There are many amazing restaurants on the Upper West Side where you can enjoy a large variety of food from all kinds of cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, and Peruvian.
The menus of the restaurants in the neighborhood include many different types of dishes, including thin-crust pizza, fried chicken dishes, seafood, authentic Italian antipasti, burritos, and plant-first dishes. Some of these places use locally sourced ingredients and have a rotating menu. In addition to that, some of them have dining rooms that look incredible.
I made this Upper West Side restaurants guide so you can find a great place to have dinner in the neighborhood.
Best Restaurants on the Upper West Side
Playa Betty’s
Why you’ll love this place: You can have great California-style beach food here, including delicious tacos
Playa Betty’s is a chef-driven restaurant where you can have delicious California-style beach food. You can find the restaurant on 320 Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side, and the restaurant is open every day of the week.
The restaurant’s menu includes diverse types of dishes and it covers beach food from the whole coast of California, which includes tacos, burritos enchiladas, and much more.
One of the best types of tacos to get is the “Baja Fish”, which is made with tempura-battered Alaskan cod, pico avocado, cotija cheese, cabbage, and jalapeño crema.
You can also get an enchilada dish, which consists of three enchiladas, rice, beans, a choice of protein, and a choice of sauce.
If you want to have a burrito, a great option to get is the “Beach Break Chicken Tinga”, which is made with pinto beans, guacamole, sour cream, Mexican red rice, cheddar cheese, and lettuce.
Address: 320 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
Thyme & Tonic
Highlights: This is a plant-first gastropub and besides delicious food, you can also get amazing cocktails here
Thyme & Tonic is a plant-first gastropub where you can enjoy globally inspired dishes that are made from scratch and high-quality cocktails. The restaurant is open every day of the week, except for Fridays, and it is located at 474 Columbus Avenue on the Upper West Side.
Thyme & Tonic’s dinner menu includes a variety of starts, salads, bowls, burgers, and several other types of dishes.
Two delicious bowls to get are the “Power Pesto”, which is made with pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, spaghetti, white cannellini beans, and “parmezan”, and the “Spicy Rigatoni”, which is made with creamy marinara, Calabrian chili, and basil.
There are 7 types of burgers to choose from. One of these is “The Colonel”, which is made with fried “chik’n”, crunchy dill pickle, herb aioli, and southern slaw.
The “Oldschool” burger is a great one to get as well. It is made with avocado, arugula, cucumber, a black bean and beet patty, and smokey aioli.
You can also try the “Signature Fish Tacos”, which are tacos that come with pickled cabbage, salsa verde, grilled Mahi Mahi, avocado sauce, black beans, and cilantro brown rice.
Address: 474 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Motorino
Why you should go here: You can get classic and unique wood-fired pizzas here
Motorino is a pizzeria with several locations throughout New York City, including one location on the Upper West Side, which you can find at 510 Columbus Avenue.
At this place, you can get delicious classic and unique wood-fired pizzas.
For example, you can get the “Soppressata Piccante”, which is a spicy pizza that includes tomato sauce, olive oil, fior di latte mozzarella, oregano, and soppressata.
Another classic option that is great is the “Margherita”, which comes with fior di latte mozzarella, tomato sauce, olive oil, pecorino, and basil.
One of the most unique options is the “Cherrystone Clam”, which is made with oreganata butter, lemon, fior di latte mozzarella, and fresh cherrystone clams.
Motorino also serves a variety of vegan pizzas, such as the “Vegan Cremini Mushroom”, which is made with vegan mozzarella, plant-based fennel sausage, Gaeta olives, cremini mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and olive oil
Address: 510 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Covacha
Why you’ll love Covacha: At this place, you can get a modern take on traditional Mexican dishes
Covacha is a restaurant on the Upper West Side where you can enjoy a modern take on traditional Mexican dishes that are made with high-quality ingredients and have unique Mexican drinks at the same time. The restaurant’s dishes are inspired by the food of western Mexican ranchos.
You can have dinner at this restaurant every day of the week.
Covacha’s menu includes plates that come with corn tortillas, guacamole, starters, “covachas”, and more.
One of the best plates on the menu is the “Barbacoa Tapatía”, which is an overnight roasted beef shank that is served with beans, radish, and jalapeño.
There are six “covachas” to choose from, which is the restaurant’s version of street food “garnachas”. One of the best ones is the “Quesabirrias”, which is served with birria broth and artisanal tortillas.
Address: 368 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Polpette 71
Known for: Polpette 71 is known for its incredible meatballs
Polpette 71 is an Italian restaurant on New York’s Upper West Side where you can enjoy incredible authentic Italian cuisine. You can find the restaurant at 71 West 71 Street.
