The Upper East Side (UES) in New York City is a neighborhood known for its upscale living, high-end shopping, and world-class dining. With a plethora of restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming for visitors and locals alike to decide where to eat. From classic American cuisine to international flavors, the UES has something for every palate and budget. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to eat in the Upper East Side, covering everything from fine dining to casual eats.
Classic American Cuisine
The Upper East Side is home to some of the city’s most iconic American restaurants, serving up classic dishes with a twist.
The Polo Bar
Located in the heart of the UES, The Polo Bar is a Ralph Lauren-owned restaurant that serves up classic American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Their menu features dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as more substantial options like steak and seafood. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere and exceptional service make it a great choice for special occasions.
Carbone
For a taste of old-school New York City, head to Carbone, an upscale Italian-American restaurant that’s a nod to the classic eateries of the 1950s and ’60s. Their menu features over-the-top dishes like veal parmesan and lobster fra diavolo, all served in a retro-inspired setting.
Le Bilboquet
This French bistro has been a UES staple for over 40 years, serving up classic dishes like steak tartare and duck l’orange. Their menu is extensive, with something for everyone, and their elegant atmosphere makes it a great choice for special occasions.
Harry’s
This classic American restaurant has been a UES institution for over 50 years, serving up dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Their menu is simple, but their execution is top-notch, and their cozy atmosphere makes it a great choice for a casual night out.
International Cuisine
The Upper East Side is home to a diverse range of international restaurants, serving up flavors from around the world.
Xi’an Famous Foods
For a taste of China, head to Xi’an Famous Foods, a casual eatery that serves up authentic noodles and dumplings. Their menu is simple, but their flavors are bold and delicious, and their prices are unbeatable.
Los Tacos No. 1
This casual Mexican restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, serving up authentic tacos and other Mexican dishes. Their menu is extensive, with something for everyone, and their prices are very reasonable. (See Also: Where to Eat in Beacon? Foodie Delights Await)
Ess-a-Bagel
This family-owned bagel shop has been a UES staple for over 30 years, serving up hand-rolled bagels and other Jewish deli classics. Their menu is simple, but their flavors are bold and delicious, and their prices are unbeatable.
Le Pain Quotidien
This French bakery has been a UES staple for over 20 years, serving up freshly baked bread and pastries. Their menu is extensive, with something for everyone, and their prices are very reasonable.
Casual Eats
The Upper East Side is home to a range of casual eateries, serving up everything from burgers to salads.
Shake Shack
This modern day “roadside” burger stand serves up some of the city’s best burgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard. Their menu is simple, but their flavors are bold and delicious, and their prices are unbeatable.
Five Guys
This popular fast-food chain serves up hand-cut french fries and endless toppings for their burgers. Their menu is simple, but their flavors are bold and delicious, and their prices are very reasonable.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
This fast-casual chain serves up burritos, bowls, and tacos made with responsibly sourced ingredients. Their menu is simple, but their flavors are bold and delicious, and their prices are very reasonable.
Breakfast and Brunch
The Upper East Side is home to a range of breakfast and brunch spots, serving up everything from eggs to pancakes.
Ess-a-Bagel
This family-owned bagel shop has been a UES staple for over 30 years, serving up hand-rolled bagels and other Jewish deli classics. Their menu is simple, but their flavors are bold and delicious, and their prices are unbeatable. (See Also: Where to Eat Dungeness Crab in San Francisco? Freshwater Favorites)
Le Pain Quotidien
This French bakery has been a UES staple for over 20 years, serving up freshly baked bread and pastries. Their menu is extensive, with something for everyone, and their prices are very reasonable.
The Butcher’s Daughter
This charming cafe serves up breakfast and brunch dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their menu is simple, but their flavors are bold and delicious, and their prices are very reasonable.
Special Occasions
The Upper East Side is home to a range of restaurants that are perfect for special occasions, from fine dining to casual eats.
The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges
This upscale restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine in an elegant setting. Their menu is extensive, with something for everyone, and their prices are very high-end.
Per Se
This three-Michelin-starred restaurant serves up contemporary French cuisine in an elegant setting. Their menu is extensive, with something for everyone, and their prices are very high-end.
Le Bilboquet
This French bistro has been a UES staple for over 40 years, serving up classic dishes like steak tartare and duck l’orange. Their menu is extensive, with something for everyone, and their prices are very reasonable.
Recap
The Upper East Side is a neighborhood known for its upscale living, high-end shopping, and world-class dining. With a plethora of restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming for visitors and locals alike to decide where to eat. From classic American cuisine to international flavors, the UES has something for every palate and budget. In this comprehensive guide, we explored the best places to eat in the Upper East Side, covering everything from fine dining to casual eats. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion spot or a casual bite, the UES has something for everyone. (See Also: Where to Eat Lunch in Boulder? Best Bites Ahead)
Key Points
- The Upper East Side is home to a diverse range of restaurants, serving up everything from classic American cuisine to international flavors.
- The UES is known for its upscale living, high-end shopping, and world-class dining.
- From fine dining to casual eats, the UES has something for every palate and budget.
- The UES is home to a range of restaurants that are perfect for special occasions, from fine dining to casual eats.
- The UES has a range of casual eateries, serving up everything from burgers to salads.
FAQs
Where to Eat in the Upper East Side?
What are the best restaurants in the Upper East Side?
The Upper East Side is home to a diverse range of restaurants, serving up everything from classic American cuisine to international flavors. Some of the best restaurants in the UES include The Polo Bar, Carbone, Le Bilboquet, and Harry’s.
What are the best casual eateries in the Upper East Side?
The Upper East Side is home to a range of casual eateries, serving up everything from burgers to salads. Some of the best casual eateries in the UES include Shake Shack, Five Guys, and Chipotle Mexican Grill.
What are the best breakfast and brunch spots in the Upper East Side?
The Upper East Side is home to a range of breakfast and brunch spots, serving up everything from eggs to pancakes. Some of the best breakfast and brunch spots in the UES include Ess-a-Bagel, Le Pain Quotidien, and The Butcher’s Daughter.
What are the best restaurants for special occasions in the Upper East Side?
The Upper East Side is home to a range of restaurants that are perfect for special occasions, from fine dining to casual eats. Some of the best restaurants for special occasions in the UES include The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, Per Se, and Le Bilboquet.
What are the best international restaurants in the Upper East Side?
The Upper East Side is home to a diverse range of international restaurants, serving up flavors from around the world. Some of the best international restaurants in the UES include Xi’an Famous Foods, Los Tacos No. 1, and Ess-a-Bagel.
