Got a special occasion coming up? We’ve compiled a list of fancy restaurants in Manhattan, the top spots where exquisite flavors meet impeccable vibes for an unforgettable experience.
From Italian and French cuisine to fancy vegan fare (yes, vegan!) food, these high-end restaurants serve up memorable experiences alongside their critically acclaimed dishes.
Once you’ve indulged, check out some of our other best things to do in New York to round out your time in The Big Apple.
Iconic and Fancy Restaurants
You may have seen these restaurants in movies or heard about them on the pages of glossy magazines. From the Upper East Side all the way downtown, it’s high time you give these fancy restaurants in Manhattan a try.
The Modern
The Modern, the two-Michelin star restaurant adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) stands out in a city of stand-out restaurants. The menu is a four-course prix fixe, imagined by Chef Thomas Allan. Expect contemporary dishes, every bite infused with imagination and seasonal ingredients.
The digs are none too shabby, either. Modern décor makes it feel as though you’re dining in a museum—which makes sense, considering your dining next to one of Manhattan’s best. Cuisine and art merge into one at The Modern.
💡Did you Know? We mentioned its two Michelin stars, but the restaurant has several other accolades under its belt: it’s won four James Beard Awards and the Grand Award from the Wine Spectator and has a prized Three Star review in the New York Times.
One If By Land, Two If By Sea
Tucked away on a quiet street in Greenwich Village, One If By Land, Two If By Sea has earned a reputation as Manhattan’s most romantic dining spot. Housed in a historic carriage house, the experience begins before you even step inside.
A Setting Like No Other
The ambiance is a dreamy blend of old-world charm and refined elegance. Think:
- Candlelit tables
- Arched windows overlooking a private garden
- A baby grand piano playing softly in the background
Lush floral arrangements add warmth, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate, timeless, and unlike anything else in New York.
A Classic, Indulgent Menu
The menu stays true to the restaurant’s romantic vibe—classic, elevated, and deeply satisfying. Choose the three-course prix fixe, featuring favorites like:
- Burrata
- Tuna tartare
- Foie gras
If you’d rather not choose, let the chef guide your evening with the Chef’s Tasting Menu—a curated experience designed to surprise and delight.
More Relaxed? Try the Bar
Prefer a more casual setting? Grab a seat at the bar, where a limited but equally delicious menu is available—no reservations required, just great food in a cozy setting.
Per Se
You’ll find renowned Chef Thomas Keller’s Per Se in Columbus Circle, with impressive views of Central Park.
Per Se serves two menus, one vegetarian and the other not. Every dish is meticulously prepared by Chef de Cuisine Chad Palagi using seasonal ingredients and techniques common to French cuisine.
The restaurant itself is like the New York outpost of Keller’s The French Laundry, the famous Yountville, California institution. Even the décor subtly references The French Laundry—if Per Se’s main blue door looks familiar, it’s because it’s modeled after The French Laundry’s.
Per Se’s price tag is admittedly steep—nine-course tasting menus will set you back about $355 a head, while the five-course menu is about $245. But the exceptional service and out-of-this-world dining experience will make this pricey evening a meal for the ages.
Gramercy Tavern
Gramercy Tavern is a New York institution, backed by 30 years of serving New Yorkers. It first opened in 1994 by restaurateur Danny Meyer near Union Square. It’s had quite a run so far: It’s earned nine James Beard Awards—including “Outstanding Restaurant of 2008”—and was awarded One Michelin Star. How’s that for a fine dining experience?
As for the menu, expect something imaginative, yet quintessentially American. Make room for traditional dishes like burgers and meatloaf, only elevated. For dessert, we like to skip the sweet stuff and instead sample the American Farmstead Cheese, a platter of some local cheese served alongside fresh bread, nuts, and fruit.
Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime, a classic seafood and steakhouse, is a Midtown must. It’s known for serving delightfully fresh seafood, prime steaks, and other gems.
The extensive wine list is Wine Spectator approved, while the cocktail menu is inventive and fresh, sure to make a splash.
All of this contributes to the upscale experience you can expect from a night out here. With its luxurious setting, Ocean Prime is the perfect spot for business dinners, romantic evenings, and special occasion nights out.
Craft
Craft is the brainchild of Chef Tom Colicchio who, at one time, was the head chef at another of our favorite fancy NYC restaurants, Gramercy Tavern.
