16 Best NYC Restaurants in Manhattan You Need to Try
Manhattan’s restaurant scene is wild, with every cuisine under the sun and endless hype.
If you’re looking to mix things up without the stress, these top NYC restaurants in Manhattan are a solid bet.
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1. Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern, tucked into the Flatiron District, is a mainstay for modern American food—Michelin star and all. Dishes land somewhere between familiar comfort and a little surprise, which keeps things interesting.
They’re serious about what’s in season, so the menu is always shifting. Maybe it’s roasted fish with winter vegetables in December, or lamb and spring peas in April—whatever’s at its best.
The space splits into two: the Tavern up front is walk-in friendly and relaxed; the back dining room is formal with white tablecloths.
Location: 42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
Website: Visit Website
2. Boucherie
Boucherie channels the spirit of La Belle Époque right in Greenwich Village, spread over two floors and full of vintage energy.
Here, dry-aged steaks and French classics are the main draw, all done with old-school techniques and natural sourcing.
From perfectly cooked beef to rich, traditional French fare, the kitchen covers the bases. The bar is a bit of a playground for absinthe drinkers; they’ve got one of the city’s biggest selections.
The vibe splits the difference between steakhouse indulgence and Parisian café, making it work for date nights or group hangs.
Location: 99 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Website: Visit Website
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3. Carmine’s
Carmine’s is what you get when Italian-American comfort food goes full throttle—giant platters, loud tables, and enough pasta to feed your entire extended family. It’s right in the Theater District, so it’s always buzzing, especially pre-Broadway.
The menu is loaded with all the classics: family style pasta, Lobster Fra Diavolo, and meat dishes that show up on platters the size of a hubcap. The energy’s infectious; everyone’s passing plates, reaching across the table, and nobody’s shy about grabbing the last meatball.
Chicken parm bigger than your head, bowls of rigatoni that could double as a centerpiece, and antipasto that’s a meal on its own. If you’re flying solo, well, good luck—this place is built for groups and sharing.
Location: 200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Website: Visit Website
4. Robert
Perched atop the Museum of Arts & Design at Columbus Circle, ROBERT hands you sweeping Central Park and city skyline views. Chef Armando Cortes keeps the modern American menu interesting.
The whole place is sprinkled with art that feels like it belongs; orange Lucite boxes hang overhead, and sculptural steel tables manage to be both eye-catching and useful.
Brunch on the weekend? Sure. Weekday lunch or a dinner soundtracked by live music? Also on the table. Musicians rotate through the week, adding a little buzz to the room without making it impossible to have a conversation.
Location: 2 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
Website: Visit Website
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5. The Smith
Sitting right in NoMad, The Smith delivers American comfort food with a punch of energy. The curved bar in the middle is an invitation to unwind—martinis flow especially well during their happy hour.
The menu is loaded with classics: mac and cheese, burgers, brunch dishes that don’t try to reinvent the wheel but still absolutely hit the spot.
If you want something more private, there’s a separate space with its own bar tucked away from the main action. Being right near Broadway and 27th Street means it’s a breeze to reach by subway, and late nights aren’t a problem here.
Location: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10010
Website: Visit Website
6. Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime is right in the thick of Midtown on West 52nd, and it’s all seafood and steaks, done big. The menu covers everything from sushi to classic steakhouse hits, with a wine list that’s a little intimidating—in a good way.
Their Rose & Garnet oysters come straight from a Cape Cod partnership, and they’re a must if you’re into the raw bar scene.
Pick your vibe—main dining room, lounge, or the outdoor area (yes, it’s temperature controlled). Each one gives you a slightly different slice of Midtown energy, and sometimes you just want to people-watch while you eat a steak.
Location: 123 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Website: Visit Website
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7. Felice 56
Felice 56 brings a taste of Tuscany to Midtown, right between 5th and 6th. The focus is on classic Italian done right, with ingredients sourced from local farms—it’s flavors that make you wish you had a nonna in the kitchen.
Up front, an Italian coffee bar serves as a casual hangout, while the main dining room shows off a massive watercolor by Italian artist Fiona San Giuliano.
Executive Chef Jonas Lantigua keeps things rooted in tradition—fresh pasta, rustic Tuscan dishes, and a wine list that’s almost entirely Italian.
The spot’s location near Central Park and the big shopping corridors makes it an easy choice if you’re out exploring or just want to avoid another tourist trap.
Location: 15 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Website: Visit Website
8. Oceana
Oceana puts fresh seafood front and center in a spacious, upscale setting just off Rockefeller Center. It’s earned a following for American seafood dishes that aren’t afraid to get a little inventive, all paired with a wine list that could make even the pickiest oenophile pause.
The kitchen lets top-notch fish do most of the talking; still, you’ll spot clever twists that nudge the classics into new territory.
The location puts you right in the thick of Manhattan’s theater district—ideal if you’re catching a show or just wandering near Rockefeller Plaza.
