Are you looking for the best restaurants on the Upper West Side in NYC? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

We spent the entire month of May exploring NYC, and finding all the best restaurants on the Upper West Side of the city!

Some people think all the best restaurants in NYC are located in Midtown or Soho… But we’d like to put forward a case for the Upper West Side!

There are some amazing restaurants on the Upper West Side to explore!

Seriously, this neighborhood has some awesome, unique and delicious places to eat, so stay tuned for our list of restaurants on the Upper West Side!

So let’s get into it!


Here are the best restaurants on the Upper West Side in NYC…


Jacob’s Pickles

restaurants on the upper west side

Oh man, we can never visit NYC without paying a visit to Jacob’s Pickles (otherwise known as one of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side in NYC!).

This funky gastropub is a hip and trendy eatery that opened its doors back in 2011, and it’s been delighting diners with its simple, back-to-basics menu for years. 

Whether you’re in the mood for Southern comfort food like chicken and biscuits or can’t get enough of the humble pickle, this is one of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side that has something for everyone.

We recommend trying the fried chicken or the tacos, or the FAMOUS poutine! And don’t forget a cocktail! That’s a must as this choice for best restaurants on the Upper West Side in NYC.


Maison Pickle

restaurants on the upper west side

Our next suggestion for the best restaurants on the Upper West Side in NYC, is Maison Pickle. Maison Pickle is actually owned by the same people as Jacob’s Pickles (above).

But, although owned by the same people, the food and menu is different! So we recommend trying both, as they’re both delicious and both make our list of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side.

Our favorite items on the menu at Maison Pickle have to be the Honey Fried Chicken on French Toast ( it’s life-changing!) and the French Dip sandwich!

This place is seriously one of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side in NYC, so don’t miss it!

Read more NYC food recommendations: 15 best Japanese restaurants in NYC


The Milling Room

Image credit: http://www.themillingroom.com/

Next on our list of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side, it’s The Milling Room.

The Milling Room is one of the largest restaurants on the Upper West Side, and it’s adored by locals for its romantic lighting and American-Italian fusion dishes.

You can choose from picks like the Prime Beef Striploin or opt for something with an Italian twist like the Ricotta Gnocchi. 

The entrees here are slightly pricier than some of the other picks on our list of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side, but the excellent ingredients and attention to detail will keep you coming back for more!

We do recommend booking a table though, as it can get extremely busy during peak periods. This is one of those restaurants on the Upper West Side, that you’ll love!

Read more NYC food recommendations: Top 15 upscale restaurants in NYC


The Mermaid Inn

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/themermaidnyc/

Next on our list of restaurants on the Upper West Side, it’s The Mermaid Inn.

If you’re looking for restaurants on the Upper West Side with an unpretentious atmosphere and great food, then you’ll want to check out The Mermaid Inn.

Serving up some of the most delicious seafood in NYC, you can pick up delicious oysters for under $1.50 if you’re visiting between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm! 

Thanks to their incredibly priced cocktails, friendly staff, and convenient location, this is one of the restaurants on the Upper West Side that we recommend reserving a table at ahead of time.

Read more about NYC food: The best brunch in NYC – 15 places to try!


Charles Pan-Fried Chicken

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken is next on our list of restaurants on the Upper West Side you need to try!

Sometimes, the solution to all of life’s problems is a plate of true and honest soul food. So if that’s what you’re in the mood for, keep reading!

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken is one of the restaurants on the Upper West Side that oozes Southern charm, and it serves the juiciest fried chicken that we’ve ever tasted. 

However, if you’re not partial to a crispy chicken wing or two, you should check out their pork ribs, black-eyed peas, and authentic cornbread.

Hey – the more the merrier is the motto at this choice for restaurants on the Upper West Side!

Read more NYC recommendations: 40 things to do on the Upper East Side, NYC


Bánh

Another great choice for restaurants on the Upper West Side, is Bánh.

If you’re anything like us when it comes to delicious Vietnamese food, then you’ll need to visit the next spot on our list of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side – stat.

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/banhnyc/

Now, we love a piping-hot bowl of Pho, but it’s the bánh mì that takes the cake here.

Packed with melt-in-your-mouth charbroiled pork belly and slathered with a signature dressing, it’s unsurprising that this is one of the restaurants on the Upper West Side that always sees queues out the door. 

What’s more, you won’t typically need to shell out more than $30 for a two-course meal here, which makes it one of the most affordable restaurants on the Upper West Side. We love to see it!

Read more about NYC: 12 beautiful upper east side hotels!


Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is another great choice for restaurants on the Upper West Side, and it serves a selection of hearty, Southern Italian dishes.

Best known for its enormous portions and friendly atmosphere, this place promises to feed you until you’re quite literally rolling out of the restaurant. 

Carmine’s is home to delicious antipasti, meat and seafood entrees, and a selection of homemade desserts that’ll impress anyone with a sweet tooth. This is such a great choice if you’re looking for awesome restaurants on the Upper West Side.

Our top pick when eating at this restaurant on the Upper West Side? The Chocolate Cannoli or the caffeine-filled Tiramisu!

Read more NYC recommendations: The 18 best happy hours on the Upper West Side, NYC


El Mitote

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/elmitoteny/

Are you on the hunt for restaurants on the Upper West Side that are suitable for a casual weeknight dinner? If so, you should check out the Mexican sensation that is El Mitote.

