LE BERNARDIN
30 SECONDS - 155 W 51st, between 6th/7th
French
3 Michelin Stars, Zagat’s top pick for 2012, 4 New York Times stars, James Beard Award winner
Chef Eric Rippert. Under the direction of its innovative head chef Eric Rippert, Le Bernardin – once the city’s quintessential haute French seafood establishment – has managed to stay more than relevant with a massive dining room overhaul that makes the space feel less restricted, and a constantly changing menu that brings playful twists to classic, simple dishes, like raw kanpachi topped with beads of wasabi tobiko.
Jean-Georges
12 MINUTES AWAY - 1 Central Park West (Columbus Circle)
French
3 Michelin Stars, 4 New York Times stars, James Beard Award winner
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s flagship restaurant overlooks Central Park, and is known for elevated food, an extraordinary wine list, and exquisite service
MASA
10 MINUTES AWAY - 10 Columbus Circle
Japanese
3 Michelin Stars, 3 New York Times stars
Celebrated for dazzling raw fish creations, chef Masa Takayama has received heightened praise for his takes on traditional Japanese fare, such as Kobe-beef sukiyaki and slabs of foie gras cooked in personal shabu-shabu pots.
Per Se
10 MINUTES AWAY - 10 Columbus Circle
American, French
3 Michelin Stars, 4 New York Times stars, James Beard Award winner
Thomas Keller’s French Laundry is generally regarded as the best restaurant in America, and at its sister restaurant, Per Se, the celebrity chef brings the same rare flavor combinations (coffee, nicotine, wild flower…) to the table.
Marea
10 MINUTES AWAY - 240 Central Park South, between 7th/8th
Italian
2 Michelin Stars, 3 New York Times stars, James Beard Award winner
Chef Michael White offers old world luxury treats like yellowtail crudi finished with oyster crema, as well as slabs of wild Dover sole at his award -winning Italian seafood haunt.
21 Club
5 MINUTES AWAY - 21 WEST 52ND ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
American
The legendary steak joint and onetime speakeasy has been mentioned in countless films and novels as a symbol of the finer things in life. The basement still holds the private wine collections of several former U.S. Presidents.
La Grenouille
4 MINUTES - 3 EAST 52ND ST, BETWEEN MADISON/5TH
French
3 New York Times Stars. James Beard Award winner
Shortly after this bastion of haute French cuisine was founded 52 years ago, La Grenouille became the IT restaurant for the fashion industry's most elite designers. And while most of New York's classic Franco haunts have fallen victim to the march of history, La Grenouille thrives! Its remained true to its roots for the most part, with exuberant floral arrangements bursting out of pots and vases at ever turn and non-nonsense, mouthwatering Parisian cooking like memere used to make.
Benoit Bistro
6 MINUTES AWAY - 60 WEST 55TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
French
1 New York Times Star
Michelin star collector Alain Ducasse opened Benoit in 2008, but from the looks (and taste) of the place you’d think it’s been here since the heyday of the New York French brasserie scene.
Gordon Ramsay at The London
3 MINUTES AWAY - 151 WEST 54TH ST, BETWEEN 6TH/7TH
American
2 New York Times Stars
Features hallmark ‘Ramsay’ deconstructed French fare that welds international flavors to old classics. Specialties include the cannon of lamb and roast leg and duck with an explosion of marjoram-tinted vegetables
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
6 MINUTES AWAY - 1221 6TH AVENUE, BETWEEN 48TH/49TH
American
Highest single grossing restaurant in North America
Masculine mahogany furnishings, oversized windows with stunning views, and a glass-encased wine cellar lounge complement the oversized portions of the signature juicy Wagyu Longbone.
Betony
8 MINUTES AWAY - 41 WEST 57TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
American
3 New York Times Stars
Former Eleven Madison Park executive sous chef Bryce Shuman brings a healthy dose of New American humanism to this otherwise cold and unflavorful stretch of 57th Street. Shuman’s menu is pure haute barnyard, with locally sourced meats transformed into Instagram-worthy plates of chicken liver mousse and poached lobster, assisted by surprising adaptions of down-home”staples, like the spicy fried pickle appetizer.
