Best restaurants in Bronx

Per Se

★★★ Michelin$$$$american, french

An experience at Thomas Keller’s Per Se is one to be savored, recounted and remembered. In a city where space itself is a luxury, the dining room is impressively scaled, offering both stellar views of Central Park as well as precious privacy from table to table. As for the cooking, the French kitchen closely aligns itself with the seasons, sourcing best-in-class product and preparing them with razor-sharp refinement. Signatures like “Oysters and Pearls” or the grand dessert finale are reliable, thrilling bookends. What happens in between is a mature study in confidence and class. An effortless

🕐 Mo-Su 17:30-22:00; Fr-Su 11:30-13:30

Sushi Noz

★★ Michelin$$$$japanese, sushi

There is a certain energy that courses through this sacred space, where every detail recreates an intimate Japanese refuge. Some of the tools alone are marvels, and Chef Nozomu Abe is a meticulous and engaging craftsman. When booking, keep an eye out for his dates and time slots. Commence with dishes like grilled Norwegian king crab in a sauce mixed with Pacific cod roe, or Japanese rock oyster with rice vinegar and bonito. Miso soup is the perfect backdrop for silky-soft eel “noodles” with salted egg yolk cream and crispy tofu pieces, while sushi is jewel-like. This craft comes at a price: ex

Jean-Georges

★★ Michelin$$$$french

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s culinary empire stretches far and wide, but Central Park will always be his home. Chef de Cuisine Joseph Rhee and team sustain a legacy defined by a mastery of French techniques with a flair for global flavors. Guests select from ever-evolving seasonal menus, or delve into a bit of nostalgia with a menu devoted to classics from the restaurant's early days. Dishes like spiced duck breast paired with lovage and an emulsion of mezcal and mustard showcase boldness and originality. Those opting for the vegetarian menu will enjoy top produce, like morel mushrooms in

🕐 Mo-Su 11:45-14:30; Mo-Th 17:30-23:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-23:00; Su 17:30-22:30

Masa

★★ Michelin$$$$sushi

There is nothing like an omakase in the care of Chef Masa Takayama. The commotion of Columbus Circle gives way to the calm, collected ceremony of a room anchored by a strikingly smooth hinoki counter. Everything is in place, as chefs and servers work with a kind of harmony that recalls ballet. Every decision, every move, is in the service of his distinctive style, which many have copied but none have mastered. Fragrant white and black truffles, pearly beads of Osetra caviar, and vibrant garnishes make for brilliant touches that straddle the line between luxury and excess. Few have both the ima

Aquavit

★★ Michelin$$$$scandinavian

Aquavit remains one of the city’s most polished expressions of contemporary Scandinavian cooking, set within a sleek dining room anchored by a striking open kitchen under Chef Emma Bengtsson. The tasting menus lean heavily into Nordic sensibilities, balancing pristine seafood, preserved elements, cultured dairy and bright seasonal produce with elegant restraint. Dishes may include beautifully cooked Norwegian langoustine with Meyer lemon sabayon and crisp shellfish tuile, or halibut paired with salt-baked celeriac and smoked whey beurre blanc. Desserts continue the restaurant’s refined style,

🕐 Mo-Fr 11:45-14:30, 17:30-22:00;Sa 17:30-22:00;Su off

Essential by Christophe

★ Michelin$$$$French Contemporary, Contemporary

Push past the heavy iron doors to this modern restaurant tucked at the base of a classic townhouse. Supple leather, brass touches and various shades of beige comprise the contemporary, elegant space, where a buzzy bar and a welcoming dining room await. Chef Christophe Bellanca's dishes echo a simple elegance, evidenced by plump white asparagus on a fragrant bergamot-flavored crème with a refreshing herb vinaigrette and paper-thin slices of watermelon radish. French technique is married with Asian flavors in a dish of three blue prawns with genmaicha tuille, and braised black sea bass with shii

