New York City is a destination we at NUDIENT keep coming back to. It’s alive, unapologetic, and full of energy.
This guide pulls from different trips over the years. Some solo, some with the team, and one for the co-founder’s bachelor party. It’s a mix of late nights, pizza slice testing, restaurant moments that stuck, and the kind of places that made us want to come back. Not everything is in here. Only the ones we’d return to.
How to start the day
Don’t skip a morning run in Central Park. When the sun hits the trees and the city’s just waking up, there’s nothing like it. Fresh air, soft light, and that quiet New York hum before everything speeds up, it’s the kind of start that sets the tone for the whole day.
At Clinton St. Baking Co. in the heart of New York’s Lower East Side you’ll find a cozy yet buzzing brunch spot full of character. We recommend the pancakes - indulgent, perfectly stacked, and worth every bite.
A cozy French restaurant and bar found in a charming neighborhood. Ideal for breakfast in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening. We were there for breakfast and had a croissant and jambon cru.
Our NYC Slice Shortlist
As widely known, New York is home to some of the best pizza slices in the world, and we’ve made it a point to try a lot of them. From late-night stops to planned detours, here are the ones that stood out.
Best plain slice thanks to house‑milled flour.
Thin and crusty crust; the burrata slice is a must.
That sesame crust alone makes the trip worth it.
The sauce has a sweetness that hits every time.
Sweet tomato, fresh basil, and a little crunch at the edge.
Not pizza, but solid spots for when you just need something quick and dirty:
Get a Miller High life (aka The champagne of beers), a burger and just enjoy the rest of your day.
An institution, NYC’s oldest deli. We loved Carnegie Deli but when the 7th Ave location closed in 2016, Katz is the place to visit. Root beer and a pastrami sandwich. Just perfect!
Restaurants That Always Deliver
A legendary French brasserie in the heart of SoHo, buzzing from morning to late night. A favorite amongst the team at NUDIENT is the steak frites, a classic New York dining moment that always delivers.
Originally a natural wine bar, now a Michelin-starred staple in Williamsburg. It was packed when we arrived, but the staff still managed to squeeze us in. Casual, intimate and easy to enjoy. We shared a few dishes, including an incredible wagyu, and tried one of the best wines we’ve had. Since then, they’ve opened Nightmoves next door, a bar worth heading to if you’re not ready to call it a night.
Modern American dishes with a strong wine focus. Despite its Michelin star, the atmosphere is casual and the service relaxed. Started with cocktails before moving on to the wine selection they’re known for. The menu leans small and shareable. Can still recall the endive salad. Simple, but packed with flavor.
A Japanese-inspired set menu served in the basement below Air’s Champagne Parlor. The night starts with each guest picking a song from the vinyl menu to set the mood. One ABBA track made it in. Fun, loud, and hard not to enjoy. It ended with a Detroit-style pizza, a perfect twist after a dinner that didn’t stay quiet.
Incredible ramen and bao buns, both lived up to the hype. We sat at the counter, which gave us the best view of the kitchen in full motion. The cocktail menu is also worth trying.
Lola brings the magic of the Greek Isles to SoHo with a lively atmosphere and a clear commitment to the freshest ingredients. We really enjoyed the vibe and shared a mix of standouts: house-made hummus, grilled octopus over hummus, spanakopita spring rolls, lavraki, grilled Australian lamb chops, and the marinated New York strip. Everything felt fresh and well-executed.
Bars Worth Finding
A Japanese-inspired listening bar where music leads the experience. Greeted at the door with a handshake, making the moment feel personal. The vinyl collection runs deep and the atmosphere stays low-key, letting the music do the talking. A great spot to unwind solo. Tried the Sakura Serenity and a Suntory The Premium Malt.
Maison Premiere in Brooklyn felt like stepping into New Orleans’ gilded age with its vintage absinthe fountain, marble bar, NOLA-inspired cocktails, incredible oysters, and the best absinthe service we’ve seen in New York. The tableside Old King Cole Martini and the charming garden of a French Quarter courtyard turned the whole experience into a taste of the Big Easy in the Big Apple.
A casual, cozy wine bar without a printed list. You tell the staff what you’re into, and they’ll take it from there, often pouring a few to try. A relaxed way to explore new wines and find new favourites.
Hidden behind an unmarked door on East 4th Street, KGB Bar feels like stepping into another time. The dim red light, Soviet-era posters, and vintage velvet create an atmosphere that’s equal parts kitsch and charm.
Once a Ukrainian social club, it’s now one of New York’s most beloved literary bars - where writers, poets, and curious locals gather for nightly readings and cheap vodka. Upstairs, the Red Room hosts small performances and jazz nights that feel wonderfully out of step with the city’s chaos below.
Optional Late Night Adventure
We caught Carlita, Elkka, and Regularfantasy at a Teksupport night in Brooklyn, and it was pure good energy. Nothing over the top, just great music, and a dedicated crowd.
