Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City

Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Upper East Side

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

559 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel restaurant
1. The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel
4.4
Awesome(6921)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Midtown East
Booked 76 times today
The Palm Court’s Afternoon Tea truly shines with custom tableware and china, a fragrant tea list steeped in history, and of course, a bit of precocious Eloise too. Guests are invited to nibble on our in-house Pastry Chef’s unique culinary offerings like delicate finger sandwiches, buttery scones and elegant desserts, which are all made from scratch with local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.Hours: Breakfast* | 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Confirmed breakfast reservations at The Palm Courtare reserved for hotel guests at this time.Afternoon Tea | 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.Lite Fare & Cocktails | 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.Reservations are not required but recommended*Lite Fare menu ends at 10:00 p.m.*Based on hotel occupancy. Hotel guests will be priority.For parties larger than 6 guests, please send an inquiry email to PalmCourt.PLZ@Fairmont.com
A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant
2. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience
4.9
Exceptional(927)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Upper East Side
Booked 29 times today
Join us at Aunt Jake's Upper East Side for our Pasta Making Class & 3-course pasta menu! The cost is $60 per person for pasta instruction and the prefix meal. We require a $10 per person non-refundable deposit. The entire experience is approximately 2.5 hours. Please use the OpenTable mobile app for best results when booking the Pasta Experience.–Aunt Jake's was founded in 2015, as the company set out to replicate the idyllic, simplistic cuisine we grew up to enjoy. However, we wanted to create Italian food for the “next” generation. The idea was to develop an Italian concept around the customer’s choice of how to eat pasta compared to how the restaurant wanted you to eat it. With that in mind, Aunt Jake’s core mission is to bring high-quality fresh ingredients daily to craft our handmade pasta and sauces health-consciously. The customer can mix and match sauce with shape and create a custom dish of their own.
A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant
3. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC
4.6
Exceptional(30219)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 433 times today
Carmine's is a neighborhood gem in NYC's Theater District, serving up Southern Italian cuisine in a family style. Reviews rave about the generous portions, exceptional value, and warm, inviting atmosphere. It's praised for its 'authentic Italian trattoria' vibe and 'cozy and intimate setting'. The service is frequently mentioned as attentive, efficient, and gracious. The restaurant exudes a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, perfect for dining with friends and family.
A photo of Papillon Bistro and Bar restaurant
4. Papillon Bistro and Bar
4.0
Excellent(1131)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Midtown East
Booked 3 times today
Papillon is a stunning classic French Bistro featuring an elegant rustic decor that brings you back through time to a provincial town in France. The exquisite decor is the perfect setting for Papillon's culinary delights. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just steps from Central Park, Museum of Modern Art & the famous 5th Avenue shops, Papillon offers a fun environment where our guests feel like family. Our deceivingly large space offers dining experiences to match your every mood, whether you’re enjoying a craft cocktail on our sidewalk café, mingling with colleagues in one of our private rooms, or delighting in dinner and a show at our Opera Night on Saturdays. Get to know our killer staff, and enjoy a sense of community with a little something for everyone. At Papillon Bistro & Bar, every night is made better with just a touch of sophisticated debauchery!
A photo of BG - Bergdorf Goodman restaurant
5. BG - Bergdorf Goodman
4.7
Exceptional(4729)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Midtown West
Booked 81 times today
Sophistication on the Seventh Floor of Bergdorf Goodman with afternoon into evening Central Park views. BG is a modern interpretation of the aristocratic social salon. Like a Park Avenue residence from the age of cosmopolitan glamour. Well-appointed and bright, the drawing room atmosphere is an intimate conversational setting for lunch, tea and early supper or cocktails. The light and sparkling menu is a modern take on classic New York fare. All Day menu served Mon - Sat from Noon-6 PM , and Sunday from Noon -5 PM*Enjoy Afternoon Tea service Mon-Sat from Noon:-5:00 PM and Sun from Noon-5:00 PM, reservations required.
A photo of Quality Meats restaurant
6. Quality Meats
4.7
Exceptional(10653)
Price: Expensive
• American • Midtown West
Booked 104 times today
Quality Meats is the best steakhouse in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Meats features modern interpretations of familiar dishes and flavor combinations, resulting in unique tastes, innovative presentations, and a distinctive Quality Meats style. The warm, industrial décor by award-winning designers AvroKO draws on cues from traditional New York City family-owned butcher shops, in the use of warm wood, stainless steel, and white marble.
A photo of Cafe Luxembourg restaurant
7. Cafe Luxembourg
4.8
Exceptional(8750)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Upper West Side
Booked 137 times today
