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UN Plaza Grill
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
UN Plaza Grill
8.3
Opened in 2017 at the base of Trump World Tower, UN Plaza Grill is an upscale kosher steakhouse where braised boneless short ribs and BBQ-sauced rib dishes draw as much praise as the ribeye. Floor-to-ceiling windows, white linens and views toward the UN compound make it one of the more polished, special-occasion ways to eat ribs in 10017.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Boneless Short Ribs with red wine–balsamic sauce, BBQ Short Rib Sliders or Sandwich (when offered), Center-Cut Ribeye Steak
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Fine-dining kosher steakhouse across from the UN where slow-braised short ribs and occasional BBQ-style rib plates are served in a sleek, glass-walled room.
Who should go: Kosher diners or rib fans seeking a refined steakhouse setting.
When to visit: Dinner on non-event weeknights for calmer service and views.
What to order: Braised boneless short ribs, ribeye, any seasonal short-rib slider or sandwich offering.
Insider tip: Ask about current chef’s specials—short-rib preparations often rotate and can be among the strongest dishes on the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; limited metered street parking on 1st Ave and UN Plaza, typically tight during UN events. Nearest garages are along E 47th–48th Streets, usually $25–$45 for dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—blazers, dresses, and polished attire fit the room; dark denim acceptable but should be dressed up.
Noise level: Moderate—sparkling-room ambiance with steady conversation hum, but you can comfortably hold a business or date conversation.
Weekend wait: With a reservation, seating is punctual; without one, expect 30–50 minutes depending on UN-area traffic and events.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal waits; business diners are turned over efficiently.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, vegetable starters, and occasional pasta or grain dishes are available, though the menu leans protein-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 composed dishes plus modifiable salads; call ahead if strict vegan options are required.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many mains and short-rib dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is accustomed to dietary requests and can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the skyline views, white-linen formality, and polished service set a special-occasion tone without feeling stuffy. Ideal if you want to impress with a classic, upscale room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early weekday evenings and late dinners are your best bet. On UN session weeks or peak weekends, walk-ins are unlikely to be seated promptly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids or teens accustomed to fine dining will be comfortable, but there’s no dedicated children’s menu and the room skews formal.
Best For
Better for: Refined kosher steakhouse dining with elevated short-rib preparations and panoramic UN-area views—ideal for date nights, executive meals, and celebrations.
Skip if: You want casual BBQ, lower price points, or a relaxed, family-first environment; the polished setting and upscale pricing are not suited for quick, informal meals.
UN Plaza Grill
8.4
Overlooking the UN complex, UN Plaza Grill is an upscale kosher restaurant blending steakhouse-style cuts with sushi and globally influenced mains. Floor-to-ceiling windows, polished service, and a flexible menu make it a reliable choice for observant diners, business gatherings, and special-occasion dinners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
20 oz cowboy rib steak, Pistachio-crusted lamb chops, Pan-seared Chilean sea bass
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Kosher fine dining marrying serious steaks, sushi, and UN views.
Who should go: Kosher diners wanting upscale steakhouse energy.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners, especially Sunday through Wednesday.
What to order: Cowboy rib steak, lamb chops, Chilean sea bass.
Insider tip: Reserve near the windows to capture sunset light over the UN.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Turtle Bay; nearest reliable option is the ICON garage at 865 UN Plaza or other 44th–45th Street garages. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets welcome but not required; polished denim acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during prime dinner hours but still suitable for business or date conversations.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins are seated only when the dining room has gaps.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though business-heavy days may see a brief 5–10 minute delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, sushi vegetable rolls, and a few composed mains are available.
Vegan options: Limited — can accommodate with modified dishes, but dedicated vegan entrées are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Strong — many steaks, seafood dishes, and sushi items can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The refined room, UN views, and attentive but unobtrusive service create an elevated backdrop that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early weeknights and later seatings are your best chance, but peak dinner hours almost always require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens accustomed to fine dining; no dedicated kids’ menu and the ambience skews formal.
Best For
Better for: Kosher fine dining with both steakhouse classics and sushi — a combination few Midtown restaurants deliver at this level.
Skip if: You want casual pricing, loud energy, or a menu heavy in dairy or non-kosher specialties.
UN Plaza Grill
7.9
Overlooking the United Nations complex, UN Plaza Grill offers upscale kosher steakhouse fare, sushi and globally influenced mains in a sleek room with two dedicated private spaces. Observant diners, diplomats and corporate hosts use it for events where kosher requirements, skyline-adjacent views and serious steak—think cowboy ribeye and Chilean sea bass—have to coexist.
Must-Try Dishes:
20 oz cowboy rib steak, Pan-seared Chilean sea bass, UN Plaza Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Kosher fine-dining restaurant with two proper private rooms and a menu that marries steakhouse classics with sushi.
Who should go: Kosher groups planning elevated business or celebration dinners.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or Sunday service for less rushed pacing.
What to order: Cowboy rib steak, Chilean sea bass, a sushi roll to share.
Insider tip: Book a private room on UN session evenings if you want to avoid lobby congestion while still enjoying the view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited around UN Plaza, especially during UN events; nearby paid garages on 44th–46th Streets usually run $25–$40.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished lean; jackets not required, but most diners dress business-professional or elevated evening casual.
Noise level: Moderate — open dining room hums during peak hours, but private rooms stay comfortably conversational.
Weekend wait: Minimal walk-in availability; expect to wait 45–60 minutes or be turned away without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless a diplomatic delegation or business group has booked multiple tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several starters and mains rely on vegetables, fish-free sushi rolls and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 modifiable dishes; advance notice helps the kitchen accommodate.
Gluten-free options: Good options — many steaks, fish dishes and sushi items are naturally gluten-free; staff is accustomed to dietary coordination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an upscale, quiet-leaning setting with attentive service; private rooms or corner tables add intimacy, though the formality may feel heavy for a casual first meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early on weeknights, but unlikely during UN sessions or weekend dinners; calling ahead for real-time availability is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who can handle a formal dining room; no dedicated children’s menu and limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Kosher fine dining with legit private rooms, upscale steaks and polished service — ideal when dietary rules and an elevated setting must align.
Skip if: You want a casual meal, broader non-kosher menu variety, or a more high-energy atmosphere; several Midtown steakhouses will feel less formal and more flexible.