Café Altro Paradiso is recommended by Gabriel Hendifar of Apparatus

Manhattan is often difficult to navigate with its sheer abundance of urban hangouts, especially during New York Design Week when schedules are tightly packed. The Big Apple has always had a high turnover with numerous bars and restaurants opening up on a daily basis, so finding the right places to nourish and repose often becomes a gruelling task. That’s where our unique guide comes in. We asked some of New York’s leading creatives for the inside track of where to eat, drink and play during New York Design Week...

La Mercerie at Guild, selected by Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch of Roman and Williams

There’s nothing better than designing your own favourite hotspot. Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch, co-founders of Roman and Williams select Roman and Williams’ Guild, an emporium of boutique, library, gallery, and in particular the newly opened café, La Mercerie. ‘It’s the first restaurant we have designed for ourselves, and we wanted to create something comfortably lavish that evokes both the refined and earthly aspects of French cuisine – while also dining with table top items that are available for purchase in our shop.’ 53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013, USA

Café Altro Paradiso, selected by Gabriel Hendifar of Apparatus

Located in Soho, Italian restaurant Altro Paradiso is where Gabriel Hendifar goes for a no-fuss meal with the team; ‘we love Café Altro Paradiso. The food is delicious, the design is clean, and it’s not too much of a scene. Famous last words.’ 234 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, US. Photography: David Sullivan

The Dead Rabbit, selected by David Rockwell

Photography: Brent Herrig

Named after an Irish-American gang from the 19th century, Rockwell fell in love with The Dead Rabbit for many reasons. Following a collaboration with mixologists Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, the Rockwell Group were hooked. ‘Their cocktails are sublime, but what I love most is the bar’s backstory, which is reflected in its design and menu’ Rockwell muses. ‘The owners obsessively researched every facet of the origins of mixology from cocktail recipes to the perfect ice cube. Their bar is a contemporary nod to a prohibition-era grocery and grog, a neighbourhood place that served beer in a more casual storefront pub, and refined and potent cocktails in a more elegant upstairs parlour.’ 30 Water Street, New York, NY 10004, US

Maialino, selected by Bec Brittain

The lighting designer heads to the elegant Maialino in the Gramercy Park Hotel for an after-work tipple: ‘it feels solid, cozy and timeless, and has a great wine list,’ she says. 2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010, US. Photography: Liz Clayman

Coco Pazzo Trattoria, selected by Jean and Oliver Pelle of Pelle

It is the outstanding food that makes the duo constantly return to Coco Pazzo Trattoria, located on the corner of Prince and Thompson Streets. ‘It’s a homey, but contemporary Tuscan-style restaurant in a very convenient location – perfect for the times you are running around Soho and want to end the day with a great meal. The entrees and antipasti are incredibly delicious and the pasta is just perfect,’ they say. 160 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012, US. Photography: courtesy Coco Pazzo Trattoria