Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in New York

In 1986, sibling owners Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze opened Le Bernardin in New York after finding phenomenal success with their flagship restaurant in Paris, established in 1972. The duo won numerous accolades at the helm of this culinary destination, and 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 its conception. The tasting menu takes diners through courses filled with delicacies like Osetra caviar, Dungeness crab, Lobster Tail, and Black Bass. Moreover, an extensive collection of around 900 wines complements every dish to perfection. Patrons can also enjoy delectable small plates and handcrafted cocktails from their eclectic lounge. The restaurant offers spaces for private events too.

Located in the Time Warner Centre at New York City’s Columbus Circle, Masa is a perfect choice for sushi lovers. With no fixed menu to offer to its guests, the owner and the head Chef Masayoshi Takayama decides on every single dish served here. These dishes are prepared using the freshest local ingredients and fish mostly sourced from Japan. To add on, this restaurant holds a spot in the prestigious Michelin guide and is also known to be one of the most expensive restaurants in the world. With its elegant wooden interiors and impeccable service this place offers an incredible dining experience to its patrons. Reservations in advance are mandatory as they accept a limited number of guests.

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, 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, 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 best dining experience in the city. The cuisine is contemporary, putting a fresh spin on traditional recipes and it 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.

Korea-based chef Jungsik Yim's eponymous restaurant has taken the city's dining scene by storm. On offer at Jungsik is a refreshing interpretation of Korean cuisine. Choose from a diverse menu that includes delectable creations like bibim, hae jang, Thai lobster and Gangnam chicken. The wine list is exhaustive and has offerings from pretty much all the wine producing regions around the world. There's a choice of sake as well. The dessert selection includes green tea cremeux, peach fro-yo and sweet potato tarts. Diners also have the option of a ten-course tasting menu. The dining room sports a refined ambiance, with deep brown walls and plush white banquettes making up the seating area. The large Korean-inspired wooden motifs adorning the walls add a nice touch.