Daniel

★ MichelinLa Liste 98$$$$french

Chef Daniel Boulud's eponymous restaurant is a classic New York restaurant. For over thirty years, this fine dining room has been the spot for brokering deals and celebrating special occasions. With art from James Rosenquist complementing the coffered ceilings capped with signature Bernardaud porcelain chandeliers, it remains an iconic Upper East Side spot.Executive Chef Eddy Leroux's multicourse tasting menus showcase high-quality ingredients and classic French cuisine. Recent highlights have included Castroville artichoke ravioli with barigoule consomme, followed by gently cooked Pacific ike

Café Boulud

★ Michelin$$$$French

Café Boulud occupies a prime corner on the Upper East Side, where a polished Art Deco–inspired dining room sets the tone for an elegant experience. Under Executive Chef Romain Paumier, the kitchen draws on classical French foundations while incorporating seasonal and global influences. Dishes are thoughtfully composed and grounded in technique, from the classic black sea bass wrapped in potato with a rich red wine sauce to delicately balanced vegetable preparations. Desserts, such as a beautifully executed tarte Tatin, provide a fitting conclusion. With attentive service and a strong French-le

Tha Phraya

Bib Gourmand$$Thai contemporary

Is this the Upper East Side or the streets of Bangkok? Tha Phraya's interior pops with red lamps that dot the dining room, reminding one of a walk down Patpong Alley.There are a few familiar favorites like green curry and Thai iced tea, but that's where the typical offerings end. Instead, discover a unique variety of dishes from all over the Thai region including Northern Thai sausage spring rolls and khao soi to Southern Phuket-style curry served family style. Be sure to order the light and crispy sai-ua spring roll with flavorful Chiang Mai sausage and zabb hang, a bowl of rice noodles tosse

Bohemian Spirit

Bib Gourmand$$czech, brunch

It's old-world Bohemia, not hippie-chic, at this Czech beer hall located on the first floor of the National Bohemian Hall building. It exudes a classic European bar vibe with wood paneling, simple wood tables and vintage knick knacks. Naturally, beers and pilsners are the drink of choice, but for grape lovers, there is a nice European-focused wine list sprinkled with Czech wines. Hearty fare is definitely in store here. A large bowl of borscht arrives redolent of dill and is tangy and vibrant with a buttery finish, while grilled kielbasa is smoky and moist, sided by a mustard-forward potato sa

🕐 Mo 17:00-22:00; Tu-Fr 17:00-23:00; Sa 11:00-15:00, 17:00-23:00; Su 11:00-15:00, 17:00-22:00

Jiang Nan

Bib Gourmand$$Chinese, Regional Cuisine

One Fulton Square is fast becoming the address for the area’s most compelling restaurants, but unlike its neighbors, which stick to single specialties like Sichuan or soup dumplings, Jiang Nan delivers hits from all regions of China. The stylish restaurant group now runs multiple locations across the region, but this Flushing location is the original. Roast Beijing duck is a signature order that comes with thin pancakes on a silver tray. Fiery mapo tofu in a portion fit for four and one particularly thrilling sliced beef in golden pepper sauce are also must-orders. The grand setting is particu

Bayon

Bib Gourmand$Cambodian

Husband-and-wife owners Minh and Mandy Truong offer an elegant peek into traditional Cambodian flavors at their Upper East Side restaurant, where a comprehensive a la carte menu offers a wide selection of everything from Khmer noodles and fried rice to Siem Reap specials, along with sections dedicated entirely to duck and fish. Top picks include chive dumplings, fried to a golden crisp and served with a ginger soy sauce, and nyoam, or thick rice noodles, tossed with a red curry sauce made with ground fish, cucumbers, long beans, and bean sprouts. Don't miss the banh chao crepe, a half-round go

Phayul

Bib Gourmand$$asian, tibetan, nepalese

Momos are a point of pride at this Tibetan mainstay in the heart of vibrant Roosevelt Avenue. Large, generously filled and well-pleated, these dumplings arrive steaming hot, packed with juicy beef and bright scallions, and make a compelling case on their own. Still, it would be a mistake to stop there. Stir-fried noodles with beef showcase chewy strands and well-cooked batons of meat tossed with crisp vegetables, while dishes like chicken with peanuts deliver caramelized onions, garlic and peppers in a savory stir-fry. Even simpler accompaniments, such as steamed tingmo bread, round out the me

