A city that never sleeps, New York is known for many things. And one of them is restaurants. Choosing a favorite restaurant here comes with joy.
There are myriad possibilities for choosing an excellent restaurant depending on the occasion, mood, and time of the year. Whether you're craving innovative fine dining or authentic street food, the city never fails to tantalize your taste buds.
In 2024, as the culinary world of NYC continues to evolve, here we have come up with several standout restaurants capturing the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike.
Note: If you want to go deep into the data of the best restaurants in NYC, you can even use a restaurant database where you can put several filters and get the specific list of the names you want.
Crown Shy
The first solo venture of chef James Kent, Crown Shy is a nicer-than-normal and seasonal restaurant offering fine dining. It is located at the ground floor of Art Deco masterpiece.
The food items prepared here are deeply inspired by the European techniques and from around the world. So, you can taste the diverse cuisines at Crown Shy. Opened in 2019, it also hosts guest chefs some Sundays. It is not wrong to say that Crown Shy is setting the standard for modern fine dining in NYC.
Gramercy Tavern
Among the New York classics list, Gramercy Tavern is an everyday destination and also a special occasion place. If you are hunting for a special spot to go after you become engaged or simply want to escape from the rain in a nice café, going to this restaurant is your answer. The ambiance holds a timeless charm, and the menu includes a list of exceptional cuisines.
The restaurant's executive, Chef Michael Anthony, has designed a seasonal menu that highlights the ingredients sourced from local farmers and purveyors. The warm hospitality, multi-course tasting experience, and inviting atmosphere make Gramercy Tavern a cherished restaurant.
Dhamaka
The next on the list is “Dhamaka,” owned by restaurateurs Chintan Pandya and his chef partner Roni Mazumdar. The restaurant is known for celebrating Indian dishes and diverse flavors, plus regional specialties of India. The restaurant is continuing to open up new venues. And one of them is “Rowdy Rooster” where you can get the best new fried chicken sandwich in NYC.
Pandya and his team dive deep into the regional cooking specialties of India to make dishes people can rarely see on the menus of the US. The colorful décor here transports the guests to the bustling streets of India.
Clover Hill
Located on a picturesque, leafy, and cobblestone block in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, Clover Hill is an intimate 20-seat restaurant opened by three partners named Gabriel Merino, Clay Castillo, and Executive Chef Charlie Mitchell. The restaurant's interior is based on old and new-school fine dining. It aims to deliver an experience that feels like home to its customers.
The menu of this restaurant is inspired by some of the best Japanese ingredients. You can better define them as contemporary American with French and Japanese accents designed by Chef Charlie Mitchell. The main focus of the menu is on fish and shellfish because we believe that eating should be fun.
Mercado Little Spain
Called the culinary mecca of New York located in the Hudson Yards Complex, Mercado Little Spain is inspired by the bustling markets of Spain. The credit for its establishment goes to Jose Andres and brothers Albert and Ferran Adria. They first work together in the elBulli kitchen. Their friendship has given rise to this culinary genius and the best recipes from Spain right here at the Hudson Yards in New York.
Mercado Little Spain is an unprecedented space known for socializing with friends and family, having business lunches with colleagues, and even having a quick meal here. It is an all-day dining destination.
Le Bernardin
Le Bernardin has been there for decades now, gracing New Yorkers with its delicious food items. It was first established in Paris nearly 50 years ago by siblings Gilbert and Maguy Le Coze. It expanded to NYC in 1986. Now, it has been 20 years since the untimely death of Gilbert that Eric Ripert is the co-owner and executive chef of Le Bernardin.
With three Michelin stars and a long list of accolades to its name, including the coveted James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, Le Bernardin continues to set the standard for haute cuisine in NYC. If you plan to come here, don't skip the dessert. The reason is, the New York Times has awarded four stars consistently to this restaurant since its inception in 1986.
To make a long story short
As we've journeyed through some of the best restaurants in NYC for 2024, it's evident that there is no lack of fine dining spaces and lip-smacking dishes in New York. From innovative fine dining establishments to hidden gems offering authentic flavors from around the world, NYC continues to captivate food enthusiasts with its endless culinary delights. So don't forget to explore these restaurants and savor the best dishes that NYC has to offer.