Best Trendy Restaurants in Upper West Side (Central)
55 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Lucciola
Cinematic, truffle-forward Bologna-style cooking in a cozy, pod-lined corner space.
Notable Picks
#1
Lucciola
8.9
Lucciola is an intimate Upper West Side Italian restaurant inspired by the cinema of Bologna, with candlelit rooms, an all-Italian wine list, and a menu that leans hard into truffle, rich pastas, and indulgent secondi. Heated outdoor pods and a reservations-driven dinner service make it one of the neighborhood’s most reliably romantic options for special-occasion Italian dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe, Wagyu Beef Cheek Stracotto, Truffle Burrata Pinsa
What Makes it Special: Cinematic, truffle-forward Bologna-style cooking in a cozy, pod-lined corner space.
#2
Takeda
8.9
Intimate omakase counter on Amsterdam Avenue where Chef Takeda serves a tightly choreographed tasting focused on dry-aged fish, pristine nigiri, and a few composed small plates. It’s where Upper West Side diners go when they want a serious, lingering sushi experience without crossing town.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beltfish with king crab and yuba, Fluke nigiri, Hotategai (scallop) nigiri
What Makes it Special: Quiet omakase counter where multi-course sushi tastings feel personal and precise.
#3
Dagon
8.8
Modern Israeli restaurant on a prominent Broadway corner serving mezze, breads, and wood-leaning mains with Levantine flavors. Locals use it for date nights, celebrations, and nights when they want serious cooking and a buzzier room than most of the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kubaneh, Crispy Roasted Lamb, Shishbarak
What Makes it Special: Levantine-leaning Israeli cooking with house breads and mezze worth planning around.
8.8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Maison Pickle riffs on classic American comfort with supersized French dips, fried chicken on challah toast, and over-the-top mac and cheese in a dim, bustling room. Locals treat it as a destination for indulgent brunches, group dinners, and celebratory nights built around big plates and cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken 'N' Toast, Classique Mac & Cheese, French Dip Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Blowout American comfort food and cocktails served in big, shareable formats.
#5
RedFarm
8.8
RedFarm on Broadway is a modern Chinese restaurant where playful dim sum and composed small plates land on a covered sidewalk patio that welcomes dogs. Locals use it for lively nights built around duck, creative dumplings, and cocktails before or after neighborhood plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pac-Man Shrimp Dumplings, Peking Duck, Katz's Pastrami Egg Roll
What Makes it Special: Playful dim sum and duck served on a dog-friendly Broadway patio.
Upper West Side outpost of Sushi of Gari, known for topping pristine nigiri with creative sauces and garnishes rather than relying on soy sauce. Locals use it for splurge dinners and special occasions where the omakase leans playful but still focuses squarely on top-tier fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tofu Sushi, Salmon Tomato Sushi, Sushi Omakase
What Makes it Special: Creative, sauce-driven nigiri and omakase that defined a modern Gari style of sushi.
Levain’s original Upper West Side shop is a basement-level bakery famous for six-ounce cookies that draw steady lines for most of the day. The tiny space focuses on a short list of ultra-rich cookies and a few baked goods, making it a go-to stop for serious dessert runs before or after a walk in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
What Makes it Special: Oversized, ultra-dense cookies that helped define the modern NYC cookie craze.
#8
Covacha
8.8
Modern Mexican restaurant on the Upper West Side serving Jalisco-inspired ranch cooking with a serious cocktail program. The kitchen leans into slow-cooked moles, barbacoa, and seafood plates that have earned it a Bib Gourmand nod and a steady local following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole Dulce Pork Belly Plato, Zarandeado Whole Striped Bass, Guacamole Ashes
What Makes it Special: Jalisco-focused cooking with Bib Gourmand recognition and serious cocktails.
#9
Eléa
8.7
Bi-level Greek restaurant with a coastal-inspired room, a strong mezze program, and grilled fish at the center of the menu. Upper West Siders lean on it for slightly upscale dinners that still feel relaxed enough for groups and celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Htipiti, Whole Grilled Tsipoura, Lamb Chops
What Makes it Special: Contemporary Greek cooking in a polished, coastal-feeling two-level space.