Lungi

Bib Gourmand$$$indian, sri_lankan

Chef/co-owner Albin Vincent, who grew up in Kanyakumari, India with deep roots in Sri Lanka, has penned a love letter to both regions at this Upper East Side restaurant with a contemporary setting. Chef Vincent learned to cook at his grandmother's knee, mastering the art of traditional Sri Lankan and Southern Indian dishes like pan-fried spicy kingfish served on a banana leaf with fried makrut lime leaves or kothu roti, a classic Sri Lankan specialty comprised of roti, meat, and sauteed vegetables mixed with scrambled eggs. Served with raita and a small side of curry with shredded chicken, it'

🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-15:00, 17:00-23:00; Sa-Su 12:00-15:30, 17:00-23:00

Alley 41

Bib Gourmand$$Chinese, Sichuan

True to its name, this Sichuan stalwart does not sit in plain sight. A short walk off Flushing’s Main Street leads to an interior that is equally unexpected: A stylish corridor of concrete, curved wood chairs and elegant panel screens. The menu, now entirely electronic, is lengthy but the glamorous photos are accurate reflections of what’s to come. Chicken dumplings sitting in a pool of red chili sauce, and tender rolls of pork belly with sesame cold noodles are sensible starters for a meal that ramps up quite quickly thanks to a lightning-fast kitchen. In a flash, the table crowds with fiery

Legend of Taste

Bib Gourmand$$Chinese, Sichuan

Deep into Queens past Flushing is this little gem that hides in plain sight—inside of an ordinary strip mall. To be clear though, the cooking is anything but ordinary. The uninitiated come for the crab Rangoon, General Tso’s chicken, and other American treasures; but those in the know come for crave-worthy Sichuan food.Start with the spicy mung bean jelly noodles and Sichuan-style crispy eggplant, which is not the least bit greasy and sports a creamy center and glass-like crust. Thin shavings of intensely smoked pork with garlic leaf is even better than what tea-smoked duck would taste like if

Zaab Zaab

Bib Gourmand$$thai

In an explosively colorful dining room that looks more like a children’s ice cream shop, find cooking that is equally vibrant in nature. Elmhurst is rich with talented Thai kitchens, but this one stands out for its fiery Isan-style cooking and prowess with seafood. It would be a mistake to show up without friends – or at least a very serious appetite. Dried shrimp and electric fish sauces are used with abandon on a menu that demands roaming. The house special larb ped udon pulls no punches with duck breast and fried duck skin jolted with fried lime leaves, mint, fried garlic and lime juice. Fr

🕐 12:00-1:00

SaRanRom Thai

Bib Gourmand$$thai

Longtime fans of the previous tenant (Paet Rio) will be thrilled to know that little has changed under this new name. The interior is still as cozy as ever, like a long train car with wall-to-wall wood paneling and redolent of incense. Service is welcoming and attentive; and the food, most importantly, remains notably appetizing, in an area rich with competing Thai kitchens.The dizzyingly long menu features curries, fried rice, salads, and stir-fries. But look closely and you’ll find real gems, like yum pla duk, or a delicate weave of crispy catfish topped with tangy mango salad. Miang kha-na

Cardamom

Bib Gourmand$$indian

This unassuming Indian restaurant on a quiet Sunnyside street remains a neighborhood essential. The menu is expansive and loosely pan-Indian, but the kitchen's strengths are clearest in its curries and tandoor, which arrive fresh, hot and well seasoned. The chef hails from Goa and brings particular focus to the "Indo-Portuguese" section, where dishes like lamb vindaloo stand out for their bright, vinegar-driven intensity rather than sheer heat. Elsewhere, vegetable dishes like saag paneer, lean green and restrained, letting the ingredients speak for themselves. Tandoori breads are well made, i

🕐 Mo, We-Fr 16:00-22:00; Sa-Su 16:00-22:00

Covacha

Bib Gourmand$$mexican

Mexican

🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-21:00; Sa 12:00-22:00; Su 11:00-19:00

