Fashion has always been a scene stealer in Sex and the City, as well as the spin-off And Just Like That...which returns for its third season on May 29th, but the real lead has always been New York City. Whether the ladies are frequenting the hottest bar, perusing a chic boutique, or just walking the streets, the city has always been the main character, and New York City's hippest and hautest restaurants have always played a supporting role. Just like the original series, And Just Like That... features some of New York's most iconic and delicious dining establishments.
Below, take a peek at our comprehensive guide to all of The MICHELIN Guide restaurants and hotels featured in the shows so far.
And Just Like That...
Benoit
This Alain Ducasse bistro, housed in the venerable La Côte Basque space, may have been renovated in recent years, but it remains decidedly Old World in look, feel and taste. The setting remains a sight to behold, with its abundant framed mirrors, red velvet banquettes and oak paneled walls. In the front salon, two red wingback chairs are tilted in to face a working fireplace and make an idyllic spot for nibbling madeleines at the end of your meal.
Inspector notes: "The unabashedly French menu is stacked with comfortable, familiar bistro dishes that feature the likes of cassoulet, pâté en croûte and foie de veau. Traditional desserts are a highlight, especially the rum baba with its fluffy brioche served with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a generous pour of rum sauce."
Baccarat Hotel & Residences (One MICHELIN Key)
The flagship hotel from Baccarat Crystal leverages every ounce of its two-and-a-half-century heritage here, just south of Central Park, pulling out all the stops to erect a conspicuous Midtown heavyweight just opposite MoMA. There's signature crystalware throughout, a memorable counterpoint to midtown’s reigning beige affluence. Take the foyer, for instance: 2,000 LED-embedded Harcourt glasses unite in a 24-hour light installation. Or the Grand Salon, a flamboyant assemblage in pleated-silk wall treatments, silver-leaf paneling, fresh roses in orb bouquets, and terrace topiary with a museum view.
Daniel (One MICHELIN Star)
Chef Daniel Boulud's eponymous restaurant is a classic New York restaurant. For over thirty years, this fine dining room has been the spot for brokering deals and celebrating special occasions. With art from James Rosenquist complementing the coffered ceilings capped with signature Bernardaud porcelain chandeliers, it remains an iconic Upper East Side spot.
Inspector notes: Recent highlights have included the kataifi-crusted Alaskan wild salmon topped with roe and crispy skin, followed by a half-moon of macadamia mousseline with praline, cookie ruse, and a cherry brandy anglaise. As might be expected, the wine list features an impressive collection of French wines."
The Mark Hotel (Two MICHELIN Keys)
The Mark is the very picture of classic, timeless Upper East Side poshness, in spite of — or maybe even because of — its recent, extremely thorough renovation. And in its present incarnation it’s proof that old money doesn’t necessarily imply old-fashioned. Take the Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges as an example. It’s a long way from weak tea in the afternoon and lobster Thermidor at night. And while the lobby’s dazzle is classic, decked out in Deco-flavored black and white, and the rooms are as subtle as can be, there’s a certain stylishness to the Mark’s elegance, which only sneaks up slowly.
Le Coucou (One MICHELIN Star) at 11 Howard
Le Coucou has a white-hot scene that’s equal parts classic and cool. Patrons linger late into the night enjoying exceptional service and a view of the bustling open kitchen. The menu is unapologetically French, though Chef Daniel Rose infuses his classics with a strong dose of personality.
Inspector notes: "A selection of “gourmandises” showcases such exemplary classics as pike quenelles or sautéed sweetbreads, which achieve prominent flavor when paired with tomato crème. This may be tailed by beef cheek and foie gras terrine in a pitch-perfect sherry vinaigrette. A venerated rabbit dish is presented as three acts: gently braised legs in a clear consommé with vegetables; stuffed saddle with a rustic pan sauce; and the rest matched with delicious mustard-enrobed onions."
Zaytinya (Bib Gourmand)
Chef José Andrés' ocean-blue ode to the cuisine of Greece, Lebanon, and Turkey means an ample, wide-ranging carte. The space too, sleek and modern, speaks to the ease and elegance of the Mediterranean. It's an ideal spot for suits sealing deals, as well as solo diners or friends catching up.