This place is bright and inviting, and you certainly won’t feel short-changed when it comes to portion sizes either!

You can keep things classic with a serving of enchiladas or tacos or keep things light with a soup or salad. Whatever you order, you just need to order a side of chips and guacamole.

Don’t blame us – a visit to a Mexican restaurant simply isn’t a true fiesta until the guac gets involved!

Read more about NYC food: 12 Epic food challenges in NYC


Café Luxembourg

Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/CAFELUXEMBOURG/

Cafe Luxembourg is our next suggestion for restaurants on the Upper West Side.

Anyone who enjoys bougie French fare will appreciate everything that the next place on our list of the best restaurants on the Upper East side has to offer.

The dim lighting and red leather seating ooze old-school glamor, while the food perfectly complements the decidedly upscale atmosphere.

Every dish here is a scene-stealer, but we recommend ordering a portion of the French Onion Soup for ultimate authenticity!

Whether you’re on the hunt for a date-night spot or are a Parisian wanting to feel at home in the Big Apple, this is one of the restaurants on the Upper West Side that’s unlikely to disappoint.

Read more NYC food recommendations: Where to find the best oysters in NYC!


Bar Boulud

Our next idea for restaurants on the Upper West Side, is Bar Bould.

If Café Luxembourg doesn’t quite float your boat, Bar Boulud is another one of our favorite French restaurants on the Upper West Side.

Created by chef Daniel Boulud, this bistro is renowned for its fancy cocktails and rich, flavorsome dishes. 

This is one of the restaurants on the Upper West Side to reserve for a special occasion, as the prices are reasonably high.

However, you can keep things slightly simpler by ordering the four-course prix-fixe menu.

Featuring an incredible selection of meats, local seafood, and fresh veggies, it’s a dining experience like no other. It’s a great choice for restaurants on the Upper West Side.

Read more about NYC food: Where to find the best lobsters in NYC!


Daily Provisions

Next up on our list of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side, is Daily Provisions. For reliable breakfasts and brunches in NYC, you can’t do better than Daily Provisions.

Image credit: https://www.dailyprovisionsnyc.com/

Considered one of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side for sandwiches, pastries, and breakfast bites, this place has quickly become a cult favorite among locals. 

It’s tricky to score a table most of the time as it’s just that popular, but if you visit after the commuter rush on a weekday, you may just be able to score a table.

What can we say, folks – it all comes with the territory of being one of the most incredible restaurants on the Upper West Side!

Read more NYC food recommendations: 20 of the best cheap lunches in NYC


Makana

Image credit: https://www.makanabbq.com/

It’s tricky to find great Hawaiian food in the Big Apple, but Makana truly gets it right. Makana is next on our list of restaurants on the Upper West Side!

Boasting a casual dining room, inexpensive dishes, and excellent service, it’s one of the restaurants on the Upper West Side that understands the value of its customers’ time. 

Serving everything from packed poke bowls to delicious musubi, this refreshing and authentic spot is one of the top restaurants on the Upper West Side for casual weeknight dining.

Read more about visiting NYC: Dining solo in NYC and the best places to eat alone in NYC!


Eléa

If you’re looking for restaurants on the Upper West Side that can accommodate large groups and serves incredible Greek food, then you’ll simply adore Eléa.

Not only does it have a sprawling bar and basement dining area, but it has a menu that’s upscale without being alienating. 

This is one of the restaurants on the Upper West Side with a varied menu, and you can choose everything from delicious lamb chops to enormous portions of grilled fish. 

It’s worth noting that reservations are a must here; as it’s in a premium location and is popular with locals, you’ll struggle to squeeze in as a walk-in diner. This is a great choice for restaurants on the Upper West Side!

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Miznon

For excellent Israeli cuisine, it doesn’t get much better than the next place on our list. Miznon is one of those restaurants on the Upper West Side that just feels like home.

With servers always milling around the buzzing and eclectic dining room, even a first visit to this place will feel like returning to your favorite local joint.

Sample the incredible Fried Branzino or go to town on the surplus of vegetarian options that promise to please any palate.

Whatever you choose, we promise you’ll be coming back to this restaurant for seconds. It’s one of those restaurants on the Upper West Side you’ll adore!

Read more NYC food recommendations:15 amazing places to find cheesecake in NYC


Old John’s Luncheonette

Old John’s Luncheonette is next on our list of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side in NYC! Old John’s Luncheonette is one of those iconic, classic New York diners, and we think you’ll love it.

Old John’s Luncheonette serves up classic diner food, and it’s a great place to head if you’re after some classic American food!

We especially love visiting this place for breakfast and brunch! We think you’ll love this choice for restaurants on the Upper West Side.

Read more NYC food recommendations: 50 amazing places to grab breakfast in NYC


Bonus suggestion: Absolute Bagels

The final spot on our list of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side? It’s got to be Absolute Bagels!

NYC is renowned for its delicious, fresh bagels, and you’ll often see commuters rushing from the subway chowing down on one of these bad boys.

This handy bagel joint is located at 2788 Broadway, and it serves everything from classic scallion cream cheese bagels to moreish Thai Iced Tea.

However you want to start your day, Absolute Bagels promises to put a spring in your step.

Read more about NYC: Top 22 best restaurants in Greenwich Village, NYC


We hope this list of restaurants on the Upper West Side has given you loads of ideas!

Which of these restaurants on the Upper West Side will you be trying first?

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