If you’re looking for the best restaurants in New York City, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. From fine dining to casual eateries, from classic to exotic cuisines, from Manhattan to Brooklyn, there’s something for every taste and budget in the Big Apple. But how do you narrow down your choices and find the perfect spot for your next meal? To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 restaurants in New York City, based on expert reviews, ratings, awards and popularity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can’t go wrong with any of these places. Here they are, in no particular order:
– Wildair: This cozy and minimalist restaurant on the Lower East Side serves inventive small plates that showcase seasonal ingredients and global flavors. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect dishes like beef tartare with smoked cheddar and chestnuts, scallop crudo with yuzu kosho and lime, or chocolate hazelnut tart with salted caramel. The wine list is equally eclectic and adventurous, featuring natural and biodynamic wines from around the world. Wildair is a great place to share a casual and fun meal with friends or a date.
– Eleven Madison Park: One of the most acclaimed and awarded restaurants in the world, Eleven Madison Park offers an unforgettable fine dining experience in a stunning Art Deco setting. The tasting menu showcases chef Daniel Humm’s creative and refined cuisine, inspired by New York’s history and culture. Each dish is a masterpiece of presentation and flavor, such as celery root cooked in a pig’s bladder, honey lavender roasted duck, or chocolate peanut butter pretzel. The service is impeccable and attentive, and the wine pairings are superb. Eleven Madison Park is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny for a special occasion.
– Sushi Yasuda: If you’re looking for authentic and high-quality sushi in New York, look no further than Sushi Yasuda. This minimalist and serene restaurant in Midtown East serves some of the freshest and finest fish in the city, flown in daily from Japan. The sushi chefs are masters of their craft, slicing and shaping each piece with precision and skill. You can order à la carte or opt for the omakase (chef’s choice) menu, which will take you on a journey of flavors and textures. Sushi Yasuda is a must-visit for sushi lovers.
– Jean Georges: Located at the Trump International Hotel on Central Park West, Jean Georges is one of the most elegant and sophisticated restaurants in New York. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s cuisine is French with Asian influences, featuring dishes like foie gras brûlée with dried sour cherries, black truffle pizza with fontina cheese, or roasted lamb chops with mint chili sauce. The dining room is spacious and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park. The service is flawless and professional, and the wine list is extensive and impressive. Jean Georges is a classic destination for a romantic or celebratory meal.
– Cosme: Cosme is a modern and stylish restaurant in Flatiron District that serves contemporary Mexican cuisine with a twist. Chef Enrique Olvera’s dishes are inventive and flavorful, using local and seasonal ingredients to create dishes like duck carnitas with onions and radishes, cobia al pastor with pineapple puree and cilantro, or husk meringue with corn mousse. The cocktails are also excellent, especially the margaritas and mezcal-based drinks. Cosme is a lively and trendy place to enjoy a vibrant and delicious meal.
– Gramercy Tavern: Gramercy Tavern is one of New York’s most beloved and iconic restaurants, serving seasonal American cuisine in a warm and rustic setting. Chef Michael Anthony’s menu features dishes like mushroom lasagna with kale pesto, smoked trout salad with horseradish cream, or apple pie with cheddar cheese crust. The restaurant has two dining options: the tavern, which offers à la carte dishes in a casual atmosphere, and the dining room, which offers prix-fixe menus in a more formal setting. Both are equally satisfying and cozy. Gramercy Tavern is a place where you can feel at home while enjoying exceptional food.
– Keens Steakhouse: Keens Steakhouse is one of New York’s oldest and most famous steakhouses, dating back to 1885. The restaurant is known for its legendary mutton chops, dry-aged steaks, succulent lobsters and extensive collection of clay pipes that hang from the ceiling. The atmosphere is old-fashioned and charming, with dark wood paneling, stained glass windows and antique paintings. Keens Steakhouse is a place to indulge in a hearty and classic meal, accompanied by a glass of wine or a cocktail from the bar.
– Claro: Claro is a cozy and colorful restaurant in Brooklyn that specializes in Oaxacan cuisine, a regional style of Mexican cooking that features mole sauces, corn tortillas, cheese and mezcal. The restaurant makes everything from scratch, using organic and locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily, but you can expect dishes like tlayudas (crispy tortillas) with black beans and cheese, enchiladas with mole negro and chicken, or lamb barbacoa with salsa verde. The mezcal list is impressive, featuring over 50 varieties from different producers. Claro is a place to enjoy a casual and flavorful meal with a touch of spice.
– Per Se: Per Se is another one of New York’s most renowned and prestigious restaurants, located at the Time Warner Center overlooking Central Park. Chef Thomas Keller’s cuisine is French with American influences, featuring dishes like oysters and pearls (sabayon of pearl tapioca with island creek oysters and white sturgeon caviar), butter-poached Nova Scotia lobster with leeks and pommes maxim, or Snake River Farms calotte de boeuf with bone marrow custard and sauce bordelaise. The restaurant offers two tasting menus: the chef’s tasting menu and the vegetable tasting menu, both consisting of nine courses. The service is impeccable and attentive, and the wine list is extraordinary. Per Se is a place to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime meal.
– The Modern: The Modern is a sleek and sophisticated restaurant located at the Museum of Modern Art, offering stunning views of the sculpture garden. Chef Abram Bissell’s cuisine is contemporary American, featuring dishes like foie gras tart with black truffle and quince, roasted monkfish with cauliflower and capers, or chocolate hazelnut gateau with caramel ice cream. The restaurant has two dining options: the bar room, which offers à la carte dishes in a lively atmosphere, and the dining room, which offers prix-fixe menus in a more serene setting. Both are equally delicious and elegant. The Modern is a place to enjoy a refined and artistic meal.