If you’re looking for the best upscale restaurants in NYC – then list will give you 15 incredible suggestions to check out!
When visiting NYC, fine dining is a must! So if you’re looking for the best upscale restaurants in NYC – this list is going to fill you with ideas and inspiration.
As you’d expect, there are plenty of upscale restaurants in NYC. In fact, we think you’d probably find upscale restaurants in NYC on every block and street!
But which are the best upscale restaurants in NYC, and which upscale restaurants in NYC are worth your money and time? We’ll hopefully answer those questions here!
We’ve also put some quick tips for visiting upscale restaurants in NYC, at the end of this post, for anyone feeling a bit nervous or overwhelmed!
So, let’s get into it!
Here are the best upscale restaurants in NYC…
L’Appart
The first spot on our list of the top upscale restaurants in NYC belongs to L’Appart. Located in Le District, this Michelin star-rated spot just screams “exclusive”.
The tasting menu is the restaurant’s main selling point and comes in at an eye-watering $230 per person (with wine pairings available for an additional $125).
Choose from a selection of Amuse Bouches (the Prince Edward Island Mussel Curry Soup is a total winner) before moving onto the main courses.
The Skrei Cod and Veal dishes simply melt in the mouth, and the Pineapple Cardamom dessert is incredibly unique too! This is a wonderful choice for upscale restaurants in NYC.
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Al Fiori
Voted one of the best upscale restaurants in NYC by the Zagat guide, Al Fiori is a gourmet gem nestled inside the Langham Place Hotel.
Although its Zagat rating is impressive, this place has also earned 3 Michelin stars for its impeccable Italian and French dishes. No wonder it made our list of upscale restaurants in NYC!
Everything on the menu is delightful, but we recommend digging into the Butter-Poached Nova Scotia Lobster (the Astice) or the delicious Pan-Seared Scallops (otherwise known as the Capesante!).
Whatever you land on, this is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that promises to be a taste sensation.
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Daniel
Daniel is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that is near-impossible to get into. Constantly booked out, this place is certainly one of the hottest tickets in town.
The dining room is incredibly elegant, and you’ll find that the smartly-dressed wait staff reflects the vibe of the entire establishment – upmarket, darling. No surprise it’s so high on our list of upscale restaurants in NYC.
If you’re looking to experience the best of what Daniel has to offer, opt for the 4-course-prix-fixe menu. Most dishes have a distinctive French feel to them, and each makes use of seasonal ingredients for ultimate freshness.
Should you be unable to stretch your budget to the tasting menu, you can still enjoy any top picks a la carte! Phew! It’s a great pick for upscale restaurants in NYC.
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Atomix
Next on our list of upscale restaurants in NYC, it’s Atomix. Are you on the hunt for ridiculously good Korean food in the Big Apple? Well, be sure to check out the next entry onto our list of the top upscale restaurants in NYC!
Boasting a 10-course tasting menu (yep, you read that right!) that’s brimming with traditional Korean flavors, it’s unsurprising that Atomix remains one of the finest upscale restaurants in NYC.
Although dining here will set you back around $270, we’d say that the extensive range of flavors, luxurious atmosphere, and the fact that you can see your food being prepared by top chefs makes the rather steep investment worthwhile.
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Jean-Georges
If you’re looking for a romantic dining room, delightful French cuisine, and a 2 Michelin star reputation, you can’t go wrong with the next pick on our list of the top upscale restaurants in NYC. Jean-Georges is a classic pick for the best upscale restaurants in NYC.
Overlooking Central Park on the Upper West Side, this spot is luxury incarnate. Whether you choose to marvel at the floor-to-ceiling windows, plush seats, or elegant kitchen, you’ll be truly blown away!
In terms of food, we highly recommend trying the tasting menu as a first-timer. You’ll be able to choose from a range of classic Jean-Gorges favorites and will also get to sample the best seasonal dishes on offer.
Thanks to its stellar reputation, we’d say that this was one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that requires a reservation!
Le Bernardin
Founded in 1972, Le Bernardin is one of the most enduring upscale restaurants in NYC.
Focusing on delectable seafood dishes, this place has picked up 3 Michelin stars and a 50Best award for its incredible flavors and dazzling tasting menus.
