The busiest month in the fashion calendar is swiftly approaching—and it all kicks off with New York Fashion Week on Thursday. The jam-packed six-day event has the fashion crowd traveling from one borough to another (and this season, even to another state), but that doesn’t stop these insiders from enjoying a bite between the shows.
And if anyone knows the hottest spots to be in the city, it’s this group. Take Henry Zankov, who’s not only staging one fashion show during NYFW, but two—the designer is also making his debut as artistic director of Diane von Furstenberg this season—or stylist Alex Harrington, who will be zig-zagging between executing print shoots and styling runway shows. Maybe you’re an It model walking in too many shows to count, or an editor at Vogue going to practically every show on the calendar, but you’ve still gotta eat.
A few popular favorites? The fashion crowd loves the Japanese restaurant Omen Azen in SoHo for its people-watching—and, of course, the food. Blue Ribbon Sushi is also another favorite for its accessibility, while dumplings in Chinatown are a go-to among the model crowd. Given the fact that a day’s schedule can take you from Brooklyn to Manhattan and back again all in a few hours, there are also a handful of over-the-river hotspots in the mix, from Twins Lounge in Greenpoint all the way down to Roman’s in Fort Greene.
Below, 17 industry insiders share their favorite places to dine during New York Fashion Week.
Alex Harrington, Stylist
I would say the following are some of the best places to dine during NYFW. The Odeon is not only great for people-watching during fashion week but also for a celebratory, team morale-boosting lunch after working on a show. Blue Ribbon Sushi is good for a solo lunch—it’s a quick in-and-out after buying magazines on Prince Street.
Sant Ambroeus West Village’s best table is ironically by the bathroom in the back, which means you get to see what everyone is wearing. Omen Azen in general, but especially during fashion week. Yasuda is good for any post-show dinners uptown, while Beco is great for an end-of-the-week Brazilian feast with live samba music to celebrate everyone leaving town!
Brandon Tan, Global Fashion Director, GQ
Corner Bar is my ultimate go-to for a solo dinner after a packed day (burger and a Beaujolais), catch-up drinks with other editors between shows or to pregame a fashion party, and even for a nice business dinner. I live down the block, so you could say that plays a part too.
Chloe Malle, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue
Markette is a delicious Euro-Caribbean restaurant in Chelsea that is near a lot of the far west gallery and warehouse show locations near Penn Station. I love their Peri Peri chicken and salt cod fritters.
Claire O’Connor, Vice President, Savi
In the rare event NYFW ever grants me a reprieve from my desk or the back of a show, I gravitate toward places worth the email build-up. Dante’s makes some of my favorite cocktails in the city.
Devyn Garcia, Model
Telegraphe Café is right in the middle of the city, so between castings and fittings I always find myself grabbing a soup or sandwich from this yummy spot. My go-to for a quick and delicious bite.
Erica Morelli, Vice President, Karla Otto
Elio’s is the last stop on the circuit that actually matters. Tim Fitzgerald at Purple and I unpack the week over martinis and the off-menu chicken parm. No show does it better.
Giada Bufalini, SVP, Karla Otto
The bar at Bamonte’s is as far away from fashion week, in the best way possible. The outfits are equally good. And the convo with Michael, the head bartender, rivals the red sauce.
Henry Zankov, Designer
I love Roman’s—it’s tried and true and always hits the spot. If I am in the hood, I usually get a spritz and a plate of their olives and chat with the bartender. Il Buco has always been one of my favorites. The atmosphere is very tranquil and dark, and the menu, which changes seasonally, always leaves you wanting to share it with someone special. I love all the veggie dishes and the pasta.
Jonathon Zadrzynski, Head of Global Communications, Thom Browne
My go-to during fashion week and beyond is Frenchette. A green chartreuse and ginger beer, brouillade and bread, and a booth at the bar are the perfect ways to start the night after leaving the office. Always with my favorite people. If I’m with Sandi Halimuddin, we’re always at the same table at Omen Azen.
Kevin McIntosh Jr., Founder of KMJR World
I love whenever the Palm Heights restaurant Tillies would do a pop-up during fashion week. It’s always a favorite, and seeing their head of FOB not on island was always a treat. Then I’d say somewhere like The Twenty Two. It’s very rare that my friends are free for dinner, but the one night we do get off it is nice when we go to a familiar, friendly place like such.
Nicole Phelps, Global Director of Fashion Features, Vogue
I’m looking forward to trying Bar Chucho in Chinatown. Brisket burgers and tequila slushies with Mexico City vibes, yes! Then, post-NYFW, pre-Vogue World Milan, I’m planning a trip out to Bushwick; I won’t let summer slip away without trying the new barbecue place Bark. Feeling quite protein chic at the moment!
Peng Chang, Model
This fashion week I am excited to go to Xiao Long Bao. My friend told me their soup dumplings are better than Din Tai Fung’s. Well, I’ll hold my judgment, but I can tell it’s definitely easier to get into than Din Tai Fung!
Rachel Scott, Designer
Truthfully, I barely have time to dine that week, so I try to keep to places near both studios. I love Happier Grocery coconut water, lime juice and salt for adrenal cocktails. La Dong for delivery because they have a big box of fresh vegetables. And if I want a cocktail, I stop by SoHo Grand since it is right by the studio and it’s nice and dark in there.
Sandi Halimuddin, VP of Brand and Strategy, Lede
Los Tacos No. 1 in SoHo is my post-Sandy Liang show ritual. If I’m taking clients out, it’s always Raf’s. They have amazing pastries and the best service. Omen Azen is for dinner. They have the best home-cooked Japanese food. It’s also super low-key and the best for interesting people-watching.
Trish Wescoat Pound, Designer
The day after our show is my day to do absolutely nothing—finished with an early dinner somewhere old school, like Blue Ribbon Brasserie. I’ve been going there since I was 25. Sit at the bar. Their bartenders are the real deal, and the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy is my all-time favorite.
Wali, Model
Royal Seafood on Mott St has some of the best dim sum in the city, and I’ll make any excuse to go for their Cantonese-style crab.
Yohana Lebasi, Stylist
I cannot stay away from Ha’s Snack Bar during NYFW (all year round, in fact). I love getting a seat at the bar and seeing what everyone else is eating. My desert island meal is their fig leaf spritz, rice salad, ribs, and whatever gorgeous wines they’re pouring and seasonal desserts they’re coming up with. A dining experience touched by God himself. The perfect way to decompress in between all the fashion show small talk!
Yumi Nu, Model
One of my favorite ways to spend a day eating is starting with a coffee and a mango chia seed bowl from Cafe Pally. It’s the perfect little snack, especially because they have one of the best city skyline views. For dinner, I love Tonchin for their Michelin-rated ramen. They also have this strawberry shaved ice with cream, which has easily been my favorite dessert of summer 2026. To finish the night, I’d head to Twins Lounge in Greenpoint for a pina colada. The drinks are delish, and they have the cutest vintage photo booth right at the front. (Note though—it’s cash only!)