Çka Ka Qëllu

$$Balkan, Country cooking

The Albanian presence in the Bronx has steadily grown since the 1990’s, with residential pockets taking root in various neighborhoods throughout. Now, lucky us, comes the delicious food of the motherland—most recently, the hard-to-pronounce-but-so-worth-a-visit, Çka Ka Qëllu.Located next to the rear entrance of the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, this dining room is a celebration of all things Albanian—picture glass cases full of intricate regional garb and ornate frames with sepia-toned photos. The food is simple, comforting, and filling—think burek, a golden-brown phyllo pastry stuffed with sof

Tra Di Noi

$$Italian, Italian-American

Decked out with crimson walls and red-checkered tablecloths, this is the kind of place where diners feel like they’re in on a delicious secret—and that’s no coincidence, as the name is Italian for “between us.”Responsible for this Bronx gem's success is Chef/owner Marco Coletta, who runs this dining room, just off Arthur Avenue, with the precision of an air traffic controller and the passion of an Italian direttore. Refer to the wall-mounted blackboard to ascertain the night's offerings; such as the spaghetti alla chitarra that is made in-house and topped with two luscious meatballs and lots o

Patricia’s

$$$Italian-American, Italian

Italian in spirit, but far from a red sauce slinging checkered tablecloth joint, Patricia's is convivial and elegant, with high ceilings featuring exposed brick walls and a semi-open kitchen. The cocktails selection is interesting, and the succinct wine list is carefully chosen with some unexpected (and fun!) Italian varietals.That brick oven churns out pleasing pizzas with lightly charred crusts, like the Regina simply adorned with buffalo mozzarella, torn basil and a drizzle of excellent olive oil. Calamari fritti are light and crispy without a touch of grease, but don’t miss the flaky and g

Seis Vecinos

$$honduran, mexican

Sitting on a prominent corner at the base of an ornate yet classic NYC building is this now-well ensconced restaurant. The interior is sunny and welcoming with a gracious staff to boot; the menu is melting pot Central America featuring papusas from El Salvador, baleadas from Honduras, and fajitas from Mexico. Guacamole made tableside in a molcajete is a great way to begin the meal before a main dish like enchiladas made with tender corn tortillas stuffed with shredded, seasoned chicken, topped with a smoky red sauce, crema, and queso.Breakfast delivers hearty offerings such as picaditas verdes

🕐 Mo-Su 09:00-00:00

Tobalá

$$$Mexican, Regional Cuisine

Tobalá brings Oaxacan-inspired cooking and a focused mezcal and cocktail program to Riverdale. The dining room is modern and dimly lit, with clay masks, pottery and design elements that nod to Oaxaca without overt theming. House-made blue and yellow corn tortillas are served with salsa verde and chile de arbol, anchoring a menu built around regional dishes. Tacos de barbacoa feature lamb served simply on corn tortillas, while enmoladas de pato are finished with a dark mole negro incorporating fruit, chiles and spice, reflecting a more traditional expression of the cuisine.

Barawine

$$$Contemporary, French Contemporary

Amid the leafy, brownstone-lined Mount Morris Park Historic District, Barawine is an inviting dining room overseen by Fabrice Warin. This eye-catching space entices Lenox Avenue passersby to step in for a perch at the bar area’s communal table or a seat in the quieter back dining room. Whitewashed walls attractively double as wine storage throughout.The crowd-pleasing menu defies classification and embraces many influences. Quinoa salad with tofu and seaweed will please the disciplined, while ravioli filled with a flavorful blend of ricotta, spinach, and garlic in a beurre blanc sauce is posit

Melba's

$$Southern, American

With its colorful spirit and lineup of Southern classics, this comfortable spot—as charming and lovely as its namesake owner, born-and-bred Harlemite Melba Wilson—is a perfect reflection of the neighborhood’s flavor, culture, and past. It’s a place to gather and relax over good food and drinks, from Auntie B’s mini-burgers slathered with a smoky-sweet sauce to a golden-brown fruit cobbler that’s nothing short of heaven on a plate. Equally enticing is the Southern fried chicken—darkly bronzed, sweet, and salty when paired with Melba’s iconic eggnog waffles. Expect other surprises like spring ro

