15 Best Upper East Side Restaurants in 2024
New York City’s Upper East Side is well-known for its designer stores, museums and fancy clientele, but what about Upper East Side restaurants? While they may not be as well known as some other places in the neighborhood, Upper East Side restaurants have a whole lot to offer when it comes to delicious cuisines and pleasing aesthetics.
Are you planning a visit to the Upper East Side? Treating yourself or your loved ones to the best of the best? These amazing Upper East Side restaurants are the cream of the crop, and they’re just a stone’s throw away from Central Park!
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Find the Best Restaurants in the Upper East Side
Craving a bigger bite of what NYC has to offer? The best way to discover incredible Upper East Side restaurants is by signing up for food tours in NYC! With the help of an expert guide, you’ll get to learn about the local food scene, taste unforgettable foods and explore hidden gems and popular spots as you tour the city.
15 Best Restaurants in the Upper East Side
1. Sushi Noz
Sushi Noz isn’t just one of the best Upper East Side restaurants; they’re arguably the best sushi restaurant in all of NYC. Opened in 2007, Chef Nozumu Abe’s restaurant has earned a Michelin star and a reputation for serving incredible full-sensory sushi experiences.
The Vibe
Walk through the unassuming entrance at this Upper East Side restaurant, and you’ll find yourself transported to a tranquil room with interlocking cedar wood walls and a 200-year-old hinoki wood sushi bar. The Sukiya-style architecture here doesn’t use any nails, and the gentle cedar fragrance is said to add to the overall experience that guests enjoy.
What to Order
Sushi Noz is an omakase-style restaurant, meaning that guests are served a series of courses carefully chosen by the chef. Sushi Noz hosts four “seatings” per evening, where small groups of guests are guided through a meal that lasts just over two hours. Spots are highly coveted, so be sure to plan your reservation in advance.
Sushi Noz | 181 E. 78th St., New York, NY 10075 | $$$$
2. Mission Ceviche
In just a few short years since opening in 2019, Mission Ceviche has already become a buzz-worthy Upper East Side restaurant. This colorful spot serves a fresh Peruvian menu and features a spacious dining room filled with unique art.
The Vibe
If there’s one word to describe the vibe at Mission Ceviche, it would be “mesmerizing.” Inside, you’ll find wall murals, glowing LED lights, live plants and rich textural art pieces that perfectly set the stage for some delicious food.
What to Order
There are many Upper East Side restaurants that can compete with Mission Ceviche’s fresh ingredients. The tuna tartare with avocado, wasabi, yuzu and black tapioca is highly praised, but if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the catch of the day. Complete your meal with algarrobina tres leches or a tasty pisco sour.
Mission Ceviche | 1400 Second Ave., New York, NY 10021 | $$$
3. Uva
Uva is one of the best Upper East Side restaurants for a classy dinner or date night in NYC. This warm and cozy restaurant serves all your favorite Italian comfort foods, from gnocchi to fettucini and tiramisu. Plus, they have an extensive wine menu.
The Vibe
The dining room at Uva feels very cozy and rustic, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams and warm chandelier lights. Like an Italian country cottage, you’ll find wine bottles stacked around the walls and a sturdy fireplace. This Upper East Side restaurant also has a heated outdoor dining area with lots of live plants.
What to Order
Start by treating yourself to the shareable antipasto or formaggi-cheese platter. The creamy gnocchi di ricotta with black truffle and chive sauce makes for an unbeatable entrée. Ask your serving for the perfect wine pairing to compliment your meal.
Uva | 1486 Second Ave., New York, NY 10075 | $$$
4. J.G. Melon
An iconic place to get a burger in NYC, J.G. Melon first opened in 1972 amid other Upper East Side restaurants and bars, but J.G. Melon really stood the test of time. Any time you’re in the mood for some great American food, head to the tall green building with the vertical neon sign.
The Vibe
J.G. Melon is the perfect example of an old-school New York eatery. This Upper East Side restaurant has red tin ceilings, green brick walls, wooden chairs and barstools, and plenty of antique and vintage décor. Some of the most memorable features at J.G. Melon are their iconic green plaid tablecloths.
What to Order
When you’re at J.G. Melon, you have to order the cheeseburger with a thick, juicy patty, red onion, lettuce, tomato, pickles and melted American cheese. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, J.G. Melon has lots of other great options, including chili, turkey sandwiches, BLTs and pecan pie.
J.G. Melon | 1291 Third Ave., New York, NY | $$
5. Ravagh Persian Grill
Looking for Upper East Side restaurants that will transport your taste buds away from the city? Ravagh Persian Grill is the place to go for delicious Persian, Iranian and Mediterranean food and a quiet dinnertime vibe.
The Vibe
Ravagh Persian Grill is an Upper East Side restaurant with a classy yet simple dining area, wood tables and chairs, goblet glasses and warm pleated lamps. This is a great place to take a break from typical NYC foods and enjoy a casual dinner, date night or family celebration.
