Best Chefs Table Restaurants in East Village (10003)
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Tsukimi
A Michelin-recognized kaiseki tasting in a 12-seat counter format.
Essential Picks
#1
Tsukimi
9.1
Intimate 12-seat kaiseki counter serving a seasonal tasting menu with modern technique and a quiet, speakeasy-like feel. Courses are precise and often playful, with pacing that makes the meal feel like a guided narrative. Best for a special-occasion splurge in the East Village.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal kaiseki tasting menu, Sablefish with konbu butter, Wagyu course (changes seasonally)
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized kaiseki tasting in a 12-seat counter format.
Notable Picks
#2
Kabawa
8.4
Chef Paul Carmichael’s Caribbean prix fixe turns the old Momofuku Ko room into a joyful, chef-forward dining experience with bold spice, thoughtful regional range, and lots of table-side energy. The open-kitchen counter seats feel like a modern chef’s table without the stiffness. Expect roti, plantain, and seafood courses that balance comfort with finesse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roti with curry chickpeas, Black bass with yellow curry, Coconut turnover
What makes it special: A rare Caribbean tasting menu in a true fine-dining frame.
#3
Moko
8.0
A modern, approachable omakase that keeps pricing south of typical Manhattan counters while maintaining strong fish quality. Courses arrive with playful garnishes and a steady rhythm that suits both newcomers and repeaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course omakase, Smoked trout nigiri, Toro with yuzu kosho
What makes it special: Affordable omakase with creative seasoning.