that are impossibly thin, crisp, and perfect. I loved how unfussy it was, you just fold the slice, take a bite, and suddenly you understand why New York pizza is legendary. It’s simple, it’s old-school, and it hits exactly right.

Odeon

Dinner at The Odeon felt like stepping into a scene from a film. The glow of the neon outside, the mirrored walls, the booths, it’s all so effortlessly cinematic. It’s nostalgic but still alive with energy, and you feel like part of the city’s history just by being there.

Nollita pizza

another fabulous slice shop. It’s casual, it’s fast, it’s not trying to be anything other than good pizza, and sometimes that’s all you want. A place that keeps the city moving.

Frenchette

Dinner at Frenchette felt like a night out in Paris, but with a downtown Manhattan edge. I loved the buzz here; everyone chattering away, glasses clinking. The whole place feels glamorous without being stiff. It’s indulgent in the best way.

Le dive

Le Dive was tiny, chaotic, and completely charming. I grabbed a table outside and ordered a glass of natural wine that turned into two, paired with little plates to share. It’s one of those places where people spill onto the sidewalk and the energy feels alive and a little artsy. Casual, fun, and very New York.

Cassette

Cassette in Greenpoint was calm and beautiful in a completely different way. Soft pastels, clean design, and a menu that’s as thoughtful as the interiors. I came for brunch but ended up staying longer than planned. It has that kind of easy, welcoming energy. It feels like a neighbourhood gem, but also like somewhere you’d happily travel across the river for.

What I loved most about these seven spots is how different they all felt. One moment I was grabbing a slice on a paper plate, the next I was sipping wine at a Parisian-style brasserie. That’s the beauty of New York: every bite, every glass, every room tells a different story, and together they make the city feel endlessly alive.

AE x