Today’s Reader Request is a last minute plea from Sarah and she’s in need of our help this coming weekend.

We are heading to New York on Saturday as leg one of our honeymoon, and staying there 5 nights before flying on to Antigua!
We have never been before, and are hoping to find some central, yet not so touristy, places to eat and cosy bars to sip cocktails in.
Can you and the lovely RMS readers help?! Sarah

I’ve been to New York once as part of a trip taking in Virginia, Massachusetts as well as the Big Apple. However for the purposes of this post I decided to call on my friends Sandra and Sam to lend their advice. These girls cannot get enough of NYC and have a whole host of recommendations for the newlyweds. They also managed to make me exceptionally envious. Sarah you are going to have an amazing time!

Breakfast

Both ladies recommended the Pershing Square (90 East 42nd Street at Park Avenue) for breakfast. Located outside Grand Central Terminal, this restaurant is a must for a bustling brekkie.

Brunch

Situated in the trendy meatpacking district, Bagatelle (1 Little W 12th St), is a French gourmet restaurant with a twist. Brunch turns into an aftershow party affair with folks dancing on tables knocking back tequila in the mid afternoon. Goodness gracious.

Lunch

For the New York you see in the movies then Sandra suggests heading to The Loeb Boathouse (East 72nd Street and Park Drive North). Situated on the picturesque lake in Central Park this place is great for an afternoon of celeb spotting.

Rooftop Cocktails

Head to JIMMY (15 Thompson St), the awe-inspiring SoHo rooftop bar with a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline. The sophisticated decor includes herringbone floors, a leather trimmed bar and working fireplaces. Definitely a place to see and be seen!

For more rooftop drinks and epic views, Sam also suggests 230 Fifth (230 5th Ave), for a view of the Empire State Building, The Blue Room at the Ides Rooftop (within The Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn) and the Press Lounge (Ink48, 653 11th Ave) for a Hudson River vista.

Best Kept Secret

Sam was keen to mention the secret bar within Grand Central Station. The Campbell Apartment is a cool hidden gem of a cocktail lounge with an opulent interior and a wide repertoire of drinks. As you can tell from the image above it’s a swanky affair so no jeans or trainers. Also worth checking opening times to avoid disappointment.

Dinner

Sam’s favourite restaurant in the world (yes it’s that good) is Koi, (40 W 40th St) Upscale Japanese eats and imaginative sushi are served in beautiful surroundings.

On the Lower East side you’ll find Beauty & Essex (146 Essex St). You enter through a pawn shop which is a fairly unexpected way to access such an elegant restaurant. Swing by the two storey chandelier and feast on a menu of globally inspired small plates.

I’ve had to hugely edit down this list as my friends had a lot of places to recommend. However I’ll end with Sandra’s recoomendation for the Mercer Kitchen ( 99 Prince St) in SoHo. Situated in the basement of the Mercer hotel, this hip eaterie has a laid back vibe in a great location.

Sandra’s biggest tip was always make reservations and dress like you’ve made an effort especially for the bars. I know Sarah would love to hear your suggestions too. Any recommendations or tips for the newlyweds first trip to New York? Any bars, cafes or restaurants you think they should visit?