ZipPicks Awards
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Upper East Side
Master Critic Review
Island Restaurant
7.8
Island is a quietly upscale Carnegie Hill fixture, serving New American seafood and grilled meats in a yacht-like dining room that’s popular for anniversaries and neighborhood date nights. Open since the mid-1980s, it leans more old-school than trendy, but its steak frites and seasonal specials remain a dependable order for couples who live nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites, Lobster Roll, Maine Blueberry Cobbler
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A long-running Madison Avenue townhouse restaurant where steak frites and Northeastern seafood are served in a calm, yacht-club-like room.
Who should go: Locals wanting a quieter, old-school Carnegie Hill steak-and-seafood date.
When to visit: Early weekend dinners or later midweek seatings for the most relaxed atmosphere.
What to order: Steak Frites, Lobster Roll, Maine Blueberry Cobbler for dessert
Insider tip: Request a booth or window two-top upstairs if you’re celebrating; those tables feel more private than the busier central floor.