While first impressions aren’t everything, they’re definitely something — especially when it comes to dining and drinking in New York City. And one of the best ways to capture your attention is with eye-catching, design-centric interiors (that are practically made for Instagramming). Check out these seven Nomad neighborhood spots near Mondrian Park Avenue, where the vibes are just as enticing as the menu offerings.
Cleo
Those craving top-notch Mediterranean eats should look no further than Cleo, conveniently tucked away in Mondrian Park Avenue. The decor brims with striking art — the painting on the ceiling is especially eye-catching — while the cuisine offers something for every type of eater, from vegans to carnivores. Customize a feast of the shared plates (the crispy Brussels sprouts and spicy cigars are especially solid) so everyone has something delicious to tuck the puffy house laffa bread into.
ABC Kitchen
Photo: ABC Kitchen
When celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened ABC Kitchen inside ABC Carpet & Home in 2010, he was among the first to usher in a more sophisticated era of organic and sustainable cooking. To align with the restaurant’s farm-to-table sensibility, the dining room — clad in a crisp, all-white palette and accented by branches and exposed wood — is a smart combination of recycled and new. Even the tableware mixes up antiques and pieces from local artisans.
SERRA by Birreria
Photo: SERRA by Birreria
Perched on Eataly NYC Flatiron’s top floor, this original restaurant and bar concept shifts personalities with the seasons. Come winter, it could be transformed into a cozy alpine lodge, while in the spring, the venue could be in full, magical bloom. In short: there’s never a bad time of year to visit, and the setting always promises be fun. One thing that doesn’t change, though, is the rustic Italian menu, in true Eataly fashion.
Atomix
Photo: Evan Sung
No list of aesthetically excellent restaurants would be complete without this contemporary Korean restaurant, owned by husband-and-wife team Junghyun and Ellia Park. At this year’s James Beard Awards, Atomix scooped up the award for Best Restaurant Design (75 Seats and Under) for its understated, yet thoroughly elegant setting of neutral tones and organic materials. Food-wise, there’s but a single multi-course tasting menu, which leads guests on an extraordinary, layered, and artful journey through Korean gastronomy.
Oscar Wilde Bar
Photo: Oscar Wilde Bar
Dedicated to the Irish literary star Oscar Wilde, this Victorian-themed bar is all about drama and opulence. In addition to the 118.5-foot-long Italian Carrara marble bar — which happens to be the city’s longest — every inch drips with meticulously-sourced vintage accents, like stained glass, wallpaper, and clocks by owners Tommy Burke and Frank McCole from their many trips to Europe.
Upland
Thanks to the creative vision of renowned studio Roman and Williams, the look of this popular Flatiron restaurant is refined, yet warm. The oak wood, dark green banquettes, and copper details lend everything a golden glow, while chef Justin Smillie’s cooking is rooted in elevated takes on everyday comforts. The pizzas are a perfectly chewy and crispy — the clam pie is a must — while the five-lettuce Caesar will satisfy without weighing you down.
Cha Cha Matcha
Photo: Cha Cha Matcha
Move over, coffee. Matcha, the Japanese finely milled green tea powder, takes the spotlight at this cheerful cafe for tea and design lovers alike. The offerings are sweet and simple (think beverages, frozen yogurt, and pastries) and the whimsical palette of hot pink and forest green is guaranteed to perk you up on even the dreariest of days (along with the buzzy drinks, of course).
Featured Photo: SERRA by Birreria
- Story by Katie Chang