New York is a culinary mecca, with restaurants of every style and budget. But these are the high-end eateries that rise above the rest and deserve your time.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy date night or something casual with friends, these restaurants are sure to delight. Read on to find out the ones you need to check out next!
Katz’s Delicatessen
Whether you’re in the mood for old-school New York cuisine or fine dining, NYC has something for everyone. It’s a melting pot of culture and history that boasts some of the world’s most renowned restaurants.
Located in the historic Lower East Side, Katz’s Delicatessen is an iconic restaurant that serves classic Jewish deli food and has been a staple of New York since 1888. This is one of the most famous restaurants in New York and is popular with both locals and tourists.
It’s no secret that you can’t go to Katz’s without getting a pastrami sandwich. The infamous pastrami here is made from a beef brisket that has been cured in spiced brine and then smoked. This process creates a meat that is lean and flavorful.
Nathan’s Famous
Nathan’s Famous has been a staple of Coney Island since 1916, serving the quintessential NYC hot dog and fresh crinkle-cut fries. Founded by a Polish immigrant, the restaurant has grown into a worldwide empire that includes nearly 200 outlets around the world.
While Nathan’s is best known for their famous hot dogs, they also have burgers, sandwiches, shakes, and other dishes on their menu. Some of their newest menu items include a NY Attitude burger, which starts with two eight-ounce Angus beef patties topped with bacon, pickles, caramelized onions, American cheese, and “bistro sauce” between a bagel-inspired everything bun.
Lastly, you should try their new chicken tenders, which are made with high-quality white meat and start off in a proprietary savory batter. These tenders are delicious, especially when paired with an order of their crinkle-cut fries.
Peter Luger
Open since 1887, Peter Luger is considered one of the city’s most classic and iconic restaurants. The steakhouse serves USDA prime beef and has won multiple awards over the years.
The famous porterhouse at Luger is cut from a short loin with a center T-bone running down the middle. It is then dry aged for a certain amount of time and butchered in-house.
Despite its many accolades, Peter Luger has recently been slammed by New York Times critic Pete Wells with a zero-star review. He notes that the restaurant’s food is inconsistent and expensive.
Nubeluz
New York is home to world-class restaurants, from small patisseries hidden away in alleyways to sprawling dining rooms that stand guard over Central Park. Add in skyscrapers, quaint old and newly gentrified neighborhoods and endless shopping options, and the Big Apple is a foodie’s paradise!
If you’re looking for the perfect place to take a drink while admiring the view, head to Nubeluz on the 50th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in NoMad. It’s a jewel box on the skyline that serves elevated cocktails and playful light bites.
Named after the Spanish words for cloud and light, the swanky jewel-tone bar was designed by AD100 interior architect Martin Brudnizki. It seats 132 inside and features two terraces, one that sits 12 and another that has room for 20: both with spectacular views of the city.
Fabio Viviani
As a former contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, Viviani is one of the most popular celebrity chefs in America. His recurring appearances on television and online draw millions of viewers yearly.
The Italian-born Viviani is also a world-renowned hospitality and restaurant developer. He owns successful restaurants throughout the United States and authored bestselling cookbooks.
His restaurants are spread across the country, including locations in airports, casinos, hotels and grocery aisles. He has also created JARS, a fast-casual dessert brand served in photo-worthy, reusable jars with flavors inspired by his travels around the world.
A renowned locavore, Viviani presents old-world Italian cooking mingled with steakhouse-style chops and seafood. With a warm, elegant ambiance, Portico is the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. It also hosts wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres and events.