On a recent visit to New York, the Hale Mercantile Co. team managed to combine hard work with some serious eats in the city that never sleeps. With a part-time vegan, a gluten free preference and everything in between, each palette was catered for and we managed to combine delicious, tasty food with healthy options that satisfied every price, location and cuisine. Here is our round-up of favourites.
Pietro Nolita
Pietro NoLita is a unique pink jewel box in the heart of Nolita. The cafe serves delicious, healthy, seasonal Italian cuisine with a decor evoking a 50's style diner. The food is "healthy Italian," with a menu that will change seasonally. "The space is fun and kitschy and beautiful, but the food is very important to us" says co-owner Mina Soliman.
Pondicheri
Industrial-chic spot for Indian combo plates & unique dishes inspired by the streets of Mumbai. Pondicheri is an innovative & nourishing Indian food restaurant with locations in Houston & New York. Traditional Indian flavours infused with local & organic ingredients, a full-scale bakery and inventive cocktails.
PS Kitchen
PS Kitchen is a social business and artisanal, gourmet, plant-based restaurant who are committed to creating jobs for those marginalized in New York, donating 100% of profits to sustainable charitable work locally and overseas and providing New Yorkers with delicious food options that are kind to the body and the earth. Amazing raw desserts!
Le Botaniste
Healthy delicious plant-based organic food & natural wine bar. An elegant atmosphere with a vintage apothecary feel complete with staff wearing white lab coats and elixir bottles adorning the walls. Le Botaniste is a responsible food concept that cares about health and the planet. A positive way to appreciate food. 100% Botanical and 99% Organic.
Ippudo
Ippudo opened in 1985 with a counter seating capacity of 10. The interior with a heavy emphasis on wood is like a wood sculptor's studio yet kept sparkling clean with modern jazz playing in the background. Ippudo scrutinizes ingredients and seasonings from around the world to successively create new ramen varieties using some of the various cooking techniques found worldwide. Twenty years since its establishment, Ippudo continues to impact the ramen industry.
La Mercerie Cafe at The Guild
Serving thoughtful reinterpretations of classic French dishes including breakfast, La Mercerie has an all-day menu, coffee, tea, cookies and cocktails. All served in a stunning setting where an immersive shopping experience allows diners to order homewares to go. The food is plated on intentionally mismatched ceramics sourced from Japan, Sweden Australia and Denmark.
Green Symphony
Located just steps away from Times Square, Green Symphony provides a variety of food choices for everyone. This place is a little gem located amongst the fast-food tourist traps of the area. An extensive smoothie and juice menu is the perfect start to a day in NYC with healthy lunch options also available.
Good Dish at Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman is the ultimate ladies-who-lunch shopping destination! Tucked away in the basement of Bergdorf Goodman, Good Dish is more casual than their other eateries. Fresh salads and sandwiches make the perfect stop for lunch in between browsing the store's luxury goods.
Brooklyn Diner
Located in the heart of the theatre district, the Brooklyn Diner is an elegant, more upscale diner for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their famous chicken soup, Chinese chicken salad and cheeseburger deluxe were all voted the Best of New York by New York Magazine. The pastrami is made on the premises and hand carved to order. Whatever you do, don't forget about the desserts!
Fanelli's Soho
Simple pub food, beer & cocktails are served at Fanelli's; a classic old SoHo pub, dating back to 1847. Classic red and white check tablecloths, an intricately tiled mosaic floor, aged mirrors and a black wooden bar all create a well-worn patina with the intimate, friendly atmosphere of your local haunt.
When in doubt, don't forget Wholefoods Market - the health food gourmand's mecca!
