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Best Restaurants in New York (2026)

New York's restaurants range from century-old delis to some of the most acclaimed dining rooms in the world, and many of the classics are as much part of the city's story as its landmarks. On the Lower East Side, Katz's Delicatessen has been carving pastrami since 1888, and Russ & Daughters Cafe serves smoked fish and bagels. Joe's Pizza on Carmine Street sells the classic folded New York slice, Nom Wah Tea Parlor has served dim sum on Doyers Street since 1920, and Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem is a soul food institution.

At the top end, Le Bernardin holds three Michelin stars for its seafood, Gramercy Tavern pairs seasonal tasting menus with a relaxed front room, and Peter Luger Steak House in Williamsburg is famous for its porterhouse, though it does not accept credit cards. Balthazar, Keens Steakhouse and Via Carota are dependable choices in between. Book well ahead for the most famous dining rooms, especially at weekends; many places take reservations through Resy. Others, such as Russ & Daughters Cafe, are walk-in only, so arrive early. Tipping is expected at sit-down restaurants, and lunch is often an easier way into busy places.

12 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 restaurants in New York

  1. Katz’s Delicatessen Jewish deli, Lower East SideA Lower East Side institution since 1888, famous for hand-carved pastrami on rye, corned beef and its role in When Harry Met Sally.
  2. Joe’s Pizza (Carmine Street) New York-style pizza by the slice, Greenwich VillageThe original Greenwich Village slice shop founded in 1975 by Naples-born Joe Pozzuoli, serving classic thin New York-style pizza by the slice.
  3. Peter Luger Steak House Steakhouse, Williamsburg, BrooklynA Brooklyn steakhouse dating from 1887 at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge, known for dry-aged porterhouse served in a beer-hall-style dining room.

Restaurant

4. Le Bernardin

French seafood fine dining$$$$Midtown

Eric Ripert's Midtown seafood restaurant has held three Michelin stars for years and remains a benchmark for refined French cooking with fish.

View details — Le Bernardin

Restaurant

5. Gramercy Tavern

Seasonal American$$$$Flatiron District

Danny Meyer's Flatiron restaurant, open since 1994, pairs a seasonal tasting-menu Dining Room with a more casual, wood-grill-led front Tavern.

View details — Gramercy Tavern

Restaurant

7. Balthazar

French brasserie$$$SoHo

Keith McNally's SoHo brasserie, open since 1997, serves French classics from breakfast to late supper in a buzzing, mirror-lined dining room.

View details — Balthazar

Restaurant

8. Via Carota

Italian trattoria$$$West Village

Rita Sodi and Jody Williams's West Village trattoria serves seasonal Italian cooking, from vegetable plates to cacio e pepe, in a rustic setting.

View details — Via Carota

Restaurant

9. Keens Steakhouse

Historic steak and chop house$$$Midtown / Garment District

Founded in 1885, this Midtown chop house is known for its mutton chop and a ceiling hung with tens of thousands of old clay pipes.

View details — Keens Steakhouse