$$$Indian, Regional Cuisine
From the deep, rich colors and a sea-blue tiled wall to the intricate woodwork and wicker seating, this Upper West Side spot is especially transporting. A versatile menu offers snacks, small plates, and main courses, all designed for sharing (though you may want to keep them to yourself). Do as the name suggests and order a kebab—the baby goat one is exceptional. Finely minced goat is formed around a skewer held together by thread, which is then unspooled tableside to deliver the juicy meat with just a whisper of spices and a hint of smokiness. Tandoori cooked curry patta prawns finished with
$$$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
$$$Fusion, American
There's pre-theater dining, and then there's Tatiana. Its Lincoln Center location is a natural choice for Philharmonic ticket holders, but it's worthy of applause in its own right. Its stunning interior, crafted by Modellus Novus, swings to a stylish beat courtesy of its good looks and even better looking crowd. Chef Kwame Onwuachi draws on his West African roots and the flavors of his childhood in the Bronx and elsewhere on this menu with signature dishes like egusi dumplings, filled with crab and sea bass in a brick red sauce. The centerpiece—oxtail—arrives in a large pot with two glistening
$$$$italian
From its apartments to its restaurants, New York is well known for its diminutive spaces. And then there's Sempre Oggi. This Upper West Side spot is the exact opposite. Cavernous and contemporary with gold busts enhancing the space, it's Italian in every way, especially on the menu. While they have plenty of the usual suspects, these dishes are given a bit of flair (think fresh calamari with fresh herbs and crème fraîche). Order the rigatoni for a plate of house-made pasta interlaced with crispy guanciale and sauteed onion in a roasted tomato sauce, then for dessert, go classic tiramisu for an
🕐 Mo-Th 17:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-23:00; Su,Fr 17:00-22:00
$Indian
Don't come with a big group expecting a seat, as this tiny Theater District spot only has a few tables and counter seats, but Mohammad Tarique Khan and Jayesh Naik deliver food with a big personality. Service is a rare cross between attentive and efficient, and the food comes out just as quickly. This is Indian cooking with a focus on Hyderabad, though regional favorites from the north and south also make an appearance on the menu. First up is the unmissable samosa, that flaky, golden-brown pyramid filled with a comforting blend of potatoes, peas, and spices. Then, opt for the goat fry biryani
$$$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
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Eléa, located in West New York, is noted for its authentic Greek cuisine and high-quality ingredients. Dishes such as lamb chops, Florida sea bass, octopus, and spreads receive consistent praise for their flavor and presentation. Service experiences vary; while many find the staff attentive and welcoming, some report issues with meal pacing or inconsistent attention. The atmosphere is lively and stylish, making it suitable for groups, though it can become quite noisy during peak weekend hours. Regarding value, opinions are mixed. Although the food quality is generally respected, several reviewers cite high prices for wine and salads, suggesting that the cost may not align with expectations for all diners.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Greek cuisine who can tolerate a lively atmosphere and higher price points.
🕐 Mo-We 16:30-22:00; Th, Fr 16:30-23:00; Sa 11:30-23:00; Su 11:30-22:00
$$$$Contemporary
Pop quiz time. Where is the highest outdoor observatory deck in the western hemisphere? If you guessed The Edge at Hudson Yards, you win. And your prize? Dinner at Peak, the next-door restaurant with jaw-dropping views over lower Manhattan and New Jersey. This spot stands above the competition in this high-end complex, and while the crowd of mostly tourists and business types is largely here for those views, the food is far from a concession. Kick things off with dishes like the hiramasa topped with Kirby cucumber and watermelon radish before a skin-on roasted chicken with roasted kabocha squa
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Located on the 101st floor, Peak is defined by its panoramic Manhattan views and access to The Edge observation deck. Culinary experiences vary significantly; while filet mignon and lobster receive praise, complaints cite poor meal pacing, bland dishes, and spoiled dry-aged ribeye. Service is generally friendly but marred by slow bread delivery and controversial administrative fees. Although value is disputed, the unique setting and breathtaking vistas remain the primary draw. This venue suits travelers prioritizing iconic cityscapes and atmosphere over consistent culinary excellence.