🕐 Mo-We 11:00-22:00; Th-Su 11:00-23:00

Miss Mamie's Spoonbread Too

$$american, southern

Come to Miss Mamie’s and plan to indulge, Southern style. The kitchen embraces such tried-and-true classics as baked turkey wings, homemade meatloaf, Louisiana catfish, Southern-fried chicken sided by candied yams and collard greens, and a creamy red velvet cake for dessert. Grab a fresh-squeezed lemonade and dive into the sampler, stocked with deep-fried shrimp, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs, fried chicken, and sides of cornbread stuffing and hoppin' John. Desserts are made in house, so a slice of peach cobbler or wedge of sweet potato pie are mandatory.

🕐 Mo-Th 12:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-23:00; Su 11:00-21:30

Taverna Kyclades

$$greek

This beloved Greek spot feels as essential to the neighborhood as traffic lights. It's a lively spot where the bustling kitchen is in view. Quick, straightforward servers may address you in Greek if you look the part — that's just how local it gets here. Grab a seat and get things going with a generous spinach pie, its flaky, sesame-speckled pastry wrapped around fresh spinach and feta, or a spread of classic dips like cooling tzatziki, briny taramosalata, garlicky skordalia and spicy feta, all served with warm pita. Simply prepared fish, like whole branzino, dressed with olive oil and herbs,

Cafe Sabarsky

$$german

This Museum Mile kaffeehaus is so authentic it may as well be set along Vienna’s Ringstrasse. Instead, find it in a Beaux Arts mansion—home to the Neue Galerie, replete with 20th-century Austrian-and-German art and design. This gorgeous ground-floor den is clad in dark-stained wood with diners seated along a banquette covered in Otto Wagner fabric. Order one of the traditional specialties, including the city’s best wiener schnitzel or hearty Hungarian beef goulash, but it's the cakes and pastries that are the stuff of dreams. Linzer torte and Sachertorte are as classic as they are extraordinar

Dagon

$$$Mediterranean Cuisine, Middle Eastern

Dagon calls this prominent corner of Broadway home and is appealingly flanked by large windows. Inside, the room is open, spacious and easy-breezy, infused with shades of teal. Large glass light fixtures illuminate the off-center bar—ideal for solo diners—and the long counter, which is definitely the preferred perch among many a patron here.The menu is a clear and nuanced expression of Middle Eastern flavors. Fresh-baked breads, like kubaneh accompanied by creamy hummus, shouldn't be missed. Chicken liver mousse with mustard seeds and date syrup is a match made in culinary heaven; Agu's cigar,

Chick Chick

$$chicken

Occupying a prominent corner of the Upper West Side, this delightful operation arrives courtesy of Chef Jun Park. The space is narrow, deep and neat, with tables offering a view of the whirring open kitchen. Wood-covered walls illuminated by pendant lights result in an atmospheric vibe.Asian cooking with Korean leanings is what this team does best, so await—with bated breath—the likes of piping-hot fried chicken, its crisp amber skin and ivory meat permeated with sticky-sweet black pepper soy. Fried rice, that ubiquitous menu favorite, is studded with Chinese sausage, tobiko, and kimchi, and f

Ly Ly Vietnam Cookhouse

$$Vietnamese

Orange-and-white checkered floors, mustard-colored booths, and paper mâché flowers suspended from the ceiling—this Upper East Side spot is just plain charming. It's the kind of place you want to drop in on a cold winter's night to boost your mood but don't let the whimsical vibe fool you, as the Vietnamese dishes are seriously good. The concise offerings range from rolls and appetizers to larger plates like shaking beef. Kick off a meal with a plate of crispy spring rolls filled with pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles before moving on to a Vietnamese crepe with pork belly and nuoc mam sauce. O

Eléa

$$$greek

Fitted out with whitewashed brick walls, weathered wood beams, and pretty lighting, this bi-level space exudes all the modern Med feels. Add on the deliciously rustic food and you have a win. Imagine everything from creamy spreads with pita bread to fresh fish. Following suit, ingredients are given the spotlight in the likes of htipiti (feta with roasted chili pepper) as well as whole grilled tsipoura in a lemon, olive oil, and caper sauce. The stuffed tomato filled with arborio rice, golden raisins, pine nuts, and herbs is a savory delight, as is the elevated version of a classic moussaka. Fi

