@alessiaoronzio spills New York hotspots worth making the call for (and ones not worth your time).

In New York, the line between iconic and insufferable is often just a velvet rope.

A place can be the spot one week and totally forgotten by brunch the next. Maybe it’s the cringey neon sign. Maybe it’s the watered-down Negronis. Maybe it’s just the algorithm.

In a city obsessed with what’s next, how do you actually know what’s worth hitting up your friends, cousin, sister’s boyfriend's dermatologist for a referral?

Enter: Alessia Oronzio. Food enthusiast, martini specialist and certified nightlife whisperer, Alessia’s the type to slip past the clipboard with a smile —and actually know the owner.

At 28, she’s already spent nearly a decade behind the scenes of the country’s most coveted hotspots, from Aspen chalets to Palm Beach rooftops to New York City’s underground clubs.

She’s got a vesper in hand (always) and a sixth sense for knowing exactly which buzzy new spot is worth your Uber—and which one peaked on opening night.

Fluent tapped her to dish on the reservations, cocktail lounges and members-only corners worth the waitlist ... and the ones she wouldn’t get out of her (silk) PJs for.

Loves

Chez Margaux, Meatpacking

Sexy, chic, and everything in between. This ultra-exclusive members-only club houses a restaurant by none other than Jean-Georges (if you don’t know who he is, do yourself a favor and look him up). If you’re not with a member, you’re not getting in — and even then, entry isn’t guaranteed due to strict guest capacity. Inside, it’s sleek and stunning: small hidden rooms, curated artwork, and meticulous attention to detail at every turn. The crowd is as curated as the space — artists, musicians, creatives — basically, the beautiful people of New York. My advice? Find a member friend or get on the waitlist yourself. Good luck.

Château Royale, Greenwich Village

This spot oozes old New York charm. My main attraction can be summed up in two words: martini cart. I’m a vesper girl, so this was an instant yes. From the team behind Libertine, Château Royale is elegant, intimate, and effortlessly sexy. The food and service were exceptional, and if you can, request a table upstairs for a cozier, more refined atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger.

La Boca, Faena, Chelsea

Dinner with a jazzy flair. Live music sets the mood early in the evening, followed by a DJ that keeps the energy high. It’s ideal for date night, a chic dinner with friends, or impressing colleagues. Chef Francis Mallmann delivers elevated Argentinian cuisine with a stellar wine list and top-tier cocktails. Pro tip: reservations go fast, so plan ahead.

4 Charles

Easily one of the best restaurants in NYC, and one of the hardest to get into. The room is tiny, the hype is real, and it’s all worth it. To score a table, you’ll need either a friend with connections or lightning-fast reflexes on Resy 30 days out. If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, go all in: order the prime rib, burger, French dip, king crab legs, and don’t skip the Corpse Reviver. Can’t get in? Head to Au Cheval, their sister restaurant. The menu is a bit different, but their famous burger makes it a worthy consolation prize.

Marquee, New York

 Marquee has always been one of my favorite nightlife spots in the city. It’s the perfect place to catch big-name DJs in a surprisingly intimate setting. Halloween 2018, my girlfriends and I dressed as space cowgirls and somehow ended up in the DJ booth with Alesso — iconic. If you want photos, I have them. The venue recently reopened on Sept. 25 with Diplo headlining. The remodel is insane — the screens and visuals create a fully immersive experience. Naturally, the entire NYC nightlife scene showed up: influencers, athletes, hospitality veterans… everyone.

Not in Love With

The Living Room, Faena

This new lounge works well for cocktails and small gatherings, but the layout isn’t my favorite. The room is long, and if you’re seated in the back, you’re pretty removed from the live music (think: a hotel ballroom). I’d definitely book a table if you go. On the plus side, the bathroom is stunning. But if you’re looking for a sexier cocktail lounge vibe, I’d send you to The Nines — smaller room, beautiful crowd, killer cocktails, and that iconic cheetah print (I’m a cheetah girl).

Noz 17, Chelsea

Just go to Sushi Noz on the UES. For the price point, Noz 17 didn’t live up to its sister restaurant’s standard. The fish quality and overall experience felt different — maybe it was the giant Japanese clam, maybe it was just an off night — but I left underwhelmed. Sushi Noz remains one of my favorites in the city, and Ito and Sushi Yasuda are also excellent if you’re craving omakase done right.

Ray’s Bar, LES

Not my scene. I’ve never been an LES girl (unless I’m heading to The Box), and I’m definitely not a pool girl. This is where the frat bros who moved downtown and think they’re “indie” hang out. If you want something with a cooler, more artsy crowd, go to Jean’s — chic.

Casa Tua, UES

 A beautiful build-out, but the food doesn’t match the vibe. The Italian here is pretty mediocre, especially compared to other high-end spots in the city. Honestly, the only Casa Tua I love is Aspen. If you want a truly elevated Italian experience in NYC, go to Marea. Don’t ask questions, just go.

Happier Grocery, SoHo 

Trying to be Erewhon; let Erewhon be Erewhon until we get one in NYC. (Also, if you did not know, Erewhon smoothies will be served at Kith’s new private members club. You’re welcome.)