Liz Lange's New York

The maternity-wear designer was born and raised on the Upper East Side, still one of her favorite neighborhoods in New York. Here she shares her top spots.

I go to Sant Ambroeus (1000 Madison Ave.; pictured above) every morning during the week for coffee and a croissant or a little sandwich. It’s a fun New York scene—and delicious. Via Quadronno for lunch or afternoon coffee is another fabulous people-watching scene. It’s very child-friendly, too. I love to take my children there for hot chocolate and to meet friends for lunch. The pressed paninis are the best in town.

What’s your favorite walk in the city?

One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday when I’m in town is to walk along Madison Avenue from Barneys up to 77th Street. It’s the best shopping street in the world!

And your favorite restaurant?

Lunch at Fred’s (660 Madison Ave.) at Barneys is always a scene and you get the added benefit of being able to shop before or after your meal. For dinner, my kids adore the pizza and pasta at Serafina (1022 Madison Ave. and 33 East 61st St.). Nobody makes a better soufflé than La Grenouille. The ambience there is so old world, which I love.

What about your favorite hotel?

Stay at the Lowell Hotel, the city’s most beautiful boutique hotel in the best Upper East Side location.

What’s your favorite neighborhood?

One of my favorite blocks in New York is 70th Street between Park and Lexington, where you’ll see all the magnificent townhouses. Then spend some time strolling along Lexington in the lower 70s and check out Mecox Gardens (962 Lexington Ave.), which has beautiful things for the home.

Have dinner at Sette Mezzo (969 Lexington Ave.), which many Upper East Siders think of as their “kitchen” away from home. I have spent my entire life eating the yummiest tea sandwiches at William Poll (1051 Lexington Ave.) and they are still the best.

Tell us about a favorite view?

I love a table by the windows of Nougatine, the casual section of Jean Georges on Central Park West, for its magnificent view of the park at night as well as the delicious cuisine. It’s beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are two of my favorites times to dine there.