From fresh pasta to spicy curry to cheeseburgers, you can get all kinds of dishes at the restaurants on the Upper East Side.
The Upper East Side is an amazing neighborhood to explore and while doing so, there are a lot of great places that you can go to for a delicious meal. Whether you like Mexican food, classic French fare, Peruvian dishes, or something else, there’s a restaurant for your liking. At some of these places, the dishes are made with local and seasonal ingredients.
If you’re looking for great places to have dinner, this Upper East Side restaurants guide got you covered!
Best Restaurants on the Upper East Side
The Penrose
Why you should go to this place: The Penrose serves delicious dishes that are inspired by old American and Cork (Ireland) traditions and the menu also includes a lot of shareable dishes
The Penrose is a restaurant that is located at 1590 Second Avenue.
At this place, you can have delicious food that was inspired by old American and Cork traditions and that is made with local ingredients.
You can find all kinds of unique dishes on the restaurant’s dinner menu.
For example, you can get the “Penrose Burger & Fries”. This is a burger with lettuce, onions, tomato, pickles, and tomato, that is served on a brioche bun and that is served with fries.
Another great dish on the menu is the “Fried Fish Sandwich”, which is served with caper aioli, leafy greens, crispy flounder, and fennel slaw. The sandwich is served on a potato bun.
There are also many shareable dishes to choose from, such as the “Bang Bang Shrimp”, which comes with scallion, sesame, chili aioli, pickled ginger, and tempura.
The Penrose is also one of the best brunch spots on the Upper East Side.
Address: 1590 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Mission Ceviche
Why you should go here: You can get Peruvian dishes at this place, such as the “Arroz on Mariscos”, which is a mixed seafood Peruvian-style risotto
At Mission Ceviche, you can get unique Peruvian dishes on the Upper East Side. The food that you can get at the restaurant is a combination of modern techniques and traditional flavors.
The restaurant’s menu is very diverse, which reflects the variety of cultures in the country of Pero.
The dinner menu of Mission Ceviche includes many meat and seafood dishes, as well as sides and desserts.
One of the best seafood dishes is the “Arroz on Mariscos”, which is a mixed seafood Peruvian-style risotto with parmesan and palm aioli.
You can also get the “Aji de Gallina”, which is a shredded chicken stew with parmesan and a yellow chili sauce.
You can also try the restaurant’s 5-course chef-tasting menu, through which you can explore unique dishes.
Address: 1400 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Heidelberg Restaurant
Why you should visit Heidelberg Restaurant: This is one of the oldest family-run restaurants in America and the interior is the same as it was when the place was founded more than 100 years ago
Heidelberg Restaurant is a restaurant on the Upper East Side where you can eat authentic Old-World German food.
The restaurant is one of America’s oldest family-run restaurants and is more than 100 years old. The restaurant’s interior is the same as it was when the restaurant was founded, which adds a lot of charm to the restaurant.
On the dinner menu of Heidelberg Restaurant, you can find classic dishes as well as newer ones.
For example, you can get a classic “Wiener Schnitzel” or “Bratwurst”.
Another great dish to get is the “Käsefondue”, which is a cheese fondue that comes with a blend of gruyere cheese and Emmenthaler that is simmered with Riesling wine, pepper, garlic, and Kirschwasser. This is a dish for 2 people.
Address: 1648 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Mansion Diner
Great to know: Besides great food, this place also serves all kinds of delicious and unique desserts, such as the apple cinnamon crumble
Mansion Diner is a restaurant that was founded in 1945.
You can get all kinds of classic dishes made with high-quality ingredients at Mansion Diner. Whether you want to have a sandwich, soup, steak, or something else, you can have it at this place.
For example, you can get the “Broiled Salmon”, which is served with a tossed salad or soup, a vegetable, and a choice of potato.
One of the best sandwiches at Mansion Diner is “The Tuscan”, which is made with prosciutto, pesto, and mozzarella. The sandwich is served with French fries or a potato salad.
The restaurant also serves all kinds of unique desserts. For example, you can get a delicious apple cinnamon crumble here.
Address: 1634 York Ave, New York, NY 10028
Maz Mezcal
Why you should go to Maz Mezcal: You can get great Mexican dishes here, such as enchiladas and tacos
Maz Mezcal is a restaurant where you can have delicious Mexican dishes. The restaurant is located at 316 East 86th Street, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
You can get many different types of Mexican dishes, including tacos, dishes made with chicken, plates, and much more.
One of the best taco dishes is the “Tacos Machos”, which are three tacos with chopped skirt steak and grilled poblano peppers.
Another great dish to get is the “Pollo En Salsa Verde”, which is a chicken breast in a light sauce of white wine, green cherry tomatoes, onions, cilantro, green peppers, and laurel.
The “Enchiladas Verdes”, which are three chicken enchiladas with melted cheese, green tomatillo salsa, and sour cream, are delicious too.
There’s also a bar at the restaurant where you can enjoy all kinds of drinks, such as beers, margaritas, and more.
Address: 316 East 86th St, New York, NY 10028
Tony’s Di Napoli
Why you’ll love Tony’s Di Napoli: You can get delicious Italian food at this place, such as the “Penne Primavera”, and the restaurant also has an extensive dessert menu
Tony’s Di Napoli is an Italian restaurant with two locations in New York City, one of which is located on the Upper East Side. The restaurant was founded in 1990 and you can get classic family-style Italian food at the restaurant.
The restaurant is open every day and you go there for lunch and for dinner.
Tony’s Di Napoli’s menu features all kinds of delicious appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, meat dishes, and seafood dishes.
Two of the best pasta dishes to get are the “Penne Primavera” and the “Fettuccine Alfredo”.
The “Salmon Filet is another great dish to get.
There’s also an extensive dessert menu. One of the best options on that menu is “Tony’s Brownie Sundae”, which is a classic sundae that is served over a warm brownie.
Address: 1081 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10065
Bella Blu
Must-try: The “Gnocchi alla Sorrentina”, which is gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, fior di latte, and basil
Bella Blu is a restaurant on the Upper East Side where you can enjoy a fusion of various Italian cuisines for dinner. You can find it at 967 Lexington Avenue. The restaurant has beautiful alfresco walls that add to your dining experience.
You can get all kinds of pasta dishes, meat dishes, appetizers, and pizzas at Bella Blu.
One of the best pasta dishes is the “Gnocchi alla Sorrentina”, which is gnocchi with mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, fior di latte, and basil.
You can also get the “Tagliolini al Nero di Seppia”, which is a black and white tagliolini pasta with shrimp, crab, and cherry tomatoes in a spicy tomato sauce.
There are many different types of pizza that you can get at this place. For example, you can get the “Lexington”, which is a red pizza with spicy Italian sausage, sautéed wild mushrooms, basil, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
Another great pizza to get is the “Quattro Formaggio”, which is a white pizza with fontina, gorgonzola, mozzarella, and provolone.
Address: 967 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021
Up Thai
Why you should visit Up Thai: You can have classic and creative Thai dishes at this place, such as the “Pad Thai”, which is a fried rice noodle dish
Up Thai is a restaurant and bar where you can have delicious upscale Thai street food. The restaurant is located on 2nd Avenue on the Upper East Side.
The classics and creative dishes that you can get at Up Thai are made with fresh and seasonal ingredients, and the restaurant’s menu changes daily depending on what’s available at local markets.
One of the best dishes to get at the restaurant is the “Pad Thai”, which is a fried rice noodle dish with vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef, or another protein.
You can also get the “Green Curry”, which is made with bell pepper, basil leaves, coconut milk, string beans, bamboo shoots, and eggplant.
The “Nam Tok”, which is a grilled sliced top sirloin with roasted rice powder, red onion, scallions, chili powder, and scallions, is also great to get when you want to have dinner.