Depending on your preferences (and budget!), you can try anything from their 4-course tasting menu for $165 to the much larger tasting menu for $228. This is a classic choice for upscale restaurants in NYC.
If you’d prefer to play it safe as a Le Bernardin newbie, try out the Maine Lobster Tail or flaky Striped Bass. If you have room for more, sample their delicate Pumpkin Mousse topped with Pepita Praline.
Boasting an elegant dining room, excellent service, and more fresh fish than you could ever wish for, Le Bernardin is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that should be on anyone’s foodie bucket list.
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Saga
Saga may be new to the fine-dining game, but it’s quickly becoming one of the best upscale restaurants in NYC. Perched on the 63rd floor of the 70 Pine Building, this impressive restaurant specializes in vibrant European fare.
However, you’ll find Latin American, Japanese, and African dishes making an appearance throughout the year – if your wallet can handle more than one visit, that is!
Dining here will set you back around $350-$400 if you include drinks, but we feel that the views make this one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that is worth the price of admission.
Serving up everything from Ceviche to perfectly grilled meats, this fine-dining spot offers something for everyone. Which makes it a perfect choice for upscale restaurants in NYC.
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Upscale restaurants in NYC: Sushi Noz
Next on our list of the best upscale restaurants in NYC, it’s Sushi Noz. There’s something about artfully prepared Japanese dishes that make our hearts skip a beat.
Although this is one of the more expensive upscale restaurants in NYC on this list, it will feel so worth it once you’ve tasted the food here.
Sushi Noz’s atmosphere immediately puts you at ease, and the décor is woody, delicate, and oozes classic Japanese elegance. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for upscale restaurants in NYC.
Once you’re seated, tuck into the Edomae-style tasting menu; consisting of 5-6 small plates and seasonal nigiri, this $400 sushi-fest is well worth the price.
With a typical reservation lasting 2.5 hours, this is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that gives you plenty of time to enjoy your meal too!
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Aquavit
Serving up next-level Nordic cuisine in a relaxed and modern venue, Aquavit is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that you’ll want to dine at again and again.
Despite using an incredible array of seasonal ingredients and boasting a 2 Michelin star rating, this place manages to present an impeccable 3-course prix-fixe menu for just $155! Oh – and if you want to push your budget slightly further, you can truly indulge with the chef’s $225 tasting menu.
The tasting menu is limited, but we feel this speaks to the careful curation of ingredients and quality control in the kitchen. Exactly what you’d hope from one of the best upscale restaurants in NYC.
If you’re partial to seafood, you’ll adore the incredible Yellowtail and Fennel or Sea Urchin and Sweet Onion. Prefer meat? Dig into the Duck and Radish!
Offering a wide range of dishes that will send your palate on a Scandinavian adventure, this is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that never fails to impress.
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The Modern
If you need to stop for a bite to eat after exploring the MoMA, why not head to The Modern. Which is next on our list of upscale restaurants in NYC.
Known for its 2-Michelin-star rating, luscious garden landscapes (you’re right by the MoMA sculpture garden here!), and impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, this is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that promises dinner and a show – well, at least a view.
The dinner menu here is a prix-fixe delight that costs $188 per person. However, you’ll get 6 courses included in the price, making this one of the most affordable upscale restaurants in NYC.
We highly recommend trying the amusing Eggs on Eggs on Eggs dish or the wonderful Pork Chops if you’re feeling overwhelmed with choice.
Whatever you choose to order, don’t be afraid to take a glance at their extensive wine list while you’re here.
With expert staff on hand to offer pairing advice, this is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that puts its customers’ palates first.
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Gabriel Kreuther
The next place on our list of the best upscale restaurants in NYC? It’s Gabriel Kreuther!
Serving up beautifully plated French cuisine, this 42nd Street hotspot is a 2-Michelin-star rated restaurant that’s been pleasing New York’s gastronomic experts since it opened its doors in 2015.
Taking full advantage of his classical French training, chef Gabriel Kreuther offers a glorious prix-fixe menu that gives diners the chance to sample dishes like Foie Gras Terrine, Langoustine Tartare, and Heritage Pork Tenderloin.
Perfectly blending top-notch culinary techniques with unique flavors and an elegant dining room, it’s unsurprising that reservations here are like gold dust. Hey – it is one of the best upscale restaurants in NYC, after all!
