Top 20 Best Restaurants in New York
From iconic pizzerias to three-Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy — the ultimate NYC dining bucket list.
20 legendary dining destinations
#1 · Best Overall
Le Bernardin
French Seafood
Masterful seafood artistry, impeccable service. Chef Eric Ripert’s temple of refined ocean cuisine — a NYC icon since 1986.
155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
#2 · Iconic NYC
Katz’s Delicatessen
Jewish Deli
Legendary pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and old-school NYC charm. A true cultural institution.
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
#3 · Italian Excellence
Via Carota
Italian · Rustic
Rustic Italian perfection, famous for cacio e pepe, seasonal vegetables, and unparalleled neighborhood charm.
51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
#4 · Steakhouse Royalty
Peter Luger Steakhouse
Steakhouse · German
Legendary dry-aged porterhouse, old-school Brooklyn vibes, and the ultimate steakhouse experience.
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#5 · NYC Icon
Carbone
Italian-American
Vintage vibes, spicy rigatoni, and celebrity sightings. The most exclusive Italian reservation in NYC.
181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
#6 · Modern Korean
Atomix
Korean Fine Dining
Innovative Korean tasting menu with artistic presentation — one of the world’s best new restaurants.
104 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016
#7 · Pizza Legend
L’Industrie Pizzeria
Pizza · Slice Shop
Brooklyn’s cult-favorite slice shop — burrata-topped perfection, crispy crust, and endless lines.
254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#8 · French Classic
Balthazar
French Brasserie
Parisian-style brasserie with bustling energy, steak frites, oysters, and legendary people-watching.
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
#9 · Japanese Omakase
Masa
Japanese Sushi
NYC’s most exclusive omakase — exquisite Edomae sushi, pristine ingredients, unparalleled artistry.
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
#10 · New American
Gramercy Tavern
American · Farm-to-Table
Warm hospitality, seasonal American cuisine, and a legendary tavern room for unforgettable meals.
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
#11 · Bagel Heaven
Russ & Daughters
Jewish Appetizing
Iconic smoked fish, bagels, and latkes — a Lower East Side institution for over a century.
179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
#12 · Dim Sum Palace
Jing Fong
Chinese Dim Sum
Massive dim sum hall with rolling carts, shrimp dumplings, and authentic Cantonese flavors.
20 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013
#13 · Mexican Excellence
Cosme
Mexican · Fine Dining
Elevated Mexican cuisine, famous duck carnitas, and vibrant flavors in a chic Flatiron setting.
35 E 21st St, New York, NY 10010
#14 · Seafood Icon
The Oyster Bar
Seafood
Historic raw bar inside Grand Central — fresh oysters, clam chowder, and timeless NYC energy.
Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St, NYC
#15 · Persian Feast
Eyval
Persian · Modern
Bold Persian flavors, grilled kebabs, and creative small plates in a warm, buzzy atmosphere.
245 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#16 · Chocolate Paradise
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Bakery · Pastry
Home of the legendary Cronut, DKA, and exquisite pastries — a sweet NYC pilgrimage.
189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
#17 · Vegan Star
Dirt Candy
Vegan · Creative
Vegetable-forward tasting menus that redefine plant-based dining — colorful, bold, delicious.
86 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
#18 · Spanish Tapas
Casa Mono
Spanish · Tapas
Intimate Spanish spot with bold tapas, suckling pig, and an award-winning wine list.
52 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
#19 · Chinese Noodles
Xi’an Famous Foods
Chinese · Northwestern
Legendary hand-pulled noodles, spicy lamb dumplings, and cult-favorite fast-casual Chinese.
Multiple Locations · Flushing & Manhattan
#20 · Italian Gem
Lilia
Italian · Pasta
House-made pastas, wood-fired clams, and sheep’s milk agnolotti in a chic Williamsburg setting.
567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
This curated list represents NYC’s diverse culinary landscape — from street eats to Michelin stars. Rankings based on critic reviews, awards, and local expertise.