For a classic Upper East Side experience in New York City, we’ve assembled a delightful list of recommendations. Here you’ll find some of our favorite spots to stay, dine, and explore, ensuring your time in the neighborhood is truly memorable.
Where to Stay: Accommodation options include some of the city’s finest hotels, including The Lowell. The Lowell exudes a distinct New York glamour and timeless elegance. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, the hotel is situated on East 63rd Street between Madison and Park Avenues. It is just a short walk from the top shopping and dining options in New York City, and only a block from Central Park.
Where to Shop: Madison Avenue offers luxury boutiques from Chanel to Prada to Bottega Veneta, and the list goes on. Hamptons favorites include Ralph Lauren, Blue & Cream, Esé Azénabor, Unsubscribed, Alice + Olivia, LoveShackFancy, Jenni Kayne, Francis Valentine, Ramy Brook, Marfa Stance, and more. For designer consignment, visit Le Closet.
Bakeries: For baked goods, Orwashers Bakery has been around since 1916 and is known for its sourdough. Levain Bakery is famous for its chocolate chip cookies, while Lady M Cake Boutique offers its iconic crêpe cakes.
Coffee Spots: Ralph’s Coffee is always a nice choice, as is Sant Ambroeus. 787 Coffee offers delicious Puerto Rican single-origin coffee. Enjoy a taste of Switzerland at Züri Coffee. Also, try the Turkish coffee at Mellow Yellow.
The Classic New York Diner: A few of our favorite diner experiences include EJ’s Luncheonette and The Mansion for classic, well-executed dishes.
Pizza Options: For Neapolitan pizza, try San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina. For a slice, we vote Salvo’s Pizza Bar. And for a fantastic brick oven pizza, it’s Patsy’s Pizzeria.
Brunch Spots: We recommend Jones Wood Foundry, a classic British pub, or Le Moulin à Café for French fare.
Lunch Favorites: A few favorites include the famous burger spot JG Melon (remember to bring cash), Avra Madison for its extensive $39.95 prix fixe, or neighborhood favorites Café d’Alsace or Via Quadronno.
Happy Hour: Amali offers an aperitivo hour from 5 to 7 PM on weekdays with $10 cocktails. Felice 64 has a happy hour in the bar area daily from 4 to 6 PM. The Bar Room includes happy hour daily from 3 to 6 PM.
For Dinner: At Orsay, you’ll find classic French brasserie fare. At Daniel, enjoy a decadent tasting menu by world-famous chef Daniel Boulud at his flagship restaurant. Heidi’s House offers a warm and inviting dining experience for good food and conversation. At Sushi of Gari, enjoy Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine. The rustic trattoria, Sfoglia, is cozy and romantic.
Specialty Cocktails: For the perfectly crafted cocktail, look no further than some of the best hotels, including The Lounge at Casa Tua at The Surrey, Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle, or Jacques Bar at The Lowell. Casa Cruz is another great option, located in a historic six-story Beaux-Arts townhouse. Above the 2nd Ave Deli, find creative cocktails at 2nd Floor Bar & Essen. Enjoy a cocktail at NR, a Japanese cocktail and ramen bar.
Afternoon Tea: Enjoy classic afternoon tea at Majorelle, with the Lily of the Valley Afternoon Tea in collaboration with Dior Maison.
Spa Treatments: Spots to relax and book an exceptional treatment or spa day include AIRE Ancient Baths, The Spa at Equinox (with locations at East 63rd, 74th, 85th, and 92nd Streets), wellness at The Mark offering The Mark Signature Sturmglow Facial by Dr. Barbara Sturm, and The Surrey Spa with Sisley Paris.
Fitness Classes: Neighborhood classes include Real Pilates, Elements Barre Fitness, SLT, Barry’s, Kevyn Zeller Pilates, and SoulCycle.
A Sweet Treat: La Maison du Chocolat Madison for fine chocolate, BonBon for Swedish candy, and there’s always the viral hot chocolates at Glace.
Museums: Attractions abound on Museum Mile, where you can visit iconic institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick Collection, and The Guggenheim.