ZipPicks Awards
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Midtown East
Best Trendy Restaurants in Midtown East
Best Tasting Menus in Midtown East
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Aquavit
8.9
Aquavit is a two-Michelin-star Nordic restaurant delivering precise, seasonal tasting menus in a sleek, quietly luxurious dining room. Chef Emma Bengtsson’s cooking leans on Scandinavian classics like gravlax and Swedish meatballs, reworked with modern technique and elegant plating for serious special-occasion dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toast Skagen with shrimp and trout roe on brioche, Swedish meatballs with pommes purée, cucumbers and lingonberries, Chef’s tasting menu seasonal fish course (often North Sea cod or Arctic char)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Polished, modern Nordic tasting menus with two Michelin stars.
Who should go: Serious diners celebrating milestones or impressing clients.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or long, unhurried lunch.
What to order: Tasting menu, Toast Skagen, Swedish meatballs at the bar.
Insider tip: Book lunch for a slightly softer price point and easier reservations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; rely on nearby garages along 55th/56th Street. Street parking is scarce after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets common but not required; polished attire fits the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate — intimate enough for serious conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Effectively no walk-in availability; book ahead or expect to be turned away.
Weekday lunch: Reservations still recommended, but walk-ins may be seated if arriving early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong accommodation — the kitchen can prepare a full vegetarian tasting with advance notice.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with pre-arrangement, but expect a significantly pared-down menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — most dishes can be adapted and the kitchen is experienced with gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the quiet, refined room and highly polished service make it ideal for an impressive, conversation-friendly first date, especially if you want something elevated and controlled.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely — dinner books out. Your best chance is weekday lunch or a bar seat, but availability varies and isn’t guaranteed.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the format is long, formal, and tasting-menu focused. Best for older teens who enjoy fine dining; no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Meticulous Nordic techniques, polished service, and serene luxury without the theatrics common in other Michelin tasting rooms.
Consider Alternatives If: You prefer casual dining, à la carte flexibility, or quicker meals — or if you want bold, non-Nordic flavors.