Address: 1411 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021
JG Melon
Why you’ll love JG Melon: The burgers at this place are incredible and the restaurant also has an extensive wine list
JG Melon is a restaurant that was founded in 1972. The restaurant has an iconic interior and exterior design that features the colors green and white. You can get delicious burgers at the restaurant and JG Melon is one of the best burger restaurants in the city.
At the restaurant, you can have different types of hamburgers. For example, you can get a cheeseburger, a baconburger, and a classic hamburger.
You can also get other types of dishes at the restaurant, such as omelets, sandwiches, desserts, and more. The cottage fries that you can get at JG Melon are tasty too.
In addition to food, JG Melon’s menu also features an extensive wine list with all kinds of wines from all around the world.
Going to JG Melon is also one of the most fun date ideas on the Upper East Side.
Address: 1291 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
Orsay
Why you need to go to Orsay: You can get modern and classic French fare at this place and the interior of the restaurant will make you feel like you are in Paris
Orsay is a French restaurant with an interior that makes you feel like you are in Paris. The restaurant has a beautiful dining room and an outdoor dining area.
You can enjoy delicious modern and classic French fare at Orsay, and the restaurant has a large wine list on which you can find more than 200 types of wine from France and other regions of the world.
The menu includes various delicious starters. For example, you can get a classic French onion soup at Orsay.
One of the best entrees on the menu is the “Moules Frites”, which comes with spicy coconut milk-kaffir lime broth and hand-cut French fries.
The “Couscous Tunisien”, which is a couscous dish with lamb that is braised in North African species, vegetable broth, black olives, chickpeas, and dried fruits, is a great dish to get as well.
You can also get one of the best specials. Each day there’s another one. For example, on Saturday, you can get delicious “Boeuf Bourguignon”.
Address: 1057 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill
Why you should go here: You can get great Thai food here, such as the “Thai Ramen Basil”
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill is a restaurant that serves delicious Thai food on the Upper East Side. You can find it on 2nd Avenue.
The dinner menu of the restaurant includes soups, buns, salads, plates, fried rice, noodles, and much more.
One of the best dishes to get is the “Thai Ramen Basil”, which is a spicy dish that is made with onion, Thai ramen noodles, medley tomato, basil, young peppercorns, bell pepper, wild ginger, and peppercorn.
The restaurant’s “Pad Khing”, which comes with fresh ginger, garlic, onion, bell pepper, celery, scallion, and white mushroom, is a delicious dish too.
You can also get the spicy “Panang Curry”, which is made with string bean, lime leaf, and bell pepper. It is served with steamed jasmine rice.
Address: 1611 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Hummus Kitchen
Why you’ll love this place: You can get delicious Mediterranean dishes here, including dishes with hummus
Hummus Kitchen is a restaurant with three locations in New York City, of which one is on the Upper East Side. You can get delicious Mediterranean dishes at this restaurant that are made with fresh ingredients.
At Hummus Kitchen, you can get different types of dishes with hummus. For example, you can get the “Mushroom Hummus”, which is served with sliced portobello mushrooms.
Another dish on the menu is the “Fresh Grilled Salmon”, which is a salmon dish that is served with grilled seasonal vegetables and rice.
The “Chicken Couscous” is a delicious dish that comes with couscous, slow-cooked chicken, raisins, and cinnamon.
Other types of dishes that you can get at the restaurant include tacos, Mediterranean wraps, kebab, and much more.
From Hummus Kitchen, it’s only a 7-minute walk to Emack & Bolio’s, which is one of the best ice cream shops in NYC. So if you like having ice cream as a dessert, you can go there after having food at this place.
Address: 1613 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Bocado
Why you need to visit this place: Bocado is both a restaurant and a wine bar, so you can get great wine with your food at this place
Bocado is a restaurant and wine bar that is situated at 1293 Lexington Avenue.
There’s food for everyone’s liking at Bocado. Whether you want to have a salad, a flatbread, a sandwich, a burger, fresh pasta, or something else, you can have it at this restaurant.
The “Bocado Burger”, which is made with avocado, applewood smoked bacon, fontina cheese, onions, arugula, and lemon aioli, is one of the best dishes to get for dinner.
