California Eating in NYC
The Butcher’s Daughter
Kind-of-healthy vegetarian eats
About: When it first opened in 2013 in NYC, The Butcher’s Daughter redefined vegan food, masterfully replicating juicy sausage links and fluffy ricotta. Since then, it has spread to LA and is a new staple of Venice Beach.
How to do it right: This all-day café makes plant-based food feel decadent. Brunch is the best time to go, with dishes like “crab cake” Benedict and fluffy seasonal waffles. The staple, however, is the Butcher’s Burger. The black bean patty doesn’t try to mimic its non-veggie counterpart – instead, it holds its own with flavorful spices, a firm texture and a caramelized exterior. You can get it any time of the day.
2. Bonberi Mart
Plant-based bodega for all things health and wellness
About: Started by health and wellness blogger, Nicole Berri, Bonberi Mart is a one-stop-shop for vegan pantry staples and quick eats. With kombucha on tap, 18 dollar smoothies in glass jars, and a shoutout on Goop, you can’t get more Californian in NYC.
How to do it right: This is a great spot for people with dietary restrictions and self-proclaimed health gurus alike, as Bonberi Mart has one of the widest curated selections of vegan / gluten-free pantry staples in Manhattan. The grab-and-go options are basic – instead, opt for the cafe menu, which is studded with buzzy ingredients like seaweed, apple cider vinegar and bone broth.
3. Dimes
Healthy, but not only health food
About: Dimes recently expanded to a larger location deep in LES with an adjacent deli. It’s not strictly plant-based – you can get a bacon, egg and cheese – but focuses on meals that nourish you.
How to do it right: California owns the healthy bowl game, but Dimes comes close with some of the best versions in NYC. Go for the berry acai bowl, which isn’t overly sweet and has a tangy bite. Unlike most health food spots, Dimes doesn’t push a plant-based agenda; you can get a bowl of greens and grains but put an egg or cheese on it. The hipster crowd, however, is less accepting of outsiders. Prepare to get your bowls served up with a bit of arrogance – all part of the Cali-esque vibes.
4. Upland
Most reliable upscale meal in Flatiron
About: Upland is a Californian-and-Tuscan-inspired restaurant in Park Avenue South. It has an 88-seat dining room and equally large menu, but none of this takes away from the high quality cooking. In classic Californian fashion, it’s a restaurant that allows excellent produce to shine, complemented by a robust wine program and a stylish, yet casual environment.
How to do it right: Upland is incredibly versatile – it’s a great spot for a work lunch, a dinner date or even to take the in-laws. You can’t go wrong with the fresh pastas or perfectly crisp, yet soft pizzas. Even a simple salad of perfectly crisp little gems, covered in ribbons of sharp parmesan satisfies.
5. Sugarfish
Reliable, affordable sushi
About: Sugarfish is a California-based sushi chain with locations in LA and NYC. Sugarfish’s sushi, sashimi and donburi have gained a strong following in California for reasonable pricing and casual vibes.
How to do it right: Sugarfish offers affordable sushi in a city where omakase is king. This is not the best sushi you will get in NYC, but it’s a dependable spot for familiar rolls at a reliably affordable price. Stick to the classics (spicy tuna roll?) or let the chef take over with the Trust Me Menu – either way you’ll be satisfied but not wowed.
