Looking for the best restaurants on the Upper East Side? This neighborhood, stretching from 59th to 96th Streets, has long been a cornerstone of fine dining in New York, home to classic white-tablecloth establishments that have served guests for decades—some for over half a century.
While the Upper East Side still honors its refined roots, today’s dining scene offers something for every taste. Alongside acclaimed French bistros, you’ll find Michelin-starred sushi spots and lively restaurants perfect for people-watching—some might even call them trendy.
Here are the best restaurants on the Upper East Side, according to *Vogue*.
### **Le Veau d’Or**
New York’s oldest French bistro, dating back to 1937, has always been a local favorite. But in the past year and a half, it’s reached new heights. After a five-year renovation, chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson (of Frenchette fame) reopened it in summer 2024 with a $125 prix-fixe menu. Now, scoring one of its 15 tables is among the toughest reservations in the city. Classics like escargot, frog legs, and duck with cherries remain must-orders.
### **Elio’s**
Every neighborhood needs its beloved old-school Italian spot, and on the Upper East Side, that’s Elio’s. Open since the early 1980s, it’s been a haunt for Joan Didion, Martha Stewart, Nancy Reagan, and Andy Warhol. (Tom Selleck once dined here 26 nights in a row.) While the chicken parm is a staple, the real move is listening to the lengthy daily specials before deciding.
### **Casa Tua**
For a stylish night out, head to Casa Tua at The Surrey Hotel. It’s a prime spot for people-watching over lobster pasta or veal scallopini. Not just for dinner—their lounge is ideal for an afternoon coffee (or wine) after museum-hopping or a stroll in Central Park.
### **La Goulue**
A quintessential French bistro since 1972, La Goulue serves classics like steak au poivre and escargot—but with a twist: they also offer sushi rolls.
### **Casa Cruz**
Set in a townhouse on 61st Street, Casa Cruz spans multiple floors, each more glamorous than the last. Think green velvet, gilded metals, and Brazilian cherry wood, plus a multimillion-dollar art collection featuring Warhol, Haring, and Botero. It’s the epitome of Upper East Side elegance.
### **Restaurant Daniel**
For a truly special occasion, Daniel Boulud’s Michelin-starred flagship is the ultimate choice. With prix-fixe and tasting menus (no à la carte), it’s a refined experience that lives up to its reputation.
### **Sushi Noz**
With two Michelin stars, Chef Nozomu Abe’s Sushi Noz stands out in a city full of stellar Japanese options. The Kyoto temple-inspired setting sets the stage for an omakase experience that begins with five to six small plates, followed by 12 to 14 sushi courses—plus miso soup and dessert, if you have room.
### **Chez Fifi**
Since opening in 2024, Chez Fifi (from the team behind Sushi Noz) has become one of the hottest reservations in New York. Scoring a table requires persistence—or serious connections. This French bistro impresses with…Here’s a polished and natural rewrite of your text:
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**Hoexters**
Hoexters (pronounced “Hex-ters”) first opened on the Upper East Side in the 1970s. In 2024, designer Sasha Bikoff gave the space a fresh update, adding custom red plaid Thibault wallpaper and sleek leather banquettes. The revamp has drawn a new crowd, but the real draw remains the nostalgic menu—think gorgonzola garlic bread, juicy cheeseburgers, and roasted half chicken.
**Café Carlyle**
For dinner and a show, Café Carlyle inside the iconic Carlyle Hotel is the place to be. The menu features everything from pâté en croûte to Faroe Island salmon, all while you enjoy performances by legendary artists—this spring’s lineup includes Matthew Morrison of *Glee* fame and Jeff Goldblum. Cap off the night with a drink at Bemelmans Bar, the hotel’s legendary watering hole.
**Café Sabarsky**
Nestled inside the Neue Galerie, a museum dedicated to early 20th-century German and Austrian art, Café Sabarsky transports you to a classic Viennese café. The space is adorned with pieces from the Vienna Secession movement, including Josef Hoffmann lamps and Adolf Loos furniture. While the coffee is excellent, don’t miss the desserts—like caramelized crêpe soufflé and cheese strudel with vanilla sauce.
**JG Melon**
When this 53-year-old, cash-only institution announced in 2022 that it was dropping its famous cottage fries, it made headlines. Thankfully, they’re back on the menu—proof of just how beloved JG Melon is on the Upper East Side. The must-order? Their legendary cheeseburger. The chili is also a standout, and don’t forget those crispy cottage fries and a slice of chocolate cake. Enjoy it all under the glow of their classic green-and-white checkered tablecloths.
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