#10
Sala Thai
8.7
Sala Thai on the Upper West Side blends refined execution with classic Thai flavors in a lively, warmly decorated space. Generous portions and standout curries make it a favorite for both longtime locals and visitors seeking reliable Thai dining near Lincoln Center. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes:
Massaman Curry, Drunken Noodles, Crispy Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Consistent crowd‑pleasing Thai with broad menu appeal
8.7
Made In New York Pizza on Amsterdam specializes in ultra-crisp square slices with cupping pepperoni and a balanced, slightly sweet sauce, plus classic round pies. Locals treat it as a modern UWS slice benchmark, especially for quick dinners and late-night cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy pepperoni square slice, Classic cheese slice, White square slice
What Makes it Special: Crisp-edged square slices with cupping pepperoni and balanced sauce.
#12
Jacob's Pickles
8.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
A high-demand Upper West Side comfort-food institution where the burger win is treating it like a Southern-leaning, indulgent main rather than a light snack. The kitchen’s strength is bold seasoning, big portions, and a menu built to satisfy groups and cravings at scale.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Bacon Smash Burger, Mac & Cheese, Buttermilk Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: A comfort-food heavyweight with a legit smash-burger option for big cravings.
#13
Motorino Pizza
8.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Motorino’s Upper West Side outpost serves Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pies near the Museum of Natural History, making it an easy sit-down choice for families who care about crust. The compact room runs busy but stays relaxed enough for kids, with friendly service and a menu of familiar toppings alongside their famous Brussels sprouts pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Brussels sprouts and pancetta pizza, Soppressata piccante pizza
What Makes it Special: Serious Neapolitan pizza in a kid-welcoming, museum-adjacent setting.
8.7
La Pecora Bianca’s Upper West Side outpost pairs a stylish two-story room and enclosed patio with house-made pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and a spritz-focused bar program. A kid-friendly, gluten-free–aware setup and Central Park–adjacent location make it a polished but practical choice for families planning brunch or dinner around museum time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni vodka, Tagliatelle bolognese, Margherita pizza
What Makes it Special: Polished all-day Italian with house-made pasta, Neapolitan pies, and spritzes.
#15
Bustan
8.6
Pan-Mediterranean spot with a wood-fired oven turning out clay-pot lamb, flatbreads, and shareable plates in a narrow but comfortable room. It’s a go-to for small groups and casual celebrations where mezze, wine, and warm service are the main draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Terracotta Pot, Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Hummus with Lamb
What Makes it Special: Pan-Mediterranean cooking with wood-fired signatures and shareable plates.
8.6
Modern Bread and Bagel is a 100% gluten-free, kosher bakery-café where bagels, cinnamon buns, and pastries are made with serious technique rather than marketed as substitutes. The Upper West Side location doubles as a brunch and lunch spot, with baked goods, sandwiches, and breads that draw both gluten-free diners and everyone else.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-Free Bagels, Cinnamon Bun, Chocolate Babka Loaf
What Makes it Special: Serious gluten-free baking that feels like a destination café, not a compromise.
#17
Nice Matin
8.6
Nice Matin is a long-running French Provençal brasserie at the base of the Lucerne Hotel, known for its extensive wine list and elegant, softly lit dining room. It’s a popular Upper West Side pick for date nights and anniversaries, especially when you want classic French dishes and a sidewalk terrace that feels distinctly Parisian.
Must-Try Dishes:
Friday Bouillabaisse, Steak Frites, Niçoise Salad
What Makes it Special: Provençal-style French brasserie with a deep wine list and terrace seating.
8.6
Since 2005, Land Thai Kitchen has been the Upper West Side’s modern Thai standby for polished curries, noodles, and northern-style specials in a compact, always-busy room. Diners lean on it for dependable weeknight dinners, strong delivery, and a slightly more refined take on neighborhood Thai with dishes like khao soi sharing space with classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Curry (GF), Pad See Ew, Grilled Chicken Khao Soi Noodles
What Makes it Special: Long-running, high-volume Thai kitchen balancing northern-style specials with dialed-in neighborhood favorites.