Suitable for travelers prioritizing iconic high-altitude city views over consistent culinary performance.
$$$Japanese, Peruvian
Restaurateur Juan Correa and Chef Erik Ramirez are the brains behind Llama Inn and now this New York hotspot, where Nikkei cuisine blending Japanese and Peruvian influences is given a playful twist. Papa San's menu is cheeky in tone (there’s even a “best friend” section for your favorite sides) with dishes inspired by Ramirez’s heritage as well as travel to Tokyo. Zansai, or small plates, as well as robataya (grilled items), donabes and maki comprise most of the offerings. Don't miss the ceviche, especially the fluke atop an avocado leche. Seared wagyu tri-tip is even better with a dollop of y
$$pizza
The namesake outpost is located in Naples and has been running strong since 1901. Meanwhile in Midtown, Don Antonio by Starita has been slinging authentic Neapolitan-style, woodfired pizza since 2012, thanks to Don's daughter, Giorgia Caporuscio, who learned the family craft and took over the family business here. This kitchen's signature is the Montanara Starita—a lightly fried pizza laced with house-made tomato sauce, smoked mozzarella, and basil, then finished in the wood-fired oven. But really, who could stop there with treasures like the salsiccia e friarielli pizza with fennel sausage or
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Don Antonio in New York offers both New York-style and Neapolitan pizzas, praised for fresh ingredients, crispy crusts, and an open kitchen. Service is generally noted as fast and friendly. However, negative reviews highlight a chaotic, noisy atmosphere with cramped seating and inconsistent meal pacing. Some guests find the value low due to high prices, while others report serious concerns regarding cross-contamination for gluten-free orders and poor texture in delivery items. While many confirm the pizza lives up to its reputation, the experience varies significantly based on timing and order type.
Suitable for travelers seeking quick authentic New York or Neapolitan pizza, but avoid peak hours and exercise caution with gluten-free requests.
$$$fusion
How do you share your melting pot heritage without pandering? Just ask Chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Fariyal Abdullahi, the brains behind Hav & Mar. This modern spot pays homage to Samuelsson's Ethiopian and Swedish roots with a seamless and heartfelt approach. The menu pulls from both cultures and their staple ingredients. Start with the bread basket, an impressive collection of lentil roti, oat porridge crisp and teff biscuit. Few dishes represent this cultural collision better than the Swediopian, a berbere-cured salmon shingled between slices of Granny Smith apple, dressed with mustard seed
🕐 Su-Mo 17:00-21:00; Tu-Sa 17:00-22:00
$$$Italian
Efficient, busy from the minute doors open and effortlessly likable, this Italian eatery hiding deep inside the Manhattan West development is everything we’ve come to expect—and enjoy—from restaurateur Danny Meyer. The space features a handsome bar, open kitchen, large windows and ample tilework—all of which will feel familiar to those acquainted with the Union Square Hospitality Group.Chef Hillary Sterling's food is equally inviting. The caramelized onion torta is enough to warrant a return, with melting onions packed into a delicate crust, buried under two kinds of pecorino and finished in t
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Ci Siamo, located in Hudson Yards, offers modern Italian dining with a distinctive aesthetic. Food quality is generally praised, with highlights including smoked carrots, braised rabbit pasta, and creative Northern Italian dishes, though some guests noted issues with excessive salinity or imbalanced seasoning. Service is largely described as friendly and efficient, although isolated complaints cite long waits and indifferent attitudes. The ambiance features contemporary decor but suffers from high noise levels and crowded seating arrangements. Regarding value, while some find prices steep, the extensive wine list and high-quality ingredients are considered justifiable by many reviewers.
