La Mercerie offers a slice of Parisian elegance nestled in the heart of SoHo, blending café culture with sophisticated dining in a way that feels both aspirational and approachable. The restaurant doubles as a design showroom for Roman and Williams Guild, meaning you’re dining amidst exquisite furniture and tableware that you can actually purchase – including the very plates your food is served on.

Chef Marie-Aude Rose brings impeccable French technique to deceptively simple dishes that showcase quality ingredients rather than flashy presentation. The crêpes are absolute perfection – paper-thin with crisp edges, whether filled with ham and Gruyère for a savory lunch or adorned with seasonal fruit for something sweet. Don’t miss the croissant, which many food critics have crowned the city’s best, with its shattering exterior giving way to a honeycomb of buttery layers.

What makes La Mercerie truly special is how it transforms throughout the day, from a sunlit morning spot perfect for coffee and pastries to an intimate dinner setting where the buckwheat galettes and coq au vin transport you straight to France. The service strikes that perfect Parisian balance between attentive and effortless.

While not inexpensive, La Mercerie offers a transportive experience that feels like a miniature vacation to France – a lovely escape from SoHo’s bustling streets, even if just for an hour or two over perfectly executed café classics.