🕐 Mo-We 16:30-22:00; Th, Fr 16:30-23:00; Sa 11:30-23:00; Su 11:30-22:00

Sushi Akira

$$$$Japanese

Chef/owner Nikki Zheng polished her skills at some of New York's top sushi restaurants, including Masa and Sushi Nakazawa, before striking out on her own with Sushi Akira. It's a special place, located on the Upper East Side and catering to a dozen guests with a well-priced, 18-course omakase featuring a variety of chilled appetizers, nigiri and dessert. Chef Zheng showcases a calm and precise rhythm as she prepares plates like Japanese tilefish and tofu with dashi broth, and nigiri like minced squid with shiso leaf, soy-marinated bluefin tuna and hairy crab, among others. The meal ends on a l

Orsay

$$$french

Its classic art nouveau styling makes this popular French brasserie de luxe infinitely more 7th arrondissement than Upper East Side. The efficient service is overseen by managers who gracefully tend to a sophisticated crowd. All the favorites are here, from chicken liver mousse and artichaut vinaigrette to profiteroles, and the kitchen prepares them with a healthy respect for tradition. There are also plenty of salads for those who’ve given up wondering how French women can eat this kind of food without ever going to the gym.

🕐 Mo-Fr 12:00-22:30; Sa 11:00-22:30; Su 11:00-21:30

J.G. Melon

$american, burger

Posterity will remember J.G. Melon as a coveted NY institution. Make your way into this 1920's structure, marked by a neon sign and set upon a cozy corner, where the timeless vibe, telltale green-and-white checked tablecloth, and cheery staff make up most of its allure. Drinks are steadily churned out at a dark wood bar, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.The draw at this multigenerational saloon is certainly the burger and while everyone comes for it, the cooking is pleasing all around, with items like the chili cup filled to the brim with savory meat chili and topped with onions and cheese,

🕐 Mo-We 11:30-03:00; Th-Sa 11:30-04:00; Su 11:30-01:00

Persepolis

$$persian

Silky-smooth spreads, homemade yogurt, grilled meats and fragrantly spiced stews have solidified Persepolis’ reputation as one of the city’s finest Persian restaurants. Linen-draped tables, spacious banquettes and big windows facing Second Avenue fashion a look that inspires dressing up (or not). Service is always gracious, if at times too earnest.The kitchen shines with its eggplant halim, a creamy, steaming roasted eggplant and onion dip with tender lentils and a dollop of yogurt on top. A kebab duo of saffron-tinged chicken and grilled beef are both succulent successes, served with basmati

🕐 Mo-Th, Su 12:00-23:00; Fr, Sa 12:00-23:30

Chez Fifi

$$$$French

From its posh address and classic French menu to its elegant wood-paneled dining room, Chez Fifi has quickly become the Upper East Side's hottest reservation, and it's easy to see why. The intimate space has room for a dozen or so tables, all draped in white tablecloths, and the kitchen echoes that traditional bent with time-honored favorites (think escargots a la Bourguignonne with garlic parsley butter and a baguette on the side). Lamb with carrot puree and braised lentils in a red wine sauce is spot on, while the baba au rhum steals the spotlight. The cake filled with caramelized pineapple

Mission Ceviche

$$$peruvian

What began as a string of incredibly popular ceviche bars in the Gansevoort and Canal Street Markets, has now become Chef José Luis Chávez’s first sit-down restaurant. This fresh space is clean and modern, with a polished, easygoing vibe; a solid wine list; and some terrific cocktails (including a few creative takes on pisco sours).Chef Chávez’s ceviche is reason alone to pull up a chair, offering the traditional Peruvian citrus-marinated version alongside Nikkei ceviche, a blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors and ingredients. Another dish to order is the pulpo al olivo, with tender, bouncy

