One of our favorite things to do in the cities we visit is to check out the yummy and oftentimes unique to the region restaurants and do a lot of window shopping at the shops and boutiques around town. Our most recent trip to NYC led us to shop and eat our way through the Nolita neighborhood and we had so much fun!
Located in the middle of some other great NYC neighborhoods from the Bowery to Chinatown and Little Italy, this Lower Manhattan neighborhood was in the perfect location for us to explore from our hotel in the Bowery.
Where To Eat
Restaurants and the delicious and sometimes unique foods they serve are one of the best parts of vacations, and Nolita, NYC did not disappoint. Eating several of our meals in Nolita, I wanted to share some of our favorites!
Breakfast & Brunch Hot Spots
Eggshop | website | 151 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
Only a block away from our hotel was one of the most photogenic cafes we visited on our trip. I chose the scrambler, light, and fluffy mix of eggs, chives, corn, chorizo, and cotija. On a B.E.C. kick, the husband picked the Egg Shop B.E.C. which had a broken yolk egg, cheddar, bacon, tomato jam, pickled jalapeno on a brioche roll.
The Bluestone Bowery Café | website | 19 Kenmare Street New York, NY 10012
Boasting brekkie all day, this healthy Australian-based restaurant had a photogenic interior and primarily a healthy-based menu. Personally, I struggled with the menu. I don’t think I was in the mood for healthy food and I settled on a breakfast sandwich with bacon, eggs, and microgreens. The husband went for Avocado Smash, a multigrain toast with avocado, feta, tomatoes, and herbs.
Great For Lunch And Dinner
Cafe Habana | website | 17 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
We were really excited to try this place out after seeing a photo of their Mexican-style grilled corn. Cafe Habana is a mix of Cuban and Mexican food, this extremely tiny cafe has some really delicious food. We shared grilled corn, steak tacos, and a quesadilla for dinner.
Lombardi’s | website | 32 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
America’s first pizzeria and pretty tasty. Worth the stop.
Prince Street Pizza | website | 27 Prince St A, New York NY, 10012
Small shop, delicious pizza, standing room only.
Pietro Nolita | website | 174 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
This is the famous Pink AF Italian restaurant and we decided to go here for our anniversary dinner. To my surprise my favorite dish, pappardelle bolognese was on the menu and it was memorable.
The Sweetest Treats
Milk Bar Mini Nolita | website | 246 Mott St New York, NY 10012
Have you seen that amazing layered birthday cake that looks like a Funfetti cake with frosting layers? That’s Milk Bar. I was really excited to visit and get some sweet treats.
Little Cupcake Bakeshop | website | 30 Prince Street New York, NY 10012
We came upon this little corner bakery and were tempted to come inside after seeing the sign boasting their award-winning chocolate cake. We shared a decadent yellow cake with ganache frosting, the calories felt worth it with all the walking we are doing on this trip!
Where To Shop
Nolita has an abundance of shops for big and small brand names throughout the neighborhood. I was excited to be able to visit brick and mortars for shops I’ve only ever known online presences for.
While our trip was short, we didn’t have a lot of time to visit all the shops I wanted, I still did some good window shopping. We packed a lot into our short trip so we didn’t have a lot of time to shop, but that didn’t stop me from window shopping and visiting as many shops as I could. Below is a list of some of my faves.
Clothing & Accessories
Everlane | website | 28 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
I’ve loved visiting this shop online – their transparency is refreshing, their brand ethics are commendable, and they create a great collection of basics.
Cuyana | website | 29 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Minimal, beautiful leather and clothing goods for women. I loved their shop and their embossing station in the back. (I work for a personalization company, this stuff stands out to me!)
Marine Layer | website | 20 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Soft and cozy clothes designed in San Francisco.
Shoe Shops
Soludos | website | 25 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Really cute and stylish shoes and accessories for men and women. Sneakers, sandals, boots, and bags.
Coclico Nolita | website | 275 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
Luxury minimalistic shoes with environmental integrity.
Jewelry Shops
Mejuri | website | 43 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Fine jewelry sans markups. Having seen them advertised often online, this is one of those brands I was excited to see in person.
Home Goods And Finds
Bulletin | website | 27 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
A curated marketplace of trendy clothes, accessories, and home goods.
Diptyque | website | 242 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
Parisian-inspired candle shop that sells must-have candles for all social media influencers.
L’Appartment Sèzan | website | 254 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
A beautiful, Parisian-inspired storefront is full of clothing and accessories with a sustainable ethos.
Skin Care
Malin + Goetz | website | 235 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
I first heard of them when I stayed at a hotel that had their shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in their bathroom and loved it. Love their simple, typographic packaging, too.
Aesop Nolita | website | 232 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
Skincare at its best in beautiful, minimalistic packaging.
Outdoor Gear
Fjällräven Nolita | website | 262 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
I love Fjällräven’s colorful, trendy bags so I was excited to learn they also sell a lot of awesome outdoor clothing and gear.
REI | website | 303 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Just love this shop, if it isn’t their #OptOutside campaign during Black Friday it’s the awesome outdoor goods.
What To Do
Nolita has more than just great restaurants and lots of shopping. Neighborhood parks, amazing street art, and nearby neighborhoods.
Elizabeth Street Garden
Elizabeth Street between Prince and Spring Streets, New York, NY 10012 | website
While strolling down Elizabeth Street you can find Elizabeth Street Garden, a community garden in the city. As of our last visit the park was in danger of being torn down and developed, check out their website on how to help.
Street Art
Nolita has no shortage of street art, it’s embedded throughout the entire neighborhood. Some murals are more obvious and some others sneak up on you. My favorite unexpected mural was Princess Leia in Elizabeth Street Gardens
Indulge in Little Italy
You’re basically there already so why not take a stroll through Little Italy, get some Italian food, and some gelato – yum! Don’t forget to get a photo of the Little Italy sign before leaving!
Check out my post on Citizen M in the Bowery right next to Nolita
Explore Chinatown
Right around the corner is Chinatown and it’s pretty huge. It’s worth a visit to see the shops, signs, and architecture and of course, the food if you like Chinese food.
The Bowery, SoHo, NoHo, Etc.
Nolita is seriously right in the middle of so many cool neighborhoods! We stayed at a hotel in the Bowery called Citizen M which was right next door and easy walking distance from surrounding neighborhoods.
Nolita was an awesome neighborhood and I can’t wait to come back and visit and do all the things we didn’t have a chance to on our first visit. It should definitely be on your list when visiting NYC! Hope this post inspires you to visit.
Have you been to Nolita? Tell me about your favorite spots below!
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