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 chic spaces for private dining too.
Blue Ribbon Brasserie is an obligatory stop for food connoisseurs in the city. While the wildly popular restaurant now has several locations, the flagship location will always hold a special place in New Yorkers' hearts, particularly fans of the late-night dining scene. Blue Ribbon Brasserie welcomes diners until the early hours of the morning, creating a warm and welcoming ambience with low lighting and details like velvet upholstery. Sample the best comfort food you've ever eaten, savor remarkably fresh seafood, and enjoy classic mains like the hangar steak with wild mushrooms or roasted duck club. There's something to be said for American dishes done right at Blue Ribbon Brasserie.
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.
If you are in the mood to pamper yourself or celebrate a special occasion with delightful food, simply head to Varka. Serving fresh seafood and delicious Greek/Mediterranean fare, you can’t go wrong with this upscale restaurant. Favorites include Stuffed Calamari which is grilled and served with feta, tomato, fresh herbs and garlic and Dover Sole from Holland if you are in the mood for fish. Sip on a wine from their extensive selection as you relish the delicious food. They also have an exceptional assortment of Greek wines. With its dim lighting, cozy ambience, and dishes that can be shared by two, it’s also a great restaurant to bring a date.
Forming a gorgeous facade on the New Jersey horizon, Cafe Panache serves refined American cuisine with seasonal flavors. Chef Kevin Kohler produces a lively menu with brilliant flavors that include both seafood and steaks. A few signature dishes worth mentioning here are the Crispy Wasabi Halibut, Pecan Chicken Breast and the Braised Short Ribs. The interiors reflect a stately ambiance, with tall windows, white tabletops and plush leather banquettes. An image of upscale elegance, Cafe Panache is the perfect restaurant to celebrate special occasions or to stop by on a date night.
An erstwhile sawmill and basket weaving factory, this 1981-established restaurant has long left its barn-like identity behind. What it does retain though, is its rustic charm and elemental elegance. The co-owner and chef of Saddle River Inn, Jamie Knott, uses seasonally fresh ingredients in his contemporary French cuisine to such meticulousness that the menu changes nearly six times each year. Seafood makes an appearance, with delicacies such as Tuna Carpaccio and the Colossal Crabmeat Salad. With New Jersey on the brink of a culinary revolution, it is no surprise that it gets difficult to reserve a table at Saddle River Inn. This place is often booked nearly a month in advance, so call way ahead for reservations.
Esty Street offers its diners a fabulous dining experience. From the handcrafted concoctions of the renowned chef Adam Weiss to the decor of the restaurant, you will be transported to a whole new realm. Esty Street is splendidly furnished in wood. Guests can choose to sit in one of the cozy booths close to the bookshelves or at the dining table while vintage portraits gently smile down at you. Those dining by the French windows can watch the world pass by. If you wish to visit the place just to revel in the ambiance then relax at the bar and sip on some cocktails. Host your next event in this elegant space, and let the place and the service make it a memorable one for you and your guests. Enjoy your time here, as the amicable staff pay close attention to your every need.
Latour is a BYOB serving delicious French fare. The best way to enjoy the food of this fantastic restaurant is to opt for the 4 course prix fixe menu. However, if you are not feeling particularly adventurous you can opt for classic Pan Seared Foie-Gras to begin with and then relish the Braised Boneless Short Ribs of Beef. The service is excellent with the wait staff being quite attentive and non-intrusive and the chef comes to each table to make sure you are satisfied with everything. Although initially the food seems to be priced on the more expensive end, the quality of the food and the lovely ambience is well worth the price paid.
T.F. Noonan's is a sprawling pub with an old Irish-pub ambiance, located in Pearl River, New York. This cozy bar is popular for its variety of over 20 local beers and quality craft cocktails. This bar is a great place for sports fans to catch the game as there are over 15 TV screens. Noonans offers a range of pub-grub eats from humongous burgers to smaller sized plates. There is a heated outdoor patio as well as a warm indoor seating area. This bar requires patrons to be dressed in semi-casual attire.