Ideal for diners seeking modern Italian cuisine and an excellent wine list, preferably during off-peak hours for a quieter experience.
$$$$Seafood, Italian
Ritzy and elegant, Marea couldn’t ask for a better home than Central Park South. This airy dining room, dressed to the nines with Indonesian rosewood, is abuzz with power crowds. It's hard to beat this scene but the food is appealing in its own right. The focus of this Italian cuisine is seafood and offers an array of raw fish and crudo such as diced branzino that is presented with chopped pistachio and flecks of crispy garlic and shallot.Finely made pastas include casarecce with pieces of lump crab, uni puree, and tomato. Finish with a beautifully made dessert like the blueberry filled mering
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Located on Central Park South, Marea offers upscale Italian seafood. Food quality is generally praised, with Dover sole, pasta, and starters like uni receiving high marks, though some diners noted bland octopus or limited vegetarian options. Service is typically attentive and accommodating to dietary needs, but occasional issues arise with seating delays and meal pacing. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated. While many find the experience exceptional, others criticize the portion sizes relative to cost, leading to mixed views on value. It is best suited for those seeking high-quality cuisine in a refined setting.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality Italian seafood in an elegant setting, with advance menu inquiry recommended.
$$$$korean, american
Dining in the heart of Times Square isn't always a good bet, but Gui Steakhouse changes the narrative. A natural choice for pre- or post-theater dining, it's also worth a trip without show tickets to experience their traditional steakhouse classics with Korean influences in a sleek setting. The menu includes raw bar items (Alaskan king crab leg) before shifting the focus to steaks with Japanese wagyu and USDA Prime meat. With a beautiful sear and deep grill marks, the aged steaks are finished simply with a sprinkling of Maldon salt. While steaks are indeed the raison d'être, the menu also feat
$$$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,
$$$$Korean, Korean Contemporary
Chef Sungchul Shim is no stranger to the New York restaurant scene, but this 22-seat counter located inside Gui Steakhouse is certainly one to watch. Begin with a cocktail before riding the elevator to discover this hidden-in-plain-sight spot. The space is stunning, though all eyes are drawn to the center where the chefs prepare a multicourse menu fusing Korean flavors with French techniques. The meal begins with a bowl of luscious brown butter miso soup before wild amberjack crudo with a tableside pour of buttermilk koji sauce. The shrimp toast sandwich reveals perfectly cooked abalone nestle
$$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
$$$american, steak_house
Gallaghers is an icon. Walls covered with photos of horses and jockeys harken back to the seasoned stallion’s former proximity to the old Madison Square Garden. From the rolling carts of steaks and desserts to a bar scene that feels as alive as ever, this place hums with energy. The menu’s “other soup” is a sly reference held over from Prohibition days; and diners still walk past the window-fronted meat locker where slabs of USDA Prime beef are dry-aged.Gallagher’s fresh sparkle is exhibited by the display kitchen, set behind glass panes. The kitchen turns out classic dishes – steaks over hick
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Gallaghers holds a strong reputation in New York with an average rating of 4.6/5. Positive reviews highlight exceptional service, high-quality steaks, and an impressive atmosphere featuring aging meat displays and classic decor. However, negative feedback points to issues such as slow meal pacing, service errors like incorrect steak doneness, and occasionally dry meat. While some find the value questionable, many visitors consider it a quintessential New York experience. It suits those seeking traditional steakhouse ambiance and reliable food quality, though diners should be aware of potential service inconsistencies.
Suitable for tourists seeking a classic New York steakhouse experience who value ambiance and service.
🕐 Mo-Sa 11:45-23:30; Su 11:45-22:30
$$Pizza, American Contemporary
There are just some places that are so New York they couldn't be found anywhere else. See No Evil Pizza is just that. It could be the location in a subway station, or it could be because they're doling out an iconic New York staple—pizza—but don't be fooled by the environs, as a treasure awaits inside. It's casual with a hint of punk, with 80s classics overhead and black-and-white checkered floors. Sit back and let the commuters fly by as you snack on small plates like toast with sardines or a seasonal bowl of beautiful beans in a walnut sauce before moving on to the pizza. There are always sp