Cafe Gitane

If you want to sit outside in Nolita and judge the fashion choices of tourists and aspiring influencers, there’s no better place than Cafe Gitane. With its open kitchen, scuffed bistro furniture, and colorfully painted walls that look like they’re about to start peeling, Cafe Gitane (open since 1994) is one of the most charming restaurants downtown. The French and Mediterranean food is, admittedly, fairly basic, and there’s always the chance that your server will forget about your order once brunch gets hectic—but that, too, is part of the charm. Stop by to enjoy some avocado toast and a well-dressed smoked trout salad while you sit at a table on the sidewalk and take in the scene.

photo credit: Cafe Gitane