Best Upscale Restaurants in New York

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Eating out in New York can mean grabbing a quick slice or sitting down for a long, carefully planned meal. If you’re after the second option, the city has plenty to offer. The best upscale restaurant in New York might serve a multi-course tasting menu, a perfectly aged steak, or something unexpected. Either way, the setting, service, and food all make it worth the reservation.

10+ Best Upscale Restaurants in New York | Top Fine Dining Picks

1. Boucherie Union Square

French brasserie classics and dry-aged steaks come together at Boucherie Union Square. The warm atmosphere, combined with an extensive wine list and absinthe-driven cocktails, creates a lively dining experience.

  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: www.boucherieus.com 
  • Location: 225 Park Ave S, New York
  • Phone: 1 212-353-0200
  • Price Range: $-$$$

2. Daniel

Photo via @restaurantdaniel / Instagram

Fine dining on the Upper East Side has been redefined at Daniel since 1993. Chef Daniel Boulud blends refined European techniques with seasonal ingredients, offering dishes that highlight precision and attention to detail. The wine cellar and attentive service complete the experience.

  • Reservation: Click here. 
  • Website: www.danielnyc.com
  • Location: 60 E 65th St, New York
  • Phone: 1 212-288-0033
  • Price Range: $$-$$$

3. Jean-Georges

Photo via @jean_georgesnyc / Instagram

A combination of French, American, and Asian influences defines the menu at Jean-Georges. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Central Park, while carefully selected ingredients ensure that each dish delivers clean, focused flavors.

4. Ocean Prime

Photo via @oceanprimenyc / Instagram 

Seafood and steak are the foundation of Ocean Prime, where a well-balanced menu brings together expertly prepared fish, prime cuts, and a raw bar. The setting suits both business dinners and celebrations.

5. Craft

Photo via @craft_newyork / Instagram

Farm-to-table dining takes center stage at Craft, where seasonal ingredients are prepared simply. Tom Colicchio’s approach lets the ingredients shine, while the understated yet inviting space reflects this philosophy.

6. THE GRILL

Photo via @majorfoodgroup / Instagram

A midcentury New York atmosphere is the backdrop for THE GRILL, an American chophouse with a menu built around classics. The focus on tableside service and old-school hospitality keeps the dining experience rooted in tradition while maintaining a sense of refinement.

  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: https://thegrillnewyork.com 
  • Location: Seagram Building, 99 E 52nd St, New York
  • Phone: 1 212-254-3000
  • Price Range: $-$$$$

7. Upland

Upscale Restaurants in New York
Photo via @upland_nyc / Instagram

A California-style approach to cooking blends with a New York perspective at Upland. The menu features fresh pasta, wood-fired meats, and vibrant vegetables, combining rustic and refined elements in a way that feels natural.

  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: https://uplandnyc.com 
  • Location: 345 Park Ave S, New York
  • Phone: 1 212-686-1006
  • Price Range: $-$$$$

8. Mastro’s Steakhouse

Upscale Restaurants in New York
Photo via @mastrosofficial / Instagram

Prime steaks and a lively setting define Mastro’s Steakhouse, where traditional cuts share the menu with seafood options. Live music and attentive service contribute to the energy of the space.

9. Forgione

Upscale Restaurants in New York
Photo via @aquavitnyc / Instagram

New American cuisine at Forgione focuses on local ingredients and bold flavors. Chef Marc Forgione creates dishes that remain approachable while pushing culinary boundaries. The mix of rustic charm and modern execution adds to the appeal.

  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: www.marcforgione.com
  • Location: 30 Hudson St, New York
  • Phone: 1 212-941-9401
  • Price Range: $$

10. Aquavit

Upscale Restaurants in New York
Photo via @aquavitnyc / Instagram

Nordic flavors take the spotlight at Aquavit, where a seasonal menu introduces creative takes on traditional dishes. The tasting menu offers a deeper look at the cuisine, while a la carte options provide flexibility.

  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: www.aquavit.org 
  • Location: 65 E 55th St, New York
  • Phone: 1 212-307-7311
  • Price Range: $-$$

11. 53

Upscale Restaurants in New York
Photo via @53nyc / Instagram

Asian cuisine with a modern edge is the focus at 53, blending flavors from different regions in a sleek setting. Chef Akmal Anuar’s menu highlights fresh ingredients and bold combinations, creating a dining experience that feels contemporary without losing depth. The multi-level space adds to the sense of movement, making each visit dynamic.

  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: https://53-nyc.com 
  • Location: 53 W 53rd St, New York
  • Phone: 1 646-535-3994
  • Price Range: $-$$$$$

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