What to Order
Ravagh Persian Grill has everything you could want, from Mediterranean chopped salad to lamb shank stew or babaganoosh. The shish kabobs here are very popular; take your choice from chicken, salmon, shrimp, vegetarian and more. Be sure to finish your meal with bastani, a Persian saffron ice cream with pistachio.
Ravagh Persian Grill | 1135 First Ave., New York, NY 10065 | $$
6. Pastrami Queen
Pastrami Queen is yet another legendary mention when it comes to Upper East Side Restaurants. This kosher deli has been serving up delicious sliced meats, sandwiches, soups and baked goods in NYC since 1956, with their original location in Brooklyn.
The Vibe
This Upper East Side restaurant is really a deli shop, so seating is limited, but there are a handful of metal tables and chairs inside. The deli has vintage tile floors, stainless steel surfaces and a display case filled with ready-to-eat goods. This is a great place to stop for lunch after exploring all the things to do in NYC!
What to Order
Try the famous hot pastrami sandwich at Pastrami Queen, with perfectly tender, fatty and salty pastrami and soft fresh-baked bread. Some other honorable mentions include their corned beef sandwich, chopped liver sandwich and roast turkey sandwich.
Pastrami Queen | 1125 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10075 | $$
7. Daniel
When you’re in New York City, you simply have to treat yourself to some fine dining. Out of all the Upper East Side restaurants, Daniel is one of the most special and classy places you can visit. They’ve earned two Michelin stars and plenty of visits from well-to-do New Yorkers.
The Vibe
Daniel is not one of your everyday food halls in NYC. This opulent Upper East Side restaurant has a grand dining room with white tablecloths, coffered ceilings, chandeliers and candlelit tables. Daniel also has a dress code; men are asked to wear collared shirts and jackets while women should wear dresses, skirts or dark pants.
What to Order
Daniel serves a French-inspired prix fixe dinner menu with about four to five courses. Each course is carefully crafted for the perfect balance of flavors and enticing visual presentation. For their Valentine’s Day dinner, some dish examples include New York foie gras terrine, Nantucket Bay scallops, High Plains bison and pineapple cheesecake.
Daniel | 60 E. 65th St., New York, NY 10065 | $$$$
8. Kaia Wine Bar
Kaia Wine Bar is a highly-praised Upper East Side restaurant that serves an uncommon cuisine in the big apple: South African. Whether you’re from South Africa or you’re looking to explore some new foods, Kaia Wine Bar is a great place to enjoy authentic South African food, wine and cocktails.
The Vibe
Kaia is a cozy Upper East Side restaurant with a somewhat rustic and café-like appeal. The dining room has exposed brick walls, a full wine bar, mason jar candles and sturdy wood tables. Kaia also has some covered patio seats and is a great place for dinner before a girls’ night out or a casual date.
What to Order
The Gatsby sandwich is a good way to dip your toes into South African cuisine or get a taste of all your favorites. Inspired by South African street food, the sandwich features a Portuguese roll with garam masala pulled chicken, peppadews, pickled kirby cucumber, mayonnaise and fries.
Kaia Wine Bar | 1614 Third Ave., New York, NY 10128 | $$
9. Sandro’s
If you’re looking for classy Upper East Side restaurants with an Italian menu, Sandro’s has you covered. What makes Sandro’s unique from other Italian Upper East Side restaurants is their distinct Roman-style cuisine — a much fresher take on your standard mom-and-pop’s spaghetti.
The Vibe
Sandro’s is a great place to celebrate a special occasion with family or enjoy a small birthday dinner in NYC. The dining rooms feature several tables with white tablecloths, blue goblet glasses, a full bar and clean, white walls. Sandro’s website doesn’t mention a dress code, but many guests choose to dress up when they dine at this Upper East Side restaurant.
What to Order
At a Roman-style Italian restaurant like Sandro’s, you’ll want to try a quintessential Roman dish like cacio e pepe, a fine pasta with cheeses and black pepper. This dish is only available when the head chef, Sandro, can prepare it himself. Other strong options include the veal Milanese or spaghetti con vongole.
Sandro’s | 322 E. 86th St., New York, NY 10028 | $$$
10. Bohemian Spirit
Bohemian Spirit is one of a handful of Upper East Side restaurants that received a Bib Gourmand award in 2020. All of Bohemian’s Spirit’s authentic Czech dishes are prepared from scratch with raw ingredients, and their spacious dining room is a fascinating peek at Czech culture and art.
The Vibe
Bohemian Spirit is an Upper East Side restaurant with a large dining area, white walls, wooden tables and chairs and fun pieces of Czech culture around the room. You’ll find photos of prominent Czech figures, artwork, antiques and more. Bohemian Spirit is an excellent pick for a casual weeknight dinner.
