If you’re a Sex and the City fan like me, you know that New York City is just as central to the story as Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha.The city is always there in the background, and so many scenes take place at restaurants and bars around town. A lot of those places still exist today, so if you feel like following in Carrie’s Manolos for a little SATC-inspired foodie tour, here’s where to go.
Magnolia Bakery
Season 3, episode 5 – “No Ifs, Ands or Butts”
Carrie and Miranda are outside the Bleecker Street location, eating cupcakes. It’s just a quick scene, but it was enough to turn Magnolia into a global cupcake phenomenon. The cupcakes are cute, but people come for the nostalgia. The little bench is still there, and if you grab a pink vanilla cupcake and sit outside, you’ll have the scene pretty much down.
The Modern
Season 6, episode 18 – “Splat!”
Carrie is out with Petrovsky. The Modern is inside MoMA and still one of the most elegant places in the city for a serious grown-up dinner. The food is contemporary American, the view is of the sculpture garden, and the whole place has a very elevated Carrie feel. Book ahead, and dress the part.
Pastis
Season 6, episode 17 – “The Cold War”
Carrie and Big are having brunch. The original Pastis closed for a few years but came back in 2019, just a short walk from where it used to be. It looks the same as before, with white tiles, dark wood, and that busy French bistro vibe. Order steak frites and a mimosa and take in the scene. You’re probably not the only one there on SATC business.
Mr. Chow, Tribeca
Season 4, episode 17 – “A ‘Vogue’ Idea”
Carrie and Big meet outside the restaurant, and even though they don’t go inside, the scene is one of those moments you remember. The Tribeca location is still open and still very Mr. Chow. Think crispy duck, chicken satay and glam in that slightly over-the-top way. It’s not a casual night out, but it’s never boring.
Buddakan
Sex and the City: The Movie
This is where Carrie and Big have their rehearsal dinner. The place is huge and dramatic with moody lighting and long tables, perfect for scenes where things are about to happen. Buddakan is in Chelsea and serves upscale Asian fusion, and while the vibe is more nightlife than fine dining, it totally works.
Onieal’s, Nolita
Seasons 3 and 4
In the show, it’s called Scout and owned by Aidan and Steve. In real life, it’s Onieal’s, and the interior still looks like it did back then. It’s dark wood, a long bar and low lighting. A proper bar you’d actually want to hang out in, even without the SATC reference.
The Loeb Boathouse, Central Park
Season 3, episode 18 – “Cock a Doodle Do!”
Big falls into the lake during a classic Carrie-and-Big moment. The Boathouse is in the middle of Central Park and it’s one of those places where everything just feels very New York. Rowboats, brunch, and that peaceful city-in-the-park kind of charm. You don’t have to fall in to enjoy it.
Il Cantinori
Season 1, episode 6 – “Secret Sex”
Carrie hosts a birthday dinner, but no one shows up. Il Cantinori is still in the East Village and still doing classic Italian with white tablecloths, candlelight and that old-school charm. It’s a lovely place for dinner when you feel like going out but want something cozy and a little romantic.
Russian Samovar
Season 6, episode 15 – “Catch-38”
Carrie and Petrovsky go here for a proper Russian night with vodka and melancholy. The place is on 52nd Street and still has the same red velvet and live music vibe. The food is traditional Russian with dishes like borscht and pelmeni. The drinks come in shots, and the mood can get theatrical in a good way.
Da Marino
Sex and the City: The Movie
Carrie and Big have dinner here, and it’s supposedly Big’s favorite restaurant. It’s very red-check-tablecloth Italian with live piano music and a dining room that hasn’t changed much since the early 2000s. If you ask nicely, they’ll seat you at their table from the movie.
