Neighbourhoods
Tribeca
There’s new life in this wealthy enclave
Tribeca might be known as New York’s most expensive postcode but there’s much more to the Lower Manhattan neighbourhood than its celebrity-studded apartment buildings. New hospitality openings, such as the Warren Street Hotel, are injecting fresh energy and a touch of architectural whimsy into Tribeca’s sometimes austere industrial landscape. Shop for one-of-a-kind womenswear at Bode Women’s, the sister shop to the brand’s flagship menswear store in Chinatown, and add some cosy designer staples to your closet at Nili Lotan, which has two separate boutiques in Tribeca.
To eat, head to Frenchette, a bistro opened in 2018 by two former Balthazar chefs, or Casa, a tiny Brazilian restaurant and local favourite. There’s also French- and American-inspired Eulalie, which has no website and only takes reservations by phone, and seasonal, contemporary restaurant Forge.
Carroll Gardens
A pitch-perfect Brooklyn hangout
Brooklyn is full of greenery and restaurants but Carroll Gardens in the borough’s northwest stands out for its immaculate brownstones, rich variety of bistros and boutiques, and its convenient proximity to Manhattan. As a historically Italian-American neighbourhood, it boasts plenty of laid-back trattorias and pizzerias such as Sociale, Barbalu and Frankies 457 Spuntino. Other culinary highlights include Shan (for Chinese), Soboku (for Japanese), Zabb PuTawn (for Thai) and Nili (for hummus and shawarma).
Shop for stylish menswear, shoes and accessories at Ven Space, a minimalist multi-brand boutique on Court Street, and browse for your next read with a drink in hand at Liz’s Book Bar, an independent bookshop with a café that serves coffee and wine. Best of all, the riverfront and scenic Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a pleasant park with stunning views of downtown Manhattan, are just a short walk away.
Nolita
It might be small but it packs in culture and character
Tiny Nolita, short for “north of Little Italy”, is a testament to the sheer density of New York’s attractions. Though technically composed of just a handful of streets before becoming Chinatown, Little Italy or Soho, Nolita has an undeniable character of its own. Brimming with galleries, bars and independent boutiques, you could spend days just touring the art on offer in its galleries. Check out Alanna Miller, Andrew Edlin and Westwood for top-notch contemporary work. In terms of retail, there’s Brooklyn-based designer Corridor, known for its comfortable and stylish menswear, while multi-brand womenswear shop Oroboro is a must-visit for discovering lesser-known designers from around the world. Satisfy your print craving at Iconic Magazines, which stocks thousands of titles, from the mainstream to the truly underground. In the evening squeeze into cocktail bar Mother’s Ruin for excellent drinks and a spot of people-watching.