#19
Prohibition
8.5
Prohibition is a Jazz Age–styled supper club that’s been anchoring Columbus Avenue nightlife since the late 1990s, pairing nightly live music with cocktails and a full New American menu. A big bar, rotating bands, and sidewalk seating make it a dependable late-night option for dates and groups who want a show with their meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Lollipop Lamb Chops, Shrimp Strozzapretti
What Makes it Special: Live bands every night in a speakeasy-inspired room with a full dinner menu.
8.5
Crave Fishbar’s Upper West Side location is a sustainable seafood specialist where a row of sidewalk tables doubles as a front-row seat to raw-bar platters and strong cocktails. The outdoor setup is especially busy at oyster happy hour, when locals build meals around bivalves, seafood pastas, and lobster dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
East Coast Oysters, Handmade Squid Ink Spaghetti, Lobster Curry
What Makes it Special: Sustainable seafood and serious oyster happy hour poured straight onto a busy Amsterdam Avenue patio.
8.4
Refined modern French dining from Chef Christophe Bellanca with meticulously executed dishes and polished service, making it a compelling choice for anniversaries or celebratory dinners. The elegant plating and thoughtful pairings elevate the experience without feeling overly formal. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Black Bass, Frogs’ Legs, Vacherin with Citrus
What Makes it Special: Meticulous modern French technique and elegant presentations
#22
One Bite Omakase
8.4
Tiny omakase counter opened in 2024 offering 9-course lunch and 13-course dinner tastings at a fixed price. The minimalist format and small seating make it a focused experience for diners who want chef-led bites without Midtown formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
9-Course Lunch Omakase, 13-Course Dinner Omakase, A La Carte Extras
What Makes it Special: Small-seat omakase counter focused on tightly paced chef’s tastings.
8.4
A modern Upper West Side seafood room built around a tight raw bar and well-executed fish entrées, with cocktails and a dinner-forward vibe. The move is to treat it like a structured seafood night: oysters first, one composed main (paella or a fish plate), then get out before it turns into an everything-on-the-menu order.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Shell Oysters, Seafood paella, Maine lobster ravioli
What Makes it Special: A raw-bar-forward neighborhood seafood room with composed mains and a polished bar program.
#24
Tessa
8.4
Tessa frames its seasonal New American menu with Mediterranean touches in a brick-walled space that reads equal parts neighborhood spot and date-night standby. Brunch, lunch, and dinner lean on polished plates, from grilled octopus and burrata to pastas and steak frites, backed by a serious bar program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Cacio e Pepe, Hanger Steak Frites
What Makes it Special: Refined New American cooking with Mediterranean flair in a moody, polished room.
8.4
Mille-Feuille brings a distinctly French patisserie style to Broadway with laminated pastries, macarons, and coffee served off the lobby of Hotel Belleclaire. Regulars use it for morning croissants, mid-day sweets, and light snacks where the focus stays on classic French techniques.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond Croissant, Macarons, Chocolate Croissant
What Makes it Special: French-trained baking with croissants and macarons that feel close to Paris standards.
#26
The Milling Room
8.3
Set under a soaring skylight, The Milling Room serves New American plates that lean bistro-meets-brasserie, from duck breast and pastas to seafood and brunch classics. It’s a go-to for Upper West Siders who want an upscale room without white-tablecloth stiffness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jurgielewicz Farm Duck Breast, Cavatelli with Lamb Ragout, Ricotta Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: A dramatic skylit dining room pairing New American cooking with bistro polish.
#27
Sushi Skooba
8.3
Sushi Skooba is a kosher sushi counter sharing space with New Amsterdam Burger, built around high-grade fish and a concise menu of rolls and bowls. The focus is on clean flavors, premium ingredients, and composed rolls rather than an endless list of options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kanpachi Hibiscus Orange Jalapeno Roll, Tuna Poke Truffle Roll, Salmon Rice Bowl
What Makes it Special: Kosher sushi specialist emphasizing premium fish and composed rolls inside a shared burger bar setting.
