From the performance art of Broadway to the bustling nightlife of Times Square, there are endless reasons to visit New York City. But for millions of guests each year, The Big Apple’s star attraction is the international cuisine.
If you want to sample some of the best restaurants in New York – and the world – then read on to learn about five of the city’s tastiest venues.
Best Restaurants in New York
Le Bernardin
Photo: Malina Mars/The Washington Post/Getty Images
When it comes to the Midtown seafood experience, there’s no substitute for Le Bernardin. The concept behind the restaurant originated in France in 1972.
Three months after Le Bernardin opened in New York City in 1986, the New York Times awarded the restaurant four stars. After five subsequent reviews, this rating did not drop a single star – setting a record for the longest amount of time a restaurant has maintained a four-star rating. Le Bernardin also held the top spot of the “Best Food” category in the New York Zagat Guide for nine straight years.
Bouley
Photo: Yelp
New York City may be an ocean away from Paris, but the metropolis is home to some of the planet’s finest French cuisine. And it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to say that Bouley is the best of NYC’s French cooking.
Bouley promises an authentic French dining experience. In fact, guests can request that their waiters speak to them entirely in French. Whether you’re new to French cooking or you’re a culinary expert, Bouley will stimulate both your taste buds and your cultural awareness.
Gotham Bar & Grill
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Although the title of this restaurant implies a dark, chilly atmosphere, Gotham Bar & Grill is a welcoming venue – and one of the most high-class places to order a burger and other Americana favorites. This may not be the cheapest burger you’ve ever eaten, but take one bite, and you’ll know exactly where that extra money went.
Peter Luger Steak House
Photo: Ben Hider/Getty Images
Peter Luger Steak House is actually one of the least expensive restaurants on this list. Although steaks are among the most expensive meats, Peter Luger aims to make the very best cuts affordable to a more budget-minded audience. But this doesn’t mean a drop in quality; in fact, the restaurant serves only USDA prime cuts, which make up just 2 percent of all graded beef in the United States.
Annisa
Photo: Yelp
This is simply the best American cuisine in all of New York. Based in Greenwich Village, the restaurant is operated by chef Anita Lo, who combines her Asian roots with contemporary American cuisine to produce uniquely satisfying dishes. The venue also features a female-themed wine list, which is mainly composed of wines that were produced by female vineyard owners and vintners.
No matter what your culinary preferences, New York City has a restaurant that will satisfy your taste. The metropolis offers the very best in French, American and Asian cuisines, as well as innovative dishes that draw influences from several cultures. While these five eateries are sure to please your palate, don’t be afraid to ask locals for dining suggestions. You just might find a low-key venue that takes your New York experience to the next level.
