New York (Stato di New York) The 50 Best Restaurants 2016
1. Le Bernardin SeafoodWest 50s
4.9
Food
4.8
Decor
4.9
Service
“Nothing comes close” to this “widely acclaimed” Midtown exercise in “luxury” from Maguy Le Coze and chef Eric Ripert, providing “absolute bliss” in the form of “ethereal” French seafood and a “mind-blowing wine list” dispatched in a “calming”, “opulent” milieu by “read-your-mind” servers; its prix fixe–only format, starting at $140, will put a “substantial dent in your wallet” (lunch is cheaper), yet it has garnered No. 1 honors for Food, Service and Popularity in NYC for a reason – this “sine qua non” dining experience remains “the best splurge in town.” What to order: Sauteed langoustine; Crispy black bass Yellowfin tuna; foie gras and toasted baguette.
2. Bouley FrenchTriBeCa
4.9
Food
4.8
Decor
4.8
Service
A “wow by any standard”, David Bouley’s “glorious” TriBeCa flagship is an “icon of fine dining”, where the “masterful” French cuisine is “a revelation” brought on by an “exemplary” staff in a “gorgeous formal” setting (jackets are required); tabs for such a “bucket-list” experience are unsurprisingly "très cher”, but the $55 prix fixe lunch is “a terrific deal.” What to order:Hot Valrhona chocolate frivolous; Porcini flan with Dungeness crab and black-truffle dashi; Farm egg with polenta and Comté
3. Daniel FrenchEast 60s
4.9
Food
4.8
Decor
4.9
Service
"Perennially at the top of its game”, Daniel Boulud’s “incomparable” UES “pamperville” delivers “life-changing” New French prix fixes with the “pomp and circumstance” of “white-glove service” and a “magnificent”, jackets-required setting; the main room is the "epitome" of fine dining, but the bar area is also "lovely” for à la carte bites with a side of "people-watching" – either way, be ready to “call your broker” when the bill comes. What to order:Duck terrine; Duo of beef; Black sea bass with Syrah sauce
4. Jean-Georges FrenchWest 60s
4.8
Food
4.8
Decor
4.8
Service
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s “superlative” CPW namesake “pulls out all the stops” for a "rarefied dining experience”, with “heavenly” New French “culinary artistry” bolstered by a “top wine list”, “orchestrated” service and “civilized" surroundings; just “dress up” (jackets are required), “forget the mortgage this month” and prepare to be “wowed.” What to order: Scallops with cauliflower and caper-raisin emulsion; Caviar egg; Yellowfin tuna ribbons
5. Gotham Bar and Grill AmericanGreenwich Village
4.8
Food
4.6
Decor
4.7
Service
Chef Alfred Portale has “excellence down to a science” at this longtime Village “champ” known for “expertly prepared”, “stunningly presented” New American fare dispatched by a “high-caliber” crew in “elegant” surrounds; the “top-flight” experience will cost you, but the “killer” prix fixe lunch is one of the “best deals” in town. What to order:Tuna tartare; Seafood salad; 28 Day Dry Aged New York Steak
6. Peter Luger Steak House SteakhouseWilliamsburg
4.8
Food
3.7
Decor
4.2
Service
Voted NYC’s No. 1 steakhouse for the 32nd year in a row, this 1887-vintage Williamsburg chop shop remains a “long-standing Brooklyn tradition” thanks to its “sublime” steaks and “outstanding” sides; “no-nonsense” service and “German-beer-hall” decor ratchet up its “throwback” allure, but make sure to “bring plenty of cash” (it doesn’t take plastic) and, above all, “never mention the words ‘well done.’” What to order: Porterhouse steak; Sizzling bacon; Luger-Burger (lunch only)
7. Eleven Madison Park Flatiron
4.8
Food
4.8
Decor
4.8
Service
“This one goes to 11” cheer fans of Daniel Humm’s “transcendent” New American housed in a soaring, “spectacular” art deco space on Madison Square Park, where the “exciting” tasting menu is “full of discoveries”, the wine pairings “heighten the experience” and it’s all delivered by an “impeccable” staff; sure, you’ll “drop big bucks”, but it's a “culinary event” that will "leave you breathless” (“wowzers!”) – “what more can one ask?” What to order: Tasting-menu only
