All of New York City’s five boroughs — Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, The Bronx, and Staten Island — are home to some of the best restaurants on the planet. Manhattan is a hotspot for fine dining, and no matter what cuisine you love the most, you can find it done well in the Big Apple. From Italian to Japanese to Mexican, these are some of the most sophisticated NYC restaurants for a dedicated foodie.

Fornino

Fornino in Williamsburg is a pizza lover's paradise that will make you say "Mamma Mia!" as soon as you take a bite. The vibe is cozy and intimate, with dim lighting and wooden tables that make you feel like you're dining in a rustic Italian restaurant in Southern Italy.

But let's talk about the star of the show — the pizza! Fornino's Neapolitan-style pies are crispy, chewy, and loaded with delicious toppings (like gorgonzola cheese). Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Aziz Ansari are regulars, and it's not hard to see why. Whether you're a fan of classic margherita or something more adventurous like the truffle mushroom pizza, Fornino has got you covered.

So why not join the pizza party at Fornino? Your taste buds (and possibly your favorite celebrity) will thank you.

Le Bernardin

This iconic NYCFrench restaurant has been around since 1986 and serves some of the best and freshest seafood in the city. This is the ultimate destination for foodies who want to experience a culinary masterpiece. The vibe is elegant and sophisticated, with white tablecloths and impeccable service that will make you feel like royalty.

And the food? Oh, the food! Le Bernardin's seafood dishes are out of this world, with perfectly cooked fish and inventive flavor combinations that will leave you speechless. Our pick is the Chef’s tasting menu, which features everything from caviar to lobster to langoustine served in Le Bernardin’s luxurious dining room.

Celebrities like Beyonce and Jay-Z are known to frequent the restaurant, and it's not hard to see why. And don't even get me started on the desserts — the chocolate sphere is a showstopper that will have you feeling like you're at a magic show instead of a restaurant.

Baekjeong

Baekjeong in New York is the perfect spot for meat lovers who want to indulge in some Korean BBQ. The vibe is lively and casual, with sizzling grills and mouthwatering aromas that will have you drooling before you even sit down. NYC has plenty of Korean BBQ options, but we think Baekjeong is by far the classiest and highest quality. 

If you’re in midtownManhattan and want top-notch meat, you can’t do better than this (it’s definitely a better carnivorous option than a basic AF steakhouse). Let's just say that you won't be leaving hungry. The banchan (side dishes) are also a highlight, with a variety of pickled vegetables and savory sauces that will have your taste buds dancing.

But it's not just the food that draws in the crowds — Baekjeong has also become a favorite spot for celebs like Justin Bieber and Drake. And who can blame them? Where else can you cook your own meat and enjoy it in such a fun and lively atmosphere?

So grab some friends, order up some meat, and get ready for a delicious and unforgettable experience at Baekjeong. It's the perfect spot to let your inner carnivore out to play.

Archer & Goat

Oh honey, let me tell you about Archer & Goat in New York! This brunch and dinner eatery is giving me all the feels. The vibe is a perfect mix of trendy and laidback, and the food is out of this world. I'm not usually one to swoon over a salad, but their crispy Kale Caesar is like a little slice of heaven. 

They blend elements of Indian, Puerto Rican, and South American cooking to create some of the tastiest food in the whole of New York (I can’t even talk about the French toast!). But let's talk about the real reason everyone's flocking to Archer & Goat — the celebs. I've spotted everyone from JLo to Tom Hanks chowing down on some delicious grub. 

So if you want to rub elbows with the A-listers and indulge in some seriously tasty food, Archer & Goat is the spot. And if you're lucky, maybe you'll catch me there too, sipping on a cocktail and living my best life (it won’t be the first time!).

Bâtard

Oh, you want the scoop on Batard in New York? Buckle up, sweetie, because I've got the tea. Bâtard in Tribeca is the pinnacle of fine dining. For $79, you get a two-course date night like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

This place is like walking into a chic French bistro but with a New York attitude. The vibe is sophisticated yet playful, and the food is nothing short of amazing. We recommend starting out with their tuna tartare or crispy sweetbreads, followed by the Cape Cod scallops or the rabbit trio for your second course. It's so good, it'll make you want to slap your mama.

