1. Aquavit
8.4
65 E 55th St (btw Madison and Park Ave), New York, NY
Scandinavian Restaurant · Midtown East · 106 tips and reviews
Untapped Cities: Aquavit (actually a type of wine native to Scandinavia) offers an extensive menu including dishes like Shrimp Skagen, Scandinavian Bouillabaisse, and Smoked Trout. Read more.
Isa Sierra: Not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best meals I've had in NY. Ever. Try the chefs special menu. These 11 courses are an incredible journey through their seasonal dishes. Great wine.
The Food Sluts: Awesome, precisely prepared, exquisitely plated Scandinavian food. We loved the Nordic seafood with butter-poached lobster, seared diver scallops and Montauk squid ($40). Read more.
3. Neary's
8.4
358 E 57th St, New York, NY
Irish Pub · Sutton Place · 16 tips and reviews
Amanda Barry: Best Irish spot in NYC. Corned beef hash is the way to go!
Kathy McGilvery: The best lamb chops, by far, in New York City!
Harvey Glover: Great Liver and bacon but why change extra for onions? $5 for a side of spinach is a bit excessive as well. However, this is the best (Irish) Sunday night comfort food on the way over east side.
4. The Bar
8.8
28 W 53rd St (5th Avenue), New York, NY
Hotel Bar · Midtown East · 36 tips and reviews
cj fitzgerald: After dinner, have a cocktail at my favorite place in Manhattan (its both opulent and modern). Highly recommend the risotto, truffle sliders, and afternoon tea. In the summer, sit on the balcony.
Gary Toriello: Bring your platinum credit card Drinks are expensive. $24 for cocktails, $14 for a beer!
Tony Everett: Great Service, Great Drinks and Great Art!! ##Blokeapproved
6. Grand Central Oyster Bar
7.5
89 E 42nd St (Grand Central Terminal), New York, NY
Seafood Restaurant · Midtown East · 403 tips and reviews
Ravi Mexico: Smoked brook trout filet was sneaky great. Light smoke pristine flavor.
Louis DeLavenne DeChoulot: Filetes de trucha ahumada. Sopa Bouillabaisse. Cuarteto de ensaladas del mar. Hamburguesa de atún sellado estilo oriental. Flagship seasonal brew, de aquí mero, New York !!!
Renee T: Plenty of oysters, beers, and a comfortable atmosphere. Classic.
8. Jams
8.4
1414 Avenue of the Americas (at W 57th St), New York, NY
American Restaurant · Midtown East · 50 tips and reviews
Roniel Tessler: Delicious & excellent service. This place should be a regular go to for tourists and locals. The gemelli is excellent, as is the pot De creme dessert, and lamb merguez starter.
Andrew Smallwood: Great for breakfast with a twist
Hailey Heewoo Kim: Cute atmosphere, awesome food! The calamari was amazing(!!) and absolutely loved(!!!) the squid ink rigatoni with crab - it had the perfect hint of spice! Looking forward to another visit!
Oleg Videtskikh: Best ever breakfast with porridge, thin pancakes with caviar and fresh lychee tee. A little bit confused by guys wearing ties for breakfast
Travel Channel: “If you’re willing to spend some bucks, I love the St. Regis. They don’t make them like this anymore.” – Anthony Bourdain
Randi Leeds: Bloody Mary was invented here. And they are the perfect amount of spice and tomato-y goodness.
12. Monkey Bar
8.4
60 E 54th St (btwn Madison & Park Ave.), New York, NY
New American Restaurant · Midtown East · 77 tips and reviews
Tim Shey: A fun, faithful facsimile of gilded age Gotham, from the menu to the murals. Order the most old-school stuff on the menu and enjoy.
Eater: Cocktail maven Julie Reiner revamped the list and the bartenders. As has always been the case, the room is dark, romantic, and old school--a perfect place for fun rendezvous or a business drink.
Bergdorf Goodman: It's a BG New York City Secret! Victoria Beckham loves this uber chic and classic bar. Read more.
13. Sparks Steak House
7.8
210 E 46th St (btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave.), New York, NY
Steakhouse · Turtle Bay · 83 tips and reviews
Claire J Song: The signature sirloin is a lean 16-ounce prime hunk with a salty, lightly charred exterior. Savory beef scaloppine and steak fromage (filet mignon topped with Roquefort) are also outstanding.
HISTORY: In a hit orchestrated by John Gotti, Gambino family crime lord Paul Castellano and his henchman, Thomas Bilotti, were gunned down as they exited this restaurant December 16, 1985.
IWalked Audio Tours: On December 16, 1985 4 men all dressed in trench coats murdered the head of the Gambino crime family Big Paul Costellano in broad daylight via a hit put out by John Gotti. Full history via<LINK> Read more.
15. Ess-a-Bagel
8.3
831 3rd Ave (btwn 50th & 51st St.), New York, NY
Bagel Shop · Turtle Bay · 359 tips and reviews
Jonathan Gottfried: This is my favorite bagel in New York, which is saying a lot.
Travel Channel: Recommended by Travel Channel host, Anthony Bourdain.
Greg: Take your hot bagel & schmear around the corner to the cafe tables in Greenacre Park & score a free cup of coffee at Jack's with first check-in. Enjoy the waterfall! 217 E 51st St