8. Blue Hill Greenwich Village
4.8
Food
4.3
Decor
4.7
Service
Defining the “farm-to-table ethos”, this “intimate” Village American from chef Dan Barber is a shrine to “spectacular” seasonal dining where “ultrafresh” ingredients and “loving preparation” yield “nuanced” cuisine “that excites”; overseen by an ever-“hospitable” staff, it’s a definite “splurge”, but also an “utterly unforgettable experience.” What to order:This morning’s farm fried egg; Farmer’s Feast tasting menu; Blue Hill farm pig
9. Per Se West 50s
4.8
Food
4.7
Decor
4.8
Service
“Still over-the-top magnificent”, Thomas Keller’s French–New American “milestone” in the Time Warner Center offers an “incomparable” chance to savor an “exquisite” nine-course tasting menu along with “well-choreographed” service, “ultraplush decor” and “breathtaking” park views; while the $310 set price “will get your attention” (“ka-ching!”), the lounge provides “excellent” à la carte small plates at less astronomical rates. What to order:Tasting menu-only
10. Gramercy Tavern AmericanFlatiron
4.8
Food
4.6
Decor
4.7
Service
A “landmark” that “never wavers”, Danny Meyer’s “exemplary” Flatiron New American remains “totally on point” thanks to chef Michael Anthony’s “phenomenal” menu, “off-the-charts” service and a “vibrant” setting adorned with “fanciful flowers”; prix fixe–only at dinner, the dining room is “high-end” but "not stuffy”, while going à la carte in the “less formal” front tavern is “not too eye-popping” pricewise. What to order:Smoked trout; Seasonal pasta; Cookie plate with milk
11. graffiti AsianEast Village
4.8
Food
4.3
Decor
4.7
Service
An “inventive original” from “truly awesome” chef Jehangir Mehta, this “teensy” East Villager’s “sublime” Eclectic plates highlight “exotic”, Indian-inspired flavors, matched with a remarkably affordable wine list and served with “gracious hospitality”; the shared seating is undeniably “tight”, but “an unforgettable meal” at these rates is “a rare treat.” What to order:Eggplant buns; Chili pork dumplings; Hazelnut chocolate caviar cupcake
12. La Grenouille FrenchEast 50s
4.7
Food
4.8
Decor
4.8
Service
The “charm remains” at this “magnifique” Midtown “grande dame” offering a “sublime” selection of “refined” French fare dispatched by “faultless” staffers in an “opulent” room festooned with “heavenly” floral arrangements; granted, all this “elegance” comes at a price, but it’s “worth every franc” – and the requisite jacket. What to order: Les quenelles de brochet "Lyonnaise"; La sole grillée; sauce moutarde Les souffles
13. Sushi Yasuda SushiEast 40s
4.7
Food
4.1
Decor
4.3
Service
Though “Mr. Yasuda has left the building”, his “legacy lives on” at this Grand Central–area destination for “sublime” sushi crafted by “chefs who've devoted their lives to the art"; the space is “light and crisp”, the service “unparalleled” (there’s no tipping) and, despite the “hit to your wallet”, ordering omakase at the bar delivers the “full experience.” What to order:Omakase menu; flash-fried shrimp
14. Marea ItalianWest 50s
4.7
Food
4.6
Decor
4.6
Service
First class all the way”, this “civilized” Central Park South Italian shows off chef Michael White’s “culinary mastery” with “dream-worthy” seafood and housemade pastas delivered by a “cosseting” team in “stylish” contemporary quarters; it caters to a “moneyed crowd” with “prices for the one percent”, but for wallet-watchers the lunch menu remains a “fiscal possibility.” What to order:Fusilli with octopus and bone marrow; Sea urchin with lardo and sea salt; Crudo tasting
15. Nougatine At Jean-Georges FrenchWest 60s
4.7
Food
4.3
Decor
4.6
Service
While “not as opulent” as the adjacent Jean-Georges, this “appealing” front room (plus a "beautiful terrace") delivers the “same excellence” thanks to an “impressive” New French lineup and service that “goes the extra mile”; though it’s “surprisingly affordable” all day, the lunch prix fixe stands out as a “shockingly good value.” What to order: Tuna tartare; Foie gras brulé; Warm chocolate cake
