Best Trendy Restaurants in Garment District (10018)
10 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Tonchin
Tokyo-rooted tonkotsu with house-made noodles and a Michelin-noted bowl.
Notable Picks
#1
Tonchin
8.6
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Tokyo-born tonkotsu with a Midtown polish: creamy broth, springy house-made noodles, and an izakaya-side menu that’s stronger than most ramen “supporting casts.” The move is to keep it ramen-forward—one signature bowl plus one starter—because the room can get busy and pacing matters. Tonchin traces its roots to Tokyo (1992) and opened its U.S. flagship in Midtown (est. 2017), with Michelin Guide recognition boosting confidence in repeatability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, Smoked Dashi Ramen, Seared Gyoza
What makes it special: Tokyo-rooted tonkotsu with house-made noodles and a Michelin-noted bowl.
#2
The Skylark
8.6
A high-floor cocktail lounge that trades on skyline drama and a dress-up buzz without turning into a club. The move is reservation-first, cocktails-forward, and a tight set of shareable plates that won’t slow the room’s momentum.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tacos, Crispy Chicken Sliders, Herb Dusted Fries
What makes it special: A high-rise lounge where cocktails and skyline views lead the experience.
8.4
This buzzing all-day Italian offers house-made pastas and wood-fired dishes steps from Bryant Park. The signature rigatoni vodka with optional burrata has earned a devoted following, while the negroni bar and aperitivo hour bring Milanese cocktail culture to Midtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Vodka, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Olive Oil Cake
What makes it special: All-day dining with house-made pasta and vibrant aperitivo program
8.3
A polished New American brasserie inside the Refinery Hotel that’s built for Midtown utility: strong brunch energy, a reliable bar, and a dinner menu that plays classic favorites with modern restraint. The kitchen’s best lane is roast-and-pan comfort—well-executed proteins, satisfying pastas, and a room that makes business meals feel less fluorescent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick Chicken, House-made Fresh Pasta, Branzino Fillet
What makes it special: A hotel-brasserie that delivers dependable New American classics all day.
8.3
A Garment District coffee stop that punches above its footprint: tight espresso drinks and a cookie program that’s the real headline. It’s small and can get crowded, but it’s one of the most reliable quick hits in the ZIP when you want quality fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate chip cookie, Flat white, Oatmeal cranberry cookie
What makes it special: Elite espresso-and-cookie combo in a tiny Midtown shop.
#6
Boqueria
8.1
A high-energy, Barcelona-style tapas room that fits Midtown’s pace—bright, social, and built for groups who want variety. The strongest meals land when you keep it classic: one seafood, one fried bite, and a proper paella if the table’s committed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella de mariscos (seafood paella), Patatas bravas, Pan con tomate y jamón
What makes it special: A lively Barcelona-style tapas bar marrying classic Spanish dishes with a polished, contemporary Midtown setting.
8.0
A cocktail-first rooftop with semi-private seating pockets that make it feel more curated than most Midtown rooftops. The best experience is a focused one: one strong round, one snack, and a seat positioned for the view.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster roll, Mushroom croquettes, Bartender's choice cocktail
What makes it special: A rooftop built around cocktails with semi-private-feeling seating pockets.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A stylish rooftop with strong photo-and-view payoff—best for a romantic drink-first plan where food supports the night, not the other way around. Stick to crowd-pleasing shareables and one entrée; the setting is the headline, and the best dates here keep it light and moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick Chicken, Truffle Bianca Flatbread, Brunch Burger
What makes it special: A rooftop scene where views and design drive the date-night appeal.
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
A high-traffic, park-facing dining room where the draw is the setting—especially outdoors—paired with a broad American menu that includes reliable seafood options. Best used as a “scene + seafood” lunch or early dinner: pick a strong fish main, add a classic starter, and let the location do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso-crusted Spanish sea bass, Jumbo lump crab cake, Garlic shrimp
What makes it special: Park-front dining with dependable seafood picks and prime people-watching.
#10
The Independent
7.7
A snug, stylish bar-restaurant that works as a pre-theater basecamp when you want something more composed than the usual Times Square chaos. Come for cocktails and a couple of warm, shareable bites—this is a vibe-and-pacing win more than a destination dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bavarian pretzel sticks, Wings, Burger (bar-style)
What makes it special: A cozy, cocktail-forward room tucked into Midtown’s theater orbit.