Polpette 71’s menu includes a variety of meat dishes, chicken dishes, soups, pasta dishes, and much more.
The restaurant is known for its meatballs. One option to get is the “Sauced”, which are three beef and pork meatballs in homemade marinara. In addition to that, you can also get sliders, a sandwich, and spaghetti & meatballs in a pomodoro sauce.
Two great specialty pasta dishes to get are the “Fettuccine Carbonara”, which is a pasta dish with a creamy Alfreda sauce and bacon, and the “Black Linguini”, which is made with mussels, salmon, leeks, shrimp, tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic.
The “Pollo Marsala”, which is served with mushrooms in a marsala wine sauce, is one of the restaurant’s best chicken dishes.
You can also create your own pasta dish by choosing the type of pasta and sauce you like.
Address: 71 W 71st St, New York, NY 10023
Flor de Mayo
Why you should go to Flor de Mayo: This place serves a combination of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines
Flor de Mayo Restaurant is one of the best restaurants on the Upper West Side that serves a combination of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines. You can enjoy delicious dishes that are seasoned with spices and herbs from both Peru and China, and you can pair the food with incredible cocktails.
The dinner menu includes all kinds of dishes, such as seafood dishes. One of the best of these is the “Broiled Sea Mussels” dish, which comes with garlic, lemon, cheese, and butter.
Another great dish to get is the “Lomo Saltado”, which is a Peruvian entree that is made with sliced steak, onions, fries, and tomato over rice.
You can also get one of the meat dishes that are served with plantains, fries, or rice. A delicious one to get is the “Chicharrones de Pollo”, which is a dish that consists of fried crispy chicken chunks.
Address: 2651 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Bella Luna
Must-try: The “Rigatoni Alla Norcina”, which is made with sweet Italian sausage and tomato sauce
Bella Luna, situated on the Upper West Side’s Columbus Avenue, is an Italian restaurant that is more than 35 years old, where you can enjoy authentic classic dishes.
The dinner menu includes different types of pasta dishes, including classic ones and specialty options, brick-oven pizzas, and entrees.
One of the best classic pasta dishes is the “Rigatoni Alla Norcina”, which is made with tomato sauce and sweet Italian sausage.
A great specialty option is the “Fettuccine Primavera”. This is made with fresh white and spinach pasta, garlic, seasonal vegetables, and olive oil.
You can choose from ten different types of pizza, including the “Bella Luna”, which is made with fontina cheese, onion, wild mushroom, and truffle oil.
There are also delicious antipasti options, such as the “Fried Calamari”, which comes with a spicy marinara sauce, and the “Bruschetta”, which is toasted Tuscan bread with olive oil, tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic.
In addition to an a la carte menu, Bella Luna also has a three-course pre-fixed menu which is served from Monday through Friday.
Address: 574 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
Great to know: You can have amazing pan-fried chicken here with delicious sides, such as baked mac & cheese and lima beans
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken is a restaurant with several locations in the city, including one location on the Upper West Side. At this place, you can have delicious pan-fried chicken and more, served by chef Charles Gabriel.
You can get a plate of 3 pieces of pan-fried chicken, which is served with a choice of two sides and cornbread, or you can get another plate. Some options include smothered chicken, pulled pork, pan-fried catfish, barbecue, and smoked ribs, and it is also possible to get a combination plate.
Some of the sides you can have with your plate, include baked mac & cheese, lima beans, collard greens, grits, and okra.
Address: 146 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023
Nougatine by Jean-Georges
Why you will love this place: While having delicious food, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Central Park from the dining room of Nougatine by Jean-Georges
Nougatine by Jean-Georges, which is part of the Jean-Georges Restaurants, is a more casual place than the main restaurant. At this place, you can have delicious dishes by chef Jean-Georges made with high-quality and fresh ingredients from Monday through Sunday.
The dining room of Nougatine offers incredible views of Central Park.
The restaurant’s market-driven menu includes all kinds of meat dishes, seafood dishes, and pasta dishes.
For example, in the past, the menu has included “Black Sea Bass”, served with stewed tomatoes and summer beans.
Another dish that the restaurant has served is the “Parmesan Crusted Organic Chicken”, made with lemon butter, artichokes, and basil.
There’s also a tasting menu of several courses.
Address: 1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023
Salumeria Rosi
Why you should go to Salumeria Rosi: This place serves delicious dishes from Northern Italy, including pasta, and the dishes are made with imported ingredients from Italy
Salumeria Rosi is a restaurant and salumi shop on the Upper West Side where you can have all kinds of dishes from Northern Italy, made with imported ingredients from Italy.
Salumeria Rosi’s menu includes various appetizers, salads, pasta options, fish dishes, meat dishes, and dishes made with vegetables.
