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No passport? No problem. This summer, skip the long-haul flight—and the thousands of dollars spent on airfare and hotels—and embark on a European getaway without ever leaving New York City. From Parisian cafés and Greek island-inspired brunches to Italian aperitivo bars and coastal Mediterranean dining rooms, these restaurants and bars bring the spirit of Europe to the Big Apple. Think: spritzes at golden hour, leisurely lunches, seaside-inspired menus and lively afternoons that stretch well into the evening.
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Dante West Village
Often considered one of the world’s best bars, with recognition from organizations including The World’s 50 Best Bars and Tales of the Cocktail, Dante West Village pairs a Mediterranean-inspired menu with one of New York’s most acclaimed cocktail programs, set within a stylish space defined by a marble bar, vintage details and a lively terrace. Negronis, martinis and refreshing spritzes headline the drink offerings alongside seasonal cocktails and aperitivo favorites. Don’t miss the popular Martini Hour, featuring $10 martinis daily from 3pm to 5pm.
What to order: Espresso martini
The Paris Cafe
The aptly named Paris Cafe feels as though it was plucked straight from the City of Lights. Overlooking the East River, the buzzy haunt features restored interiors, a historic Victorian bar and romantic dining rooms prime for people-watching. The menu spotlights French favorites like buttery escargot alongside heartier mains such as steak frites, while live music and waterfront views evoke a European escape in the heart of downtown Manhattan.
What to order: Escargot
Caffè Tusk
Caffè Tusk describes itself as “Euro-inspired,” bringing the rhythms of a European café to NoMad as it evolves throughout the day from a neighborhood coffee stop into a lively all-day bistro and aperitivo destination. Morning espresso and pastries give way to seasonal fare, wine and cocktails, with apéritifs and martinis taking center stage as the evening unfolds. Street-facing seating, outdoor tables and a steady stream of music, art and cultural programming encourage guests to linger longer.
What to order: Carmelized onion eclair
Seiren
Seirēn brings the coastal flavors of Spain and Portugal to Chelsea, centering its menu around tapas and conservas (preserved seafood traditionally served in tins). Inspired by the taverns that line the Iberian coastline, the intimate eatery and bar serves sherry- and vermouth-driven cocktails alongside dishes such as pan con tomate, truffle croquettes, hand-carved jamón ibérico, patatas bravas and creative plates like the “Our Bagel & Lox,” featuring cured tuna loin, quescrem, crushed Marcona almonds, sherry redux and toasted baguette. Conservas arrive with seaweed butter, house-pickled vegetables and toasted bread, encouraging the kind of leisurely grazing and aperitivo-style dining found throughout Spain and Portugal.
What to order: Jamón ibérico
Ci Siamo
For anyone craving the rhythm of a summer evening in Italy, Ci Siamo offers a welcome escape in the middle of Midtown. The expansive terrace, soaring dining room and extensive Italian wine list evoke the atmosphere of a bustling piazza at golden hour, where conversation flows as freely as the vino. Signature dishes run the gamut from cast-iron focaccia and pizza bianca to the Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
What to order: Basque cheesecake
Zou Zou's
Located just around the corner from Ci Siamo, Zou Zou’s and its adjoining cocktail bar Chez Zou offer a different take on a European summer, drawing inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean rather than Italy. The menu travels across the region with wood-fired meats, vibrant mezze, seasonal vegetables and kebabs designed for sharing, alongside cocktails and wines that encourage lingering at the table. We'd also be remiss not to mention the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and see-and-be-seen post-work crowd.
What to order: Sumac spritz
Marea
For those craving the glamour of the Italian Riviera, Marea offers a coastal escape just steps from Central Park. The elegant eatery is known for its refined seafood-forward menu. Its recently debuted terrace adds an al fresco element to the experience, making it easy to imagine an afternoon along the Mediterranean coast, where a glass of wine and a plate of seafood make the energy of New York fade into the background.
What to order: Fusilli with red wine-braised octopus and bone marrow
Buvette
Few places in New York capture the feeling of a Parisian summer quite like Buvette. The West Village hotspot describes itself as “part bar, part restaurant, part café,” embracing the all-day rhythm of a neighborhood café in Paris, with tiny sidewalk tables and an intimate dining room. Meanwhile, the menu moves effortlessly from fromage and charcuterie to French classics like croque monsieur and ratatouille, with madeleines and financiers offering a sweet finish—or start. Kir cocktails, wine and traditional apéritifs ensure there is something to sip at every hour of the day.
What to order: Almond croissant
Kyma
For those dreaming of a summer in the Greek islands, Kyma channels the energy of Mykonos through bright Mediterranean flavors and party-centric vibes. Across its Flatiron and Hudson Yards locations, the airy dining rooms and coastal-inspired interiors provide the perfect—and highly Instagrammable—backdrop for drinking and dining. Come Saturday brunch, expect plenty of flowing rosé, upbeat music and dancing, making it easy to mistake for a beach club in Mykonos...that is, until you step foot outside.
What to order: Kyma Chips (crispy, paper-thin slices of zucchini and eggplant, served with tzatziki)
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