All My Favourite Spots In London, New York, Paris And Milan
When it comes to eating out, I’m can be fussy… but only in the best way. Great food is obviously a non-negotiable, but the real standouts tick all my boxes: cocktails that are actually made properly (if you bring me a margarita with bottled lime juice, I’m leaving), ice-cold champagne, a vibey atmosphere and service that makes you feel like you’ve walked into your second home. Basically, I want good times and even better flavours. As fashion month is coming up, these are the spots I keep going back to in the major fashion cities – from London to Milan, via Paris and NYC. So, save these babies for your next trip…
London
Obviously, starting with my home! Honestly, this list was almost impossible to pull together, as if you know London, there’s cool new places popping up all the time so my list is ever growing. These are some favourites that I always come back to:
Tucked into the buzz of Borough Market, Elliott’s is just one of those places that nails everything. The food is fresh, seasonal, and beyond delicious, and the team makes you feel instantly at ease. Order the honey corn (trust me, it’s heaven) and don’t even think about leaving without the cheese puffs. Oh, and yes, the cocktails are as good as the vibe.
Cool without trying too hard… that’s Rita’s. This little spot is a cocktail lover’s dream (the bartenders know what they’re doing) and the food is as fun as it is tasty. You have to get the Jalapeño Popper Gilda, it’s a spicy little bite of joy, and the fried chicken Caesar salad is basically comfort food with a glow-up.
A true Soho institution. Think bustling brasserie, white tiles and the freshest seafood in town. There’s a reason people call this one of London’s greats. Start with the classic prawn cocktail and then go in on the oysters. Ice cold Champagne here is a must.
If you haven’t been to Ronnie’s yet, add it to your list immediately. This legendary jazz club is one of my favourite places to escape to: live music, a cosy atmosphere, and cocktails that hit just right. Order the steak if you’re hungry and wash it down with a Singapore Sling while enjoying amazing music.
For when you want spice, fun, and food that packs a punch, Smoking Goat is unbeatable. The BBQ spareribs are sticky, messy and everything you want them to be, while the Tom Yum Pollack noodles are incredible. Great for sharing, if you’re the kind of person who shares…
Paris
Does anyone else feel like they’re living in Paris? Every time I go I want to pinch myself because of the vibes. When in Paris, I always want to eat and drink well:
Jazz, cocktails, and beautifully cooked food. Mondaine is a proper Parisian night out. The live music is a whole vibe, and the beef tenderloin tartare is a must. Pair it with their signature cocktail and you’re golden.
Tucked beside the Hoxton, Bambou serves up some of the best Thai food in the city. It’s chic, buzzy, and perfect for late-night eats before heading out dancing. Order the Tom Kah Gai soup. Actually, order two. You’ll thank me later.
Dinner that turns into a party? Um, YES. Hasaalon is a full-on experience, from the food (the bavette à l’échalotte is incredible) to the way the dining room transforms into a dance floor. Expect to end up on your chair at some point.
If you’re serious about cocktails, this is your mecca. LRD’s drinks are works of art! Creative, balanced and full of unexpected flavour. Go for the Precision cocktail. It is the best!
This one’s iconic. Just across from the Louvre, Café Ruc is where fashion insiders perch for hours. Service? Chaotic at best. But the people-watching? Next level. And the burger? The best in Paris.
New York City
New York, Neeeewwww York! A city that needs no introduction, full of amazing spots to eat:
Order the onion skins. That’s all. Honestly, they’re reason enough to book a flight.
Old school glamour with martinis that taste like they’ve been perfected over decades. Sip one in their lush lobby bar and pretend you’re in a film.
The first pizzeria in America (though… aren’t they all?) and still one of the best. Crispy, chewy, cheesy perfection. Grab a slice and live your best NYC life.
History, art and cocktails collide here. The Hotel Chelsea bar feels effortlessly cool, with that old-world New York charm you just can’t fake.
Gluten-free heaven. Their cheese toastie with tomato soup is hands-down the best comfort food combo in the city.
Right in the heart of Brera/Moscova, this gem is all about incredible pasta and a killer wine list.
Just a short stroll from the Duomo, this spot is all about authenticity. No frills, just traditional Milanese food done beautifully. Low-key, laid-back, and seriously delicious.
Think Milanese classics, but with a modern twist. The ingredients are insanely fresh, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay all night.
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Stylish, vibrant, and home to some of the best fish dishes in the city. Plus, the vibe is just effortlessly cool.
Packed for a reason. This central spot near the station serves fish so fresh it almost swims onto your plate.
And not forgetting, bars in Milan:
Half-restaurant, half-party. Dinner turns into a full-on club scene, with everyone dancing on chairs between the tables. Iconic.
Set in the Navigli area (basically Milan’s Shoreditch), this bar is just plain cool. The cocktails are next-level, and the space has that mix of industrial and chic down perfectly.
Another Milan must. Quirky, stylish, and home to seriously inventive cocktails. A perfect pre-dinner pitstop.
So, there you have it, a little round-up of some of my absolute favourite spots across London, Paris, NYC and Milan. Each one ticks the boxes: amazing food, properly made cocktails and vibes that keep you coming back. Whether you want a low-key dinner, a wild night that ends in dancing on tables, or just the best burger in Paris, these places deliver. Honestly, narrowing this list down was torture because there are so many more. So, please give me your recommendations for more as I’m always up for trying a recommendation!
Love,
Lisa xx