10 Best Restaurants in New York City

You'll find New York City's most exceptional dining experiences at standouts like the Belle Epoque-inspired La Grande Boucherie and James Beard winner Dhamaka's authentic Indian cuisine. Don't miss Tatiana's innovative Afro-Caribbean flavors at Lincoln Center or Rezdôra's Michelin-starred handmade pasta. The two-Michelin-starred Atera offers intimate counter seating, while Gramercy Tavern delivers refined New American cuisine. Manhatta impresses with skyline views from 60 stories up, and Eyval brings modern Iranian flair to Bushwick. Kochi's Korean-French fusion and their nine-course tasting menu rounds out NYC's finest. These culinary destinations offer just a taste of what makes New York's dining scene legendary.

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Key Takeaways

Atera offers an intimate dining experience with two Michelin stars and a 13-seat counter featuring innovative seasonal tasting menus.
Rezdôra's Michelin-starred handmade pasta and authentic Italian cuisine make it a standout choice in New York's fine dining scene.
Dhamaka serves exceptional Indian cuisine by James Beard Award winner Chef Chintan Pandya at a moderate price point of $50 per person.
Gramercy Tavern combines casual and formal dining with Michelin-starred seasonal New American cuisine in the Flatiron District.
Manhatta provides stunning city views from 60 stories high while serving creative New American cuisine with flexible dining options.

La Grande Boucherie

Down in the heart of Midtown West sits La Grande Boucherie, a stunning French restaurant that captures the elegance of Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau design.

You'll find extensive seating options, with room for 400 guests indoors and 150 in the year-round outdoor plaza. The North Room offers 140 seated guests and is optimal for hosting full-out parties with views of the restaurant.

The menu combines French classics with steakhouse favorites, featuring an in-house meat program and impressive large-format dishes like Côte de Boeuf and Chateaubriand. The restaurant's signature cherry blossom trees adorn the grand entrance, creating a romantic Parisian atmosphere.

Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, you'll find traditional French cuisine including classic desserts like Tarte Tatin.

They're open daily from morning until midnight, offering multiple dining spaces for various occasions.

The restaurant can host nearly 600 people at full capacity, with dedicated areas like the North Room and Burgundy Room for private events.

Dhamaka

Tucked inside Essex Market on the Lower East Side, Dhamaka serves some of New York's most authentic provincial Indian cuisine. Since opening in 2021, Chef Chintan Pandya's unapologetic approach to regional Indian dishes has earned him a James Beard Award and the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The restaurant's name translates to flavor explosion in Hindi. After a brief menu update closure in April 2023, the restaurant returned with renewed focus on regional specialties.

You'll find unique dishes like goat neck dum biryani and house-made paneer methi in cashew sauce. For the adventurous, there's gurda kapoora (goat kidney and testicles) and the coveted Rajasthani khargosh, a whole rabbit that's available once nightly with pre-order.

While tables are cozy, the atmosphere's perfect for gathering with friends. You can dine Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m., with reservations available through Resy.

Expect to spend around $50 per person, though specialty dishes can range up to $225.

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

Inside Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, Tatiana showcases Chef Kwame Onwuachi's masterful blend of Afro-Caribbean flavors with New York influences.

Since opening in November 2022, it's rapidly ascended to become one of NYC's most celebrated dining destinations, earning three stars from The New York Times and claiming the top spot in Pete Wells' rankings. The iconic $28 Truffle Chopped Cheese has become a must-try menu item featured in Eater NY. The restaurant's commitment to locally sourced ingredients reinforces its connection to New York's vibrant food community.

You'll find signature dishes that tell stories of culture and heritage through innovative preparations:

Short rib pastrami suya combining West African spices with NYC deli traditions
Egusi dumplings reflecting global culinary techniques
Braised oxtails delivering classic Caribbean comfort
Peri Peri salad fusing African and Caribbean elements

Reservations through Resy are notoriously difficult to secure, but the exceptional service and thoughtfully crafted menu make it worth the pursuit.

Gramercy Tavern

While modern fusion restaurants like Tatiana captivate NYC's dining scene, Gramercy Tavern stands as a timeless cornerstone of Manhattan's culinary landscape.

Located in the Flatiron District, this Danny Meyer establishment has earned its reputation through consistent excellence, including multiple Zagat "most popular restaurant" awards and a coveted Michelin star.