Our recommendation? Get your booking in early.
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Eleven Madison Park
Serving elegant French cuisine that beautifully pairs with a sophisticated dining area, Eleven Madison Park is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that’s been pleasing patrons for years.
Voted the World’s Best Restaurant in 2017 by 50Best, this fine-dining establishment just oozes prestige.
After you’ve finished gawping at the stunning Art Deco dining area, tuck into one of chef Daniel Humm’s carefully curated dishes.
With everything from Lobster with Rutabaga and Pear to a moreish Surf Clam with Chowder on offer, there’s bound to be something on the menu that tickles your fancy. A beautiful choice for upscale restaurants in NYC.
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Indian Accent
For perfectly executed Indian fare, look no further than the next entry onto our list of the best upscale restaurants in NYC.
Regarded for its innovative prix-fixe menu and creative use of spices, Indian Accent is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that every foodie should experience at least once.
Although the décor is rather tame (think neutral tones and minimalistic sculptures), the menu is anything but. If you’re not sure what to order from the rather complex range of dishes, we highly recommend trying out the popular chef’s tasting menu.
Including everything from delicious Soy Keema to Pepper Chicken and Ghee Roast Lamb, each dish incorporates the best of Indian cuisine and dials it up a notch.
Sure – the dishes at Indian Accent may dent your pocketbook, but what can you expect from one of the most popular upscale restaurants in NYC? Always packed with hungry diners, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got a table reservation to hand.
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Shuko
Are you looking for incredible upscale restaurants in NYC that serve next-level sushi and Omakase? If so, you need to check out Shuko in Greenwich Village.
Now, Shuko may be small – but it packs a punch. Run by chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau, this 3-Michelin-star-rated restaurant offers a minimalistic menu that keeps strong flavors and high-quality ingredients at the fore.
Sample the incredible handrolls (the Spicy Trout and Uni are sensational) before checking out the Seasonal Omakase menu. A great menu, and no wonder it made our list of the best upscale restaurants in NYC.
Although the prix-fixe menu comes in at $228 per person, it offers diners fresh Sunomono, Caviar, and the chef’s impeccable Sushi Omakase.
Whether you’re celebrating an important anniversary or just fancy living large, this is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that is bound to impress.
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Per Se
Per Se is next on our list of the best upscale restaurants in NYC. It is nestled inside the Time Warner Center and is one of the top upscale restaurants in NYC.
Not only has this place been awarded 3 Michelin stars since opening its doors, but Per Se’s French American fusion dishes are utterly delicious.
As you might expect, dining here costs a pretty penny.
Although you can order from the a la carte menu, we highly recommend shelling out for the nine-course tasting menu. It costs a staggering $355 per person, but this is one of the upscale restaurants in NYC that promises a range of glorious dishes that are prepared using the finest ingredients.
The Oyster and Pearls and Moulard Duck Foie Gras are standout picks, but there isn’t a single item on the menu that’s disappointing. A perfect choice for upscale restaurants in NYC.
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We hope this list of upscale restaurants in NYC has inspired you!
As you can see, there are SO MANY amazing upscale restaurants in NYC, but picking the right one for you, is the trick to having a great experience!
Be sure to follow our tips below when visiting upscale restaurants in NYC for the first time:
- If you’re worried about getting your money’s worth – be sure to pick a cuisine you enjoy! You don’t want to spend lots of money on a cuisine you’re unsure about, or haven’t tried before.
- If you feel a little intimidated when visiting upscale restaurants in NYC, then do a little research on the chef, their stylistic choices and signature dishes beforehand. Then you’ll know what to look for on the menu!
- Checking out the restaurant’s Instagram page beforehand is a great way to see photos of the food they serve. This can actually give you an idea of what you’ll be eating and if you’re going to enjoy it!
- Most upscale restaurants in NYC will have a smart dress code – so you won’t want to turn up in flip-flops or shorts. It’s always worth checking this beforehand.
- If you’re visiting from abroad (hello UK and EU readers!) make sure you’ve budgeted for tips. You should expect to tip between 20 – 25% in upscale restaurants in NYC – because the service will be top-notch.
- Book in advance when visiting upscale restaurants in NYC! Most will be booked up weeks (if not months) in advance.
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