The 10 Most Instagrammable Cafés In New York City

In the age of social media and Instagram, we make a lot of choices based on the Instagram-worthiness of things. No shame in that. I do it too. I had seen gorgeous photos of Nyhavn in Copenhagen and that’s what put the city on my radar. Which was an amazing gateway! So in the end, thanks god for Instagrammable places helping people discover new destinations! The same goes for New York City. To help you find the most insta-worthy places in NYC and make it easier for you when you come to the big city, here is a list of the 10 most Instagrammable Cafés in New York City.

I have lived in New York for almost a year now and seen a bit of it. The city is giant so it is difficult to see it all in a few days. Or to see things that go beyond your usual touristy spots advertised in all the tour guides and displayed in all the movies. I know a lot of people shame millennials for picking destination according to how Insta-worthy they are but to be honest, there is nothing wrong in picking a place because it is pretty. You don’t travel to see ugly. You travel to see beauty, discover new places, have a nice experience, create memories. And if the place happens to be the perfect spot for Instagram photos? Then, even better, you hit two birds with one stone!

Now, now, like Paul Hollywood would say, looks over substance is not good. Any fans of the Great British Bake Off around here? It is great if the place is instagrammable, but a waste of time and money if the food is not good and the staff rude. Lucky you, this guide of the most instagrammable cafés in New York City guarantees great photos for your grid as well as amazing food! I can vouch for some as I rted them, and my friends can vouch for others.

The 10 Most Instagrammable Cafés In New York City

1. Pietro Nolita, Noho

I think Pietro Nolita is one of the best-known Instagrammable cafés in New York City. Although you may have not seen the interior, you sure may have spotted the shop front many times on Instagram. It is made of wood, it is pink, and has heart street art on the side. The owner describes the place as a unique pink jewel box in the heart of Nolita.

Pietro Nolita is located in Lower Manhattan, below the East Village in a super trendy area of the city. To be honest, most of said area is very Instagrammable. The place has different menues for brunch, lunch and dinner as well as cocktails. All the dishes are inspired by a healthy Italian lifestyle. You can book or walk in, but as one of the most Instagrammable places in New York, it is always packed!

Remember to bring cash as they do not accept credit nor debit cards. They have an ATM inside but the fee is so high, you better come prepared. Once you are done eating the delicious food, you can head outside for some super insta-worthy shots!

2. SERRA by Birreria, Madison Square

Serra by Birreria is not really a café. It is more like a rooftop bar, located on the 14th floor of Eataly NYC Flatiron. If you have never heard of Eataly, they are stores promoting Italian food, wine and lifestyle everywhere in the world. You can get cheese, charcuterie, wine, beer or anything relating to Italy. If you miss good Parmigiano cheese or Chianti wine, that’s the place for you.

SERRA changes with the seasons, always offering a fun, themed atmosphere and a rustic menu reflective of the Italian countryside. Thus, the floral display will also change with the seasons. A bit like Dominique Ansel in London. The restaurant offers an extensive cocktail menu, and vibrant seasonal plates infused with traditional flavors of the Italian Alps and featuring top local produce.

If you have been missing Aperol Spritz, the true actual Aperol Sptriz, I can guarantee you will get the authentic experience and drink. And sip your cocktail with a fantastic view of the Flatiron district. Make sure you book quite in advance. The place is also on average pricier than your usual Italian restaurant. But it is one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York and offers such a nice experience!

3. Cha Cha Matcha, Flatiron District

I have personally never been to Cha Cha Matcha but my friends have been raving about the place so much I felt like I had to include it in this post! There are a few Cha Cha Matcha cafés in New York and I happen to walk past one every time I go to the post office close to work. Thus, I can guarantee the place looks super pretty and is indeed one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City!

Since I am being honest, I need to tell you that I am not a fan of matcha. Never have been, never will be. Thus, it is not a place I would try or would be able to try anyway. But, again, since a lot of persons I know tried it and loved it, I can trust their judgement and recommend it to you. If you are a matcha lover that is.

I do believe that everything on the menu is matcha-based. However, if I am wrong and that some drinks are not, I will happily try it out, since again, everybody talks about it and I am very curious! I also do like the vibe of the place, the pink and green together, the neon, etc.

4. Ralph’s Coffee, Upper East Side

Let’s be honest one second here. The main reason I stumbled upon Ralph’s Coffee is because I was scouting locations for a photoshoot. I had seen a few bloggers use it as a backdrop, saw images circulate on Instagram and decided that it would look great on my grid as well! And it did! The café is located in the Upper East Side, the area is not very crowded and it perfect for photos!

This Ralph’s Coffee is located on Madison Avenue, while the other two in New York are in the Flatiron district and at the Rockfeller Center. The café sells different coffee blends that you can try there or bring back home with you to enjoy daily for breakfast! You may even buy a branded teacup and saucer if you fancy!

Ralph’s Coffee is one of the most Instagrammable cafés in New York both inside and outside if you are looking for something neutral, a backdrop that can fit any Instagram feed but that will look super pretty! They also do a super nice Afternoon Tea, which is surprisingly, rather affordable for the location in the city!

5. L’Appartement Sézane, Noho

Whether you will want to go to Sézane for a photoshoot outside or a cup of coffee, you will always have a valid reason. You can also shop there since it is the flagship store of the brand in New York. The outside is decorated with a beautiful flower display, changing with the season, and some tables outside.

