From the moment I first moved to New York, I fell in love with The West Village. One of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, its winding streets are home to beautiful brownstones, so many good restaurants, delightful shops and loads of character. I take every opportunity I can to wander its little nooks and realized it was high time I shared all my favorite spots in this neighborhood. So many are favorite places this time of year and through Winter so hope you get a chance to check them out in the coming months!
Best Of West Village NYC
West Village Guide
While many of the below can be found in my comprehensive guide to New York City, this list has more detail as to why I enjoy each spot in particular.
My all time favorite breakfast spot. So cozy and my go-to when I want some time to myself. I eat at the bar and enjoy their fluffy scrambled eggs, divine French toast, Nutella crepes or croissants.
So hard to get a reservation but worth it every time. Divine pasta. Order the off the menu cacio e pepe – you won’t regret it! Some of my favorite Italian food in the city and perfectly situated right of Bleecker on a cozy little street.
Speaking of divine pasta! This place is the one, the only and a favorite special ocassion spot in the city. One of my top 5 restaurants in NYC. The spicy rigatoni pasta is as good as you’ve heard. (If not better!) Excellent, excellent Italian food.
I’m a huge fan of their veggie guac burger. This is a great spot for lunch when you want to be healthy. But, like, also get the fries :).
I love this little outpost on Bleecker of the beloved shoe brand. Their shoes are timeless in style and comfortable – perfect for West Village explorations.
Highlands is a favorite cozy bar to drink at in the Winter but it’s a great, reliable spot for cocktails year round.
Maker of one of my favorite bags and also the best customized phone cases. You can order customization and then head out for a coffee and circle back to pick it up!
No frills but just great coffee and such a cozy spot on a rainy day.
I love this spot that sits under the famed FRIENDS building. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and I highly recommend their meatballs on the menu for sharing!
Another favorite French cafe-inspired spot on a cozy corner on one of the Village’s best streets. I like it for breakfast and still need to make it there for dinner. I almost always see a celebrity at this spot.
A light, bright and divine little corner coffee shop. (Mentioned also in this post.)
This may be my favorite wine bar in the city. A great and extensive wine list and also utterly delicious small bites for sharing amongst friends.
Cash-only pasta spot that’s worth the wait. Don’t miss the gnocchi that’s the fluffiest I have ever had!
A tiny little coffee shop that’s tucked away in the village and beloved by locals. Grab your coffee and head over to The West Side highway for a stroll along the Hudson River.
My go-to spot in Greenwich village for greeting cards.
I prefer this larger location of the Soho famed eatery. Get the Mediterranean breakfast, you won’t regret it!
A fanciful interiors and gift shop. You’re sure to find a treasure when browsing the shelves.
The beautiful terrace is the reason to dine here. It’s one of the most romantic restaurants in the city at nighttime.
This used to be a go-to for cozy, casual food when I worked in the neighborhood. I love their tuna melt but all of their sandwiches are great.
Healthy, fresh food that is veggie and seasonally forward.
Split the burger and a pepperoni pizza and then afterwards let’s discuss together how good they are.
A great beauty destination to pick up clean products. You can read more about the brand here.
This is one of my go-to spots when I have friends in town. Delicious cocktails (get a Manhattan!) and great pastas. (Don’t expect much from the service however. It’s been bad every time I’ve gone.)
Don’t expect friendly service but this hole in the wall coffee shop has some of the best banana bread ever.
One of the West Village’s best secret spots. This place feels like you’re dining in someone’s private cozy bar of their country house. The burger and the drinks are excellent.
Excellent food every single time. The pasta and veggie dishes are so, so good. As are the cocktails. Do not miss ordering the farro salad. It’s famous for good reason.
A great place to go on a date and split a bunch of small dishes. It’s quaint, cozy and romantic.
Reliable Italian and a lot of seating so a good option when you don’t have a reservation but want some delicious pasta.
One of my favorite places to eat in the city. So old school New York, so cozy, so classic. And the burger and alouette potatoes are unreal. So is the chocolate souffle. So are their old fashioneds!
And let’s not forget how nice a stroll through the iconic Washington Square Park is. On my list to still visit? I Sodi & 4 Charles Prime Rib.
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Anthropologie Top (wearing a M; comes in Petite/Standard/Plus // Current/Elliot Jeans (size 27) // Cuyana Tote // Boots // Ann Taylor Headband (c/o) // Club Monaco Coat // Cluse Watch // Celine Sunglasses