Cafe Luxembourg is offering reservations for indoor dining. Walk-Ins are welcome. Our Outdoor Cafe is complete with rain-proof awnings and electric heaters for your comfort. *Per the rules and regulations of the DINING OUT NYC Program, Outdoor Seating will be limited beginning 11.01.24. Weather permitting, outdoor tables will be first-come, first-served.Due to demand, we are unable to hold your reservation past the time it has been booked. If you are not present at the time of your reservation, we will offer the table to waiting guests. If you are running late or wish to cancel, please call us at 212-873-7411. We look forward to seeing you soon. Per the rules of the FDNY and our Permit of Assembly, we are unable to accommodate strollers in the dining room. Guests are welcome to store them in our vestibule or outdoors.Thank you for your patronage!
A photo of Tony's Di Napoli - Midtown restaurant
8. Tony's Di Napoli - Midtown
4.8
Exceptional(18520)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 194 times today
Tony's has served up some of the best old NY Italian favorites. Our cooking comes from Southern Neapolitan traditions and served up in huge family style platters that serve 2 to 3 people.
A photo of The Smith- Lincoln Square restaurant
9. The Smith- Lincoln Square
4.6
Exceptional(12300)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincoln Square
Booked 259 times today
The Smith is a casual American brasserie with four upbeat locations in New York City: The Smith East Village, The Smith Midtown, The Smith Lincoln Square, and The Smith NoMad, as well as locations in DC and Chicago. We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.
A photo of BONDST restaurant
10. BONDST
4.8
Exceptional(3230)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • NoHo
Booked 124 times today
BONDST, located in NoHo, is a trendy downtown restaurant with a warm minimalist interior design. The cuisine is new Japanese with European and Asian influences. BONDST is Citysearch's 2007 and 2008 audience award winner for Best Sushi in NYC, as well as the 2008 audience award winner for Best Martini in NYC.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jarrod
    Denver / Colorado •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    A classic experience. The staff, service and tea service were as great I’d as expected.
    More info
    BG - Bergdorf GoodmanPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Midtown West
    •
    4.7
  • LexiVIP
    Dallas - Fort Worth •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    One of the best experiences I’ve had in New York. Had to book pretty early in advance due to the Valentines Day weekend rush, but got a lovely early afternoon spot. The atmosphere was so elegant & classy. Our waitress Mary Alice was so kind, accommodating, and overall such a pleasure to interact with. Yes it is pricey, but the experience and the quality of the food/tea was well worth it.
    More info
    The Palm Court at The Plaza HotelPrice: Very Expensive• American• Midtown East
    •
    4.4
  • Jackie
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great time learning how to make dough, creating different pasta shapes, and then enjoyed a 3 course meal! We left with tons of pasta to make in the future which was an extra bonus. My suggestions would be to provide a handout of all the information discussed in class and to offer a 2.0 class teaching you how to make different sauces! Thanks for such a fun date night activity!! We will be back!
    More info
    Aunt Jake's Pasta ExperiencePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Upper East Side
    •
    4.9
  • John
    Mississippi •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I picked this restaurant by looking at online reviews. I could not have made a better choice. Our reservation was on time. We walked in, sat down and were immediately greeted by our server. Emily was her name. She was without a doubt, one of the best servers I have ever had the pleasure of working with she treated my wife and me as if we were her only customer and we were the most important people in the restaurant. It was truly a special occasion for us. The food was everything that she had said it would be and everything that I read online. It was fabulous. We took her suggestions for some of the dishes we got and every suggestion she made was fantastic. I will go back to Carmines anytime I’m in New York City.
    More info
    Carmine's - 44th Street - NYCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Theater District
    •
    4.6
  • JodyVIP
    New York City •82 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 5 Feb 2025
    Fun venue. Great, happy vibe. Food was perfect. Sections to enjoy bars, dining, hang out by high tops.
    More info
    Papillon Bistro and BarPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Midtown East
    •
    4

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Upper East Side

Discover the hidden treasures of Manhattan's Upper East Side with our curated selection of neighborhood gems that exemplify the best of local dining. Each restaurant, unique in its charm, offers a delightful experience that resonates with both locals and visitors. Whether you're craving traditional Italian, authentic French, modern Mediterranean, or innovative Beijing-style cuisine, these establishments promise not only delicious food but also a welcoming atmosphere and outstanding service. The Upper East Side is renowned for its vibrant dining scene where every meal is served with a dash of local flair and a commitment to quality. These neighborhood gems are perfect for those seeking a cozy dining experience in a sophisticated yet comfortable setting. Enjoy the seamless blend of culinary excellence and inviting ambience that makes each of these restaurants a true standout in the bustling heart of New York City. Whether for a casual brunch or a special dinner, these eateries ensure a memorable meal with every visit.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo