Restaurants in New York
Restaurants in New York are abundant, from the very cheap to the very expensive, offering cuisines from all over the world. The choice of eateries is large, diverse and changes on an almost daily basis. There are, for that reason, always great restaurants to be found for dining in New York. However, this broad choice can also be quite overwhelming. To help make your decision a little easier, I have listed my favourite places for different occasions and categorised them below.
Restaurants with a view
Robert NYC
If you want to truly impress your partner, take them to Robert NYC. It’s a modern, fancy restaurant in a fairly high price segment. The restaurant is on Columbus Circle, in the Museum of Arts and Design, on one of their highest floors. From here, you have a wonderful view of Central Park, not to mention Columbus Circle itself.
Book your table at Robert NYC here
Peak NYC
On the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards, you find Peak NYC, a restaurant in Hudson Yards with an amazing view. Peak is located on the floor right above Edge observation deck, so if you want to combine an impressive view of New York with great food, and maybe even a proposal, Peak is the place to go. Peak and Edge are not connected though, so if you plan to dine at Peak after your Edge visit, you need to make a separate online reservation for the restaurant.
The River Café
The best view of Manhattan’s skyline is not seen from Manhattan itself but from the opposite side of the water. On the other side of the East River, right under the Brooklyn Bridge is The River Café. Head here for dinner with a beautiful view of the illuminated skyscrapers over the river. Be sure to order their most famous dessert; the Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge!
Book your table at The River Café here
Manhatta Restaurant
A luxurious dining experience at Manhatta promises great views of Lower Manhattan. The restaurant is located on the 60th floor, within walking distance of Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial. While enjoying a fancy lunch or dinner, you’ll continue to be amazed at the sights of the streets, bridges and waterways below you.
GAONNURI
GAONNURI is a Korean restaurant in Koreatown in Midtown Manhattan, just one block from the Empire State Building. Through the large windows, you have a lovely view of the surrounding area. If you eat here after dark, you’ll be surrounded by the illuminated buildings of Midtown Manhattan. Plus, you can enjoy the surprising and varied Korean culinary experience.
Book your table at GAONNURI here
Cantina Rooftop
I think Cantina Rooftop is a real discovery for a fun night! The crowd is lively and there’s a live DJ playing upbeat music every night. The food tastes great (and is affordable) and the view is awesome. The name gives it away a little, Cantina is a Mexican restaurant. On the menu of this festive place, you’ll find tacos and guacamole, as well as meat and fish dishes. In addition, Cantina has a retractable roof and can be heated during the winter.
Book your table at Cantina Rooftop here
RH Rooftop
Head to the Meatpacking District for dinner and have a burger or a lobster roll, for example. RH Rooftop is located on the roof of a furniture store and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding neighbourhood. Make a reservation before your visit to ensure a table. You can also stop by for a drink.
Book your table at RH Rooftop here
Electric Lemon
Electric Lemon is located on the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards. You can go there for drinks or dinner. When you sit outside on the terrace you can have a view over the Hudson River and surrounding buildings. Because you’re so near to the river, it can get a little windy. You could also have dinner inside the restaurant, which has a beautiful view of the Vessel from the bar side. When you have a drink or dinner inside you can always step outside to enjoy the vistas.
Restaurants for groups
Carmine’s
Carmine’s is a real Italian family restaurant. Boasting two locations in Manhattan, giving you double the chance of getting a table. Which is a good thing, as Carmines is always full! Are you planning on eating out with a group? Then be sure to book Carmine’s well in advance.
Book your table at Carmine’s here
John’s Pizzeria
When I’m planning a group dinner in New York I like to go to John’s Pizzeria. Large tables, and large pizzas! You can easily share one between two or three people, making this restaurant very suitable for larger parties. John’s have locations on both Times Square and Bleecker Street.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is not an ‘authentic’ New York restaurant; it’s part of a chain. However, I do recommend it for groups, it’s very suitable for large parties. The food is good and inexpensive. In addition, its central location, on Times Square, makes it the perfect place to grab a bite before, for example, heading to a Broadway show.
