The Musket Room and Raf's Camari Mick Shares Her Favorite NYC Solo Dining Spots — Resy | Right This Way

Camari Mick's Favorite "Treat Yourself" Spots

Where do chefs go and, more importantly, where do they love to eat? In Resy Regulars, we ask Resy chefs to tell us where they’re regulars.

In this edition, we’re chatting with Camari Mick, the pastry chef at downtown hot spots Raf’s and The Musket Room. She’s a three-time James Beard nominee for best pastry chef or baker, was named one of 2023’s Forbes 30 Under 30 in the food and drink category, and also, as this list reveals, always up for a good time. Needless to say, Mick’s time is in high demand at both restaurants, but when she does find a moment to herself, she’s got solo dining down to a science.

"I think when you’re being a solo diner, it’s important to just make connections," she says. "You may not be in the industry, but you never know who you’re going to be talking to. Taking yourself out on a date is a very important thing to do once a month — even if you have a partner or you have friends. You have to find out what you like, without anybody else’s opinion."

Here are a few of Mick’s favorite “treat yourself” spots for a solo day or night out, in her own words.

1. Aunts et Uncles

"If I were going on a spa day with myself, this would be the before or after treat. If I’m just treating myself, I’ll sit on one of their comfy couches, and eat some of their ackee. It’s also vegan, and really, really good. They’re great at night, too, especially for after-dinner drinks, because they do a lot of pop-ups. It’s in Little Caribbean, so just being able to support a Black-owned business in Brooklyn is great. It brings out the families, and it’s really a vibey spot."

2. Shuko

"I haven’t done this in a while, but I love taking myself out to a lovely sushi date. Definitely for sushi, if I’m going to pay the price, I’ll go to Shuko. They only have dinner service. It just seems more special to be there at a 5 p.m. seating by yourself, when you’re able to connect with the sushi chef."

3. Sixty Three Clinton

"This isn’t as high a ticket price, but I really love the atmosphere and the people. They’re so creative, and they’re so sweet. I took my cook with me from Texas one week, and we had a very homey vibe. They decked it out for me, and the owners were so supportive."

4. Peasant

"I had a similar experience at Peasant. The whole environment there is so warm and romantic. They have a wood-fire oven, and they’re becoming a New York staple."

5. Joomak Banjum

"They have this elegant dining room. I suggest going here for their Sunday suppers with almost bottomless steak. It’s got a Michelin star, and it’s definitely in a higher price range but it’s totally worth it."

6. The Bar Room at The Modern

"I love The Modern as a very low-key celebratory spot. Especially the happy hour, with a bottle of Champagne; it’s a great experience for celebrating yourself."

Camari Mick's preferences provide a wonderful guide for diners looking to enjoy some quality time alone at New York's finest venues.