16. Estiatorio Milos GreekWest 50s
4.7
Food
4.4
Decor
4.5
Service
“Pristine” seafood is the “heavenly” specialty of this “upscale” Midtown Greek, where “consummate professionals” oversee a “spacious”, whitewashed setting with a “classy” but “convivial” mien; while the by-the-pound pricing may “make your head spin”, the lunch and pre-theater prix fixes win kudos for “outstanding value.” What to order:Grilled whole fish; Meze plate; Yogurt with honey
17. L'Artusi ItalianWest Village
4.7
Food
4.3
Decor
4.4
Service
“Impeccably executed” modern Italian fare pairs with an “impressive” wine list at this “busy”, date-worthy West Villager where “cordial” staffers ratchet up the “class” factor; what’s “upbeat” to some is “loud” to others, but the majority feels it ultimately “hits all the marks.” What to order: Grilled mushrooms; Garganelli; Olive oil cake
18. Annisa AmericanWest Village
4.7
Food
4.4
Decor
4.6
Service
Star chef Anita Lo “never ceases to dazzle” at this “phenomenal” West Village “oasis”, where American cuisine crafted with “exquisite” Asian "flair” is presented by a “smooth” staff; set in “serene” quarters with “understated” decor, it’s “about as good as it gets” for a high-end “special occasion.” What to order: Seared foie gras with soup dumplings; Miso marinated sable; Poppyseed bread and butter pudding
19. Del Posto ItalianChelsea
4.7
Food
4.7
Decor
4.7
Service
“You'll be transported” to Italy at this “mind-blowing” Chelsea “masterpiece”, where the Batali-Bastianich "empire” offers “the ultimate” in Italian dining with “superbly realized” cuisine and “exceptional” wines served by a “stellar” team in a “grand space” resembling a “stately” “villa”; diners “pay dearly” for the “luxurious experience”, though the set-price lunch “is a fabulous deal.” What to order:Pork and veal agnolotti; Lamb alla Romana; Tuna ventresca
20. Cafe Boulud FrenchEast 70s
4.7
Food
4.4
Decor
4.6
Service
A “quintessential UES” fixture, Daniel Boulud’s “civilized“ “oasis” “hasn’t skipped a beat” crafting “flawless” French fare that’s “impeccably served” by a “professional staff” in a “charming” setting; well-to-do regulars “expect to pay” for the “extreme pleasure”, though the lunch prix fixe is “a great deal for what you get.” What to order:Octopus Nicoise; Long Island duck breast; Ricotta gnocchi
21. The Sea Fire Grill SeafoodEast 40s
4.7
Food
4.5
Decor
4.6
Service
Regulars feel “welcome and very well cared for” at this “outstanding” East Midtown seafooder offering “top-class” catch and “juicy” steaks paired with a “strong” wine list; a “civilized but not stuffy” setting equipped with a fireplace lends “warm” notes, leaving the “extravagant” price tags as the only sticking point. What to order:Garlic prawns; Lobster mac and cheese; Yellowfin tuna (pictured)
22. Nobu JapaneseTriBeCa
4.7
Food
4.3
Decor
4.4
Service
A “perennial” “shining star”, Nobu Matsuhisa’s “magical” TriBeCa “posh spot” is the “sine qua non” for “spectacular” Japanese-Peruvian fare that “leaves you in a state of bliss” boosted by “top-class service” and David Rockwell’s “chic, modern” surrounds; joined by a “slightly less fancy” next-door neighbor and a “supersized” Midtown satellite, its “flair” is as “unforgettable” as the “astronomic prices.” What to order:Tiradito; Nobu style Black cod with miso; Rock shrimp tempura with creamy spicy sauce
23. Benjamin Steak House SteakhouseEast 40s
4.7
Food
4.4
Decor
4.6
Service
You can “eat like a man” at this “first-class” chop shop in the Dylan Hotel, supplying “perfectly prepared” beef and “top-shelf” service in “clubby” quarters with a “soaring ceiling” and “massive fireplace”; it’s certainly “not cheap”, but then again this “sublime experience” is always “memorable.” What to order:Porterhouse steak; Creamed spinach; Canadian bacon