In the summer, they have a little lemonade stand on the street and give away free lemonade to passers by. Considering how hot New York City gets in summer, it is a very welcome gift! Sézane is a fashion brand known for their very chic, sleek and classic designs, using top quality fabric and incarnating the Parisian chic style. If you are fan of classics and neutrals, the brand is for you.

You can stop for a quick coffee or cup of tea, with some pastries or go full out on a charming afternoon tea. The inside is just as cute as the outside, super bright with a lot of natural light. Thus, you have the perfect conditions for a great Instagram photo! The inside decor also changes with the seasons!

6. Dylan’s Candy Bar

We talked about Ralph’s Coffee, created by Ralph Lauren above. Now, let’s talk about his daughter, Dylan who is the founder of Dylan’s Candy Bar. You may have heard of it in the news or just seen the place in Gossip, season 2. We see Vanessa and Dan chatting together while Vanessa buys candies for her two month anniversary with Nate. You guessed it, Dylan’s Candy Bar mostly is a candy shop! And not a small one!

This place is heaven for all the kids out there. It is packed with colors, candy smells and delicious flavors. Any candy you want? Anything your heart desires? You can find it! That is how much choice you have! There is also a chocolate fountain. And a café.

That’s the café we are interested in right now. There are three in New York and they mostly do ice creams and desserts. With all the candies around, it does make a lot of sense. And the inside is just as colorful as the products you can buy there! The café is perfect for all the candy lovers out there!

7. Sprinkles, Upper East Side

Sprinkles is amongst the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City, not so much for the place itself, but for their cupcake ATM. They are very famous across the US and all over Instagram. The founder also happened to host a Netflix baking show Sugar Rush, which was quite fun. Sprinkles has a few shops in New York City.

The brand started in California back in 2005 and now has 31 branches across the US. They have now diversified into layer cakes, ice cream and cookies but it is really the cupcake ATM that make their name. And for good reason! The concept is brilliant! You crave a cupcake, you get a cupcake like you would a Twix in a vending machine! Loving it!

Of course because most of the bakeries have the same pink store front and all feature the cupcake ATM, you can bet they are a favorite spot for Instagrammers or anyone looking to snap the perfect shot! I mean, it is cute and the cupcakes are delicious, so really, win-win.

8. While We Were Young, Greenwich

I have been wanting to go to While We Were Young for such a long time! Yes, no, I have not been yet. But friends of mine have been and really liked it! I mean look at it! It is so pretty inside! All blush and pastel, plus super stylish furniture and inside decors. I do not need more. Actually… No, rewind.

We want to check out the most Instagrammable cafés in New York City, but we also want the food to be tasty and worth it. While my friends really enjoyed the place, I will be able to make my own opinion only when I will have tried it. Be aware that the restaurant is quite pricey – it is in the West village after all – so if you are looking for something with a similar vibe and menu but cheaper, I suggest you go to Luxamor.

Be aware that they do not accept cash, it is credit or debit card only. They have burrata on their menu, which is something I am eyeing for later. I love Burrata. Their cocktail menu looks sensational and that would make a perfect boozy brunch I tell you!

9. Coffee ‘n Clothes

Coffee ‘n’ Clothes gives me vibes of Aida Shoreditch for those who have been to London, or heard about Aida. It is a concept store hosting many different fashion brands while also being a coffee shop. Aida is mostly famous for their pink latte, which is based on beetroot. Personally, I was not a fan but it is always good to try new things.

Coffee ‘n’ Clothes follows a similar concept where you can shop and have coffee all at once. No beetroot-based coffee there though. The inside has a nice vintage vibe with super cool furniture and I believe you can buy anything from coffee to glassware to fashion.

Coffee ‘n’ Clothes also has a super cool website with a virtual reality café, that is super pretty and offers a super interesting browsing and shopping experience. Have you seen those cappuccinos with luxury brand logos stenciled on the foam? Well, that is them!

10. Café Medi

Are you craving a taste of Mediterranean food? Café Medi is the right place for you! The colors, the furniture, the decor, the murals will all remind you of the Mediterrean culture. Located in the Lower East Side, and part of Hotel Rivington, the place serves fresh and seasonal contemporary coastal Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the traditional dishes of Spain, Italy and France.

You can go there for brunch, lunch or dinner as it is open all day. If you are a lover. of bottomless brunch, know that Café Medi also offers that! ANd for only $39! Do not look at me like that! Living in New York really confuses your sense of what is expensive and what is cheap! Considering I had to pay $55 for pancakes and a cocktail once, $39 for bottomless brunch is a great deal!

You can either book or walk in, but due to the popularity of the place itself and of the neighborhood,  I would recommend to book a table quite in advance! You never know!

That is it for that list of the 10 most Instagrammable cafés in New York City! They are Insta-worthy cafés but also serve amazing food and cocktails so you will not waste your time nor money! Those Insta-worthy cafés are all based in Manhattan but Brooklyn, Queens and The Brinx obviously have their fair share of Instagrammable cafés as well!

Did you know any of those? Have you been to any of those Instagrammable cafés? If yes, which one was your favorite? Are you planning a trip to New York City soon? Will you you try any of those cafés?

Thanks a lot for stopping by. Hope you liked this post.

See you soon,
Love,
Corinne.

 

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