Zaynab Issa's guide to NYC: 15 of the best spots to dine, shop and enjoy art

A slice of Paris in TriBeCa, Fouquet’s New York blends Art Deco opulence with brasserie tradition. As the first U.S. outpost of France’s famed Groupe Barrière, the hotel delivers a boutique, luxuriously intimate experience with vibrant French-inspired dining—including the iconic Brasserie Fouquet’s led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire—plus refined amenities like a spa, cinematic screening room, and members-only rooftop. 

“I fell in love with the Art Deco details and spacious rooms by New York City standards. Perfectly located in sleepy TriBeCa, it's in close proximity to the bustling parts of downtown Manhattan, making it the perfect escape.”

This Italian-American spot from Major Food Group reimagines red-sauce nostalgia with high-concept flair. Set inside the landmark Puck Building on Mulberry Street, it channels the nostalgic glamour of Little Italy while offering a distinctly modern, exuberant take on New York dining. Expect dishes like clam boule and duck alla griglia in a tightly edited space that’s buzzing but never chaotic. 

“A truly perfect restaurant in NoLiTa. No order is wrong, but the cucumbers New Yorkese, the tortellini pomodoro, and the affogato are perfect.”

Named after Marina Abramović’s 1974 performance, Rhythm Zero is a hangout that embraces the artsy side of coffee culture, often collaborating with local creators and artisans, like Issa herself. For a limited time, the Greenpoint branch featured Issa’s Strawberry Rose Matcha & Gahwa Cortado.

“With locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan, this chic coffee shop is a great place for a quick reset. I frequent their largest location in Greenpoint.”

La Cabra brings Scandinavian coffee culture and minimalist design to New York City, blending Nordic aesthetics with a focus on quality, intentionality, and calm. With locations in the East Village and SoHo, the café channels a serene yet stylish vibe. There’s a sense of crafted precision from the coffee bar to the bread and pastries, reflecting La Cabra’s roots as a celebrated Danish coffee roaster and bakery. 

“No one does a cardamom bun and a cortado better. Their pastries are available at select Kettl Tea branches if you prefer matcha sometimes (I know I do).”

With its mashup of diner nostalgia and inventive Thai cooking, Thai Diner delivers a playful atmosphere and crowd-pleasing dishes like Disco Fries and crab fried rice. The setting is homey yet bustling, and the adventurous menu keeps regulars and in-the-know locals coming back for both brunch and dinner. 

“A creative and laid back approach to classic Thai flavours.”

Still a cornerstone of curated fashion in NYC, Bergdorf’s is Issa’s pick for designer shopping that feels immersive rather than transactional. The beauty floor is a particular draw, housing niche and legacy brands under one marbled roof.

“An iconic New York City shopping destination. Browse the windows, then the jewelry department and make your way to the Shoe Salon to peruse the latest arrivals.”

Monkey Bar in Midtown Manhattan is a legendary, Jazz Age-inspired hotspot that fuses old-school glamour with modern energy. With its iconic wraparound mural, deep red leather booths, and soft, jazz-club lighting, the space transports you straight into classic New York—think retro elegance with a side of see-and-be-seen buzz. 

“This old-school haunt is a crowd pleaser. The menu features so many American classics, but the standouts are the burger and French dip. And, if you ask me, their spicy rigatoni rivals Carbone’s.”

Restoration Hardware Guesthouse or RH Guesthouse in New York’s Meatpacking District delivers a uniquely exclusive, lifestyle-driven hospitality experience. The vibe is adults-only, ultra-private, and intentionally camera-shy (guests are even asked not to post on social media), making it a retreat for travelers who value discretion and luxury. Guests have priority access to the RH Dining Room—where live-fire cooking, caviar, and Champagne are served—in a setting reminiscent of a high-end design gallery. 

“With no social media, it's as if this space wants to stay hidden. The Guesthouse restaurant sits in the brand's hotel in the Meatpacking District. Their fries are among my favourite-always ask for a side of Dijon.”

This Upper East Side museum focuses on design in all its forms—from interactive installations to typography exhibitions. It's a quieter stop, but deeply engaging.

“One of my favorites on Museum Mile, the architecture alone is worth swooning over. The design museum houses an impressive permanent collection, but check the website for details on current special exhibitions.”

Apollo Bagels brings a fresh, modern twist to New York’s classic bagel scene, making it a must-visit for carb lovers and food adventurers alike. With stylish shops in Williamsburg, East Village, West Village, and FiDi, Apollo attracts a hip crowd in search of top-tier breakfast and brunch. 

“‘The best bagel in New York' is a debate no one wants to get into, but this is where I stand.”

Little Flower Café is a cozy and popular café located in Astoria, known for its carefully brewed coffee, specialty desserts, and teas. It offers a creative and welcoming atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors. 

“A third culture cafe owned by two first generation American-Afghan friends. The menu is a unique perspective on the many cuisines that collide in Queens. Must-tries include the fini donut, gochujang chicken sandwich and short rib sandwich.”

Radio Bakery is indeed a highly popular Brooklyn bakery, known for its creative pastries, both sweet and savory tarts, and draws large crowds in its Greenpoint and Prospect Heights locations. It is frequented by a design-conscious, food-savvy clientele and is often cited as part of a newer wave of minimalist, high-quality neighborhood bakeries in NYC.

“No matter what time of day you visit, Radio Bakery will have something worth trying. The tomato focacciahseasonal croissant, pistachio croissants, sesame scallion twist, and tuna sandwich are personal favorites.”

This café stands out for its celebrated matcha drinks like the viral strawberry matcha latte, a variety of Japanese-inspired lattes, and Japanese pastries. The space is small but charming, dog-friendly, and accented with cute cat-themed goods. While indoor seating is limited, there's outdoor seating available, making it a great spot for matcha lovers and those seeking a distinctively Japanese café experience in Brooklyn.

“This quaint Japanese cafe with two locations in Brooklyn serves up a truly Atherworldly Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte. Order it with ‘less strawberry’ if you don't have a huge sweet tooth like me.”

Sami’s Kabab House is an authentic Afghan restaurant with locations in Astoria and Long Island City, New York. It is known for its traditional Afghan cuisine featuring dishes like lamb shank, mantu dumplings, borani banjan (eggplant), Uzbeki qabuli pulao, lamb kababs, and firnee (Afghan pudding).

“A great, laid back option in Queens for Afghan food. Order the Mantu Dumplings and Uzbeki Qabuli Pulaoi.”

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