What Craft is known for is its focus on using only the highest-quality ingredients to craft (pun intended) bright, captivating dishes. The buzzwords at Craft are “simple” and “seasonal”—so you can expect minimal dishes that let the star, seasonal ingredients do the heavy lifting.
Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant
Gabriel Kreuther Restaurant is an upscale dining experience from Chef Gabriel Kreuther. This Midtown haunt transforms French cuisine into a luxurious dining experience. Its daring take on popular French dishes has helped it earn recognition from the Michelin Guide.
Sure, the food is delicious, but the surroundings are equally as impressive. Kreuther’s vision for the interior design was inspired by rustic homes in the Alsace region. Tables are surrounded by reclaimed wood beams, while crystal storks dangle from the ceiling. Ambiance like this really sets the mood for a beautiful soirée.
Gotham Restaurant
If Gotham Restaurant reminds you of a comic book, you wouldn’t be alone. Its sleek décor does feel like it exists in a fictional, bizarro city like Gotham City.
High ceilings, art deco detailing, and warm mahogany wood are all a part of the Gotham experience—these features are intended to heighten your senses, making every bite you indulge even more inviting.
And about that menu. It’s your classic steakhouse fare—but the kitchen ensures to use premium cuts only to ensure quality is what you’re getting.
Add to that Gotham’s extensive wine tasting list and cocktail menu, and you’ve got yourself a fancy meal that transforms your evening out into an elegant affair.
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Le Coucou
Acclaimed Chef Daniel Rose is the mastermind behind Le Coucou—a restaurant that captures the essence of fine French cuisine in the heart of New York’s SoHo district.
Beneath shimmery chandeliers, among round tables adorned with white tablecloths, Le Coucou’s ambiance is the first thing you’ll notice. Then, there’s the menu, which the Michelin Guide refers to as “unapologetically French.”
Of course, Chef Rose knows how to turn every dish into a surprising and unexpected experience and thus adds his own twist to menu items like crépinette de volaille, halibut, rabbit, you name it. Oh que oui!
The restaurant’s open kitchen concept gives restaurant-goers a peek behind the curtain, which is a real treat for foodies.
Eleven Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park is a name that commands instant recognition and respect. Overlooking Madison Square Park, this Michelin-starred restaurant has consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world since it first opened in 1998.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant temporarily closed its doors. When it re-opened a year-and-a-half later, Chef Daniel Humm did something revolutionary: he announced that Eleven Madison Park would, from this point onward, serve exclusively plant-based food.
While initially, critics were disappointed with the switch, once Eleven Madison Park found its footing, many naysayers changed their tune.
Dishes celebrate the beauty and simplicity of vegetables and fruits, many of which come from a small, organic farm in Vermont. It’s a completely unique and refreshing fine dining experience.
Even the most carnivorous of meat eaters are unlikely to miss the meat.
Turning a popular restaurant into a fine vegan dining was a bold move, but it’s paid off—Eleven Madison Park is one of the only strictly vegan restaurants in the world with three Michelin stars.
Ai Fiori
Ai Fiori, meaning “among the flowers” in Italian, is a Michelin-starred gem that brings a taste of the French Riviera and Italian cuisine. Tucked away on the second floor of the elegant Langham Hotel on Fifth Avenue, this fine dining restaurant blends the warmth of Mediterranean flavors with a refined, modern touch.
Dishes highlight fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and seasonal ingredients. Another bright spot? Ai Fiori’s wine menu is top-notch, featuring an extensive selection of Old-World appellations.
If you’re looking to elevate date night, then Ai Fiori is both intimate and unforgettable—a truly upscale dining experience that celebrates the depth and complexity of Italian cuisine.
Le Bernardin
Let’s not mince words: Le Bernardin is peak culinary excellence. The restaurant first opened in 1994 by Maguy Le Coze, working in close collaboration with the legendary French chef, Eric Ripert.
This three-time Michelin-starred restaurant has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the finest dining establishments in the world.
In fact, in 2019, the prestigious French guidebook La Liste named Le Bernardin the best restaurant in the world.
Seafood, Perfected
Le Bernardin sets itself apart with a menu focused almost entirely on seafood, showcasing fish as the undisputed star of the plate.
Expect dishes that are:
- light and delicate, like refined crudos
- rich and masterfully prepared, such as buttery poached fish
Every plate is a study in precision and culinary technique.