Location: 120 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020
Website: Visit Website
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9. Olio E Più
Greenwich Village’s Olio E Più nails Neapolitan pizza with those thin, hand-stretched crusts and just the right amount of char. The menu pulls from Southern Italy’s classics with house-made pasta, fritto misto, and a Caprese salad that’s about simplicity and seasonality.
It’s authentic Italian cooking, no fuss. Pasta dishes change with the weather, but the pizza sticks to tradition. And yes, tiramisu wraps things up like it should.
Sidewalk tables are great for people-watching on Greenwich Avenue. Inside, you get rustic Italian interiors, a lively mood, and a vibe that works for lunch, dinner, or brunch.
Location: 3 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014
Website: Visit Website
10. Petite Boucherie
Petite Boucherie channels the energy of a Parisian brasserie on a snug West Village corner. An open kitchen lets you peek at the action while you tuck into a cozy, vintage-inspired space.
The menu offers classic French dishes, with a focus on natural ingredients and old-school prep. Rich beef bourguignon, steak frites done right, and escargots that taste straight out of a Left Bank bistro.
The meat selection hints at steakhouse roots, but don’t expect a typical American chophouse. And the prices are surprisingly gentle for the neighborhood and quality.
Location: First Floor, 14 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
Website: Visit Website
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11. Au Cheval
Hidden down Cortlandt Alley, Au Cheval is where you go for one of Manhattan’s best New American menus. Leather booths, a zinc bar, and a crowd that knows about the griddled cheeseburgers—plus bone marrow, steaks, and seafood that get real attention from the kitchen.
It’s clever takes on American staples, from salads to serious cuts of meat. The kitchen keeps things interesting without feeling like it’s chasing trends.
The drinks list keeps up with the food with classic cocktails, good beers, and wines from everywhere. That alleyway entrance makes it feel like a secret, even if plenty of locals are already in on it. If you’re thinking of a weekend visit, booking ahead is a smart call.
Location: 33 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013
Website: Visit Website
12. Masseria Dei Vini
At Masseria Dei Vini, authentic Pugliese cooking comes straight from the heel of Italy’s boot and lands right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
The vibe is cozy and inviting; it’s an Italian wine bar where southern traditions matter. Expect fresh seafood crudo and handmade pastas that let the ingredients take center stage—no heavy sauces drowning out the good stuff here.
The wine list is worth a second look; bottles are sourced directly from Italian producers, so there’s always a regional surprise or two that really works with the food.
Tucked on 9th Avenue, the restaurant is just a stroll away from Hell’s Kitchen theaters and Central Park.
Location: 887 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Website: Visit Website
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13. Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin has set the bar for French seafood in Manhattan since the ’80s. Chef Eric Ripert presides over a serene Midtown dining room where the focus stays on fish, French technique, and not much else. Three Michelin stars, and it’s not hard to see why.
The menu shifts with the market, but it always lets seafood lead the way. Tuna, barely seared and paired with foie gras; black bass with crispy scales that actually crackle; poached halibut that dissolves on your tongue.
It’s pricey, but the service is dialed in to match. Staff know every detail on the plate and somehow keep your water topped off without hovering. The room is formal, but not intimidating, with soft lighting, cream walls, and all eyes on the food.
Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Website: Visit Website
14. Trattoria Dell’Arte
Trattoria Dell’Arte brings a burst of Tuscan flavor and a bit of artistic mischief to Midtown, right across from Carnegie Hall. It’s lively, theatrical, and manages to make every meal feel like a party.
The dining room is pure drama with oversized sculptures, gallery sketches, and a wall of famous Italian noses. The kitchen stays close to Tuscan tradition, with recipes that don’t mess around with quality.
The antipasto bar is the main event, loaded with Italian classics that rotate with the seasons. Marinated veggies, cured meats, and fresh mozzarella, all setting the tone before mains arrive.
Location: 900 7th Ave, New York, NY 10106
Website: Visit Website
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15. Per Se
Thomas Keller’s Per Se sits high above Columbus Circle, with those Central Park views that make you pause for a second. French-inspired New American tasting menus change daily, always focused on what’s best from their favorite farms and foragers.
The kitchen’s obsessive about detail, balancing classic French technique with seasonal American ingredients. Every course feels intentional, from the amuse-bouche to the tiny, perfect petit fours.
Tables go fast, so book ahead. The staff knows the wine list inside out, whether you’re after Old World or New World bottles. Save this one for a milestone or when you just want to go all-in on a fancy night out.
Location: 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
Website: Visit Website
16. Roscioli NYC
Roscioli has dropped nearly two centuries of Roman food tradition right onto MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village.
The carbonara here sticks to the same recipe that put their Roman deli on the global food map. You’ll find real-deal Roman street eats like supplì, plus a wild selection of artisan cheeses and cured meats.
The burro e parmigiano Francescana is their must-try signature dish, and the bread is baked with techniques their family’s been perfecting since 1824. Forget what you know about Italian-American joints; Roscioli goes all-in on Roman classics, the old-school way.
Location: 43 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Website: Visit Website