24. Pearl Oyster Bar SeafoodWest Village
4.7
Food
3.6
Decor
4.1
Service
“Succulent lobster rolls” to “swoon” over lead the lineup of “primo” New England seafood at this ever-“popular” West Village “treasure” from Rebecca Charles; “small” dimensions and a no-reservations rule make it “hard to get in”, so savvier sorts go early to beat the lines. What to order:Pearl Caesar; Lobster roll with shoestring fries; Fried oysters
25. Sushi Nakazawa SushiWest Village
4.7
Food
4.3
Decor
4.6
Service
“Sushi nirvana” awaits at this West Village Japanese “epiphany” from chef Daisuke Nakazawa (a protégé of “famous mentor” Jiro Ono), which “leaves you in awe” with “artfully crafted” omakase meals served by a “polished” team; even though it’s “not cheap” (menus start at $120), getting a rezzie is a challenge both in the dining room and overlooking “the action” at the bar. What to order:Omakase
26. Aquagrill SeafoodSoHo
4.7
Food
4.0
Decor
4.3
Service
A seafood "mecca", this “consistently terrific” SoHo longtimer is known for “exceptionally good” oysters and fish “so fresh” you can almost “feel the sea breeze”; “upscale yet still homey”, it’s presided over by a “warm” crew, and the brunch is “one of the best scenes” around. What to order: Oysters; Seared diver sea scallops; Falafel-crusted Atlantic salmon
27. Estela New AmericanNoLita
4.7
Food
3.9
Decor
4.2
Service
“Paradise for adventurous eaters”, this "spectacular" Med-influenced American from Isa alum Ignacio Mattos "lives up to the hype" with “clever but not overwrought” small plates and "interesting" wines in a compact NoLita space; sure, it’s “crowded and noisy”, and seating is “cramped”, but this doesn’t seem to faze its “young, sophisticated” following one bit. What to order: Mussels escabeche, Steak tartare with sunchoke; Lamb ribs with chermoula and honey
28. 15 East JapaneseUnion Square
4.7
Food
4.2
Decor
4.4
Service
“The real deal” for “pristine” sushi, this Union Square Japanese “maintains high standards” to rival “the big hitters” with its “incredible” food, “array” of sakes and “flawless” service; the “stylish”, “Zen-like atmosphere” even softens the blow of “over-the-top pricing.” What to order:Omakase; Slow-poached octopus
29. Bâtard EuropeanTriBeCa
4.7
Food
4.2
Decor
4.4
Service
Restaurateur Drew Nieporent scores “another hit” with this “sophisticated” TriBeCa New American, which takes a “modern approach” to fine dining with its “ambitious” customizable tasting menus, “beautifully cooked” dishes and “excellent” wines, all offered in “relaxed”, “minimalist” surrounds; it’ll cost you, but it’s considered a “relative deal” compared to its peers. What to order:Octopus "pastrami"; Duck breast; Caramelized milk bread
30. Bohemian JapaneseNoHo
4.7
Food
4.4
Decor
4.5
Service
"You'll need a reservation" and a referral (there's "no listed phone number") to access this "exclusive" NoHo Japanese hidden "behind a butcher shop", where the "exceptional" food and cocktails are presented by "truly wonderful people"; an "intimate", denlike room furnished with "low couches" is perfect for conversation, and while prices run "steep", it will leave a "lasting memory." What to order:Uni croquettes, short rib sashimi, Bohemian mac 'n' cheese
31. Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar ItalianAstoria
4.6
Food
4.0
Decor
4.4
Service
“Neighborhood” spots don’t get much more “cozy” than this “off-the-beaten-path” Astoria Italian fielding “spot-on”, “farm-to-table” fare dispatched by an “attentive” team; though the menu is rather “limited”, it “changes often”, while the “warm, intimate” vibe is a constant. What to order: Hangover pizza, L'Italiano, Baby Jesus Cake
32. Tocqueville FrenchFlatiron
4.6
Food
4.6
Decor
4.6
Service
A bona fide “revelation” in the Flatiron, this “foodie’s delight” showcases Marco Moreira’s “refined” French–New American fare and “stellar” wine list in a “calm”, “grown-up” room presided over by a “superb” staff; of course, it’s even more “divine” when “someone else is picking up the check”, though the $29 prix fixe lunch is a “real buy.” What to order:Sea urchin and angel hair carbonara; Seared sea scallops and foie gras; 60 second-seared steak