#28
Han Dynasty
8.3
Philadelphia-born Sichuan mini-chain from founder Han Chiang, the Upper West Side Han Dynasty brings big-heat classics and chili oil-heavy plates to a roomy two-level space near 85th Street. Locals lean on it for group dinners built around dan dan noodles, dry-fried dishes, and a long list of regional specialties that stay remarkably consistent given the volume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan Dan Noodles, Dry Pepper Chicken, Cumin Lamb
What Makes it Special: High-volume Sichuan specialist where classic spicy dishes stay remarkably consistent.
#29
Tacombi
8.3
Colorful taqueria from a Mexico-born brand serving tacos, quesadillas, and aguas frescas in a laid-back space. Upper West Siders lean on it for quick counter-service meals that still feel like a sit-down break with consistent classics across locations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Baja Crispy Fish Taco, Corn Esquites
What Makes it Special: Bright, fast-casual taqueria with a focused taco and drinks lineup.
#30
Sempre Oggi
8.3
An elegant, polished restaurant with Italian classics and thoughtful seasonal touches that reward both special occasions and casual luxe dinners. The pastas are standout and the wine program complements rather than overpowers the menu. Known for attentive service and a refined ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade tagliatelle, Wood‑oven roasted branzino, Tiramisu affogato
What Makes it Special: Refined Italian in a stylish setting
8.3
An old-school Upper West Side Italian room that still feels like a real night out—low-key, candlelit energy with a menu built for classic cravings. Go seafood-and-pasta forward, then finish with a simple dessert to keep the meal tight and date-night clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood risotto, Spaghetti pomodoro, Veal chop
What Makes it Special: A classic neighborhood Italian room that still feels intimate.
8.3
A lively Upper West Side Mexican room where the menu goes beyond tacos into plates built for a full sit-down dinner. The move is to treat it like a tequila-bar meal: one signature protein, one sauce-forward dish, and a round of strong margaritas to carry the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken mole, Tacos al pastor, Margaritas
What Makes it Special: A tequila-forward Mexican dinner spot with a real “order plates” rhythm.
#33
Chick Chick
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Korean-inspired fried chicken spot on Amsterdam Avenue known for ultra-crispy wings, saucy sandwiches, and sides that lean into gochujang and kimchi. Locals treat it as a go-to for takeout and casual sit-down meals when they want bold flavors without leaving the Upper West Side.
Must-Try Dishes:
KSG-Wich (Korean Sweet Gochujang Chicken Sandwich), Heavenly Crispy Chicken Bites - Honey Soy Garlic, Chick Chick Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Korean-style fried chicken and sandwiches with standout sauces and kimchi-focused sides in a casual Upper West Side setting.
8.2
Mughlai Indian Cuisine brings a slightly polished, neighborhood-splurge take on North Indian cooking to Columbus Avenue, with curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes that draw strong praise for depth of flavor. Diners rely on it for sit-down dinners and well-packaged delivery when they want butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and Mughlai-style chicken curry done with care.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Mughlai Chicken Curry, Lamb Biryani
What Makes it Special: Refined North Indian flavors with reliable, sit-down comfort.
#35
Tasca
8.2
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Tasca blends Spanish and Latin flavors across multiple levels, including a lower floor that often hosts private events and large-format dinners. It’s a go-to on Columbus Avenue for paella-centered gatherings, wine-heavy celebrations, and corporate groups wanting something more distinctive than a standard banquet room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood paella, Croquetas, Grilled octopus
What Makes it Special: A multi-level Spanish-Latin spot with a downstairs area tailored to private events.
#36
Namazake Sushi
8.2
Namazake Sushi operates as a sushi bar and delivery-focused concept turning out signature rolls, crispy rice, and a deluxe box built around six inside-out rolls. It’s a go-to for well-presented takeout sushi when you want more creativity than a basic neighborhood spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Namazake Deluxe Box (6 Signature/Inside Out Rolls), Miso Black Cod Roll, Double Tuna Signature Roll
What Makes it Special: Delivery-friendly sushi focused on deluxe roll boxes and crispy rice with punchy flavors.
#37
Osteria Cotta
8.1
Osteria Cotta is a brick-walled osteria and wine bar where house-made lasagna, rustic pastas, and a strong by-the-glass list anchor both brunch and dinner. It leans cozy and candlelit upstairs, with a bar that handles dates and small groups sharing plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Made Lasagna, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Bruschetta with Burrata
What Makes it Special: Cozy osteria feel with house-made lasagna and a serious wine list.
