NYC Notes: Le Orsine Fav Spots in the City

Every time I come to New York, it feels like a completely different city.

There’s always a new place to discover, a new restaurant opening, or a friend to catch up with. It’s intense, dynamic, and honestly, a month wouldn’t be enough to see it all.

I lived in the U.S. for five years, and this was my 24th visit to NYC. You’d think I’d know it by now… but it still feels surreal. Places I loved have disappeared, new ones have taken their place, and the city keeps evolving in the most unexpected ways.

There are a few rituals that never change for me.

Breakfast is sacred.
It has to start with a proper cappuccino - Milanese style - from Sant Ambroeus. I also have a soft spot for Starbucks matcha (I know, controversial 😄), which I love to grab to-go and sip while walking through the city.

Museums are a must!
Even on a short trip, I always make time for one. This time I visited the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side - the last time I was there, I was a child. It felt surreal, almost like stepping into Night at the Museum.

Movement in NYC hits differently.
I used to love SoulCycle, but this trip was too short to fit in a class. Instead, I went for a run in Central Park - intense, hilly, and very different from the flat parks of Milan. But the views? Absolutely worth it.

And of course, NYC is about people.
Lunches, dinners, drinks. Catching up with friends is always the highlight.

A few spots I loved this time:

Bar Pisellino
A trendy, very Milanese-style aperitivo spot. The Aperol Spritz was perfectly balanced. One note: chips are extra (and with tips not included), which feels very un-Italian, I’d rather pay more for the drink and have everything included like we do in Italy.

The Polo Bar (Ralph Lauren)
Elegant, classic, very American. It reminded me of the same restaurant of Ralph Lauren in Milan. Definitely one of NYC’s “it” spots right now. Getting a table? Not easy, the waiting list is real: one month. 

Dante
Always a favorite. Great for lunch or drinks, with a timeless NYC vibe with international friends who like to drink Spritz for Lunch. 

The Standard Grill
Perfect for a relaxed meal in the Meatpacking District. 

Maman
Easy, cozy brunch spot, simple and always a good idea.

Walks, sights & moments

I walked everywhere: over 100,000 steps in just 4 days. From the Upper East Side to the Upper West, through the West Village, Meatpacking, and SoHo.

I visited the Vessel and the 9/11 Memorial,  both incredibly powerful in very different ways.

And of course, a bit of shopping: from global staples like Sephora to cool local NYC brands like New York or Nowhere. 

New York never stays the same,  and that’s exactly why I keep going back.

Until next time,
NYC. 

xx 

Orsola