Best Trendy Restaurants in Yorkville
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
The Drunken Munkey - UES
Cocktail-driven Indian spot where richly spiced curries meet speakeasy lighting.
Notable Picks
8.8
The Drunken Munkey runs as a colonial-style Indian cocktail bar where butter chicken, biryani, and house curries share equal billing with gin-and-spice drinks in a dim, crowded room. Locals treat it as a destination for date nights and small-group hangs when they want polished Indian plates, serious cocktails, and a buzzy Upper East Side crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken Tikka Masala, Railway Chicken, Munkey Lamb Biryani
What Makes it Special: Cocktail-driven Indian spot where richly spiced curries meet speakeasy lighting.
#2
Chez Nick
8.7
Opened in 2020 by chef-owners Bobby Little and Chad Urban, Chez Nick serves New American plates, cocktails, and brunch in a dimly lit neighborhood bistro that doubles as a dog-friendly hang. Outdoor tables and some indoor sections welcome pups, drawing locals who pair ricotta toast, lemongrass pork steak, or brunch dishes with a walk to nearby Carl Schurz Park. It’s one of the stronger date-night-meets-dog options in the eastern stretch of Yorkville.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemongrass Pork Steak with Garlic Fried Rice, Ricotta Toast with Honey and Hazelnuts, Pan Seared Branzino
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven New American cooking with genuinely dog-friendly seating a block from Carl Schurz Park.
8.3
Bangrak serves Bangkok-style Thai dishes in a compact pink-toned dining room that feels more like a stylish café than a takeout joint. Locals come for khao soi, curries, and noodle dishes that hit harder than many neighborhood Thai spots while still working for casual dates and quick dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice
What Makes it Special: Bright, design-forward Thai spot where khao soi and curries feel more dialed-in than typical neighborhood takeout.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A neighborhood bakery-cafe with real daytime momentum—coffee, pastries, and breakfast items that work well for a quick sit or takeout. Order one signature breakfast item and one pastry and you’ll get the best version of the place.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Sriracha Breakfast Sandwich, Egg and Cheese Croissant
What Makes it Special: Bakery-cafe with a strong breakfast-and-coffee cadence all day.
#5
Sip & Sizzle
7.8
A newer Yorkville Bukharian/Middle Eastern-leaning spot that’s a non-obvious wings play when you want something different from the standard Buffalo-bar circuit. Treat the wings as a structured starter, then follow with one main lane so the meal stays cohesive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings (8 Pieces), Hummus, Bulgur Wheat Kibbeh
What Makes it Special: A newer Yorkville room where wings come with a different flavor lane.
A newer Yorkville wine bar with an intimate room and a focused seasonal menu—ideal when you want a quieter, conversation-forward date. Order one entrée each, then share a dessert and a final glass to keep the night from feeling rushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Strip loin (seasonal), Mussels & fennel in white wine, Gianduja chocolate cake
What Makes it Special: Intimate wine-bar energy with a tight seasonal menu.
A margarita-first York Ave hangout where tacos play a supporting role to the party energy and colorful room. It works best as a drinks-and-two-tacos stop—keep the order simple and let the vibe do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Esquite, Guacamole
What Makes it Special: A margarita-driven taco spot built for groups and high-energy hangs.