# From the Camera Roll: Pretty Places We Loved in NYC A personal photo diary of design-forward bars, restaurants, and hotels discovered in New York City, from the soaring atrium of The Beekman to the jewel-toned speakeasy Pearl Box and the luxurious subterranean Champagne and Caviar Bar at RH Guesthouse. - Canonical URL: https://www.opulist.app/articles/pretty-places-we-loved-in-nyc - Markdown URL: https://www.opulist.app/articles/pretty-places-we-loved-in-nyc.md - Published: Sat Apr 11 2026 18:02:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) - Updated: Sun Jun 28 2026 19:32:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) ## Categories - Restaurants - Bars & Cocktails ## Tags - None listed ## Venues Mentioned - [Bar Room at the Beekman](https://www.opulist.app/location/bar-room-at-the-beekman) - , New York, New York - [Swan Room](https://www.opulist.app/location/swan-room) - , New York, New York - [Sloane's](https://www.opulist.app/location/sloanes-nyc) - , New York, New York - [Handle](https://www.opulist.app/location/handle) - , Park City, Utah ## Related Collections - None listed ## Article From the Camera Roll: Pretty Places We Loved in NYC Published: July 4 | Author: Sara Bacon | Categories: Restaurant, Bar, Patio, Rooftop, View, Hotel, Coffee Shop, Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar "There are few places as inspiring and visually stimulating as New York City." This piece showcases aesthetic gems discovered throughout NYC, ranging from a moody cocktail bar tucked inside a hotel to a bright cafe. This isn't a comprehensive guide but rather "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 Bar Room at The Beekman Bar Room at The Beekman Bar Room at The Beekman Bar Room at The Beekman "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." The space features "velvet banquettes, dim lighting, and a perfectly patinated color palette" creating "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." Website | Instagram Temple Court | The Beekman | Financial District Temple Court Temple Court Temple Court Temple Court "Just steps from the Bar Room, Temple Court delivers an entirely different mood." Features "glowing stained glass skylights, soft drapery, and lush floral arrangements" creating "the stage for a dinner that feels like a special occasion, even if it isn't." Described as "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." Website | Instagram Little Ruby's Cafe | West Village Little Ruby's Cafe Little Ruby's Cafe Described as "a casual Australian cafe that feels effortlessly chic." The space 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." The space is "approachable but still curated; you can tell someone cared about every finish." Website | Instagram Pearl Box | SoHo Pearl Box Pearl Box Pearl Box "Pearl Box is a tiny SoHo bar with an intimate, speakeasy feel." Features "deep red walls, moody lighting, and elegant glassware" creating "a sophisticated ambiance." Highlights "the mirrored staircase: a sculptural moment that makes even entering the space feel cinematic." Recommended as "one of the most striking NYC hidden gems." Website | Instagram Sloane's | The Manner | SoHo Sloane's Sloane's "Part of The Manner, Sloane's is a contemporary cocktail bar that blends cool minimalism with cozy warmth." Design includes "earthy tones, smooth curved lines, and sculptural lighting" creating "a space that feels quietly luxurious." Open to the public. Website | Instagram The Otter | The Manner | SoHo The Otter The Otter "This signature restaurant at The Manner, The Otter, is a design-forward seafood restaurant helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Alex Stupak." Features "navy lacquered walls, rattan seating, maritime murals, leather banquettes, and Art Deco-inspired lighting." Website | Instagram The Manner | SoHo The Manner The Manner The Manner "The Manner itself is worth highlighting, a masterclass in modern hospitality design." Features "bold jewel-toned features, tactile fabrics, and thoughtful decor choices." Recommended "near the top" for "anyone curating a list of design-forward places to stay in New York." Website | Instagram Swan Room | Lower East Side Swan Room Swan Room "Located within the Nine Orchard Hotel, Swan Room is a bar that brings together elegance and intimacy." Features "tall windows, velvet booths, and artful lighting" creating "a timeless atmosphere that's both refined and relaxed." Website | Instagram The Champagne and Caviar Bar at RH Guesthouse | Meatpacking District RH Guesthouse RH Guesthouse "A study in understated luxury. This subterranean bar beneath RH Guesthouse offers a rarefied experience in every sense." Features "moody lighting" that "softens the stone walls, plush seating" that "invites you to sink in." Described as "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." Website Closing "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." "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." ## FAQ ### What are the most beautiful restaurants with historic architecture in NYC? Temple Court at The Beekman in the Financial District is one of NYC's most beautiful restaurants, featuring glowing stained glass skylights and sitting beneath a soaring nine-story atrium. The restaurant is housed in The Beekman, one of New York's most iconic architectural gems, and features soft drapery and lush floral arrangements that make any dinner feel like a special occasion. ### Where can I find a moody, old-world cocktail bar in NYC's Financial District? The Bar Room at The Beekman offers a cinematic cocktail experience with velvet banquettes, dim lighting, and a patinated color palette beneath the hotel's nine-story atrium. The space feels like stepping into an old-world library crossed with a private club, featuring a massive central bar surrounded by towering bookcases and warm, golden light. ### What's a good design-forward Australian cafe in NYC's West Village? Little Ruby's Cafe in the West Village is a casual Australian cafe that feels effortlessly chic. The space features airy and bright interiors with blonde wood accents, soft white tile, and an inviting energy that makes you want to linger long after your meal. ### Do I need reservations for Temple Court at The Beekman? While not explicitly stated, Temple Court at The Beekman is described as one of the most beautiful restaurants in New York, suggesting reservations would be advisable. The restaurant's elaborate design with stained glass skylights and special occasion atmosphere indicates it's likely a popular destination requiring advance booking.