Master Critic Review
Zhongzhong Noodles - Roosevelt Island
8.3
Island is a neighborhood American restaurant and bar on Madison Avenue known for polished comfort dishes, strong martinis, and a clientele that has treated it as a default Upper East Side dining room since the 1980s. White tablecloths, smart lighting, and a seafood-leaning menu make it a flexible choice for both business-adjacent dinners and quiet celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ahi tuna burger, Crab cakes, Skirt steak
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Decades of steady Upper East Side service have turned Island into a reliable, white-tablecloth standby for seafood, steaks, and martinis.
Who should go: Din ers wanting a classic neighborhood dining room for business or family occasions.
When to visit: Weeknights for quieter tables; early weekend evenings before the bar fills.
What to order: Ahi tuna burger or crab cakes, followed by skirt steak or daily fish.
Insider tip: If weather allows, request one of the limited outdoor or front-window tables; they offer more breathing room than the tightly packed interior.