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The Best Bars for Foodies in New York

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated 15 December 2023
New York City is known as the city that never sleeps, and for good reason: there's always something going on. The city is home to some of the most unique nightlife in the world, and the best bars in NYC range from local dives to high-end restaurants, to everything in between. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to rooftop views, classic hotel spots to white-tableclothed steakhouses—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Impress your friends and family and score a spot; we wish we could join you.
A photo of Temple Court restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1389)
$50 and over
American
Financial District
About the restaurant
Curated by Tom Colicchio and located in the landmark Beekman Hotel, Temple Court makes our list of the best bars in NYC because of its sensational design and its unparalleled commitment to unique offerings with both its food and its spirits. In addition to beer and wine, Temple Court offers a variety of ciders and spirits.
Top review
Kathleen
Dined on 7 Feb 2025
The service and food was excellent. Restaurant Week was a big bonus and one of the best deals with many choices unlike many other restaurants.
A photo of Dirty French NYC restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1351)
$50 and over
French
Lower East Side
About the restaurant
Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick have curated this restaurant, located in the legendary Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side, and created a one-of-a-kind dining experience for locals and tourists alike. Within the Dirty French lies the Lobby Bar, curated by Thomas Waugh, famous for his work with the Major Food Group.
Top review
mitchellVIP
Dined on 17 Dec 2024
I return often. Everything is very nice. Highly recommend.
A photo of Locanda Verde Tribeca restaurant
4.5
4.5 (2537)
$31 to $50
Italian
TriBeCa
About the restaurant
This TriBeCa hotspot offers modern Italian cuisine and a matching modern Italian wine list. It's one of the pricier bars on this list, however, and getting a reservation is extremely difficult. However, if you're lucky enough to get in here, it's well worth the money spent.
Top review
KurtVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Didn’t care for the food which changed since last visit. The Pumpkin Ravioli had so much brown sugar on it that it tasted like a Sunday brunch entree. Also the beet salad as not as flavorful as I’d hoped. I’ll try it one more time because in years past I gave it five stars. But this visit was a 2z
A photo of The Lobster Club restaurant
4.8
4.8 (368)
$50 and over
Japanese
Midtown East
About the restaurant
For a different type of Upper East Side bar, check out The Lobster Club, which is located on East 53rd Street. Offering high-end Japanese fare, including sushi and teppanyaki dishes, The Lobster Club offers a wide selection of sake, Japanese beer, and light wines to complement the Asian fare.
Top review
MacVIP
Dined on 29 Jan 2025
Excellent food and service Perfect place in midtown for lunch and dinner
A photo of Masseria dei Vini restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3012)
$31 to $50
Italian
Midtown West
About the restaurant
Unlike many Italian restaurants that specialize in pan-Italian fare suited for the American palate, Masseria dei Vini near Columbus Circle boasts strictly Puglian fare and exclusive Italian wines suited for a more refined palate.
Top review
GeraldVIP
Dined on 27 Nov 2024
My go to Italian restaurant!!! The managers and staff are all wonderful… attentive, professional and friendly! Food is always well prepared and plated beautifully… and they provide an interesting wine list.. Great place for an intimate dinner or family gathering!
A photo of Boucherie - Union Square restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2645)
$31 to $50
French
Gramercy Park
About the restaurant
Located in the heart of the West Village, Boucherie prides itself on having patrons experience authentic French culture and cuisine. As a result, the bar features absinthe and various mixed drinks with absinthe as the main ingredient. If you're looking for one of the best bars in NYC for absinthe, you've come to the right place.
Top review
Steven
Dined 1 day ago
What a night in Paris, the ambiance was amazing moderate but yet very appropriate for the evening. Started the evening with a quick drink at the bar while we waited for our table. Then got seated to our table, started with SOUPE À L’OIGNON which was amazing very flavorful and the perfect amount of Gruyère cheese. For our entree my wife ordered the SAUMON RÔTI and I ordered the FAUX-FILET BERCY medium rare. The meal was amazing and we will definitely be coming back! Had to end the night with a CRÈME BRÛLÉE and BASQUE CHEESECAKE w/ mixed berry coulis. (Also took the PROFITEROLES to go).
A photo of The Clocktower restaurant
$50 and over
English
Gramercy Park
About the restaurant
Centrally located near Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, The Clocktower is curated by master Chef Jason Atherton and located in the New York EDITION building. In addition to offering cleverly-named signature drinks (The French Connection and All Along The Clocktower, to wit), it boasts a wine list that is more than 30 pages long!
Top review
KevinK
Dined on 26 May 2023
The service and food were amazing. Everything was on-point from the moment we arrived to when we left. The beef Wellington and salmon stake were perfect. The only suggest I have is to turn down the music a tad as I couldn't hear half of what my wife was saying. Otherwise, the ambiance and decor were great as well. The bread served at the beginning of the meal was so flavorful and delicious.
A photo of Upland restaurant
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Gramercy Park
About the restaurant
This is perhaps the only bar on this list that's based in New York City but prides itself on its California influences. Changing its menu with the seasons, Upland is located near Madison Square Park and boasts a robust wine and spirits list alongside its full bar.
Top review
JeremyKVIP
Dined on 12 Nov 2019
Great food, great atmosphere. Shame they ran out of the hen of the woods mushrooms!
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