Few figures in the food world stir both excitement and fear in chefs like Top Chef judge and executive producer, Gail Simmons. Known for championing culinary talent worldwide, Simmons brings a discerning eye from her Toronto roots to New York City, which she now calls home. Although she's a global jet setter—check out her bestselling 2017 cookbook, featuring inspiration from her far-flung travels—Simmons is deeply attuned to New York's dining scene and its ever-evolving roster of culinary gems.
Her favorites range from tried and true staples, like Crown Shy and Una Pizza Napoletana, to buzzy newcomers such as Penny and Raf's. For Simmons, the dining experience extends beyond the plate; it’s about the vibe and the people behind it. Whether she's grabbing fresh air at Governors Island or catching a Broadway show, this ethos shapes her off-duty life too.
Here, Simmons shares with her top spots for dining in New York City and enjoying the Big Apple to its core with the MICHELIN Guide.
New York has its fair share of seafood spots — any favorites?
Penny is my new favorite take on a breezy seafood and wine bar, from the team at Claud restaurant (downstairs). The room is so bright and full of great NYC energy and the short, intentional menu is mouthwatering.Ice cream also seems to be a trend that continues to gain steam. Are there any standout spots for a scoop?
It’s impossible for me to resist an ice cream cone, and Cafe Panna is NYC’s best. The flavors are playful, creative, and crave-able, and the quality of the scoops cannot be matched. I rarely walk by without grabbing a pint to take home for later.
Of all the burger joints in New York, which is your favorite?
Hamburger America. There are dozens of burger joints in New York and George Motz spent decades dutifully studying them all (plus hundreds more around the country!) before opening his own. His diligence and passion have paid off in spades with the most delicious smash burgers and egg creams you can imagine. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the egg salad either; it rivals even the most acclaimed in town.
You’ve mentioned that Brooklyn is home. What is one neighborhood staple?
Sailor—a collaboration between beloved restaurateur Gabe Stolman and gifted chef April Bloomfield, this tiny Brooklyn restaurant is just what the neighborhood needed. I especially love sitting at the bar for brunch.
You can’t walk a city block without stumbling on an Italian restaurant. Do any favorites come to mind?
Although I adore all of chef Missy Robbins's restaurants, it’s her beautiful, low-key pasta counter and garden, Misi Pasta, that I dream about the most. I cannot think of a more ideal spot for lunch or casual dinner. She also sells her fresh pasta, sauces, and a selection of favorite ingredients in the front market. I highly recommend splurging on marinated artichokes, eggplant, or anchovies so you can bring a little of her impeccable taste home.
Are there any cool, downtown spots that you’re loving right now?
Every time I eat at Raf’s I wonder how NYC ever functioned without it. The female team behind the MICHELIN-Starred Musket Room has created the quintessential downtown hangout, at once glamorous, cozy, and entirely unassuming.
With so many great pizzerias in New York, which stands out to you as the best?
Una Pizza Napoletana—New York is not lacking in pizza excellence (to the point of being almost cliché), but chef Anthony Mangieri stands shoulders above the rest, in my opinion. His total commitment to the craft is impressive and extends far beyond just pie. He’s obsessive in the very best way, and luckily we get to reap the benefits
What’s one restaurant that could only exist in New York City?
Chef James Kent was a visionary, seamlessly able to connect his incomparable fine dining experience with a love of hip-hop culture, street art, and especially his deep connection to New York City. Crown Shy is the manifestation of this singular vision and eating there was and always will be a delicious thrill. His untimely death earlier this year left a scar on our community that won't easily heal, but I am so grateful to have Crown Shy as a place to honor his memory and savor the dishes he so lovingly created.
These days, it seems that so many hot restaurants are sprouting up in Williamsburg. Are there any you find particularly special?
Francie — stepping into Francie, on a rowdy corner in Williamsburg, can be somewhat disarming in its sense of calm and confidence amidst the outside chaos. Industry vet John Winterman has made it his mission to create the most welcoming dining destination, perfect for every celebration. Francie truly takes care of you, from cocktails to food to their impeccable sense of hospitality.
