For the fashion crowd, it’s not just about where to be seen, but also where to experience the best in culinary and ambiance. From elegant bistros to exclusive hotspots, here are the top restaurants setting the stage for fashionable dining this season. Whether you’re looking for a taste of European elegance, a downtown cocktail hideaway, or a luxurious uptown experience, these restaurants have captured the attention of the city’s trendsetters.
Le Dive
If you want casual French elegance…
For those seeking a slice of Parisian cool in NYC, Le Dive is the place to be. Located on the bustling Lower East Side, this chic, French-inspired bistro has become a favorite among the fashion crowd. With its terrazzo tables, checkered floors, and effortlessly cool vibe,
Le Dive offers a casual yet elegant atmosphere perfect for people- watching. The menu, featuring natural wines and simple French bites like oysters and steak tartare, draws in models, designers, and editors alike, making it a favorite among the city’s many restaurants as a hotspot for pre-show drinks or leisurely evenings.
Jean’s
If you want farm fresh ingredients with a side of downtown cool…
Since opening last fall, Jean’s has quickly become the new favorite hangout for NYC’s in-the-know crowd. This new-American bistro, crafted by industry veterans Max Chodorow, Ashwin Deshmukh, and Bernardo Metsch, offers a blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary flair with a menu featuring refined yet approachable dishes like Tuna au Poivre and Farm Chicken, all made with produce ingredients from Chodorow’s own New Hope, Pennsylvania farm. The cozy, warm atmosphere—complete with mirrored walls to catch all the action in the buzzy dining room, a fireplace, and a marble bar—makes Jean’s restaurant the perfect destination for intimate dinners or lively nights out, especially during Fashion Week.
Raf’s
If you are looking for European sophistication with downtown flair…
The latest from the team behind the Michelin-starred Musket Room, Raf’s has quickly established itself as a fashionable retreat. Inspired by the grand cafés of Italy and France, Raf’s combines old-world sophistication with downtown flair. The century-old space, once home to Parisi Bakery, now features a blend of feminine elegance and eclectic charm, with candle-lit tables, vintage chandeliers, and intricate mosaic floors. With an all-day menu curated by James Beard-nominated chefs Mary Attea and Camari Mick, Raf’s is the de facto cafeteria for the fashion set.
Caviar Kaspia
If you want a swish uptown experience…
Caviar Kaspia, the legendary Parisian eatery, has made its mark on New York with a chic new location at The Mark Hotel. Combining the elegance of Paris with New York’s sophisticated vibe, this venue is where the city’s fashion elite come to indulge. Designed by Jacques Grange, the restaurant exudes luxury with emerald green mohair banquettes and a striking Belgian Black marble bar. The menu, which celebrates the “Art of Caviar,” includes indulgent dishes like the iconic – and oft-Instagrammed – twice-baked potato with caviar. With its deep roots in the fashion world and collaborations with designers like Jacquemus, Casa Blanca and Giambattista Valli, Caviar Kaspia is not just a dining spot—it’s a lifestyle experience.leisurely evenings.
The Nines
If you want an exclusive late night hangout with old-school vibes…
Nestled in NoHo, The Nines has quickly become a go-to for New York’s style set. This opulent piano bar, with its rich red interiors, plush velvet seating, and glittering chandeliers, channels the allure of Old Hollywood while offering a modern nightlife experience. The Nines is where the city’s fashion crowd unwinds after a day of shows, drawn by its intimate yet grand ambiance. The expertly curated cocktail menu only adds to the venue’s appeal, making it the ideal spot for those in the know.
