Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in New York City

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in New York City? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Lobster Club

4.8

4.8 (376)

$50 and over

Japanese

Midtown East

About the restaurant

The Lobster Club, a Japanese Brasserie by Major Food Group, is a fixture within Midtown Manhattan's iconic Seagram Building. Designed by architect Peter Marino in collaboration with MFG, the dynamic space reflects an outstanding – perhaps extravagant - interpretation of Japanese cuisine. Using classic techniques like tempura, gyoza, yakitori and robata, along with a focus on Teppanyaki and Sushi, The Lobster Club sources fish directly from Tokyo's Tsukiji market to ensure the highest level of quality. Everything on the menu is designed to be shared, encouraging a spirit of informal fun.

Top review

KellyVIP

Dined on 30 Apr 2025

Excellent! Beautiful bar, great music playing and everything taste delicious!

Wano

4.8

4.8 (60)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Midtown East

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Midtown, WANO New York is a vibrant beacon of contemporary Japanese Izakaya culture, bringing a slice of Tokyo's spirited dining scene to the Big Apple.
At WANO, every dish tells a story, crafted with the finesse of traditional techniques and the flair of modern innovation. Our Izakaya is a celebration — of flavors that sing, of company that warms the heart, and of the Izakaya tradition that pulsates through the city's veins.

Top review

KerryVIP

Dined on 11 May 2025

Great food. Very quiet somewhat hard to find becsuse of scaffolding. Worth trying if youre looking for a quiet place.

Planta - NYC NoMad

4.8

4.8 (21)

$31 to $50

Vegan

NoMad

About the restaurant

At PLANTA, we see plants differently.

Led by Founder and CEO Steven Salm and Co-founder and Executive Chef David Lee, PLANTA was born in 2016 to expand the accessibility and acceptability of plant based dining; dining as it should be — an unguilty pleasure. Creating a premier hospitality collective of 100% plant-based restaurants, PLANTA reimagines, reinvents, and revitalizes, providing flavorful proof that the power of plants can change the world.

Top review

HelenVIP

Dined on 6 Apr 2025

My friends and I enjoyed a wonderful Sunday lunch at Planta. The warm vibe, beautiful space, delicious and healthy food, and friendly and professional team made for a perfect weekend meal! I highly recommend. We'll go back again.

BKK New York

4.8

4.8 (18)

$30 and under

Thai

Midtown

About the restaurant

BKK New York is a contemporary Thai restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, inspired by Bangkok Street food. BKK creatively combines the cultures and flavors of Bangkok and New York City, with fresh takes on NYC staples, like the BKK Hot Dog with Chiang-Mai pork sausage and a brisket sandwich with Thai spicy beef jus. Thai comfort food and classic dishes abound, such as Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Green Curry and Kra Pow Gai Kai Dow to name a few. Executive Chef Teerawong "Yo" Nanthavatsiri, leads the way with unique and innovative twists on Thai and New York dishes, alongside rising stars Joy Andeggplant and Prik Pimploy.

BKK's cocktail menu features a variety of playful, ingredient-forward cocktails and mocktails that also pay homage to Thai and New York items, along with Thai beer on tap, and a comprehensive wine selection. Raw and textured design elements such as neon lights, fluted glass panels and white brick walls mirror the lively atmosphere of Bangkok's street food scene.

Top review

ChrisVIP

Dined 3 days ago

I read other reviews and we went based on what other previous reservations said. It was all correct. This was a genuine Thai Restaurant with great service. Our waitress Sophia was very helpful in selecting our wine and entree dishes. For those that want traditional spicy or you want no spice this restaurant can accommodate your needs. I would highly recommend when you are looking for authentic Thai cuisine.

Le Jardinier - New York

4.7

4.7 (461)

$50 and over

French

Midtown East

About the restaurant

Le Jardinier is an approachable yet refined hyper-seasonal restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli. Rooted in classic French technique, Verzeroli has created a menu where seasonality a prominent role: local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, and greens are complemented by sustainable proteins. The wine list features over 350 references, and has an international focus drawing heavily on the French regions of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Cocktails utilize high quality craft spirits, fortified wines, fresh herbs, and house made tinctures and bitters.

Top review

VanessaVIP

Dined on 11 May 2025

Amazing experience! The food was fabulous. Incredible presentation and delicious. This was truly a special event, from the moment you walked in every detail was superb. The flowers, the card, the menu, nothing was forgotten. The entire staff was so attentive! I don’t know how I’ve missed going to this restaurant but I guarantee we will return.