Fine dining in New York is known for its attention to detail. Are there any places where you’ve found that the care put into every aspect, from the food to the setting, are exemplary?
I have to preface that I love every one of Chef Junghyun and partner Ellia Park’s restaurants, from Atoboy to Seoul Salon. But if you live in New York and care about fine dining, Atomix is the ultimate experience. Every detail, from the handmade ceramics to the curated counter-tasting menu, is crafted with reverence and care, inspired by their Korean heritage. They also happen to be two of the nicest, most genuine people I know, and I couldn’t be happier for their hard-earned success.
With so many chefs and restaurants competing for attention, are there any you’ve followed through the years that have left a lasting impression on you for their unique approach?
I’ve followed Chef Angie Mar anywhere she’s gone for a decade and have eaten exceptionally well at all her former restaurants. But there is something extra special about Le B. To me, it feels sexier, more mature, discerning, and paired down than former iterations. It’s one of the most intimate, elegant rooms in the city and her indulgent menu is as technically jaw-dropping as it is drool-worthy. Her use and appreciation of game meats is especially spectacular and never disappoints.
What are some of your favorite spots to spend time outside of the restaurant scene?
Michele Varian—a Soho retail transplant to Brooklyn, which is my hands-down favorite store for unique gifts, jewelry, and home design of all kinds. Every item feels hand-selected and sourced from innovative artists all over the world. They are a self-described “oasis of beautiful things,” and I always relish the chance to pick out something special for a friend, host gift, or important occasion.
Studio Metamorphosis—I have recently become somewhat obsessed with this new-ish Pilates studio, which opened as the first East Coast location of the Los Angeles-based brand. Their morning reformer class is the hardest workout I’ve done in years, but I always feel substantially stronger when I’m done. The focus is on slow, purposeful movement and core strength, and the instructors make an effort to assist and support you, so you learn and improve with each class.
Tin Building—Jean Georges’ Wonka-style ode to French and New York ingredients, dishes, grab-and-go, and so much more, at the new South Street Seaport lives up to the hype. I could spend hours wandering the stalls and shopping for food products. His abcV outpost makes a great lunch meeting spot and The House of the Red Pearl, his Chinese-inspired restaurant, is the definition of a hidden gem, tucked away from the tourists on the second floor.
Governor’s Island—my New York warm weather, day trip destination. It’s a seven-minute ferry from Brooklyn Bridge Pier, near my house, transporting you away from the cars and crowds to fields and parklands, that still feels like a local secret. You can go for a few hours to play on the swings and slides, ride bikes, have a picnic, or visit the spa. The Collective Retreats glamping retreat overlooking Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty, makes it the most epic overnight adventure if you want a longer stay, and Missy Robbins’s Misi Dinner Pop Up in summer is the splurge for an unforgettable dinner under the stars. They have great art and sculpture exhibits, a craft market, and fun food trucks all season long. It’s easily the best one-day getaway without ever leaving the city.
Stereophonic—there are countless reasons this new Broadway play with music (don’t call it a musical!) was just nominated for a record number of Tony's: the score, the soundtrack, the set design, the costumes, the actors (who never sang in their careers before) to name only a few. For three full hours, I was completely enthralled by this story of a rock band in the late 70s on the precipice of stardom, as they create and record their seminal album. Now I’m listening to the original cast recording on repeat.
Address Book:
Atomix
104 E. 30th St., New York, 10016
Cafe Panna
77 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
Crown Shy
70 Pine St., New York, 10005
Hamburger America
51 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Francie
134 Broadway, New York, 11249
Governors Island
New York, NY 11231
Le B
283 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
Michele Varian
400 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Misi Pasta
46 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Penny
90 E 10th St 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003
Raf's
290 Elizabeth St., New York, 10012
Sailor
228 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Studio Metamorphosis
309 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tin Building
96 South St, New York, NY 10038
Una Pizza Napoletana
175 Orchard St., New York, 10002
Hero image: Top Chef judge and executive producer Gail Simmons (© Shana Trajanoska)
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