The Spotted Pig, New York

New York is home to over 30,000 restaurants, with choice eateries falling in and out of fashion as quickly as this season's runway trends. Overwhelmed with choice, whenever I head East I always ping local friends for recommendations on their favorite bars, brunch nooks, or hidden gems. A couple years back, a photographer friend of mine turned me onto The Spotted Pig - which I make sure to squeeze in every time I visit. 

Decked out in red walls, gold gilded mirrors, and art inspired by farm animals - the aesthetic is at once quirky, hip, and rustic. With lunch options like sheep's milk ricotta gnudi with basil pesto or arctic char with baby mixed greens and a spring garlic & bacon vinaigrette, ingredients are fresh and seasonal. Some mainstays of the menu are its cubano sandwich, roquefort cheeseburger, and deviled eggs (they're so good you'll forget your name.)

INSIDER TIP

Wait times can err on the long side (especially for dinner), so I like to hit up The Spotted Pig for lunch upon opening at noon. Guaranteed spot, and a chance to explore all the amazing shopping in the West Village after I'm full !