Around for nearly 50 years, Carmine & Sons possesses arguably the best slice in New York: the vodka grandma slice. Rectangular with crispy edges, melted globby discs of fresh mozzarella, a rich creamy sauce, and medium density, this pizza is a gem of the neighbourhood. Order it at the counter and eat at one of the wobbly little side tables. Don’t forget to add extra grated parmesan from the glass shaker and chilli flakes for a kick. On the other side of the wall is the restaurant’s sit-down space, where families can be found tucking into big pasta dishes. We recommend getting your slice to go.

By day, Land to Sea serves Asian-inspired drinks such as mandarin latte and ginger latte, on top of other coffee and tea selections; in the evenings, it moonlights as an intimate creative venue, hosting events such as mahjong nights, wine tastings and art workshops. For Emily Shum and Eva Zhou – Land to Sea’s co-founders – the cafe is a love letter to their Asian-American upbringing and a homage to their immigrant families. 

The sister shop to LEIF’s original Grand Street outpost, this women’s clothing brand is a blend of earthy apparel, accessories, and footwear, with the pastoral home goods the brand is known for. Between the gauzy blouses, linen throws, and swooping ceramics, it feels like a wholesome slice of upstate New York in the middle of the city.   

This cosy, mystical boutique marries a beguiling mix of ’80s and ’90s apparel (the jackets and dresses have a slightly more tailored, glam feel at times – like shearlings and a slew of floor-length garments) with curios like crystals, incense, and tarot decks. A cheeky marriage of fashion and ritual.