The Four Seasons
11 MINUTES AWAY - 99 EAST 52ND ST, BETWEEN PARK/LEXINGTON
American
James Beard award winner, Three New York Times stars, New York City Landmark
Founded in 1959, the Four Seasons still holds the title for the most iconic dining room in the city. The lavish New York City landmark space has been virtually unchanged since it was designed by mid-century architectural legends Miles van der Rohe and Philip Johnson.
Sirio Ristorante
15 MINUTES AWAY - 795 FIFTH AVENUE, BETWEEN 60TH/61ST
Italian
Sirio Maccioni, the proprietor of the great Le Cirque, opened this Tuscan eatery as a more casual version of his landmark restaurant.
Danji
6 MINUTES AWAY - 346 WEST 52ND ST, BETWEEN 8TH/9TH
Korean
1 New York Times Star
At Danji, the most famous dish is the Korean slider, a savory bulgogi burger on a tiny bun. Other delightful post-modern variations abound, like the bulgogi fillet mignon, a pork belly-version of the Philly cheesesteak garnished with sriracha mayo, scallions and kimchee cucumber.
The Modern
6 MINUTES AWAY - 9 WEST 53RD ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
French
3 New York Times stars
Located at the Museum of Modern Art, encased by giant sleek windows that overlook the stunning sculpture garden, The Modern offers guests the choice of two dining options: the casual café or the opulent dinner room.
Brasserie 8 1/2
8 MINUTES - 9 WEST 57TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
American
1 New York Times star
The dining room, with its colorful spiral walls and minimalist carpeted staircase, is perhaps the closest experience you'll get to eating aboard an intergalactic spaceship. The “wow” factor of Brasserie 8 1/2's design is perhaps equaled by the raved-about menu, courtesy of David Bouley-trained head chef, Julian Alonzo. Like the space, the food is amusingly modern and delicious without being pretentious or over-the-top. Hats off to Alonzo for creations like the sesame-encrusted tuna tartare over grated wasabi and crab cake garnished with, believe it or not, cornflakes.
The Prime Grill
8 MINUTES AWAY - 25 WEST 56TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
American
An all-kosher steakhouse that can compete with the best of them is no small order. But despite the restrictions of preparing kosher meat, Prime Grill pulls it off with superb rabbi-friendly interpretations of the T-bone and rib eye, along with a full sushi menu that manages to be far more than a quirky accessory to the juicy main courses
Petrossian
8 MINUTES AWAY - 182 WEST 58TH ST, BETWEEN 6TH/7TH
Russian
2 New York Times stars
The centerpieces at this elegant Russian haunt center around the trappings of the good life: Art Deco, caviar, and champagne. From the 1930s-esque sculptures that line the low-lit dining room, to the immaculately rich assortment of meat dishes dressed in truffles, everything at Petrossian embodies tastefully luxury
Sugiyama
3 New York Times stars - 251 WEST 55TH ST, BETWEEN BROADWAY/8TH
Japanese
6 MINUTES AWAY
Beneath a stunning canopy of branches and lanterns, chef Nao Sugiyama crafts some of the most harmonious Japanese textures and flavors in the city.
BLT Steak
16 MINUTES AWAY - 106 EAST 57TH ST, BETWEEN PARK/LEXINGTON
American
2 New York Times stars
After redefining American bistro food, chef Laurent Tourondel set his sights on a unique interpretation of the classic steakhouse.
Asiate
13 MINUTES AWAY - 80 COLUMBUS CIRCLE
Asian Fusion
1 New York Times star
Overlooking Central Park from the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, the menu takes Asian fusion to the realm of the avant garde.
The Palm
5 MINUTES AWAY - 250 WEST 50TH ST, BETWEEN BROADWAY/8TH
American
1 New York Times star
For nearly a century, this Italian steakhouse has been the go-to spot for power-lunching media executives.
MÁ PÊCHE
9 MINUTES AWAY - 15 WEST 56TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
American
2 New York Times stars
Since opening the first Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village back in 2004, David Chang has quickly risen to the heights of celebrity chef culture. This duplex location is his most sophisticated and elevated offering.
