From the Camera Roll: Pretty Places We Loved in NYC
The Champagne and Caviar Bar at The RH Guesthouse, New York City, NY. Photo: Opulist
There are few places as inspiring and visually stimulating as New York City. Recently finding myself there for a personal getaway: a chance to visit friends, explore the city, and squeeze in a few beautiful stops along the way. But even on a non-Opulist trip, design-forward places have a way of finding you. From a moody cocktail bar tucked inside a hotel to a bright cafe, here are a few of the aesthetic gems that made it to the camera roll. Not a full city guide, but a snapshot of some recent favorite discoveries for anyone who loves beautiful places as much as we do.
Bar Room at The Beekman | Financial District
The Beekman is one of New York's most iconic architectural gems, and the Bar Room tucked beneath its soaring nine-story atrium is just as striking. Velvet banquettes, dim lighting, and a perfectly patinated color palette give it a cinematic quality. It feels like stepping into an old-world library crossed with a private club: a place that invites lingering over cocktails. The massive central bar is surrounded by towering bookcases and warm, golden light. It’s ideal for a late afternoon martini or a moody, romantic nightcap.
Temple Court | The Beekman | Financial District
Just steps from the Bar Room, Temple Court delivers an entirely different mood. With glowing stained glass skylights, soft drapery, and lush floral arrangements, it sets the stage for a dinner that feels like a special occasion, even if it isn't. The menu is impressive, but the ambiance is what you'll remember. Every detail is intentional, from the layered textures to the graceful lighting. It's one of the most beautiful restaurants in New York and an essential stop for anyone who cares about design as much as they do their meal.
Little Ruby's Cafe | West Village
A casual Australian café that feels effortlessly chic. Little Ruby’s Cafe, West Village location, is airy and bright, with blonde wood accents, soft white tile, and an inviting energy that makes you want to linger long after your plate is cleared. It’s approachable but still curated; you can tell someone cared about every finish. Stop in for breakfast or lunch, but know that it stays busy for a reason. It’s an easy add to your list of aesthetic places in NYC.
Pearl Box | SoHo
Pearl Box is a tiny SoHo bar with an intimate, speakeasy feel. Only a handful of seats fit inside the jewel-toned space, where deep red walls, moody lighting, and elegant glassware create a sophisticated ambiance. Every detail is intentional, from the deep red walls and jewel-toned lighting to the elegant glassware and curated playlist. One of the most striking features is the mirrored staircase: a sculptural moment that makes even entering the space feel cinematic. It’s a place that feels like it exists in its own world, intimate, stylish, and surprisingly transportive. For those looking for NYC hidden gems, this is one to remember.
Sloane’s | The Manner | SoHo
Part of The Manner, Sloane’s is a contemporary cocktail bar that blends cool minimalism with cozy warmth. Earthy tones, smooth curved lines, and sculptural lighting create a space that feels quietly luxurious. Open to the public, this moody and chic bar gets to be enjoyed by all.
The Otter | The Manner | SoHo
This signatur restaurant at The Manner, The Otter, is a design-forward seafood restaurant helmed by James Beard–nominated chef Alex Stupak. Set against an effortlessly chic backdrop - navy lacquered walls, rattan seating, maritime murals, leather banquettes, and Art Deco-inspired lighting - The Otter feels both intimate and elevated, with candlelit ambiance that enhances its warm, bistro-like atmosphere.
The Manner | SoHo
The Manner itself is worth highlighting (see our IG feature here), a masterclass in modern hospitality design. Every space, from the lobby to the hallways, has been carefully considered. Bold jewel-toned features, tactile fabrics, and thoughtful decor choices make it a peaceful, yet energizing escape in the heart of the city. If you're curating your own list of design-forward places to stay in New York, The Manner belongs near the top.
Swan Room | Lower East Side
Located within the Nine Orchard Hotel, Swan Room is a bar that brings together elegance and intimacy. Tall windows, velvet booths, and artful lighting create a timeless atmosphere that’s both refined and relaxed. The room's gentle palette and considered details make it one of the most beautiful places in NYC to unwind.
The Champagne and Caviar Bar at RH Guesthouse | Meatpacking District
A study in understated luxury. This subterranean bar beneath RH Guesthouse offers a rarefied experience in every sense. Moody lighting softens the stone walls, plush seating invites you to sink in, and every element feels curated with intention. It’s not just one of the most stunning spots in NYC; it’s a destination. For those who travel with aesthetics top of mind, this is an Opulist-level pilgrimage spot: designed for the kind of guest who notices the weight of a door handle, the way light catches glassware, and the hush of a room that feels like a secret.
NYC is overflowing with beautiful places, but this trip reminded me that when you follow your eye, your camera roll becomes a record of inspiration, and proof that life really can be beautiful. These photos are small reminders that beauty can be found in a quiet corner, a thoughtfully lit room, or the way a space makes you feel.
Each of these locations offered more than just a meal or a drink, they delivered an experience. Whether you're planning your next New York getaway or just bookmarking aesthetic places in NYC for the future, let this be your guide. And if you’re the kind of traveler who always zooms in on the decor, saves corners of a room to memory, and chooses your seat based on the lighting, welcome. You’re in good company.
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