You'll find two distinct experiences here: the casual tavern side, perfect for a no-reservations lunch at the bar, and the more formal dining room where you'll want to book ahead. The private dining room accommodates intimate gatherings of 12 to 22 guests. The space features elegant rustic decor that creates an inviting atmosphere.

The neo-Colonial design by Bentel & Bentel Architects sets the stage for Michael Anthony's seasonal New American cuisine.

The menu evolves constantly, highlighting relationships with local farms and producers.

While the wine list runs steep, the attentive service and creative dishes justify Zagat's assessment of "about as perfect as a restaurant can get."

Rezdôra

A true taste of Emilia Romagna awaits at Rezdôra, where handmade pasta and rustic Italian traditions have earned this intimate spot its coveted Michelin star.

The restaurant, established in 2019 by Chef Sarah and Chef Chris, showcases a deep commitment to authenticity and culinary excellence.

You'll find yourself immersed in a traditional trattoria atmosphere, complete with moody lighting and expert service from knowledgeable staff who'll guide you through the menu and wine selections. Making reservations is effortless through their real-time booking system.

At Rezdôra, you can expect:

Traditional starters like Gnocco Fritto served with premium Italian cured meats
Masterfully crafted handmade pasta dishes, from spaghetti with clams to perfectly shaped agnolotti
Carefully curated wine pairings recommended by attentive servers
Fresh, local vegetables and quality seafood preparations

While the prices run high ($131.75 for wine, appetizer, and three pastas), the authentic Italian experience and exceptional food quality justify making a reservation at this NYC gem.

Gage & Tollner

Stepping into Gage & Tollner feels like traveling through time to New York's Gilded Age, where gas-lit chandeliers illuminate one of Brooklyn's most historically significant dining rooms.

Since 1879, this Michelin Guide-featured restaurant has hosted notable figures like Truman Capote and Mae West in its landmark Victorian interior.

You'll find the restaurant's legacy preserved in its menu, which returns to its roots as an oyster and chop house after reopening in 2021. The vintage cherry wood and mirrors create an elegant old-world atmosphere that transports diners back to the restaurant's early days.

While the classic seafood and steaks remain the stars, you can also explore contemporary offerings at the Sunken Harbor Club upstairs, where tropical cocktails and small plates await. Guests can easily secure their dining experience through the restaurant's digital reservation system, ensuring a seamless booking process.

The restaurant operates daily at 372 Fulton Street, with dinner service Monday through Thursday and extended hours for lunch and dinner on weekends.

Atera

Moving from Brooklyn's historic dining scene to Manhattan's contemporary culinary landscape, Atera stands as a masterpiece of modern gastronomy in Tribeca.

Under Danish chef Ronny Emborg's leadership since 2015, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers an immersive dining experience at its 13-seat counter surrounding the kitchen. The restaurant's signature four-hour mushroom broth exemplifies their commitment to refined technique and flavor. Guests can indulge in standout creations like the Shigoku oyster dish, expertly paired with kiwi and cucumber.

You'll find innovative New American cuisine with global influences, featuring produce from their basement hydroponic garden at Farm.One.

The $285-$298 tasting menu showcases:

Seasonally rotating dishes that highlight peak ingredients
Exceptional non-alcoholic pairings, including their notable "whisky" option
Formal yet accommodating service from an expert team
Precise attention to detail in every aspect, from tea service to wine pairings

This AAA Five-Star recipient continues to evolve while maintaining its reputation as one of New York's finest dining destinations.

Manhatta

New York's skyline provides the perfect backdrop for Manhatta, Danny Meyer's culinary marvel soaring 60 stories above Lower Manhattan in the 28 Liberty building.

You'll discover Executive Chef Justin Bogle's New American cuisine that expertly blends tradition with modern creativity, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Among the standout offerings is the Oysters Manhatta, featuring luxurious uni and Champagne sabayon.

The restaurant's seasonal menu celebrates local ingredients through both familiar and inventive dishes. Located at 28 Liberty Street, the restaurant ensures an unforgettable dining destination in the heart of Manhattan.

You can opt for the multi-course dinner, à la carte lunch, or settle into the bar and lounge for classic NYC cocktails.

For an elevated experience, book the chef's counter for a ten-course journey of boundary-pushing dishes.