Dallas BBQ
Dallas BBQ has various branches in Manhattan, as well as other New York boroughs. They are all large, open spaces where you can easily dine with a group. On the menu, at Dallas BBQ you’ll find mainly (the name says it all) barbecue dishes. So it’s a real ‘American’ dining experience!
Virgil’s Real BBQ
The same goes for Virgil’s: a barbecue restaurant, well known for one dish with a somewhat unusual name, ‘Trainwreck Fries’. These chips are smothered in melted cheddar and Monterey jack cheese and topped with smoked ham, onions, Jalapeños, with ranch dressing and I definitely recommend them! Virgil’s is a large restaurant, so you can easily head here for a group meal.
Book your table at Virgil’s Real BBQ here
Cheaper restaurants
If you are looking for a reasonably cheap dinner, I recommend giving Thai food a try. There are lots of Thai restaurants to be found on 9th Avenue; between 42nd and 56th Street. Another option is to head to Chinatown for an affordable meal. Try, for example, the dumplings and dim sum at the Nom Wah Tea Parlor. It goes without saying, my favourite foods are hamburgers and pizza. Which, in general, are also inexpensive options. In addition, you can experience an authentic meal amongst the locals for a relatively low price at one of the many diners in New York.
Restaurants for a celebration
Do you have something to celebrate in New York? An anniversary, graduation or engagement? There are many romantic restaurants in New York. But there are also some great options if you’re celebrating something else.
Birreria
Atop the indoor Italian market, Eataly, you’ll find Birreria. A brewery-annexe rooftop restaurant. Here you can enjoy affordable food, combined with their home-brewed beer. You can also visit Birreria in the winter when a temporary roof and heaters are added to warm up the terrace.
Book your table at Birreria here
Marseille
Marseille is a French-style restaurant with plenty of atmosphere, located in Hell’s Kitchen. Here, you can sit in the cosy surroundings and enjoy the French dishes. In addition, Marseille is a good option for the holidays. On Thanksgiving and at Christmas they serve a special set menu.
Book your table at Marseille here
Dinner Cruises
For a truly special experience, I recommend booking a dinner cruise in New York. As you cruise past the impressive Manhattan skyline, you can enjoy a delicious meal or buffet. Dinner cruises range in price, depending on which you choose. So there is something suitable for every occasion.
Luxury restaurants
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen
There are a few upscale and fancy French restaurants in New York. Any of the Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurants are great. However, I personally recommend ABC Kitchen in the Flatiron District. This is definitely a place to see-and-be-seen. Expect romantic lighting and to be seated amongst the best dressed New Yorkers from, for example, the fashion and modelling industries. On Valentine’s Day, ABC Kitchen is a cool place to go to avoid tourists.
TAO Downtown
TAO Downtown, located in Meatpacking District is a restaurant and nightclub rolled into one. It is split into various sections, however. If you are looking to dine in modern and luxurious surroundings, this is your place. The music is quite loud, but you don’t really need to talk. You’ll be too busy looking around TAO! The decor is impressive, and so are the prices.
Book your table at TAO Downtown here
STK
STK is short for steak but this is no regular steakhouse. These luxury restaurants are ‘the place to be’ for trendy New Yorkers that, after dinner, stick around for a cocktail and music from the resident DJ. STK Downtown also has a rooftop, so is a good place for a night out.
Beauty & Essex
Beauty & Essex in the Lower East Side is a hidden gem in Manhattan. You enter via a pawn shop, and you’ll have no idea of the beautiful restaurant hidden behind the store. Enter through the door at the back of the shop and you’ll find yourself in a cool and atmospheric restaurant over two floors.
Book your table at Beauty & Essex here
CATCH
Are you looking for a ‘hip and happening’ restaurant but you’re more of a fish than a meat-eater? Then CATCH is the place for you. One of the Meatpacking District’s trendy restaurants that later transforms into a club.
Avra Madison Estiatorio
For great quality Greek food, head to Avra. There are no bunches of grapes adorning the ceiling, but clean, white cloths on the tables at this restaurant, close to Central Park. Head here for lunch or dinner of delicious Greek dishes in chic surroundings.
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