I had the most wonderful time spending a weekend in NYC with a friend in December, aka Christmastime. We filled it with so many Christmas things like the Rockettes, the Rockefeller tree, and Christmas Markets but we also had such good food and I had to commemorate it for you. Read more about what to do in NYC during Christmastime but read on here to feast your eyes on delicious food whether it’s drinks, bakeries, brunch or dinner.
Bakeries
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
Multiple, Midtown
I love when I stumble upon a new place. Aux Merveilleux de Fred was not on my list and it was such a happy coincidence. Merveilleux is a french confection, essentially a meringue topped with something like chocolate shavings or praliné. They also sell other pastries but best known for the merveilleux. The bakery started in France and has since expanded worldwide in several continents and even 3 stores in NYC itself.
Lysée
Gramercy
Lysée is the most high-end bakery you could walk into. They have a downstairs eating area where you’re served the desserts, or an upstairs takeaway shop. So beautiful and honestly the little cakes are pretty affordable, but I just didn’t have the time to try one. It’s a fusion of French, Korean, and dabble of NYC.
Tall Poppy
Chelsea
I love how much of a hole-in-the-wall Tall Poppy is. Tucked away in a quiet street, you wouldn’t know about it unless you were looking for it. It’s got so many wonderful croissant-type pastries and on their last hour of opening at 1-2pm, everything is 50% off. It took me by surprise!
L’Appartement 4F
Greenwich Village
If you’re by Tall Poppy, you might as well pop into L’Appartement 4F. I was so happy they had a Manhattan location since they are based in Brooklyn, which feels like a world away when you’re crunched on time. I think they might have started the bakery apartment idea!
Brunch
Maman
Multiple, Union Square
I first heard about Maman when I was trying to find new cookbooks. And then I absolutely fell in love with their white-blue French theme. They’re now a large local franchise in New York and all over the east coast. But I honestly really only loved the vibes. Maybe I should’ve tried more different foods but the breakfast sandwich was just so sweet. I would compare it to Tatte, based in Boston for the vibes and style of cafe but I would prefer Tatte over Maman. Both probably started out much better than they are but I love that they’re everywhere and a great place to meet up with someone too. From the limited food I enjoyed at Maman, I would say that they excel at their pastries, then their drinks, then their food.
Bluestone Lane
Multiple, Upper East Side
I had to try another local franchise! Bluestone Lane is Australian brunch inspired. And to be amply clear, this is an American chain that models the style of Australian food. I didn’t know that what I love so much about brunch food is considered more Australian fare. The greens and the bowls and avocado, and just more healthier options. Now I know there’s a name to it! I suppose you contrast it to the American brunch as french toast and benedicts. I really loved the latte I got here and overall the food was good. Just the brioche bun was severely dry. I assume that can change location to location. I did really enjoy the interior of the Upper East Side location. It is uniquely different! It’s now located as far away as California (which makes total sense given the whole avocado and health focus there).
Dinner
DDOBAR
West Chelsea
Located in West Chelsea, DDOBAR is known for their Yubu Tarts, tofu skins wrapping rice. They’re a Korean fusion omakase bar. I got to experience their $55 dinner menu, but they also have a more full menu and occasionally a lunch menu. Reservations were easy to get but I highly recommend that to make sure you have a seat in time. See the photos below for what we ate! Plus they gave us bonus mini macaroons to end the night. Basically all the fish was so fresh it was incredible.The flavors of the dashi with the scallop was the highlight of the menu and I was mindblown by how perfectly cooked the scallop was. The yubu tarts were such a cool item too, jam packed with flavor for each bite
63 Clinton
Lower East Side
This restaurant is located in the Lower East Side near plenty of hip cocktail bars. 63 Clinton serves modern American food in the cutest dishes made by a local ceramic artist. You definitely need a reservation because this place books up. Their menu can change week to week but largely similar within each season.
Again, I really loved the scallops like at DDOBAR. I don’t know why I hadn’t had such a good scallop before but they sure know how to cook them well. I thought the scrambled eggs dish was so unique. The toast was more like a Hokkaido milk bread, soft and sweet but definitely filling. My least favorite dish was probably the tri tip. But then the goat milk ice cream was so incredible. They called it a palette cleanser but to me it was more like having 2 desserts. Oh and the mom’s toffee really is a family recipe from the chef. So cute!
Also, the service here was incredible. They really paid attention to detail and every waiter/waitress was able to make good small talk with each table and they all rotated who they were serving. Every time I left the table to use the bathroom, they would fold up my napkin again. And when we noticed our candle went out, without us saying so, they relit it. I get why people pay more money for experiences like this. It’s not just the food!
Drinks
Attaboy
Lower East Side
I’ve heard mixed reviews on the wait time. We go there just after 5:30pm and only waited for about 20 minutes. But I’ve also heard that you can wait upwards of 3 hours. Consider splitting up your group and waiting in line for several options. Go get dinner and come back later if you have a long wait. Attaboy is known for their speakeasy vibes and incredible mixologists who can create a drink that’s just meant for you. There is no menu, which is great for someone like me and you can just describe what you want and they’ll make something. Like if you want something sweet or fruity or spicy. Such a cool experience. Plus, they have no sign out front. Just a random looking door.
Double Chicken Please
Lower East Side
I just love how New York City has the most unique things ever. Double Chicken Please is known for their unique cocktails. The flavors match foods you’d eat but in drink form and somehow still good too. The not so secret room is The Coop, which is the backroom of the establishment. When you wait in line to put your name down, they’ll ask if you want the front or back. Definitely check out the back if you have time to wait. I stood in line for 20 minutes and then was put on a 3.5 hour wait list that ended up being a little bit longer. At least they gave us hot tea while we waited in line in the cold?
Frame Cafe
Upper West Side, Upper East Side
A little bonus, I enjoyed a delicious strawberry matcha here! It’s cute and cozy. I love that it’s computer free on the weekend to encourage people to mingle and socialize instead of working independently.
I hope you enjoyed this roundup! Thanks to my friend Marisa for some of the recs!!
Photos taken on Canon 5D Mark IV
