Savoring New York

Food writer and long-time NYC resident Sarah Copeland explores the boundless landscape of Manhattan gastronomy

The global epicenter of culinary diversity and innovation, New York City’s array of enticing dining destinations is unrivaled. Representing the cuisines of virtually every country in the world and all varieties from the most exquisite delicacies to mouth-watering comfort foods, the city is tantalizingly, and abundantly, delicious.

Midtown is an epicure’s haven for everything from Michelin-distinguished restaurants in five-star hotels to intimate neighborhood eateries. The classic Michelin Guide standouts are deserving of their esteem, offering perennially exceptional fare that’s vibrant and innovative.

Chef Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin consistently offers delectable seafood while still surprising guests. The restaurant’s refined decor and cuisine are elegant, inspired versions of the city’s best, day and night.

Tatiana, located in Lincoln Center, is chef Kwame Onwuachi’s most acclaimed restaurant, recently honored as the best in New York City by The New York Times. Kwame’s lauded Afro-Caribbean fare includes items such as luscious, melt-off-the-bone braised oxtail.

The remarkable Aquavit shines brightly with Swedish chef Emma Bengtsson at the helm, winning awards for seafood- and vegetable-forward dishes, such as torched North Sea cod and rye apple cake with smoked crème fraîche. Nearby, Le Rock, the Art Deco favorite at Rockefeller Center, delivers classic brasserie flavors and ample showmanship. Le Jardinier offers refined seasonal French cuisine at the expert hands of Joël Robuchon protégé Alain Verzeroli. For a repast with artful accompaniment, MoMA’s signature restaurant, The Modern, bewitches with elevated day-to-evening offerings and a lovely view of the museum’s sculpture garden below. 

New York insiders are drawn to the alluring and ever-evolving range of international cuisines farther south on the island. Bustling Koreatown favorite Cote enchants with its refined Korean BBQ, but don’t miss gorgeously modern standout bōm, with its sprawling black marble counter, premium Wagyu, and stunning presentation.

You’ll find elegant options in the East and West 20s, including the experiential 20-course omakase at Noda. Deliciously authentic, Osteria Rezdôra serves handmade pasta and paper-thin Parma from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Around the corner, local favorite Casa Mono’s flawless Spanish meals and impressive wine list draw consistently remarkable crowds.

Gramercy Tavern’s invitingly warm and woodsy interior lends to its staying power as one of New York’s top tables for three decades. Its Chef de Cuisine Aretah Ettarh, only the third person to hold the post since Gramercy’s 1994 debut, earned a coveted James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: New York State in 2024.

The most sought-after table in town may be Torrisi in Little Italy. This buzzy standout and sterling representation of Italian-American tradition and innovation is the latest opening by esteemed chef and prolific restaurateur Rich Torrisi. The plates are understated masterpieces: tissue-thin prosciutto, crackling arancini, foie gras, and Dover sole francese.

The West Village south through TriBeCa is renowned for the sheer density of esteemed eating houses. Bar Pisellino is a morning-to-eve facsimile of Italian coffee bar culture. Expect French classics such as pike quenelle and beef cheeks at elegant Le CouCou, where brunch is also excellent. Neighborhood favorite Via Carota – Jody Williams and Rita Sodi’s Old World Italian hotspot – is ideal for lunch and dinner. Jeju Noodle Bar’s Korean fare, including its namesake ramyun noodles in rich savory broths, has earned countless fans and a Michelin Star.

Superiority Burger in Alphabet City is cooler-than-cool yet utterly approachable, with its marquee announcing daily desserts, paper menus, and charming mom-and-pop-style vibes. Walk in for the wild deliciousness of the all-vegetarian/vegan menu – try focaccia sandwiches stuffed with Ukrainian cabbage and the tasty veggie burger.

And finally, New Yorkers have always made space for the small but mighty. Scarr’s Pizza, a mills-its-own grains outfit, is consistently tapped as a nightspot by the city’s best chefs, who disappear from fine dining into the joy of a simple slice on the Lower East Side after a long shift in the kitchen.

• On the Upper West Side, Barney Greengrass is a New York City institution for bagels and lox.
• Visit Hyderabadi Zaiqa in Midtown to discover boldly diverse Indian cuisine.
• José Andres’ Mercado Little Spain is a lively food hall in Hudson Yards.
• Chelsea’s Shukette is a James Beard Award-nominated Middle Eastern treasure.
• In NoHo, Yoshino serves up the four pillars of Japanese cuisine.
• Hamburger America is a casual, SoHo burger restaurant with counter seats, booths, and takeout.
• Lower East Side’s Shopsin’s General Store is an eclectic daytime diner.
• Great N.Y. Noodletown is a beloved Chinatown spot offering classic Cantonese dishes.