Elegant Setting
The dining room underwent a complete renovation in 2011, elevating the already refined atmosphere.
Beyond the main dining space, the restaurant features a lounge with its own separate, more accessible menu.
Recognized Excellence
The list of accolades is long. A few standouts include:
- a four-star review from The New York Times
- more James Beard Awards than any other restaurant in New York
- consistent top rankings from Zagat in the “Best Food” category
And that’s just the beginning.
A Bucket List Destination
A meal at Le Bernardin isn’t just dinner—it’s a true culinary experience.
For anyone who considers themselves a foodie, this is a destination that belongs at the very top of the list.
Caviar Russe
Located on swanky Madison Avenue, Caviar Russe is luxury dining at its absolute finest. If the name wasn’t enough of a giveaway, this restaurant is renowned for its menu, centered around the most lavish food of all: caviar.
The Michelin-recommended menu features tons of seafood, shellfish, and, of course, caviar. If you can’t decide from its vast selection, then opt for a tasting menu.
Caviar Russe offers three, six, or 11-course menus—each with their own price point, of course. The Jerusalem artichoke is a big hit among guests, while the king crab and Japanese mackerel are also options destined to delight.
All in all, if you’re looking to embrace the lifestyles of the rich and famous, even if just for one night only, then Caviar Russe is a gorgeous experience, like escaping into an episode of Succession.
STK Steakhouse Downtown NYC
Sometimes, all you want is a juicy steak—and STK Steakhouse in downtown New York delivers. This ain’t your typical CEO’s steakhouse, though. While the menu features traditional favorites like tender cuts of meat, seafood and shellfish platters, salads, appetizers, and more, that’s about where the similarities end.
Because the concept behind STK Steakhouse is an interior that bears more of a resemblance to a chic nightclub than a stuffy, old-school steakhouse. Buzzing with energy, you’ll love the experience of dining on a high-quality steak, sipping a cocktail like a cosmopolitan under the dreamy lighting.
It’s the perfect blend of a modern dining experience meets ambient atmosphere, a fine dining experience that’ll keep you up long into the wee hours of the night.
Temple Court
Another Tom Colicchio joint, Temple Court is the closest you’ll get to experiencing turn-of-the-century New York. Sort of. The restaurant is nestled in the Beekman Hotel, which resides in what was formerly known as the Temple Court, one of New York City’s first skyscrapers.
The setting feels like taking a trip back in time. The vintage furniture, high ceilings, and velour accents give it a ritzy feel. In contrast to its surroundings, the menu is modern, fresh, and creative: smoked wagyu brisket and leg of lamb caught our eye.
Favorites like hanger steak are popular choices too. Historic and elegant, a date night at Temple Court is fancy eating done right.
Delmonico's
One of the oldest joints on the list, Delmonico’s is probably the first fine dining restaurant in NYC. It opened its doors in 1837—that’s almost 200 years ago!—and has been at the same location on Beaver Street in the Financial District ever since.
In addition to its long-standing reputation serving Manhattanites, the restaurant is renowned for its salon-like setting and historical significance, offering dishes like short rib tortellini and the Eye of Delmonico 12-ounce steak. If you want to taste a piece of history, make Delmonico’s a stop on your New York City must-visit list.
Cosme
If you find yourself hungering for a luxurious experience in the Flatiron District, Cosme has what you need.
The restaurant’s menu features classic Mexican dishes with a wink and a New York twist. Expect to find a contemporary twist on what you eat. Bright, zesty flavors mingle with world-class technique. A meal here is vibrant, colorful, and engrossing.
Pair your meal with a spicy margarita made with mezcal—smoky, fiery perfection.
The kitchen is helmed by acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera, who also owns Pujol, ranked in the top 10 best restaurants in the entire world. If fine dining is what you want, you’ll find it in the walls of this world-class Mexican restaurant.
Minetta Tavern
Minetta Tavern is a Greenwich Village staple, a quaint spot with a rich history, exuding plenty of turn-of-the-century New York charm. The menu boasts a bit of an upscale “pub food” vibe.
Alongside elevated dishes like homemade agnolotti and steak frites, you’ll find two types of burgers—the Black Label Burger is slightly on the pricier side, but with its prime dry-aged beef patty, we’d say it’s well worth the splurge.
These days, Minetta Tavern caters to all sorts—but its elegant French cuisine and dimly lit setting make it a favorite among celebrities looking to hide from prying eyes.