33. Brushstroke JapaneseTriBeCa
4.6
Food
4.6
Decor
4.6
Service
At this “Zen-like” TriBeCa Japanese from David Bouley and Osaka’s Tsuji Culinary Institute, “little works of art” make up the “incredible” kaiseki menus, while the “brilliant” à la carte offerings include sushi so “extraordinary” it’s akin to a “religious experience”; yes, it’s “shockingly expensive”, but those who manage a seat at “maestro” Eiji Ichimura’s 12-person omakase “heaven” deem it “worth every yen.” What to order:Kaiseki tasting menu Chawanmushi; truffle ankake; Pork belly
34. Di Fara Pizza PizzaMidwood
4.6
Food
2.6
Decor
3.0
Service
Pizzaiolo “legend” Dom DeMarco is “a master plying his art” at this 1964 Midwood “institution”, where his “lovingly handmade” pies are “a must for the pizza addicted”; despite “unappealing” digs, “interminable waits” and service with “zero sense of urgency”, it’s “thronged” with those who urge “patience – it’s worth it.” What to order:Plain regular pie; Sicilian square pie; Di Fara classic pie
35. Rubirosa Pizza AmericanNoLita
4.6
Food
3.9
Decor
4.1
Service
“Amazing” thin-crust pizzas and “to-die-for” meatballs are the fortes of this “charming” NoLita Italian done up in “rustic-chic” style; “cozy” turns “tight” during prime times, and reservations can be “a pain”, but “cool” vibes and “reasonable” tabs compensate. What to order:Vodka pie, Rubirosa salad, baked clams
36. The River Café AmericanDUMBO
4.6
Food
4.8
Decor
4.7
Service
Renowned for “enchanting” Lower Manhattan views made for “popping the question”, this riverfront Dumbo “classic” proves it’s “all it’s cracked up to be” as “anticipatory” servers set down “top-notch” New American plates in a “flower-bedecked” dining room; romantics vow the pricey prix fixe–only dinners are “worth the tariff” for an “indulgence” that “never fails to impress.” What to order:Chef's tasting menu; Duck breast; Chocolate Brooklyn bridge
37. Russ & Daughters Cafe JewishLower East Side
4.6
Food
3.9
Decor
4.1
Service
Smoked “fish is the star of the show” at this “glorious” sit-down offshoot of the “venerable” LES appetizing store, where the “creative” Jewish comfort fare (think halvah ice cream) reflects a “21st-century deli” sensibility; the “streamlined” diner setting is “more refined” than the genre norm, though “long” prime-time lines make fans “wish they took reservations.” What to order:Bagel and lox; Super Heebster; Egg Cream
38. Porter House Bar and Grill West 50s
4.6
Food
4.6
Decor
4.6
Service
From "exceptional cuts of meat" to "interesting" sides, a "feast awaits" at Michael Lomonaco's Time Warner Center "destination steakhouse"; "impeccable" service helps justify the "expensive" tab, as do the "elegant" room's Central Park views that are as "impressive" as the food. What to order:Jumbo lump crab cake; Porterhouse for two; Truffle mashed potatoes
39. Fette Sau BarbecueWilliamsburg
4.6
Food
3.8
Decor
3.7
Service
It's the "quintessential Williamsburg experience" to "join the hipsters" at this "serious foodie" "heaven" for "awesome" dry-rub, by-the-pound BBQ paired with "artisanal" beers and bourbons; no rezzies means "crazy lines" for "cafeteria-style" service in a "former garage" outfitted with "communal picnic tables" – but to most it's so "worth it." What to order: Berkshire St. Louis-style pork ribs; Brisket; Dante’s German potato salad
40. Perry St New AmericanWest Village
4.6
Food
4.5
Decor
4.6
Service
"Another Jean-Georges gem", this high-end West Villager sees chef Cedric Vongerichten continue the family legacy ("like father, like son") with "top-notch" New American cuisine served by a "pro" staff in a "modern" Richard Meier–designed space opposite the Hudson River; sure, it's "expensive and a little out of the way", but most feel this "memorable" experience is "well worth" it. What to order:Rice cracker crusted tuna; Butter-poached lobster; Chocolate pudding
