Where To Eat In Upper East Side

When it comes to dining out in New York City, the Upper East Side (UES) is a culinary haven that offers a diverse range of cuisines to suit every taste and budget. From classic New York diners to upscale eateries, the UES is home to some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and locals alike.

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Overview of the Upper East Side Dining Scene

The Upper East Side is a sprawling neighborhood that stretches from 59th Street to 96th Street, and from the East River to Central Park. This affluent neighborhood is known for its luxurious apartments, high-end boutiques, and world-class museums, but it’s also a hub for gastronomic delights. With over 1,000 restaurants to choose from, the UES offers everything from classic American comfort food to international cuisine, including Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese, and more.

Neighborhood Highlights

The UES is divided into several smaller neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and dining scene. For example, Lenox Hill is known for its upscale eateries, while Carnegie Hill is home to a mix of casual diners and family-friendly restaurants. The stretch of Lexington Avenue between 72nd and 86th Streets is particularly popular, with a high concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of the Upper East Side, highlighting the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the neighborhood. From budget-friendly options to splurge-worthy destinations, we’ll cover it all, so you can plan your next dining adventure in the UES with confidence.

Where to Eat in Upper East Side: A Comprehensive Guide

The Upper East Side (UES) is a culinary haven, offering a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From classic New York eateries to trendy newcomers, this neighborhood has it all. In this article, we’ll take you on a gastronomic tour of the UES, highlighting the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries to visit.

Breakfast and Brunch Spots

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of these popular spots:

Sarabeth’s: This beloved institution has been serving up farm-to-table breakfast and brunch dishes for over 30 years. Try their signature eggs benedict or avocado toast.
Café Luxembourg: This charming French bistro offers a mouthwatering breakfast menu, including croissants, quiche, and omelets.
Russ & Daughters Cafe: This Jewish deli and appetizing shop serves up classic breakfast dishes, including bagels with lox and knishes.
The Smith: This popular brunch spot offers a seasonal menu featuring dishes like eggs benedict, pancakes, and sandwiches.

Lunch and Sandwich Shops

Grab a quick bite or meet a friend for lunch at one of these popular spots: (See Also: Where To Eat In Lavenham)

Kossar’s Bialys: This iconic Jewish deli has been serving up classic sandwiches, soups, and salads for over 80 years.
Lievito: This Italian deli offers a wide range of sandwiches, paninis, and salads, as well as a daily hot table.
: This French bakery and cafe serves up delicious sandwiches, quiches, and salads, as well as freshly baked bread and pastries.
Xe Lua: This casual Vietnamese eatery offers a variety of banh mi sandwiches, noodle soups, and salads.

Dinner and Fine Dining

Treat yourself to a night out at one of these exceptional dinner spots:

Carbone: This retro Italian-American restaurant is a nod to the classic eateries of the past, serving up dishes like veal parmesan and lobster fra diavolo.
The Mark Restaurant: Located in the Mark Hotel, this upscale restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring dishes like foie gras, steak tartare, and roasted duck.
Café Fiorello: This cozy Italian restaurant serves up classic dishes like pasta, risotto, and osso buco, as well as an extensive wine list.
Daniel: This three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a prix fixe menu featuring dishes like foie gras, lobster, and lamb, all expertly prepared by Chef Daniel Boulud.

International Cuisine

The UES is a melting pot of international cuisines, offering a range of options to suit every taste:

Kokage: This intimate Japanese restaurant serves up traditional dishes like sushi, ramen, and udon, as well as more modern creations.
Pampano: This Mexican restaurant offers a range of dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and ceviche, all made with fresh, sustainable ingredients.
Momofuku Noodle Bar: This trendy Asian fusion restaurant serves up dishes like pork buns, ramen, and kimchi stew.
Dhaba: This Indian restaurant offers a range of traditional dishes, including curries, tandoori specialties, and naan bread.

Desserts and Sweet Treats

Indulge your sweet tooth at one of these popular dessert spots:

Serendipity 3: This iconic dessert shop has been serving up decadent treats like sundaes, milkshakes, and frozen hot chocolate for over 60 years.
Ladurée: This French bakery and cafe offers a range of delicious pastries, macarons, and ice cream.
Grom: This Italian gelato shop offers a range of unique flavors, including pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella.
: This beloved bakery offers a range of sweet treats, including cupcakes, banana pudding, and icebox desserts.

Special Mentions

These eateries may not fit into a specific category, but are definitely worth a mention:

Zabar’s: This iconic Jewish deli and appetizing shop has been a UES institution for over 80 years, offering a range of classic dishes and specialty items.
Ess-a-Bagel: This family-owned bagel shop has been serving up freshly baked bagels, bialys, and flagels for over 40 years.
Glaser’s Bake Shop: This historic bakery has been serving up traditional German breads, pastries, and cakes for over 100 years.

Recap and Summary

In conclusion, the Upper East Side offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From classic New York eateries to trendy newcomers, this neighborhood has it all. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a night out at a fine dining establishment, the UES has something for everyone. (See Also: Where To Eat In Harlem)

Remember to try some of the neighborhood’s iconic institutions, like Sarabeth’s, Russ & Daughters Cafe, and Carbone. Don’t forget to explore the international cuisine options, like Kokage, Pampano, and Dhaba. And of course, save room for dessert at one of the many sweet treat spots, like Serendipity 3, Ladurée, and Magnolia Bakery.

With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings in the Upper East Side.

Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in Upper East Side

What are the best restaurants for brunch in the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side has plenty of amazing brunch spots. Some popular options include Sarabeth’s, Russ & Daughters Cafe, and The Smith. These restaurants offer a range of delicious dishes, from eggs benedict to avocado toast, and are perfect for a leisurely weekend meal.

Are there any good Italian restaurants in the Upper East Side?

Absolutely! The Upper East Side has a rich Italian-American heritage, and there are many excellent Italian restaurants to choose from. Some standouts include Caravaggio, which serves up classic dishes like pasta and osso buco, and Parm, which is famous for its crispy chicken parmesan sandwiches.

Where can I find a good bagel in the Upper East Side?

A good bagel is a staple of New York City, and the Upper East Side has plenty of great options. Ess-a-Bagel is a popular spot, with a wide variety of creative flavors like cinnamon raisin and everything. You can also try H&H Bagels, which has been a neighborhood institution for over 40 years. (See Also: Where To Eat In Gdansk Old Town)

Are there any restaurants in the Upper East Side that are good for a romantic dinner?

The Upper East Side has plenty of romantic restaurants that are perfect for a special occasion. One standout is The Mark Restaurant, which serves up contemporary American cuisine in an elegant setting. Another option is Cafe D’Alsace, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu of French-inspired dishes.

Are there any affordable dining options in the Upper East Side?

While the Upper East Side is known for its upscale restaurants, there are also plenty of affordable options to choose from. Xi’an Famous Foods is a great spot for cheap and delicious Chinese noodles, and Luke’s Lobster is a popular spot for a quick and affordable seafood meal. You can also try one of the many diners in the neighborhood, like the Lexington Candy Shop, which serves up classic American comfort food at a reasonable price.