Whether you're planning a private event or an intimate dinner, Manhatta's flexible spaces and award-winning wine list guarantee your dining experience matches the spectacular cityscape before you.

Eyval

From Manhattan's soaring heights, let's explore the vibrant streets of Bushwick, where Eyval stands as a tribute to Brooklyn's diverse culinary landscape.

At 25 Bogart Street, this Persian eatery brings traditional Iranian cooking to life with its exceptional dips, breads, and authentic dishes. The restaurant's modern interior design creates an inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the dining experience. The establishment utilizes real-time updates to help guests secure their preferred dining times.

You'll appreciate Eyval's commitment to inclusivity, as it's fully certified for accessibility and welcomes all diners.

The restaurant's dedication to excellence is evident in:

Fresh, delicious Iranian cuisine that consistently earns high ratings
Fast, friendly service that enhances your dining experience
Easy reservation system through Resy
Extensive accessibility features for disabled patrons

Whether you're a Persian cuisine enthusiast or new to Iranian flavors, you'll find Eyval's menu both approachable and authentic, making it a standout choice in Brooklyn's culinary scene.

Kochi

Tucked away on 10th Avenue, Kochi stands as one of Manhattan's most celebrated Korean restaurants, earning its MICHELIN star for three consecutive years.

Under the guidance of Chef Sungchul Shim, who honed his skills at Le Bernardin and Per Se, you'll experience a nine-course tasting menu that artfully blends Korean traditions with French techniques. The restaurant's sweet potato and sunchoke gratin has become a standout dish among diners. Diners consistently praise the restaurant with near-perfect ratings across all categories.

For $145 per person, you'll dine in an elegant space adorned with marble and wood, where hip-hop and K-Pop create a lively backdrop.

The menu showcases innovative dishes like croquettes in beet soup and expertly grilled skewers. You'll need to be 21 or older to enjoy this culinary journey, and you can secure your spot through OpenTable.

The restaurant welcomes diners from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 10:00 PM on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Best Time of Year to Get Reservations at These Restaurants?

Time is your best friend when hunting for prime restaurant reservations.

You'll find the most success booking during winter months (January-March), when the city's dining scene is less crowded.

Don't wait for peak seasons like summer and fall.

You should also target weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday, and consider dining during off-peak hours.

For Michelin-starred spots, you'll need to plan 30-60 days ahead.

Do Any of These Restaurants Offer Special Holiday or Seasonal Menus?

You'll find special seasonal menus at most of these restaurants.

Tatiana offers creative seasonal dishes, while Gramercy Tavern and ABC Kitchen update their farm-to-table menus quarterly.

During holidays, The Dead Rabbit creates special cocktail menus, and 4 Charles Prime Rib adjusts its offerings seasonally.

For unique holiday experiences, try Dhamaka's seasonal Indian specials or Manhatta's seasonal American menu with skyline views.

Which Restaurants Are Most Accommodating for Large Group Celebrations?

You'll find Carmine's on 44th Street exceptionally accommodating for celebrations, with their family-style Italian dishes perfect for sharing.

Quality Bistro and Gramercy Tavern offer private spaces that'll make your group feel special.

If you're planning an upscale celebration, consider Nobu Fifty Seven or TAO Uptown.

For a more casual atmosphere, Time Out Market New York gives your group flexibility with multiple food options under one roof.

Are There Dress Code Requirements for These High-End Restaurants?

Like a social butterfly maneuvering through different gardens, you'll need to adapt your attire to each restaurant's unique atmosphere.

You'll find formal venues like Atera and Icca expect elevated dress – think jackets for men and cocktail dresses for women.

Semi-formal spots like Rezdôra and Gramercy Tavern welcome smart casual attire, while places like Dhamaka and Red Hook Tavern keep it relaxed.

When in doubt, you can't go wrong dressing up rather than down.

Which of These Restaurants Offer Vegetarian or Vegan Tasting Menus?

If you're looking for vegetarian tasting menus, Gramercy Tavern is your best bet as they offer a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu.

While Theodora and Rezdôra have vegetarian dishes available, they don't specifically advertise tasting menus.

For vegan options, you'll find it's more challenging – none of these restaurants explicitly offer vegan tasting menus, though some might accommodate requests.

It's best to call ahead to confirm current offerings and accommodations.