41. BLT Prime Gramercy Park
4.6
Food
4.4
Decor
4.5
Service
“They know their way around a cow” at this “chic” Gramercy steakhouse touted for “perfectly cooked” chops and “light-as-a-feather” popovers; “stellar” wines, “solicitous” service and “sleek” decor add to the overall “special experience” and help explain tabs that may “leave your credit card smoking.” What to order:Cowboy bone-in rib eye (pictured) Crab cake Peach cobbler
42. Momofuku Ko AmericanEast Village
4.6
Food
4.1
Decor
4.4
Service
David Chang rolls out “dinner and a show” at this pioneering East Village “culinary adventure” offering a “memorable” tasting menu of Asian-inflected Americana at an “intimate”, 23-seat chef’s counter; a recent move to “bigger”, “more relaxing” digs – the barstools now have backs! – makes the “splurge”-worthy, $175 prix fixe tab more palatable, though it’s still as “hard to get into” as ever. What to order:Tasting menu; Mackerel sabazushi; Uni with chickpea sauce and Hozon
43. Keens Steakhouse SteakhouseWest 30s
4.6
Food
4.5
Decor
4.5
Service
The “granddaddy of all NYC steakhouses”, this circa-1885 Midtown “temple to meat” remains “rock solid”, with “sinful” "Flintstones-sized” mutton chops and other “succulent” slabs of beef in “masculine” “museum”-like surrounds with “lines upon lines” of antique pipes on the ceiling; it’s “not for the weak of wallet", but “welcoming” service and an “endless” scotch selection are other reasons you “won't regret splurging.” What to order:Mutton chops; Burger; Porterhouse for two
44. Morimoto JapaneseChelsea
4.6
Food
4.6
Decor
4.4
Service
“The guy’s an Iron Chef”, and Masaharu Morimoto’s “high-class” West Chelsea Japanese upholds his rep with “mind-blowing” cuisine – including a “stunning” omakase option – delivered by “exceptional” servers in “glitzy” surroundings; sure, it’s “very expensive”, but admirers have only “one word: wow.” What to order:Omakase; Tuna pizza; Hamachi crudo
45. The NoMad NoMad
4.6
Food
4.6
Decor
4.5
Service
This “stylish” “trendsetter” in the NoMad Hotel draws a “chic crowd” that’s “blown away” by Daniel Humm’s “superb” American-European menu (the roast chicken is “one for the books”); “spot-on service” and a “beautifully designed” space spread out over several cozy rooms help distract from the “heavy” tabs. What to order:Roast chicken for two; Butter poached lobster; Milk & honey
46. Don Peppe ItalianSouth Ozone Park
4.6
Food
3.3
Decor
3.9
Service
An "old-school", cash-only red-sauce joint "unburdened by pretension", this circa-1968 South Ozone Park Italian is home to "marvelous" meals that end with "sacks of leftovers"; the house wines might have been "made yesterday" and the digs "could use redecorating", but it's hard to find a more authentic "NY experience." What to order: Linguini and clam sauce, baked clams, tiramisù
47. Ai Fiori ItalianWest 30s
4.6
Food
4.5
Decor
4.5
Service
“High standards” are a given at Michael White’s “swanky” showcase in the Langham Place Fifth Avenue Hotel, where “discreet” servers set down “swoon-worthy”, Riviera-inspired cuisine led by “exceptional pastas” in a sanctum of “ultrasleek” luxury made for “celebrating something special”; the prices are predictably “splurge”-worthy, yet its “upscale” clientele has “no complaints.” What to order: White Label burger, spaghetti with blue crab and lemon, agnolotti
48. Babbo ItalianGreenwich Village
4.6
Food
4.3
Decor
4.4
Service
The “original jewel” in the Batali-Bastianich empire, this “energetic” Village Italian in a “quaint” carriage house “lives up to the hype” with “sublime” pastas and other “transcendent” dishes delivered by a “gracious” crew; “wrangling” a reservation is “hard” and you’ll need a “full wallet”, but it’s “legendary” for a reason. What to order: Beef cheek ravioli, Grilled octopus, Black spaghetti