Cafe Commerce

$$$American, French Contemporary

If the name sounds familiar, that's because it is. Cafe Commerce, a beloved West Village spot that closed a decade ago, is back, though now with a new location on the Upper East Side. Chef/owner Harold Moore whips up contemporary American dishes with French and Italian influences. In addition to dishes like sea scallops, beef carpaccio, and steak Diane, expect a few fan favorites from the previous iteration (the fantastic sweet potato tortellini, for one), as well as daily specials like fried chicken and rack of lamb. It's the kind of menu where there's always something for everyone, and the v

Sempre Oggi

$$$$italian

From its apartments to its restaurants, New York is well known for its diminutive spaces. And then there's Sempre Oggi. This Upper West Side spot is the exact opposite. Cavernous and contemporary with gold busts enhancing the space, it's Italian in every way, especially on the menu. While they have plenty of the usual suspects, these dishes are given a bit of flair (think fresh calamari with fresh herbs and crème fraîche). Order the rigatoni for a plate of house-made pasta interlaced with crispy guanciale and sauteed onion in a roasted tomato sauce, then for dessert, go classic tiramisu for an

🕐 Mo-Th 17:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-23:00; Su,Fr 17:00-22:00

Kebab aur Sharab

$$$Indian, Regional Cuisine

From the deep, rich colors and a sea-blue tiled wall to the intricate woodwork and wicker seating, this Upper West Side spot is especially transporting. A versatile menu offers snacks, small plates, and main courses, all designed for sharing (though you may want to keep them to yourself). Do as the name suggests and order a kebab—the baby goat one is exceptional. Finely minced goat is formed around a skewer held together by thread, which is then unspooled tableside to deliver the juicy meat with just a whisper of spices and a hint of smokiness. Tandoori cooked curry patta prawns finished with

Asian Jewels

$$Chinese, Dim Sum

Large banquet halls are a rare breed these days, but this Flushing mainstay has endured the test of time. This veteran resident of 39th Avenue is outfitted with oversized round tables, bamboo plants and ornate chandeliers. Before you’ve even had a chance to sit down, a host of carts approach. Questions fly and lids are removed. In a blur, the likes of steamed shumai packed with pork and shrimp, spareribs with rice starch and black beans, chicken and ham wrapped in yuba, and poached jellyfish with scallions and sesame crowd your table. You may or may not see a menu – and you may not even need o

JoJo

$$$french

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs a restaurant empire today that spans the globe, but his journey started here back in 1991. A few years ago, the space underwent a refresh, and now this cozy, two-story townhouse is a contemporary respite for the area’s moneyed residents. The menu isn’t particularly groundbreaking—think roast chicken, seared salmon, and Maine lobster—but you’ll certainly find seasonality, quality product, and astute cooking in good supply. Recent highlights include warm asparagus with vegetable vinaigrette as well as rack of lamb with braised artichokes and peas. For dessert,

🕐 We, Th, Fr 17:00-21:30; Sa, Su 12:00-15:00, 17:00-21:30

El Fish Marisqueria

$$$mexican, seafood

Don't let the name fool you—this is not your average seafood shack. Instead, this Upper West Side restaurant invites guests to settle into a warm, modern space anchored by a lively bar that draws locals for cocktails and zero-proof drinks. Quality seafood drives the menu, and while some plates lean contemporary, start with the para empezar section for a proper marisqueria-style feast. The Tostada Ensenada, piled high with fresh crab salad, shrimp, octopus and a spicy macha salsa on a crisp tostada, is a standout: bold, generous and best eaten with your hands.Didn't snag a reservation? The raw

🕐 Mo 16:30-22:00; Tu-Th 16:30-22:30; Fr 16:30-23:00; Sa 11:30-15:00, 16:30-23:00; Su 11:30-15:00, 16:30-22:00

Dubrovnik

$$Croatian, Seafood

Nestled along New Rochelle's more commercial streets, Dubrovnik is a real find—with the added bonus of live Croatian music on certain nights. Diners come from near and far to feast on their items from the wood-burning oven. Equally appealing is the interior design. Next door to the owner’s cabinetry business, everything here is custom-made. Attention to detail isn’t just a hallmark of their décor though; the menu follows close at hand, offering the likes of shatteringly crisp spring rolls filled with tender beef and vegetables and served with a spiced tartar sauce. Or try something cooked on t

