Nestled between Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, NoMad—short for “North of Madison Square Park”—has transformed from a hub of wholesale stores along Broadway to a chic enclave of luxury condos, posh boutique hotels, swanky restaurants, and edgy museums. Spanning E 25th to E 30th Streets between Lexington and 6th Avenue, this sophisticated pocket offers a vibrant mix of upscale energy and cultural intrigue. Ready to explore NoMad like a pro? Read on for the best places to stay, eat, drink, and visit in this stylish slice of the Big Apple.
Where to Stay:
The Ned NoMad
The Ned NoMad, the second outpost of London’s famed hotel and private members’ club, opened in summer 2022 in Manhattan’s historic Johnston Building. With 167 jewel-toned rooms, exclusive members-only spaces, and public dining options like Cecconi’s and Little Ned, this Beaux-Arts landmark blends luxury, style, and vibrant social experiences.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
Located at the intersection of 28th Street and Fifth Avenue, The Fifth Avenue Hotel is a design lover’s dream and a serene escape from Manhattan’s hustle. Renowned designer Martin Brudnizki brings his signature maximalist touch to life with whimsical flora-and-fauna wallpapers, jewel-toned furnishings, and an eclectic mix of materials that transform this 19th-century mansion into a visual masterpiece.
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Where to Eat:
BRASS
Nestled within the historic Evelyn Hotel, BRASS is a chic French-inspired brasserie that seamlessly blends Art Deco and Beaux-Arts aesthetics with an elevated dining experience. It’s a quintessential New York spot to imbibe with live jazz on weekends, inventive cocktails like the Deep Purple, and a sultry ambiance.
Café Carmellini
NoMad’s dining scene shines at The Fifth Avenue Hotel’s Café Carmellini, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. Guests enjoy dishes like artichoke almondine, duck tortellini, and rabbit cacciatore in a garden-inspired, elegant, refreshingly transportive space.
Zaytinya
Zaytinya, José Andrés’ Mediterranean concept at The Ritz-Carlton, NoMad, celebrates the cultural significance of olive oil through a mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. Designed by Rockwell Group, the airy 140-seat space features natural wood elements, Mediterranean blues, and a striking bar with hand-blown glass discs.
Eleven Madison Park
Renowned as one of New York’s most iconic fine dining establishments, skepticism was inevitable when Eleven Madison Park transitioned to a fully plant-based menu. Yet, the Michelin-star establishment proves it can redefine expectations, with its innovative kitchen team continuously reimagining what plant-based cuisine can be.
Where to Drink:
The Ivory Peacock
The Ivory Peacock Bar in NoMad exudes old-world glamour with plush seating, dim chandeliers, and Manhattan’s largest gin library. Guests can slink down to Ploume’s swanky underground lounge, which offers a moody, burlesque-inspired nightcap setting.
The Portrait Bar
The Portrait Bar is a sultry, debonair cocktail lounge inspired by Italian villas: dark wood paneling, velvet seating, and an eclectic collection of portraits. The menu offers modern and classic drinks with a sense of place—don’t miss the “Kochi,” a Japanese-inspired whiskey sour with Suntory Toki, cynar, yuzu, star anise, and sarsaparilla.
Apotheke NoMad
Apotheke NoMad elevates cocktail culture with a penthouse lounge, year-round rooftop terrace, and stunning views of the Empire State Building. This speakeasy-meets-apothecary vibe invites guests in with plush velvet seating, gold accents, and eye-catching stained-glass windows.
Experimental Cocktail Club
The new kid on the block, Experimental Cocktail Club, made a splash on Instagram and TikTok with its amber-hued NoMad outpost following the closure of its original Lower East Side outpost in 2016. This subterranean, trés chic spot now welcomes locals and tourists with inventive cocktails and live piano performances that carry on late into Wednesday nights.
Where to Visit:
Stroll through Madison Square Park
Stroll through Madison Square Park, a vibrant green space in the heart of Manhattan, where art installations, shady benches, and views of the iconic Flatiron Building offer a serene urban escape. For a quick bite, head to Hill Country Barbecue nearby for Texas-style brisket, pulled pork, and indulgent mac ‘n’ cheese.
Visit the Morgan Library Museum
The Morgan Library & Museum is a cultural gem showcasing rare manuscripts, historic books, and fine art in a stunning Gilded Age setting. Once the private library of financier J.P. Morgan, its ornate interiors and rotating exhibitions make it a must-visit for history and art lovers alike.
Reserve a Dinner and Magic Show Experience at The Flatiron Room NoMad
Looking for dinner and a show? The Flatiron Room NoMad offers the quintessential New York night out, combining nightly live music with a selection of over 1,000 spirits. It’s an indulgent experience capped by the unforgettable 28-layer chocolate cake, layered with truffle mousse, dark chocolate fudge, and finished with a pour-over of 20-year-old Armagnac chocolate sauce. Visiting Manhattan for New Year’s Eve? Skip the chaotic ball drop and catch a performance by Grammy-winning producer and Lady Gaga collaborator Brian Newman instead.
Tour the Museum of Sex
Yes, you read that right—we’re telling you to visit the fascinating Museum of Sex. Open to guests 18 and older, this acclaimed gallery showcases art, photography, costumes, inventions, and historical artifacts that explore the history, evolution, and cultural impact of human sexuality. It’s an experience worth adding to your list while staying in NoMad.
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