#38
Two Wheels
8.1
Compact Vietnamese counter-service spot on Amsterdam Avenue known for pho, banh mi, and vermicelli bowls that skew fresh and consistent. Locals use it for quick but satisfying sit-down meals before or after time in Central Park or the nearby museums.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Banh Mi, Deluxe Pho Dac Biet, Vietnamese Wings
What Makes it Special: Modern Vietnamese counter-service with strong pho and banh mi in a small, busy room.
#39
Omakase 95
8.1
A budget omakase counter on the Upper West Side running tiered tasting menus from $32 to $69, with fish sourced daily from Toyosu Market through the Shihou Group's multi-location supply chain. The format is efficient—75-minute seatings at a clean counter where chefs explain each course and adjust service to individual diners. It fills a specific gap for neighborhood-accessible omakase without the prix-fixe sticker shock, though it's still too new to know if the early momentum holds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Premium Omakase (12 Pcs Sushi, 2 Appetizers, Dessert), Chiba 15-Course Lunch Omakase, Omakase Dinner (10 Pcs Sushi, Appetizer, Dessert)
What Makes it Special: Sub-$100 omakase on the Upper West Side with tiered tasting menus starting at $32, using fresh ingredients sourced daily.
#40
Polanco Social
8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Polanco Social is a newer kosher Mexican restaurant in the former Thyme & Tonic space, pairing ceviche, tacos, and dishes like ribeye steak with a strong cocktail program. Guests describe a lively, design-forward room where gluten-free options and composed tacos sit closer to upscale dining than quick counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mahi Mahi Taco with Grilled Pineapple, Short Rib Taco, Ceviche with Jalapeño
What Makes it Special: Kosher Mexican spot pairing tacos and ceviche with cocktails and steak.
8
Tri Dim Shanghai West focuses on Shanghainese and Sichuan dishes in a comfortable Columbus Avenue dining room with both dim sum and full entrées. Regulars come for soup dumplings, Peking duck, and a broad menu that works equally well for family-style dinners and slightly dressed-up nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shanghai Steamed Pork Juicy Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), Peking Duck, Young Chow Fried Rice
What Makes it Special: Shanghai-leaning menu with xiao long bao and Peking duck in a polished but comfortable room.
#42
Momoya
8
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
Lively Japanese restaurant that balances signature rolls, sashimi platters, and kitchen dishes in a modern room just off 81st Street. It’s a go-to on the Upper West Side for groups, dates, and family dinners when you want polished sushi without full omakase formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice, Momoya Spicy Tuna Roll, Miso Black Cod
What Makes it Special: Stylish, crowd-pleasing sushi spot with signature rolls and full Japanese menu.
Worthy Picks
#43
Spice - UWS
7.9
The Upper West Side outpost of the Spice group delivers a broad, cocktail-friendly Thai menu in a colorful, modern dining room that works as well for casual dates as it does for easy group dinners. Regulars rely on it for approachable curries, noodles, and appetizers that are consistent across visits and easy to order for delivery or sit-down meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Black Noodles (Pad See-Ew), Crispy Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Lively, design-forward Thai hub where a big menu, full bar, and long hours make it a default choice for groups.
7.9
A newer, dinner-leaning Indian restaurant that puts extra polish into richer curries and special-occasion proteins while still working for neighborhood takeout. The smart order is one standout seafood or regional dish plus a restrained, classic curry for comparison.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goan fish curry, Paneer makhani, Lobster masala
What Makes it Special: A newer UWS Indian room that leans into polished regional dishes and seafood.
7.9
A neighborhood Mexican spot that plays well for taco nights with drinks, especially when you stick to the tacos that stay crisp and balanced. Treat it like a taco-and-margarita session: a few tacos per person, one shared starter, and let the bar carry the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tacos, Vegetarian tacos, Margarita
What Makes it Special: A drink-friendly taco spot that works best as a casual sit-down night.
7.9
A small, intimate Italian room where the food shines most when you commit to a pasta-forward order and let the kitchen’s restraint do the work. It’s a quieter, date-leaning meal built around a couple of pastas and one clean second course.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Pappardelle bolognese, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: A pasta-first menu in an intimate room built for pacing.
