Ask someone from New York, “What are the best restaurants in NYC?” and you’ll probably get a long answer. NYC has around 30,000 places to eat, most people have at least a few go-to spots. These picks usually depend on their mood, what neighborhood they’re in, and how much they’re looking to spend. And honestly, those favorites could change by next week because there’s always something new to try.
New York City’s food is incredibly diverse. You’ll find everything from fancy restaurants with tasting menus to loud and lively burger joints, cozy noodle shops, and everything in between. Even if you ate out every day for years, you’d only scratch the surface.
That’s why we put together this list of some of the best and most exciting places to eat in NYC (7 best restaurants in NYC). Whether you’ve lived here forever or are just visiting, these restaurants are worth your time. The list has a little bit of everything—fancy spots, casual diners, even food trucks—and every place offers something special.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, these are the places where you can always count on great food and a great experience. It’s the perfect starting point to explore NYC’s incredible dining scene. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
1. Tatiana, By Kwame Onwuachi (One of the best restaurants in NYC)
Tatiana, Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s vibrant restaurant, is a love letter to New York City’s Black Caribbean culture. Nestled in a glass-walled space at Lincoln Center, it’s not just a dining experience—it’s a celebration of food, music, and community. With blue lighting, gold accents, and a playlist featuring ’90s legends like Lauryn Hill and Biggie, Tatiana feels like a nostalgic nightclub wrapped in fine dining elegance.
Getting a table here is no easy feat, but the effort is well worth it. The menu is a playful mix of creative takes on NYC classics and Afro-Caribbean flavors, making every dish feel like a journey through the city’s culinary history. Start with the crispy okra, Egusi dumplings, or the curried goat patties paired with mango chutney.
Then dive into standout mains like the braised oxtails with rice and peas or the indulgent short rib pastrami suya, made with Wagyu beef and served with velvety red cabbage.
One of the highlights is the caraway coco bread, perfect for building your own mini slider. Even dessert and side touches pay homage to New York staples, with nods to everything from Chinese takeout to Cosmic brownies found in local bodegas. And for a bit of fun, ask about the jello shots—they add a spirited twist to the experience.
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How to get a reservation at Tatiana:
Reservations open four weeks in advance at noon, and they disappear quickly. If you miss out, your best bet is to try for one of the six seats at the bar. Arrive early—on a typical evening, the line starts forming well before the restaurant opens. While you wait, you can sip a drink in the lobby of David Geffen Hall and soak in the atmosphere.
Tatiana is more than just one of the hardest reservations in Manhattan; it’s a bold reimagining of what fine dining in New York can be. Between the buzzing energy, the inventive menu, and the nostalgic touches, it’s a dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States
Website: tatiananyc.com
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2. Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin is a legendary Midtown restaurant that has been setting the standard for fine dining for over 30 years. While old-school fine dining might feel outdated to some, Le Bernardin proves otherwise. This iconic spot, led by renowned chef Eric Ripert, is a masterclass in impeccable service, elegant ambiance, and extraordinary seafood.
The magic starts with the menu. The seafood here is the star, with dishes that are both refined and unforgettable. From geoduck chawanmushi with uni and sea beans in pork dashi to langoustine paired with buttery leeks in a rich uni sauce americaine, every bite feels like a journey through the ocean, elevated to culinary art.
Beyond the food, the experience at Le Bernardin is polished to perfection. The dining room is softly lit to spotlight each plate, and the staff’s attentiveness is unparalleled, striking the perfect balance between helpful and unobtrusive. It’s no wonder the New York Times has consistently awarded Le Bernardin four stars since its opening in 1986.
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And don’t skip dessert. After an extraordinary meal, the desserts are the perfect way to end the experience on a sweet note. Whether you’re a local or visiting New York City, Le Bernardin remains a must-visit destination for those seeking the best restaurants in NYC for fine dining.
How to get a reservation at Le Bernardin:
Le Bernardin like convenience of Open Table but if you find it hard to get table then you can get reservation, you can call them directly and always confirm the day you are going to dine.
Address: 153 W 51st Street, New York, NY 10019
Website: le-bernardinprive.com
3. Via Carota
Via Carota is a cozy and welcoming spot with a stylish yet relaxed vibe. With its wood accents and exposed brick walls, it feels like the kind of place where you could casually spot a celebrity while comfortably sitting nearby in jeans and a T-shirt.
However, there’s a catch: Via Carota doesn’t take reservations, so if you go during busy times, you might end up waiting as long as three hours.
