In 1986, sibling owners Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze opened Le Bernardin in New York after tasting phenomenal success with their 1972 flagship restaurant in Paris. It has continued to thrive under Chef Éric Ripert after Gilbert’s tragic demise in 1994. Seafood has been the inspiration behind the menu at Le Bernardin since inception. The tasting menu takes diners through delicacies such as Osetra Caviar, Dungeness Crab, Lobster Tail and Black Bass. Moreover, an extensive collection of around 900 wines complements every dish to perfection. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails from your eclectic lounge. The appetizers are tasty, and dinner is like a set menu but one that affords you the freedom to choose from different dishes for your meal. The flavors are good, given the chef’s experiments with different cuisines, not only French but a smattering of Asian as well, e.g., shrimps with coconut sauce. A dash of Caribbean is thrown into the mix, with the fruits added to the dessert.
Le Bain is popular both amongst regular party-goers as well as celebrities, with its unique interior design making lounging both luxurious and fun. Le Bain, which translates to "bath" in French, is also popularly known for the plunge pool located on the dance floor during the summertime. Although extremely exclusive and often requiring invites to get in, those who manage to enter are rewarded with a beautiful view of the city from the rooftop and excellent service from professional bartenders mixing up great cocktails and concoctions.
This spacious, chic nightclub and bar caters to the stylish elite of New York, and the decor more than matches the crowd. Dance the night away under a sparkling chandelier, and go up the double staircase to explore the more intimate lounges. The energy levels are high, and the music flows generously, just like the drinks. Suave and inviting, this is one happening bar. Filled to the brim with models, dress to impress.
Renowned chef Thomas Keller brought the sophisticated appeal of his acclaimed Napa Valley restaurant, The French Laundry, to New York City with Per Se, which now ranks alongside its sister restaurant as one of the best in the world. Per Se is situated in the Time Warner Center, and its prime location offers guests the opportunity to take in beautiful views of Central Park while enjoying seasonal, French-influenced American cuisine. Beyond the main dining room, there is a lounge bar, a wine cellar, and two private dining rooms that are perfect for celebratory occasions. No matter where you are, Per Se is as visually stunning as its cuisine is delicious, featuring earthy tones, a charming fireplace, and wood and stone accents.
Chic and supremely popular, Gramercy Tavern is known among the Manhattan elite for its excellent service, superb food, plush interiors, and extensive wine list. The restaurant boasts two distinct dining options: you can enjoy a cozy, à la carte meal in the Tavern or indulge in the prix fixe experience in the Dining Room. Chef Michael Anthony proudly sources ingredients from local vendors, creating sensational dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're snacking on treats like Wagyu pastrami and fluke tartare in the Tavern or reveling in courses like pork belly with peaches and strawberry brown butter cake for dessert in the Dining Room, you're sure to be amazed by Gramercy Tavern.
Owned by the legendary Chef Daniel Boulud, this award-winning French restaurant is considered by many to be the one of the best dining experiences in the city. The cuisine is contemporary, putting a fresh spin on traditional recipes and is both expertly prepared and exquisitely plated. Enjoy divine dishes like rabbit saddle with chorizo and tarragon mustard or wasabi-marinated hamachi with white sturgeon caviar and Meyer lemon coulis amid fine Italian Renaissance décor. Opt for the tasting menu or let the knowledgeable staff at Daniel help you create your perfect meal, complete with outstanding drink pairings.
Adding to New York's already vibrant Korean scene, Atomix is yet another innovative spot featuring carefully detailed and uniquely crafted Korean cuisine. The restaurant adds innovative flourishes to traditional Korean food, presenting novel and incredibly delectable fare to customers. The interior is artfully decorated, and the establishment is divided into two sections: the chef's counter caters to up to 14 guests at a time, offering a chance to communally sample items off the scrumptious menu, and the Atomix bar allows patrons to sip ingeniously concocted drinks, which can be paired with an assortment of quick bites. The ambiance is lovely, and the chef's careful attention to detail enhances the experience of all ye who dig into the succulent delicacies! The meals are spectacular. Every course is thoughtful, and the cards that detail the course and provide the chef’s insight are delightful. The service is spectacular. They remember every detail you mentioned during your last visit. Overall, Atomix is perfect for a dinner with a friend or a date.
A new addition to the many sustainability focused restaurants in New York is The Wesley, located in West Village. Featuring an exceptionally well-designed space with uber-modern minimalist chic decor, three different dining spaces are available here. Each room has its own theme based on the elements of the environment. The bar is decked-out in washes of greys and greens, the second room is done in shades of amber, and the third room has a rich atmospheric setup. Whatever your choice of seating, you are certain of an upscale dining experience, fantastic food with handpicked ingredients, and a fine selection of drinks. Drop in for a date night and have a memorable meal in a beautiful setting.
Renowned chef Thomas Keller brought the sophisticated appeal of his acclaimed Napa Valley restaurant, The French Laundry, to New York City with Per Se, which now ranks alongside its sister restaurant as one of the best in the world. Per Se is situated in the Time Warner Center, and its prime location offers guests the opportunity to take in beautiful views of Central Park while enjoying seasonal, French-influenced American cuisine. Beyond the main dining room, there is a lounge bar, a wine cellar, and two private dining rooms that are perfect for celebratory occasions. No matter where you are, Per Se is as visually stunning as its cuisine is delicious, featuring earthy tones, a charming fireplace, and wood and stone accents.
From tofu, Saikoro steak and Surume Ika Yaki to the patent sake, you can get it all at Sakagura Restaurant. By now, you would have guessed that the restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine and of course, the staple rice-wine sake, without which the authenticity of the eatery would be incomplete. The place is known for being one of the best sake bars in the country, with a selection of over 200 varieties of sake that are imported from Japan. This beautifully decorated cozy joint serves green tea and it also has a fully stocked bar. However a meal here is not just about the star sake, but also the exquisite and delicious food that is perfectly prepared and plated, with dishes like the Salmon Sashimi with Roe on Rice and the Black Cod & Pickled Lotus, on the menu. Tasting events like the sake tasting dinner are frequently organized.
Popular with all types of patrons, Benjamin's is another notch on New York's steakhouse bedpost. The steak is USDA approved and you can enjoy your ethically sourced beef in muted, Gothic style surroundings, the ceiling soaring high above you. The steaks are all dry-aged and carefully selected by the chef - for non-steak lovers, there is a reasonable selection of salads and seafood to choose from. The sides are good and there is a selection of desserts. Be sure to make reservations.
With no less than 21 rotating varieties on tap, this little bar in Brooklyn has quickly become a favorite among beer-worshipers. Tørst is the brainchild of legendary Danish brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø and acclaimed chef Daniel Burns. Reclaimed woods cover pretty much every inch of the interior space, leaving the beautiful marble-topped bar and small sections of the mosaic-tiled walls. Spherical lanterns give a warm vibe to the space, and are the only decor elements. The minimalistic and stylish bar stools are Danish inspired. There's a choice of charcuterie and cheese plates to accompany your beers. You can also enjoy a more extensive menu at the adjoining Luksus. Check website for more.