#47
Kasbah Grill
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Kasbah Grill is a kosher steakhouse and BBQ restaurant where back ribs, burgers, and grilled meats share space with shawarma and deli-style classics. Observant diners use it for sit-down rib dinners that still feel like a classic neighborhood steakhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Back Ribs (3 pcs), Mixed Grill Platter, Texas Nuggets
What Makes it Special: Kosher steakhouse where meaty back ribs share the spotlight with shawarma, burgers, and deli staples.
#48
Celeste
7.9
Celeste is a tightly packed Italian trattoria where blistered, thin-crust pizzas share table space with pastas, antipasti, and daily specials. Crowded rooms and brisk service are part of the experience, and many locals treat it as a casual date-night option when they want wine and a proper sit-down pie.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Prosciutto and arugula pizza, Four-cheese pizza
What Makes it Special: Crowded neighborhood trattoria pairing serious pies with broader Italian plates.
7.9
Serafina’s 77th Street location is a bright, polished Italian restaurant where lasagna al forno, pizzas, and pastas serve a broad neighborhood crowd. It trades in consistency and convenience more than destination dining, but still delivers reliable plates before shows or casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna al Forno, Rigatoni alla Vodka, Tartufo
What Makes it Special: Well-known Italian brand delivering lasagna and pastas in a bright Broadway space.
7.9
La Perla Nascosta is a compact Italian trattoria off Broadway where lasagna and other baked pastas join seafood and seasonal specials. The room is intimate and low-key, drawing neighborhood regulars for quieter dinners than the big-name spots nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese, Spaghetti alle Vongole, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Smaller trattoria feel with lasagna and seafood pastas in a tucked-away space.
#51
The Consulate
7.8
The Consulate is a French-leaning brasserie and cocktail bar on Columbus Avenue serving bistro plates, seafood, and pastas in a stylish, dimly lit space. With a flexible menu that works for brunch, dinner, and drinks, it fills the niche between casual neighborhood spot and full-on special-occasion dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Cake, Steak Frites, Sticky Toffee Pudding
What Makes it Special: French-leaning brasserie with a strong cocktail program and flexible all-day menu.
#52
Scarlet Lounge
7.7
Scarlet Lounge is an intimate cocktail bar on Amsterdam Avenue with plush seating, moody lighting, and a late-night schedule built around craft drinks and small bites. It skews more grown-up than rowdy, making it a useful last stop when you want one more round in a proper bar setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Fries, Flatbread Pizza, Shrimp Tacos
What Makes it Special: Cocktail-focused late-night lounge with plush seating and a compact snack menu.
#53
Moka & Co
7.7
A newer Yemeni café (established 2024) that brings Middle Eastern coffee culture to the Upper West Side with spiced drinks, sweets, and a sit-and-sip rhythm. Come for one signature latte or tea plus one pastry or cake—treat it like a focused coffee-and-dessert stop, not a full meal destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yemeni coffee drink, Pistachio latte, Saffron milk cake
What Makes it Special: A Yemeni coffee-and-sweets café that feels built for lingering.
7.7
Water & Wheat is a newer Broadway arrival focused on fresh, house-made pasta and artisan flatbread-style pizzas, with a contemporary room and an Italian-leaning wine and cocktail list. It leans casual and modern, making it a good fit for lower-key dates built around big bowls of pasta and a couple of Negronis.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grass Fed Brisket Bolognese, Cacio & 3 Peppers, Margherita Flatbread
What Makes it Special: Fresh-pasta specialist with modern decor, shareable flatbreads, and a serious wine list.
#55
5 Napkin Burger
7.6
5 Napkin Burger’s Upper West Side outpost is a sit-down burger spot known for loaded fries like sweet potato disco fries alongside its namesake burger. Fries come crinkle-cut, topped with cheese, gravy, or bacon, drawing diners who treat them as a main course, not just a side.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet Potato Disco Fries, Bacon-Cheese Crinkle Fries, 5 Napkin Burger with Fries
What Makes it Special: Burger restaurant with a dedicated lineup of loaded and disco fries.