The “Tagliatelle al Tartufo” is one of the best pasta dishes on the menu. It is made with house-made tagliatelle, a parmigiano reggiano and butter sauce, and fresh truffle.
The “Gemelli al Pesto Genovese”, which is a traditional Genovese fresh basil pesto that is served with string beans, potatoes, and parmigiano reggiano, is another delicious dish to try.
You can also get the “Caponata”, one of the vegetable dishes, which is a Sicilian eggplant relish that is served with red and yellow peppers, capers, olives, onions, celery, and herbs.
Address: 283 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
Cafe Fiorello
Must-try: The “Basil Pesto and Red Shrimp” pizza, which is made with Campari tomato and toasted bread crumbs
Cafe Fiorello is a restaurant on the Upper West Side that’s located next to the Lincoln Center. At this place, you can enjoy delicious Italian food for dinner, and because of its location, it is a great place to have dinner before seeing a show at the Lincoln Center, which is one of the most fun date ideas in New York City.
The restaurant serves seafood and meat dishes, pastas, thin-crust pizzas, and other types of food.
One of Cafe Fiorello’s best pizzas is the “Basil Pesto and Red Shrimp” pizza, which is made with toasted bread crumbs and Campari tomato.
You can also get the “Four Seasons”, which comes with artichoke, mushroom, pesto, and roasted pepper.
Some great pasta dishes on the menu are the housemade ravioli with burrata mozzarella, the fettuccine bolognese, and the seafood risotto.
Address: 1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Osteria Cotta
Why you should go here: At Osteria Cotta, you can get great Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizza
Osteria Cotta, which is situated at 241 Central Park West on the Upper West Side, is an Italian eatery where you can have wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta dishes, antipasti, and other dishes.
The pizza menu includes both classic and creative options. For example, you can get the “Amatriciana”, which is made with pancetta, mozzarella, San Marzano tomato, red onions, basil, and chili flakes.
The “Rucola” is another tasty option. This wood-fired pizza comes with mozzarella, cherry tomato, arugula, and San Marzano Tomato.
Osteria Cotta’s menu includes 8 different pastas. A great one to get is the “Orecchiette”, which is made with broccoli rabe, pork & fennel sausage, and basil pesto.
Another delicious pasta dish is the house-made gnocchi with cherry tomatoes and San Marzano tomatoes.
There are also various “second” dishes that are great, such as the “Grilled Atlantic Salmon”, which is served with caponata and rosemary new potatoes, and the “Chicken Milanese”, which is a breaded chicken breast with a cherry tomato and arugula salad, and a lemon dressing.
Address: 513 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
The Consulate
Great to know: The Consulate has a rotating menu and you can get food here from cultures from all around the world
At The Consulate, you can experience flavors from around the world on the Upper West Side. The restaurant has a rotating menu with dishes from cultures from all around the world that are made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Consulate’s menu rotates monthly, and each month the menu focuses on food from one specific country in the world, which makes it possible to get to know a new cuisine each month.
You can have dinner at this restaurant every day of the week.
Address: 519 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
The Milling Room
Highlights: The Milling Room is housed in a historic building and there’s a beautiful sky-lit dining room where you can enjoy your food
The Milling Room is a restaurant that serves American cuisine, made with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Whether you want to have a meat dish, seafood, a pasta dish, or something else, you can have it at this place.
One of the best entrees to get is the “Ricotta Gnocchi”, which is made with artichokes, piquillo peppers, tomatoes, and fava beans. Another great entree is the “Squid Ink Tonnarelli”, which is made with cherry tomatoes, garlic breadcrumbs, Serrano chile, and Gulf shrimp.
You can also try the “Jurgielewicz Farm Duck Breast”, which is served with green lentils, mango and habanero chutney, star anise reduction, and glazed turnip.
A great meat dish is the “Allen Bros Prime NY Steak”. This is served with charred scallions, mashed potatoes, and rosemary gravy.
In addition to great food, The Milling Room has a beautiful interior which includes a spacious sky-lit dining room. It is housed inside a historic building that was built in 1890 as a luxurious hotel.
Address: 446 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
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Upper West Side Restaurants Tips
When deciding where to go, I recommend finding out whether one of these places is near one of the best things to do on the Upper West Side, such that you can go there before or after having food. For this, you can use the map that I included below.
For example, you can find Cafe Fiorello close to the Lincoln Center, and you can find Covacha and The Milling Room close to the American Museum of Natural History.
Some of the places that I mentioned are very busy, so I also recommend making an advanced reservation whenever possible if you want to have dinner on the Upper West Side.
Restaurants on the Upper West Side Map
I hope you found a great place to go to for dinner. Thanks for reading my guide to the best restaurants on the Upper West Side!