The Capital Grille
9 MINUTES AWAY - 120 WEST 51ST ST, BETWEEN 6TH/7TH
American
While the steaks are excellent, the vast wine list (over 5,000 bottles) and famous level of service distinguishes The Capital Grille from the competition.
Quality Meats
9 MINUTES AWAY - 57 WEST 58TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
American
1 New York Times star
Everything about Quality Meats feels fresh and surprising. Like the name says, the meats are of an extremely high quality, with steaks and chicken dishes cooked simply and to excellence by rising star chef Craig Koketsu.
The Plaza Food Hall
12 MINUTES AWAY - 1 WEST 59TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
American
On the lower concourse of The Plaza Hotel lies the food court to end all food courts. Here, you’ll find no Sbarro’s or Burger King, but a whimsically eclectic mix of popup versions of some of New York’s best gourmet eateries, hand-selected by celebrity chef Todd English. Indulge in the creamy pastries by FP Patisserie, the deluxe sandwiches of No. 7 Sub.
THE RESTAURANT & BAR COLLECTION AT TIME WARNER
12 MINUTES AWAY - 10 Columbus Circle
American
The glass park-side atrium houses a mix of destination and elevated casual offerings including Per Se, Masa, Bouchon Bakery, Landmarc, and A Voce.
Norma's
5 MINUTES AWAY - 119 WEST 56TH ST, BETWEEN 6TH/7TH
Housed at Le Parker Meridien Hotel, the breakfast-focused menu blends the down-home with the decadent, like the eggs Benedict covered in porcini truffle sauce, or the Valrhona hot chocolate and fried churros.
The Park Room Restaurant
11 MINUTES AWAY - 36 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
Located on the second floor of the Park Lane Hotel New York, with floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal quintessentially Manhattan views of Central Park, The Park Room is an ideal spot for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Sarabeth’s
10 MINUTES AWAY - 40 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH, BETWEEN 5TH/6TH
American
Sarabeth’s began when its namesake began selling jams made from a 200 year old family recipe. These days one can find the flagship location of Sarabeth Levine’s collection of restaurants and bakeries at 40 Central Park. Try a scone, they are divine.
ST. REGIS KING COLE BAR & SALON
10 MINUTES AWAY - 2 EAST 55TH ST, BETWEEN 5TH/MADISON
Opened in 1932, frequented by the likes of Salvador Dalí, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra, and allegedly the birthplace of the Bloody Mary, the King Cole Bar is the perfect place to host an elegant breakfast.
The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel
13 MINUTES AWAY - 768 5TH AVENUE, AT 59TH
Situated under a massive and elaborate glass dome, The Palm Court’s breakfast offerings are both classic and luxurious.
VILLARD MICHEL RICHARD
10 MINUTES AWAY - 455 MADISON AVENUE, BETWEEN 50TH/51ST
Located in the opulent former mansion of journalist and railroad tycoon Henry Villard, this grand ballroom space is the perfect showcase for revered chef Michel Richard’s innovative twists on morning classics.
Milos Café
5 MINUTES AWAY - 135 WEST 56TH ST, BETWEEN 6TH/7TH
Milos is renowned for its traditional yogurt, best enjoyed on a summer day at one of the outdoor tables.
Café Oliviero
4 MINUTES AWAY - 850 7TH AVENUE, BETWEEN 54TH/55TH
A small café with a little bit of something healthy for everyone, from a fresh juice bar to veggie burgers and vegan milkshakes.
BOTTEGA DEL VINO
- 7 E 59TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10022
Italian
Situated near everything: Bergdorf's, the Plaza and the Apple Store – this relaxed Midtown replica of the Venice original dispenses tasty Italiana backed by an immense wine list; buoyant staffers maintain the happy mood.
Circo
- 120 WEST 55TH ST NEW YORK, NY 10019
Italian
Circo offers upscale Italian fare built upon a foundation of signature Tuscan recipes from the kitchen of Maccioni matriarch Egidiana and prepared by Executive Chef Alfio Longo. The menu is served in a lively, sophisticated setting reminiscent of the old-style European circus tents which inspired the restaurant's name.