Hell’s Kitchen Local

A simple yet sophisticated intimate setting with the most delicious homemade Italian food — and everything is actually gluten free. My hubby and I save this spot for special occasions.

This Greek bakery serves the most delicious tiropita: a flaky cheese pie made with ricotta, cream cheese, feta and a touch of mint. One cheese pie with a bowl of olives is my perfect lunch. I love that the business is so old school, they use an honest-to-god cash register. Poseidon has been in its 9th Avenue location since 1950, although the business started in 1923 — a true Hell’s Kitchen institution.

This place is just fantastic, and my daughter gets to eat for free! The quality of the food is incredible, and the small sushi bar that they have on the island is surprisingly good.

When I had just moved to Hell’s Kitchen, I was once walking down 44th Street in a rush and suddenly saw this big coffee shop where I could finally sit down and take a break. I started talking with the people working there and they were so nice — they even complimented my perfume, which made me feel so welcome. Then I tried the vanilla latte… and since that day it’s been my favorite. Now it’s one of my go-to coffee spots in the neighborhood.

This Korean Vegan restaurant and cafe is my go-to for yummy vegan breakfast, delectable matcha and cocktails with special ingredients like homemade candied ginger, my favorite. Mi-Young Yu, the owner, is an incredibly inspiring woman and entrepreneur who is also quite funny. She makes you feel like you’re a guest in her home and it’s very comfy, yummy and fun.

Lemon flavored doughnuts. Olive bread. Salted chocolate chip cookies. Need I say more? I usually stop by here after canvassing in the neighborhood for a pick-me-up and it never disappoints!

On the other hand, my husband is Italian and has a high standard for Italian food. Norma has it. With a wonderful variety of dishes and pastas, the real hit here is the Neopolitan pizza. My favorite is the Norma, it makes sense that both their Norma pizza and pasta hit hard. Their friendly Italian staff and great outdoor seating make this one of my favorite spots to people-watch, enjoy some great high quality food and relax.

Ballet is one of my favorite hobbies and pastimes, and it’s way harder than it looks! Ballerinas do not get the respect they deserve! Hell’s Kitchen is home to so many incredible dance studios, but The Ailey is my go to.

Taking the kids to their baseball or flag football games, have a catch, play basketball, pickle ball, tennis…

I love this place. In a sea of chain stores in Port Authority, this shop is an oasis of creativity. It’s filled with one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories from local designers. I always pop in to see an ever changing stock of unique pieces. I love that it’s in Port Authority.