The menu, crafted by chefs Rita Sodi and Jody Williams (who also run Buvette in NYC and Paris, I Sodi nearby, and Bar Pisellino across the street), is packed with incredible dishes. Even simple vegetable plates, like the pear and gorgonzola bruschetta with walnuts, stand out for their fresh flavors and elegant simplicity.
How to get a reservation at Via Carota:
A lot of people don’t know that Via Carota actually takes reservations—but that just shows how tough they are to get. If you’d rather avoid putting your name down at 4 PM only to be told to return at 9, try booking through Resy 30 days in advance. Reservations are very limited, so set a reminder and plan ahead!
Address: 51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Website: viacarota.com
4. Don Angie
Italian-American food might seem pretty common in New York City, but this spot will have you coming back four or five times just to try everything you’ll want on the menu. Husband-and-wife chefs Scott Tacinelli and Angie Rito, who previously worked at Quality Italian in Midtown, take classic Italian-American dishes to the next level.
Think cheesy stuffed garlic flatbread that’s impossible to stop eating, a Chrysanthemum salad loaded with grated cheese, and garganelli giganti pasta cooked in a savory guanciale and pecorino ragù that’s basically the spaghetti and meatballs of your dreams.
The drinks are just as impressive. Try Nonna’s Little Nip, a refreshing mix of grapefruit, Campari, and prosecco, or the Pinky Ring, a smooth blend of bourbon, Carpano Antica, Galliano, and Campari—perfect for taking the edge off.
How to get a reservation at Don Angie:
Reservations open online seven days before at 9 am. The bar is kept for walk-ins, and surprisingly, bar seats are fairly easy to get. You might have to wait about an hour, but don’t hesitate to stop by and add your name to the list or you can make reservations online through RESY (link given Below).
Address: 103 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10014
Website: donangie.com
5. Keens Steakhouse
When you step into Keens, the hardest choice is where to look first. Should you gaze up at the 90,000 pipes covering the ceiling? Or perhaps at the glass cases holding famous churchwarden pipes, smoked by legends like Babe Ruth and General MacArthur? Maybe you’ll be drawn to the bar, where a painting of Miss Keen lounges on a bear rug, or the nostalgic 1950s New York ad-men vibe.
Open since 1883, this steakhouse always has something new to discover. Though it started as a chop house known for its mutton chop, most people now come for the steak. The porterhouse for two or three, chateaubriand, and filet mignon are all must-tries. Be sure to order béarnaise or au poivre sauce on the side, and don’t skip the creamed spinach—it’s so rich, it’s almost like dessert.
How to get a reservation at Keens Steakhouse:
Keens Steakhouse do accept walk-ins. However, if you want a reservation, either make one or call to arrange one or you can make a reservation through the link given below.
Address: 72 W 36th Street, New York, NY 10018, United States
Website: keens.com
6. Semma
Semma, brought to you by the same team behind popular spots like Dhamaka and Adda, is a standout gem. Located in the West Village, this cozy spot offers authentic South Indian dishes inspired by home-cooked meals from rural areas. Seema is one of the best restaurants in NYC.
The menu features standout dishes like crunchy Mangalorean cauliflower and a masala-potato-filled dosa that’s surprisingly cheesy without any cheese. For a truly memorable experience, don’t skip the meaty specialties like lamb with fried curry leaves and the flavorful Goanese oxtail.
If you’re looking to splurge, the whole pre-ordered Dungeness crab is a must-try feast. Chef Vijay Kumar, formerly of the Michelin-starred Rasa in California, brings his expertise to this rare, Southern India-focused menu, which you won’t often find in the U.S.
How to get a reservation at Semma:
Reservations for Semma open online two weeks ahead of time. While there are no tables available for walk-ins, there are 12 seats at the bar where you can try your luck if you’re feeling spontaneous. You can also make a reservation through the link given below.
Address: 60 Greenwich Ave New York, NY 10011
7. Torrisi Bar & Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for a flashy night out where you can dress up and make a statement, Torrisi is the perfect choice. This Nolita spot, from the team behind Carbone and The Grill, offers a dramatic atmosphere with its high ceilings and plush velvet booths. The vibe may scream “style over substance,” but the food definitely holds its own.
The Italian-inspired menu has something for everyone, with standouts like a surprisingly exciting fennel salad, prawn raviolini, and rotisserie lamb. It’s a place where both the experience and the food are top-notch, and you’ll leave thinking about both.
How to get a reservation at Torrisi:
Reservations for Torrisi open online 30 days in advance at 10am. You can also reserve a table through the link given below. If you’re hoping for a walk-in, there’s a large bar area at the front, but be prepared—when we stopped by on a weeknight around 6pm, we were told the wait would be four hours!
Address: 275 Mulberry St New York, NY 10012
