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There are an estimated 24,000 restaurants in Manhattan alone, which means you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner for roughly 22 years without going to the same place twice. It’s nice to eat delicious food, but it’s even better to pair your meal with a unique ambiance and [instagrammable] interiors.  Below are 10 restaurants and bars in NYC that are worth the visit – not just for food and drinks. Keep in mind that many of these places may require reservations in advance, especially during the busy holiday season.

1. Oscar Wilde Bar

Oscar Wilde Bar is easily one of the most gorgeous bars in NYC  the world. Dedicated to the Irish poet, OWB boasts an opulent setting with marble pillars, unique artifacts, vintage wallpaper and even a fireplace. Take a look for yourself!

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2. SERRA by Birreria

Nothing screams FALL (the season) like SERRA by Birreria – the Italian countryside eatery is located on the roof of Flatiron’s infamous Eataly store and restaurant. SERRA is a pop-up decorated with gorgeous autumn leaves, bird cages, and rustic tables paired with delicious “down-to-earth” dishes and seasonal drinks (like spiked apple cider).

3. Rolf’s German Restaurant

Rolf’s is arguably the most famous, most over the top (decorations wise) restaurant in NYC. If you can’t seem to get into the holiday spirit – pay them a visit and treat yourself to some eggnog. Santa will be proud, I promise.

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4. Avocado Appetit Cafe

Avocado’s seem to be a thing these days – in 2019, it’s projected that American’s will consume 50 million pounds of avocado each week. It comes as no surprise that there’s a cafe dedicated only to avocado’s in NYC, the first of it’s kind. It’s darn cute, too.

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5. NoMo Kitchen

NoMo (meaning Nostalgic and Modern) is a chic hotel in one of the most trendiest and desirable neighborhoods in NYC: SoHo (meaning South of Houston st.). NoMo Kitchen is a fairytale style restaurant which compliments both the hotel and the neighborhood where it resides. Just walking inside makes you feel like you’re about to enter Narnia.

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6. Robert Restaurant

Robert Restaurant has one of the most incredible views of NYC, period. It faces Central Park, Columbus Circle and Broadway from the 9th floor of the Museum of Art and Design (on the South Side of Central Park). The views are comparable to those at the Mandarin Oriental, for a cheaper price. Make sure to ask for a window seat when making a reservation!

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7. While We Were Young NYC

Plush purple couches, marble tables, colorful drinks, flowers – it’s what Instagrammer’s dreams are made of. Delicious food and quality service included.*

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8. Vis a Vis Brooklyn

Brooklyn may not be on the top of your New York itinerary, but for decor like this … you may want to reconsider. Vis a Vis an upscale dining experience – French at heart but nested in the largest Eastern European neighborhood of NY. Rumor has it the owners invested over a million dollars to redesign the interiors – the surrounding area is quite nice as well. Take a walk along the boardwalk or head over to the legendary Coney Island Amusement Park!

Photo Credit: Ieva Sireikyte Photography

9. The Rotunda at The Pierre

It’s hard for me to picture a setting more grandiose than The Rotunda at The Pierre Hotel. Just take a look at their description: “The room’s center table is covered by chilled champagne, overflowing jars of madeleines and macarons, and tiers of chocolate cakes and seasonal bundts.” I was sold at champagne, what about you?

Photo Credit: The Pierre Hotel Gallery

10. R Lounge Times Square

Even the worst slice of dollar pizza in Times Square will taste better because, well, you are in Times Square! Luckily there’s R lounge with good food and even better spectacular views. Snatch a table by the window for the most visually stimulating experience!

Pictured here: Tina Lee from OfLeatherAndLace.com