Top Dining Spots on the Upper East Side
A Culinary Tour
From timeless New York classics to global treasures, you'll discover a vibrant food scene that caters to every taste.
Michelin-Starred & Fine Dining
Daniel: Chef Daniel Boulud's flagship restaurant stands as the neighborhood's crown jewel with its Michelin-starred modern French cuisine served in an elegant Neo-Classical setting. The seasonal tasting menus showcase the finest ingredients with impeccable technique.
Le Veau d'Or: This charming French bistro, reopened in 2024 by the acclaimed Frenchette team, offers classic bistro fare in an antique-filled setting. The $135 prix-fixe menu features dishes like pâté en croûte and golden-roasted poulet à l'estragon.
Café Boulud: Recently reimagined and awarded its first Michelin star, this more casual sibling to Daniel offers Daniel Boulud's refined French cuisine in a relaxed setting on East 76th Street.
Sushi Noz: The Michelin-starred flagship that's considered one of NYC's best sushi destinations, offering an intimate omakase experience with exceptional attention to detail and pristine fish quality.
French Cuisine
JoJo by Jean-Georges Located in a beautifully restored townhouse, JoJo delivers a farm-to-table French-American menu. Signature dishes like the charred duck breast with coconut lime infusion showcase Jean-Georges' innovative approach to French cooking.
Quatorze: This sophisticated French bistro attracts regulars who appreciate consistently excellent dishes like goat cheese salad and perfectly roasted chicken. The intimate atmosphere and three-martini lunch crowd give it a distinctly Upper East Side character.
Italian Cuisine
Sandro's: This uptown institution serves Roman-style Italian cuisine in a warm, intimate setting. Known for its excellent pasta dishes and generous aperitivo hour, Sandro's has been a neighborhood favorite for decades.
Sant Ambroeus: Located within Sotheby's World Headquarters, this refined Italian spot is known for its exceptional coffee and elegant ambiance. Their pressed paninis, pastries, and rich tiramisu make it perfect for indulgent sweet treats.
Uva: This romantic Italian restaurant features exposed brick walls and an extensive wine list. Their handmade pasta and Northern Italian specialties create an authentic dining experience in an intimate setting.
Sfoglia: A beloved neighborhood Italian spot known for its rustic charm and homemade pasta, offering authentic regional Italian dishes in a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere.
Japanese Cuisine
Kappo Masa: Led by acclaimed chef Masa Takayama, this intimate, high-end Japanese restaurant offers omakase, Japanese A5 Ohmi wagyu tataki, and exclusive seafood. The sleek interior and impeccable service create an unforgettable dining experience.
Noz Market: The more accessible sibling to Sushi Noz, offering excellent omakase experiences at more approachable price points while maintaining exceptional quality and attention to detail.
Mediterranean & Greek
Avra Estiatorio - Madison: Located on York Avenue, this upscale Greek restaurant is renowned for its exceptional seafood and signature lemony Greek potatoes. The elegant dining room and impeccable service make it perfect for special occasions.
Yefsi Estiatorio: A welcoming Greek eatery offering authentic Mediterranean dishes like moussaka, grilled octopus, and lamb chops. The warm service and fresh ingredients make every meal memorable.
Classic American & Steakhouses
J.G. Melon: This iconic eatery has been serving up its famous juicy burgers since 1972. Pair your burger with a side of crispy cottage fries for the ultimate comfort meal in a relaxed, enduring atmosphere.
Donohue's Steak House: A classic NYC pub-style steakhouse serving prime cuts of beef for over 70 years. The dimly lit interior with wood paneling and plush leather booths creates a nostalgic atmosphere.
Lexington Candy Shop: A family-owned establishment celebrating nearly 100 years in operation, this retro diner serves classic American fare. They're famous for their handmade Coca-Cola and Chocolate Egg Creams.
Dowling's At The Carlyle: The iconic hotel restaurant known for classic Continental cuisine and old-world elegance, embodying the sophisticated spirit of the Upper East Side.
Sarabeth's: The Upper East Side institution famous for exceptional brunch and their legendary preserves, offering American comfort food in a warm, welcoming setting.
International Flavors
Café Sabarsky: This Viennese café at the Neue Galerie immerses you in old-world charm. The menu features Austrian specialties like bratwurst and smoked trout crêpes, with delicate Linzertorte perfectly complemented by expertly brewed Viennese coffee.
La Esquina UES: This vibrant Mexican spot serves up flavorful tacos, tamales, and margaritas with a fun, lively ambiance. Their crispy fish taco and freshly made guacamole are neighborhood favorites.
South Asian Cuisine
Tha Praya: This authentic Bangkok-style restaurant on Second Avenue between 80th and 81st Streets brings every region of Thailand to the Upper East Side. Chef Rattana, with over 15 years of culinary experience, serves pure, unfiltered Thai food with traditional homestyle dishes.
Vietnaam: Located on Second Avenue, this Vietnamese restaurant serves generous portions of authentic dishes including aromatic pho, fresh banh mi sandwiches, and flavorful vermicelli bowls. A sister restaurant to the acclaimed Saiguette.
Pho Saigon: A simple, neighborhood gem on the Upper East Side known for authentic Vietnamese cuisine including exceptional pho with rich, overnight beef broth and fresh ingredients.
JoJu: A newer Vietnamese spot offering quality banh mi sandwiches and Vietnamese iced coffee, perfect for a quick, authentic meal. Their caramelized pork banh mi has earned local acclaim.
Coffee & Cafés
Ralph's Coffee: Nestled within Ralph Lauren's Madison Avenue store, this chic spot offers perfectly brewed lattes and fresh pastries in a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
Oslo Coffee Roasters: Located on East 75th Street, this craft coffee roaster is beloved for exceptional single-origin coffees and expertly prepared espresso drinks in an intimate neighborhood setting.
Variety Coffee Roasters: Brooklyn-based roasters with ample seating, offering consistently excellent coffee and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for working or catching up with friends.
Bluestone Lane Café: This Australian-inspired café is beloved for its fresh, health-conscious offerings. Their signature avocado smash and matcha lattes are perfect for a leisurely breakfast or quick refuel.
Maman: Known for its Instagram-worthy interiors and delicious baked goods, Maman serves rotating menus of quiches, soups, and salads alongside their famed nutty chocolate chip cookies.
Hutch & Waldo: This laid-back café blends Australian and American influences, offering standout options like the big aussie breakfast burrito and fresh salmon toast, with great outdoor seating.
Desserts & Patisserie
Lady M Cake Boutique: Famed for its multi-layered mille crêpes cakes, Lady M offers elegant desserts perfect for special occasions. Their matcha mille crêpes and chocolate ganache slices are works of art.
La Maison du Chocolat: This French chocolatier's boutique is paradise for chocolate connoisseurs. Their handcrafted truffles and pralines make perfect gifts or personal indulgences.
Ladurée: Step into Paris with this charming patisserie's upscale, delicate macarons. Flavors like rose and pistachio pair beautifully with their rich hot chocolate.
