The Best of New York

…

A post shared by Lure Fishbar (@lurefishbar)

Lure was one of the first restaurants that enchanted me on my early trips to New York. It was a rainy day and I couldn’t find the restaurant for the life of me, since it’s tucked away in the attic of the men’s Prada store in SoHo. I had read on some blogs that it was one of the best brunches in the city—well, it’s not only the best brunch but also the best lunch, dinner, and spot for drinks.

I love Lure because it offers a bit of everything—the venue is interesting, the location is great, and the food is simply wonderful, especially the Maine Lobster Mac & Cheese and the Lychee Martini, my favorite dish and drink at the restaurant.

And although it’s located in an attic, the restaurant’s concept is very intriguing and draws a crowd. Imagine a boat where you have to go down stairs to access the interior; Lure was designed to give you that sensation. Keep in mind that even though it’s very trendy and reservations are always necessary, it’s a place you must visit when you’re here.

Indochine was created by two partners, Michael Callahan and Jean-Marc Houmard, who, in addition to being very focused, are great experts in New York nightlife—they know everyone and everything—and also own Aqmi and The Nines.

Indochine always has the most important people dining there, and you can bet that when you go, you’ll likely run into a celebrity, since the place is considered a hub for these stars—especially those from the fashion and art worlds—and is also known as one of the official meeting spots for Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The Asian menu is full of delicious options, and my favorite dish is the Steamed Chilean Sea Bass. As for drinks, Indochine is another perfect place to try a Lychee Martini.

The decor is incredible—the iconic botanical wallpaper has appeared in many films and series, and one of the most photographed spots at Indochine is the vintage telephone booth in the bathroom. In addition, the hostesses are very interesting, beautiful, and dress in a unique style.

Balthazar, founded by Keith McNally, is, in my opinion, my Sunday church, because every Sunday afternoon you would find me at Balthazar’s bar ordering a burger and a drink.

The place is very busy, so to get a table you need to arrive early—or if you prefer to experience more of New York’s bar culture, the Balthazar bar counter is a great spot to sit.

The restaurant has won an award for consistency, meaning they always use the same suppliers and ingredients, ensuring you won’t have different experiences when dining there. It’s a place where the quality of both the food and the atmosphere is guaranteed.

Sant Ambroeus is known for presenting Italy in a very interesting and different way than we’re used to, making it truly special. It’s frequented by influential people from the fashion world like Anna Wintour and various models during NYFW.

For me, the Bolognese pasta is the standout dish on the menu of pastas and wines, which is also incredible and worth ordering. Just like Balthazar, Sant Ambroeus is also known for its consistency and is loved by New Yorkers.

To make the experience even more complete, last summer Sant Ambroeus gelateria opened next to the SoHo restaurant, so when the weather is warmer, dining at Sant Ambroeus and ending the night with a gelato and a nice walk through the streets of New York is a great outing.

Perfect for Saturday brunches, Café Cluny offers a variety of incredible dishes for those who love breakfast food all day long. Both the omelettes and the burgers—especially the tuna ones—are spectacular and definitely experiences that should be lived.

For those who enjoy an intimate and classic spot near the West Village, Café Cluny is the perfect place to visit. Being a small café, it’s likely to be busy during your visit, but every second is worth it to try the dishes they offer.

Located in the heart of SoHo on West Broadway, Cipriani Downtown offers the classic drinks from Harry’s Bar in Italy, and all the classic dishes served at the restaurant can not only be enjoyed on-site but are also available for take-out and delivery.

Menu favorites include the Prosciutto Tagliolini, the classic sparkling Bellini, and, of course, the freshly made gelato which is wonderful. Although the price is a bit higher, it’s still worth it to celebrate special occasions.

Although very well-known in Brazil, Fasano has just opened its doors in New York’s Midtown. And before I continue talking about it, it’s worth noting that the Fasano Hotel and Fasano Restaurant are completely different places.

The Fasano restaurant is one of the most special spots in the city right now—so much so that Woody Allen was there a few days ago and, every time you’re there, you’re bound to run into someone important.

The food is impeccable—I was invited to attend the restaurant’s opening week, and everything was spectacular, just as we can always expect from the Fasano group.

Another super special place and a New York favorite is Jean-Georges at The Mark. Like many others, this restaurant also requires a reservation to be frequented because of the number of guests it serves every day.

When I moved to New York and was living at The Coraline and The Siri, since I was working late with the team in Brazil, this was the only restaurant open until 3 AM, and I would always go there for dinner and lunch—lunch which was almost always accompanied by Bruce Willis, haha.

Mamo, run by my friend Mike Mamo, is chosen to end the list on a high note. The restaurant, which has existed for almost eight years, is the best place to eat truffle pizza in New York.

In addition, the restaurant offers other French and Italian classics such as the Alcachofra alla Juliet, a dish popular among the Jewish community in Italy. The desserts are also wonderful; the vanilla cake is a must-eat to end the night.