Be warned, this restaurant tends to book up quickly, so plan ahead. If you can secure a reservation, you’re in for a treat. This is one locale worth experiencing.
💡 Fun fact! Minetta Tavern, a vintage restaurant, has been a historical gathering place for literary figures like Eugene O'Neill and Ernest Hemingway, and offers dishes such as squab with foie gras and the Minetta Burger.
La Mercerie
La Mercerie, located in the SOHO neighborhood, is a delectable blend of French cuisine fine dining and café culture.
Its opulent décor, high ceilings, and velour seating feel pulled from a classic French film. Not only is the ambiance bright and très European, but the dishes draw inspiration from across the pond, too.
💡 Did you know? La Mercerie is a feast for the eyes, too. The Michelin Guide voted the restaurant as one of the top restaurants to see and be seen in New York City.
ONE Dine at One World Observatory
Dining at ONE Dine at One World Observatory is the height of luxury. Executive Chef Reuel Vincent’s menu specializes in modern American cuisine.
Here, you can indulge in elevated steakhouse fare—seafood dishes and cuts of meat are all on order. Vegetarians, there are plenty of options for you too.
But what really makes ONE Dine such an exquisite experience is the feeling that you and your guests are dining on top of the world. The space itself is located on the 101st floor of the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. On a clear day (or night) you’ll be privy to views stretching far and wide.
An evening at ONE Dine is the best way to, ahem, elevate the dining experience.
Wall Street Grill
Wall Street Grill is located in the heart of the Financial District, the part of the city pulsing with energy and action. Listen closely—you can almost hear brokers shouting “Buy! Sell!” or the clanging of the New York Stock Exchange bell.
Wall Street is a playground for America’s wealthy and elite. Down here, the streets are paved with gold. It’s why it’s where you encounter some of the fanciest restaurants in town, like Wall Street Grill. And that’s saying something in a city chock-full of them.
Here, it’s not all talk. Wall Street Grill’s diverse menu and white glove service puts the “fine” in finesse. It’s the ideal spot for a power lunch or business dinner—whether you opt for its fresh sushi rolls or indulge in a hangar steak or rack of lamb, this menu won’t disappoint.
Engage with Manhattan's Dining Scene
New York City is widely considered one of the world’s premier gastronomic destinations—food lovers from all over flock here to experience the finest cuisine in the world, in pursuit of the almighty “perfect bite.”
Though we’re big fans of the city’s pizza by the slice joints and hidden gems, we’re met with the urge to experience one of its many Michelin-starred restaurants. Meals like this are experiences worth savoring and offer the potential to feel life-changing in a way.
Being part of the culinary conversation can enrich the experience. Post reviews, read others’ thoughts, and connect with fellow foodies online. It’s one of the best ways to connect with food-lovers like you and get a real taste for NYC’s food scene.
Join the Conversations about dining in NYC
There are so many ways to take part in conversations about NYC dining. Online platforms and social media are great starting points.
On apps like Instagram, be sure to follow hashtags like #NYCEats to see what’s happening, scope out food pics, post reviews, and keep up with what’s new in the food scene.
The Infatuation is another great reference, a catalogue of the city’s restaurants broken down by neighborhood, type of cuisine, and beyond.
When in doubt, Google Reviews lets you see what people like you have to say about restaurants.
Share Your Dining Experiences
Every dining experience in Manhattan tells a story, and sharing these moments helps shape the city’s culinary culture. After dinner, be sure to leave a review on Google, Yelp, or OpenTable.
Doing so not only supports local businesses, but it helps fellow diners get a sense of what’s worth trying, and what’s best left off the table.
Savor Manhattan's Culinary Wonders
Let’s face it, the island of Manhattan is a literal playground for food lovers, especially those looking to eat at world-class establishments helmed by the best chefs living today.
Whether exploring new restaurants, revisiting beloved favorites, embracing Manhattan’s dining scene means you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure.
The best way to experience things is by diving right in: appreciate your surroundings, savor each and every flavor, and let yourself be carried away.
And, after the meal’s over, why not spend the rest of the evening by catching one of our shows in New York? Seeing our performers do what they do best—leap from the rafters, perform gravity-defying tricks, contort their bodies every which way—is a great way to cap off a soirée of luxury dining in one of the world’s most electric cities. Salud!