There are four different types of flatbreads to choose from. A great one to get is the “Cremini Mushroom” flatbread, which is made with rosemary, thyme, garlic, herb goat cheese, and truffle oil.
Bocado also serves all kinds of pasta dishes. For example, you can get the “Chicken Fettuccine”, which comes with shiitake mushrooms, grilled rosemary chicken, green peas, and alfredo sauce.
Address: 1293 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128
San Matteo
Why you should go to San Matteo: This place serves great Neapolitan pizza and dishes from Salerno, Italy
San Matteo, located at 1716 2nd Avenue, is one of the best restaurants on the Upper East Side where you can get delicious Neapolitan pizza and high-quality dishes from Salerno, Italy.
The dinner menu of San Matteo includes many different types of pizza, pasta dishes, and mains.
One of the best pasta dishes to get is the “Linguine Agli Scampi”, which is a linguine pasta that is served with fresh shrimp, red cherry tomato sauce, and fresh parsley.
The “Fresco Burger” is a delicious option on the menu. It is made with stracciatella cheese, arugula, and a sundried pepper spread.
If you want to have a pizza, you can choose between a red or white pizza.
One of the best pizzas with tomato sauce is the “Contadina”, which is made with homemade mozzarella, fresh basil, mushrooms, and EVOO.
The “Primavera” pizza is a great option to get too. It is made with cherry tomato, baby arugula, homemade mozzarella, shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, and fresh basil.
Address: 1716 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
David Burke Tavern
Highlights: You can get a creative take on classic dishes at David Burke Tavern
David Burke Tavern is a modern American restaurant where you can enjoy a creative take on classic dishes by Chef David Burke. You can have dinner at the restaurant every day of the week.
The restaurant is located in the first two stories of a townhouse on the Upper East Side.
There are many different types of starters, salads, mains, and other dishes that you can choose from.
For example, one of the best dishes on the menu is the “Fire-Roasted Atlantic Salmon”, which is served with cippolini onions, cauliflower puree, asparagus, pesto, and fava beans.
The “Butternut Squash Ravioli” is a great dish too. It is made with sage, diced squash, pepitas, parmesan, and a brown butter sauce.
David Burke Tavern also serves all kinds of delicious desserts, such as its “Pecan Pie”, which comes with caramel ice cream and a salted caramel sauce.
There’s also a dinner prix fixe menu at David Burke Tavern.
Address: 135 E 62nd St, New York, NY 10065
Le Botaniste
Great to know: You can get many types of bowls here, such as the “Pasta Bolo” bowl, which comes with quinoa fusilli, bolognese sauce, and more
Le Botaniste is a plant-based restaurant with several locations throughout the city. One of the restaurants is located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, at 833 Lexington Avenue. You can have dinner at this place every day of the week.
Le Botaniste’s menu includes different types of bowls, soups, desserts, and other dishes.
A great bowl to get is the “Pasta Bolo” bowl, which comes with a bolognese sauce, quinoa fusilli, green herbal oil, and a superseeds mix.
You can also get the “Mezze” dish, which consists of an assortment of spreads that are served with crackers.
The “Tibetan Mama” is a great bowl too. It is made with brown rice, coconut peanut butter curry sauce, and steamed greens.
You can also get the “Red Fruit Chia Pudding”, which is a delicious dessert that you can get at Le Botanise. It is made with coconut milk, flax seeds, chia seeds, and agave, and it is served with a mixed berry compote.
Address: 833 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
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Upper East Side Restaurants Tips
When choosing where to get food on the Upper East Side, I recommend using the map that I added to this article to see if a restaurant is near a spot in the neighborhood that you want to visit.
There are many great things to do on the Upper East Side, and you can do one of these things before or after going to one of the restaurants that I mentioned. For example, you can find Tony’s Di Napoli close to Cinema 123 by Angelika, so you can first have dinner at that restaurant and then see a movie at that movie theater.
Restaurants on the Upper East Side Map
As you see, there are a lot of amazing restaurants on the Upper East Side. I hope I helped you decide where to get food!