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There is something about NYC spots earning celebrities' stamps of approval that gets us giddy with excitement. It's not that we don't trust everyday New Yorkers, but when someone who gets to travel the world and experience some of the best restaurants, shops and cultural institutions out there singles out a local spot as a favorite, it feels like our own opinions have been validated.
So when we came across British artist Dua Lipa's "Essential NYC" list, part of her new partnership with Google, we just had to dive in and tell you all about it. The 30-year-old Grammy-winning artist has good taste, singling out a delectable West Village restaurant that deserves the praise while also spotlighting lesser-known gems for shopping, bar hopping and more.
Here are Dua Lipa's favorite spots around NYC (which, we noticed, skew downtown):
Santo Taco
The Mexican restaurant on Kenmare is a no-frills spot that has quickly earned the title of "next great taqueria" within local culinary circles. Dua Lipa agrees, singling out the steak trompo served with avocado salsa as "extraordinary."
Joyface
Joyface is a subdued 1970s-style bar with a disco ball and a waterbed as centerpieces, so we're not surprised the spot earned a Dua Lipa mention.
Treasures of NYC
If you're looking for "things [...] that you won't find anywhere else," as mentioned by Dua Lipa, then this vintage resale shop on Mercer Street in SoHo is for you. According to the artist, "the pieces are real, the prices are fair and the selection turns over constantly."
Corner Bistro
"Corner Bistro is wholly the experience of having their iconic burger in the bar that has looked exactly the same since 1961," writes Dua Lipa about her classic selection. "That is New York to me."
Angelika Film Center
Although some New Yorkers still think of the Angelika as their little secret, word has clearly gone out. The movie venue has been here since 1989, after all. Dua Lipa mentions that this is where she likes to go when wanting "to see something I wouldn't know to look for," perfectly capturing what the film house is all about.
Cherry Lane Theatre
Another theater mention on the artist's list, albeit not a cinema, is the Cherry Lane Theatre, which is the oldest Off Broadway destination in the city. "There's always something provocative playing and the talent blows me away every time," she writes.
Bridges
The Michelin-starred Bridges opened in Chinatown's Chatham Square in 2024, but it still feels like one of New York's newest must-visit restaurants, as evidenced by its enduring popularity. Head chef Sam Lawrence previously worked at Estela, so it's no surprise that the seasonal small plates here have garnered such acclaim. Even Dua Lipa is a fan.
Bar Oliver
"Bar Oliver is the kind of Spanish wine bar that feels like it flew in directly from Madrid," writes Dua Lipa about the downtown NYC destination. "Small plates, really good pours by the glass and the atmosphere builds as the night goes on. A go-to." We couldn't agree more.
Thai Diner
Who hasn't heard of Thai Diner by now? Everything here is excellent and the vibes, as the youngsters say, are immaculate. Bonus points: you may very likely bump into Dua Lipa while downing the famous fried crab rice!
Raf's
Raf's is a must during lunch hours, as noted by Dua Lipa in her writeup about the bakery. Make sure to try all the pastries and perhaps wash them down with a natural wine.
I Sodi
We'll let the artist do the talking when it comes to I Sodi, the Tuscan restaurant that consistently lands on lists of New York City's best Italian eateries. "I Sodi in the West Village is where I go when I want to feel like I live in New York," she writes. "Florentine cooking, great Chianti, candlelight. It has the feeling of a place that has been there forever."
Manjul Coffee & Clothing
We must admit that we were surprised to learn that Dua Lipa knows about Manjul Coffee & Clothing on Howard Street. Don't get us wrong, though: the sophisticated coffee-and-fashion destination absolutely deserves the recognition, thanks to its exceptional drinks and thoughtfully designed pieces, each crafted with a commitment to quality.