Le Veau d'Or

$$$French

Originally established in 1937 and steeped in history, this charming bistro is intimate in scale and rocks a decidedly throwback look. Dark wood, a liberal use of red, and small closely set tables draped with linens produce a cozy yet sexy ambience that has diners swooning.The team of Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, the founding chefs of Balthazar and Minetta Tavern, have ushered in a new era at Le Veau d'Or which offers a prix-fixe menu reverential to classic French cuisine. Pâté en croûte is among the greatest hits, as is the golden-roasted poulet à l'estragon with an unapologetically buttery sauc

Chola

$$$indian

Bright, fresh and elegantly appointed Chola is nestled amidst chic design shops and upscale dining spots. Warm and hospitable servers are at the ready in its dining room, which dons polished wood floors, grey upholstery and cream walls.Dishes arrive in gleaming metal bowls, enticing diners to dig into the likes of tandoor and vegan specialties. However, the underlying theme is southern coastal cuisine, as revealed in a delicious Goan fish curry redolent of coconut milk and tamarind. Your meal may reach a high point with rich and peppery Chettinad chicken curry. Matched with curry leaf-studded

Tatiana

$$$Fusion, American

There's pre-theater dining, and then there's Tatiana. Its Lincoln Center location is a natural choice for Philharmonic ticket holders, but it's worthy of applause in its own right. Its stunning interior, crafted by Modellus Novus, swings to a stylish beat courtesy of its good looks and even better looking crowd. Chef Kwame Onwuachi draws on his West African roots and the flavors of his childhood in the Bronx and elsewhere on this menu with signature dishes like egusi dumplings, filled with crab and sea bass in a brick red sauce. The centerpiece—oxtail—arrives in a large pot with two glistening

Marea

$$$$Seafood, Italian

Ritzy and elegant, Marea couldn’t ask for a better home than Central Park South. This airy dining room, dressed to the nines with Indonesian rosewood, is abuzz with power crowds. It's hard to beat this scene but the food is appealing in its own right. The focus of this Italian cuisine is seafood and offers an array of raw fish and crudo such as diced branzino that is presented with chopped pistachio and flecks of crispy garlic and shallot.Finely made pastas include casarecce with pieces of lump crab, uni puree, and tomato. Finish with a beautifully made dessert like the blueberry filled mering

Vert Frais

$$Japanese

This sunny, white-walled café in Long Island City feels more like a relaxed neighborhood hangout than a destination dining room, with communal tables and an easygoing daytime energy. Backed by the longstanding chef of Kanoyama, the kitchen delivers well-executed Japanese comfort food rather than high drama. The classic shio ramen is a reliable choice, built on a clean, lightly fatty broth and topped with nicely charred slices of cha-shu, while warm rice bowls layered with tender pork or sushi-grade salmon offer simple, satisfying appeal. Desserts lean playful and crowd-pleasing, with tall, jig

Four Twenty Five

$$$$Contemporary

Jonathan Benno and Jean-Georges Vongerichten are behind this elegant restaurant named for the address of the sleek building it's located within. Flooded with natural light, it's stunning yet understated.The menu pulls influences from all over, hopscotching across Italy and France to Asia. Dishes, like the foie gras plated with blood orange compote and served alongside warm, spiced madeleines, have a grand flair while featuring earnest cooking. Even a plate of asparagus is elevated, thanks to creamy avocado slices and a punchy vinaigrette. The meal concludes with a teardrop-shaped chocolate tar

Caviar Russe

$$$$seafood

With a name like Cavar Russe, there’s no ambiguity about what sort of experience is on offer: a parade of luxury ingredients with eye-watering prices to match. Diners are led up a marble staircase at this posh jewel box, where views looking out over Madison Avenue below feel classically New York Offerings of the namesake range from a relatively attainable dollop of Pacific Sturgeon to 500-gram tins of Osetra that cost more than first-class tickets to the Caspian Sea. The French-inflected menu, available as either a prix fixe or à la carte, straddles classic and contemporary, as in fresh pasta

🕐 Mo-Sa 12:00-21:00, Su 12:00-16:00