Lucky Cat

4.7

4.7 (12)

$30 and under

Izakaya

Midtown East

About the restaurant

The Lucky Cat is situated in Midtown NYC, a vibrant center of Japanese business and culture. Our large beckoning cat, an emblem of Japan's Maneki Neko tradition, warmly welcomes everyone. The restaurant is operated by chef and partner Koji Kagawa, embracing the 'Izakaya' concept—an informal Japanese gastropub typically frequented after work for drinks. Our menu offers authentic dishes served in a tapas style, perfect for sharing. Come and unwind with us! Irashaimase!

Top review

hrb18VIP

Dined on 22 Mar 2025

Good service and good food. Great to go with kids although certain time on weekend, they start DJing so loud music.

Bubo

4.6

4.6 (4)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Midtown East

About the restaurant

Bubo combines the elegance of an old world cocktail lounge with the warmth of a local speakeasy. It is an intimate space for dinner and pairing courses with our constantly evolving mix of international wines, artisanal cocktails and craft beers. Our small dishes, all enjoyed at the bar or the hidden back-room lounge, are inspired by the cuisines of the Mediterranean region. Our cuisine focuses on organic ingredients which are baked, skillet cooked, roasted, or grilled to perfection. Please contact the restaurant to book parties of 8 or more.

Top review

Sylvester P.

Dined on 16 Jan 2025

A small and an intimate space to celebrate any special occasion.

YAKINIKU TORAJI

4.6

4.6 (201)

$50 and over

Japanese

Midtown East

About the restaurant

Toraji is a “yakiniku” style BBQ restaurant.
Since our first shop has been established in 1995 in Tokyo, Ebisu area, we came a long way.
Starting with “namuru” and “kimchi” Korean style steamed and pickeled vegetables, continuing with tongue, ribs and/or outside skirt, finishing with cold noodles or “pibimpab”korean style mixed rice .
bowl. We are comited to provide you the “yakiniku” you want for the days you feel like having a “yakiniku”.
We as pro won`t do any compromise in terms of ingredients, taste or service, Toraji will continue to promote the right way the yakiniku culture, bringing taste, happiness and health to our customers.

Top review

AvishanVIP

Dined on 11 Feb 2025

Best food, best service. Best Restuarant in New York! Arigato

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4.6

4.6 (14)

$50 and over

Italian

Greenwich Village

About the restaurant

Tucci is a labor of love that honors the Tucci family's legacy, serving refined modern Italian cuisine and family recipes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant features the distinctive Tucci touch across two levels of dining. The main floor boasts intimate handcrafted banquets, velvet drapes and floor-to-ceiling windows, making the perfect atmosphere for a sublime evening. The lower level dining and cocktail lounge has brick and stone arches dating back to the 1800s, as well as a massive, exquisite handmade bar to complement specially curated cocktails and private dining areas that resemble Tuscan wine cellars. The restaurant is ideal for special occasions and events of all sizes.

Top review

Raffaele

Dined on 4 May 2025

The food and ambiance was excellent as advertised

Wild Park Slope

4.6

4.6 (15)

$30 and under

Italian

Park Slope

About the restaurant

Discover Wild Park Slope—a farm-to-table, 100% gluten-free Italian haven in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Our menu transforms traditional Italian dishes with a modern, health-conscious twist using fresh, organic ingredients. Enjoy artisanal pastas, personal wood-fired pizzas, baked goods, and desserts that are completely celiac-safe. Weekend brunch features bottomless deals with gluten-free French toast and inventive breakfast pizza. Plus, our full dinner menu is available during brunch! Seafood lovers will appreciate our expanded raw bar, offering fresh oysters, clams, seafood towers, and delightful tapas during happy hour. Complement your meal with handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, homemade sangria , gluten-free bottled drinks in an inviting space with modern rustic charm and a cozy backyard vibe. Jazz nights every Tuesday from 7-9pm add a lively twist. With friendly service and a warm atmosphere, every visit feels special. Reserve your table on OpenTable today!

Top review

NinaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

When you are celiac and can not eat wheat finding a gluten free restaurant is absolute haven! We were greeted warmly as we walked in. Staff was sweet and helpful. Italian food was great! Mozzarella sticks were a bug treat, the bread basket was very tasty, meatballs yum, calamari was not greasy, it was perfect! Ordered three personal pies all delish! A great place with a great vibe and fantastic food!!!

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Experience

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