Gehad Hadidi, the owner of Midtown institution La Bonne Soupe, opened this more personal restaurant influenced by his Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian heritage. The space feels right for a more mature date night, and serves up sharing plates of smashed cucumbers with smoked labneh and lemon zest, blistered grapes with tahini, tortellini stuffed with spiced minced beef and smothered with yoghurt, and charred, melt-in-your-mouth eggplant under a pile of crispy garlic and swimming in chilli oil (in a good way). 

For lovers of HBO’s hit show The Sopranos, you might recognise this place – the simmering setting for multiple on-screen meals (and one murder). And while not mafia members, fellow Italian-Americans like Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMaggio, and Robert De Niro have dined here over the years. Bamonte’s is, in short, East Williamsburg’s canon. Expect wood‑panel walls, chandeliers, velvet drapery, and tuxedoed servers. The bar has phone booths, a cigarette machine, and walls filled with decades of photographs and sports memorabilia. As for the food, think classic and hearty: chicken parm, penne alla vodka, baked clams oreganata, veal chops, the works.   

In a sleek, gallery-like space, this independent label is a favourite for lovers of minimalist, sculptural cuts. Designed by Yara Flinn, the brand draws inspiration from architecture and workwear, translating them into pieces like tailored trousers, structured tops, and pieces that bridge masculine and feminine. Note the bohemian jewellery, including their semiprecious stone necklaces – all hand-beaded by Flinn, and their thoughtfully sourced accessories (Salomon sneakers, Mater soap, Loam candles, etc).   

Packed with playful 60s and 70s dresses, patterned sets, patchwork denim, and colour-block bags, alongside a charming selection of home decor (the glassware) and art (the framed midcentury prints), keep a special eye out for their ethereal selection of slipdresses and pristine, tailored wool coats.