Inspector notes: "Mezze is the menu's focus and the quality of food is solid. Zero in on the mushroom kapnista with dates, walnuts, and labneh for richness. There are a myriad of spreads to be paired with fresh pita, followed by salads and flatbreads (or pide), which are of the dive-right-in variety. Vegetarians will revel in the diversity of dishes, while braised lamb is the Sunday roast everyone deserves. Greek and Lebanese labels are given their due on the exceptional wine list."
[Note: They dined at the New York location.]
La Mercerie
This hot spot is surely an essential SOHO experience, set in an opulent emporium. Especially at lunch, the room basks in its own beauty and in the beauty of the well-heeled patrons who huddle around tiny tables adorned with delicate blooms. The open kitchen, too, is a sight unto itself with sage-green tiles and gleaming cookware. It all feels very chic and very French, accented by a menu that delivers in careful indulgence.
Inspector notes: "Chicken consommé with foie gras is a delicious study in contrasts, while cod steamed in a donabe with grain mustard, leeks, and potatoes offers both sophistication and richness. A wealth of classic desserts like profiteroles, tarte tatin, and crème brûlée taste of sweet nostalgia."
Le Crocodile inside Wythe Hotel (One MICHELIN Key)
It’s rare for a hotel to so completely exemplify the character of the neighborhood it calls home. Here, at Williamsburg’s Wythe Hotel, that means a location between McCarren Park and the gentrifying waterfront, in a 1901-vintage factory building that’s been lovingly renovated. Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber are the chefs behind Le Crocodile, a neighborhood brasserie serving earnest French fare in a setting inspired by their Parisian and New York favorites.
Sex and The City
Eleven Madison Park (Three MICHELIN Stars)
Chef Daniel Humm presides over this temple of modern elegance with a zealous dedication to masterful precision. Nothing is out of place and everything is custom made, from the staff’s suits to the handblown water vases. The plant-based menu is a bold vision of luxury dining and elevates the concept to unparalleled heights.
Inspector notes: "The freshly baked, delicately crisped vegan roll presented with faux butter is a magical creation. A quenelle of tonburi, mimicking caviar, plated with horseradish cream and accompanied by a radish tostada with a swipe of pumpkin seed butter is simply stunning. Toothsome braised seitan, wrapped in spinach and dressed with morels, is amplified with luscious sauce work. Desserts, perhaps a frozen cherry blossom and rose confection dressed with strawberries, are equally accomplished."
Soho Grand Hotel
On the outside, with its cheery pink brick facade, the SoHo Grand resembles a brand-new shopping complex. But inside is a different story. Cast iron dogs stand guard at industrial design central — square lights, molded concrete walls, a coffee table the size of a grand piano. There’s mesh wire glass everywhere, including on the writing desks in the rooms. The floors are the same stuff you see on New York sidewalks — corrugated steel for the elevators, and cast iron and glass for the stairs. The concierges can get you a reservation at the hottest underground restaurant and fill you in on the hippest goings-on. It’s undisputedly cool.
The Modern (Two MICHELIN Stars)
The Modern is designed to capture the iconic feel of the MoMA in which it is housed. Art enthusiasts can't help ogling at its glorious surrounds; while excellent acoustics facilitating quiet conversations ensure a steady stream of couples and globe-trotters. The kitchen is state of the art, so for a truly special experience book the chef's table inside.
Inspector notes: "The staff perform a veritable ballet as they present diners with such appealingly nuanced dishes as a seed cracker with aged cheddar and butternut squash butter; or eggs on eggs, starring none other than soft-boiled eggs with sturgeon caviar. Turbot roasted on the bone may then arrive alongside rich parmesan cream. Nurse a digestif—and marvel at the timeless sculpture garden view —for serenity embodied."
Other Restaurants Operated By Teams Affiliated with The MICHELIN Guide:
Monkey Bar by the 4 Charles Prime Rib team
Balthazar by Keith McNally
Chez Margaux by Jean-Georges
Hero image: Craig Blankenhorn / Max