And if you're looking to rub elbows with the rich and famous, Batard is the place to be. I've seen everyone from Beyonce to George Clooney hanging out here. It's like a VIP club, with better food and no velvet ropes.

But let's be real; you're not going to Batard just to spot celebs. You're going for the delicious French-inspired cuisine and the unforgettable dining experience. So grab a glass of champagne and get ready to indulge in some serious culinary magic.

Crown Shy

Honey, let me tell you about Crown Shy in New York — this place is the crown jewel of the city's dining scene. The vibe is upscale and trendy, but not in a try-hard way. It's like your boujee friend's penthouse apartment, but with better food and a killer view.

Speaking of killer, the food at Crown Shy is off the charts. The small plates, like the Beef Tartare and Crispy Potatoes, are like a match made in heaven, and the Short Rib is so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

Now, you might be wondering who you'll be dining with at Crown Shy. Well, let me tell you, this place is a magnet for the rich and famous. I've seen everyone from Lady Gaga to Bradley Cooper dining here. It's like a secret club, but with better food and more paparazzi.

Check it out; you won’t regret it.

Pepolino

A Tribeca icon since 1999, Pepolino is known for their incredible pasta. They’ve also got some mind-blowing appetizers, which must be the start of any meal here. 

Go for the Carpaccio Di Manzo, which is topped with truffle oil and top-quality padano cheese. Follow that up with the Ravioli al Pomodoro e Basilico, their house-made spinach ravioli with ricotta cheese, tomato, and basil. Chef’s kiss.

I've seen everyone from Taylor Swift to Robert De Niro chowing down on some seriously tasty food here. And let's be real; if it's good enough for the Godfather himself, it's good enough for me.

Dhamaka

Everybody goes crazy for Dhamaka, from the New York Times to Eater to New York Magazine. their authentic Indian cuisine really does deserve the hype surrounding it. 

We love their Lasooni lobster, a whole lobster topped with roasted garlic and black salt, or their beef short rib Chapli Kebab. Seriously, though, everything on Dhamaka’s menu will blow you away.

Tips for Dining in NYC

New York City is fast-paced and has its own distinct attitude, culture, and spirit. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you're new in town, especially when you’re ordering food at a busy restaurant in Chelsea or Soho. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of any NYC eating experience.

Eat Like a Local

New York City is known best for specialties like cheesecake, pizza, bagels, and street meat skewers.

Many old-school New Yorkers have grown up eating these classics, even when there are Michelin-starred spots down the street serving bougie small plates and new restaurants opening nearly every week. 

Some things never change, and the same beloved treats have been popular (and done really, really well) in New York for decades. That’s why when you visit, the locals recommend stopping by a casual and beloved pizzeria in addition to the five-star spot in the East Village.

Know the Standouts

NYC is an ocean of food options. As we mentioned before, new restaurants seem to pop up weekly. It’s hard to keep up, and it’s even harder to know what the best of the best is. We recommend reading reviews and guides (like ours) instead of flying blind and trying to find the best tacos or ice cream on your own.

Picking a place gets even more complicated when you’re going for fine dining. In addition to reading the reviews, check out the menu (and wine list) in advance and see what locals are saying about how creative, unique, and reasonable the options are.

Make a Reservation (When You Can)

The best restaurants in NYC are often booked up. A good amount of the spots we recommended take reservations, and we always tell anyone visiting New York City to call ahead and grab a table — even if you’re dining solo. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to eat at Dhamaka or Archer & Goat because you forgot to call ahead!

Eating Like a VIP in NYC

When in New York City, there’s a lot to see and experience — and eat. We’ve only covered a handful of our favorite restaurants in the city, from the Lower East Side to Manhattan, but these are places that have our guaranteed stamp of approval. 

Food anywhere as big as New York can be a mixed bag, so it’s helpful not to fly blind. Keep these recommendations in your back pocket, but feel free to stop anywhere that seems enticing. You might find something brand-new and amazingly delicious.