What to Order
Browse the list of daily specials as you snack on a starter like chicken liver pate or drowned sausages. One popular entrée here is the braised angus flat iron beef with cream “svickova” sauce, cranberries and bread dumplings. Pair with an authentic Czech beer or warm apple strudel.
Bohemian Spirit | 321 E. 73rd St., New York, NY 10021 | $$
11. Café Sabarsky
If you’re thinking east of Czech food, head on over to Café Sabarsky for some incredible German and Austrian dishes. Café Sabarsky is the perfect Upper East Side restaurant if you’re seeking other indoor activities in NYC, as the restaurant is located right next to the Neue Galerie museum.
The Vibe
This Upper East Side restaurant has a very warm and historical feel. Carved wood walls and tall windows surround marble tables and elegant black chairs. The light fixtures, furniture and banquettes are antiques created by 20th-century craftsmen, and a grand piano in the corner is used for museum performances.
What to Order
Café Sabarsky is one of the best Upper East Side restaurants for German and Austrian staples. Come in for breakfast to enjoy a special Viennese coffee and crêpes or Bavarian ham and eggs. For lunch or dinner, try the smoked trout crêpes or bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and mustard.
Café Sabarsky | 1048 5th Ave., New York, NY 10028 | $$
12. Sushi of Gari
Masatoshi “Gari” Sugio has now established several Sushi of Gari locations around New York City, but the original location is one of the best Upper East Side restaurants. First opened in 1997, Sushi of Gari has earned its title as one of the best sushi restaurants in all of New York.
The Vibe
Sushi of Gari’s Upper East Side restaurant has a spacious and clean dining room. Decorations are minimal, and there is a long sushi bar where guests can watch as their sushi is masterfully prepared. Sushi of Gari is perfect for sushi lovers celebrating a special occasion or date night.
What to Order
If you’re feeling adventurous, order from the Gari’s omakase menu, a serving style that leaves everything up to the chef. For more predictable bites, try the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño sauce or the fatty tuna scallion roll.
Sushi of Gari | 402 E. 78th St., New York, NY 10075 | $$$$
13. David Burke Tavern
After a big day full of things to do in NYC, treat yourself or your loved ones to a cold beer and a classy meal at David Burke Tavern. This Upper East Side Restaurant focuses on creating elevated versions of traditional bar and steakhouse favorites like chilled oysters, filet mignon and crab cakes.
The Vibe
The dining area at David Burke Tavern feels a bit like a classy dinner party; masculine, dark and a little bit sexy. Black wainscotted walls surround red leather booths and dark wood tables. The room is lit up by wall sconces, votive candles and abundant boozy drinks.
What to Order
Start with an order of lobster dumplings or clothesline bacon and an espresso martini or mocktail. For the main course, treat yourself to a roasted lamb rack with swiss char, white bean and mint or a classic dry-aged filet mignon.
David Burke Tavern | 135 E. 62nd St., New York, NY 10065 | $$$
14. JoJo
If you’re looking for Upper East Side restaurants with lots of delicious menu options, add JoJo to your list. Open for brunch and dinner, JoJo serves new American food like broccoli and kale salad, roasted duck breast and avocado toast.
The Vibe
This Upper East Side restaurant is located in a charming two-story white building with black-framed windows. Inside, the interior design feels clean, warm and feminine, with white walls, pendant lamps and light oak furniture.
What to Order
If you’re coming for brunch, order one of JoJo’s signature negronis and eggs benedict with crispy potatoes or avocado toast with sunflower sprouts, sunflower seeds and cilantro. For dinner, opt for the warm shrimp salad or seared beef tenderloin and chocolate cake with ice cream.
JoJo | 160 E 64th St., New York, NY 10065 | $$$
15. Mimi’s Pizza
A list of New York’s best Upper East Side restaurants just wouldn’t be complete without a pizza place. Mimi’s Pizza is a local gem that serves up classic slices and funky thick-cut combinations. Open until 1:45 a.m., Mimi’s Pizza is one of the best places to eat in NYC after a late night out.
The Vibe
Mimi’s Pizza is your standard New York pizza joint. Walk past the neon signs in the front door, and you’ll find exposed brick walls with sports and comic book art, an overhead menu and a glass case filled with hot, ready-to-eat pizzas. Mimi’s Pizza has a few standing dining tables, but this Upper East Side restaurant is mostly a takeout spot.
What to Order
The Grandma-style pizzas are a must-try, featuring square-cut crust and generous toppings in a good array of options like Margherita Grandma, denso pepperoni Grandma or spinach artichoke Grandma. Order by the slice or by the whole pie — you’ll thank yourself for the leftovers.
Mimi’s Pizza | 217 E. 86th St., New York, NY 10028 | $
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New York’s Upper East Side restaurants offer some of the best experiences in the city. Whether you’re looking for a classy fine dining venue or an iconic neighborhood spot, the wide variety of Upper East Side restaurants will have you covered and make you feel excited to dine out time and time again.
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