This is my favorite seafood restaurant in Manhattan! They have a few locations but we always go to the one in the East Village. There is a daily happy hour with great appetizer and cocktail deals. The menu changes by season too. We love the lobster roll, calamari and of course: the oysters.

This is a really popular (and yummy!) casual spot for Spanish tapas and sangria. There are three locations in Soho, Flatiron and the Upper East Side. The interior is super cozy– just remember to make reservations because it gets packed!

At Claudette you’ll feel like you’re dining in a French country cottage. This is a great spot for brunch or dinner with the girls, just steps away from Washington Square Park and all the best spots in Greenwich Village.

If you love bloody marys then you need to go to Prune for brunch. They have a menu of just bloodys! Sounds like heaven right? Make sure you get the Dutch pancake if you love sweet brunch food. The restaurant is super tiny with just a few tables so be prepared for a possible wait!

Super chic Bobby Flay Mediterranean-style restaurant and my favorite spot for tapas. It’s a bit tough to get reservations if you don’t make them far in advance, but if you go early enough there’s a good chance you can get seating in the bar and lounge area where they also serve the full menu.

I’m sure you’ve seen a photo from a meal at Jack’s Wife Freda on your Instagram feed.  The brunch menu has your standard fare but with a Middle Eastern/Greek twist. I highlllllyyyy suggest the duck bacon, orange blossom pancakes, French fries with green shakshuka sauce and the nana tea.

This is an other Instagram-worthy West Village restaurant. The décor is very and fare is very rustic Italian. If you’re going for brunch get the eggs benedict and for dinner you can’t go wrong with one of the pastas.

If you love wine, cheese and Italian food then Aria is a must! Nick and I have enjoyed many a candlelit date night here over a bottle of wine. The menu is comprised of yummy appetizer-sized dishes including oysters, pastas, burrata and bruscetta. It’s a very romantic restaurant however I’ve totally come here with a group of girlfriends. Just be prepared to possibly wait – they don’t take reservations.

Looking for a fun night out in the Meatpacking District? Catch has a restaurant that serves a mix of seafood and sushi and then on the top floor there’s a nightclub. What sets Catch apart from other similarsplaces? The food is actually really, really good. Warning: it is on the pricier side (it is Meatpacking after all) so be prepared to spend.

I’ve only been here for brunch but it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. The food is impeccable and the service on point, as expected from any Jean George-backed restaurant. Prices are expensive so it’s the type of place you come for a celebration or special occasion. Make sure you order the salted caramel popcorn ice-cream sundae! (Yes I got that at brunch)

This is the place to go for upscale Mexican in Manhattan. Nick and I recently discovered Rosie’s and it’s one of our new favorites. It’s on a really fun corner in the East Village and when the weather is nice all the walls retract so no matter where you sit you feel like you’re outdoors. Oh and the food and drinks are really, really good too.

This is always one of my no-fail last minute spots. The food and service is always great and it’s pretty easy to get a reservation since the restaurants are so large. I love how they add seasonal specials to the menu every few months– there’s always something new to try along with the classic faves like the chicken pot pie and lobster roll.

One of the best casual Italian and wood-fired pizza restaurants in the city. Super casual and great for groups! Be aware it’s cash only.

Omg the burger and shoestring fries… SO GOOD. Casual laid-back pub with amazing drinks!

Love the cozy rustic feel of this restaurant! Think exposed stone walls and wood-paneled ceilings. Equally good for brunch and dinner or a pitstop for coffee (or glass of wine.)

Rustic hearty american fare with a colonial tavern feel. By far one of the coziest restaurants in the city! It’s a bit hidden away in a small alley so many sure you Google map it.

Super laid back dining with an Australian twist and equally good for brunch or dinner. The menu is very wallet-friendly (by New York standards) and the decor is super cute. I always order the spicy Italian sausage pasta with a side of sweet potato fries.

I love meeting Nick after work for dinner and drinks at the Midtown location. Chic vibe with yummy cocktails and fresh seafood. I always order the crudo!

Amazing upscale American food and cocktails with a trendy retro vibe. It’s a great date place or restaurant to go with a group you want to impress. I can’t stop thinking about the fresh tuna crudo, burger and curly fries that I ordered the last time I was there. I also got this insane Mezcal cocktail served in a cup that looked like it was something out of The Lego Movie.

This is my favorite brunch and lunch spot in Nolita. The food is super fresh, colorful and always served creatively. You’ll want to take a picture as soon as your dishes arrived! I always get the pork cutlet sandwich– so so good. They are serve coffee in these really cool clay mugs.

This is my go-to upscale Italian restaurant. I’ve celebrated so many special occasions here with Nick and my family and have never been disappointed. Once we were even seated next to George Clooney! The service is just impeccable and the food is equally delicious.