This Michelin rated restaurant makes for a great special occasion dinner. The best value is had in the 3 course prix fixe, or you can splurge for the 6 course tasting menu with wine pairing.
Daniel Boulud’s namesake restaurant is luxurious with tasting menus in the triple digits. For a special occasion, there’s no better place.
Great French restaurant, always a special occasion. I would pick Bouley if I had to pick between the two but Daniel makes for a lovely evening as well.
Best old school Italian food on the UES. Great wine list. Expensive, but you get what you pay for. Great for special occasions.
Great spot. Loved the spaghetti, but you can't go wrong with most dishes. Sitting outside is a bit quieter than inside, at times.
Actress Phoebe Cates calls this UES spot her "sanctuary of sanity" in this week's NY Diet. She and husband Kevin Kline love the steak au poivre. Read more.
Hole in the wall, very casual and superb sushi makes for a great restaurant experience. Omakase only. BYOB
Go go go. You will not find a a better sushi experience than at this 10-seat, omakase-only hole in the wall in New York.
Very expensive, but worth it! Highest quality fish and preparation. Special occasion and healthy
One of the best Japanese restaurants outside of Japan. Ask for any special sushi/sashimi options of the menu -- they may have something very nice. Also the Ohmi beef is amazing (but $) nocheap :))
With 82 seats, Kappo Masa is a comfortable space that also looks to be making its mark in the field of industrial design. Aside from the decor the food is second to none. Be sure to try the truffles. Read more.
Bacon wrapped dates, grilled octopus, seafood paella (but it takes 40 minutes!), and churros filled with Nutella! Everything was fabulous!
Looking to throw a party? The chef's menu ($40 per person) is for parties of 6 or more. It covers all the greatest Spanish tapas, while mixing in seasonal specialties to keep things interesting. Read more.
Sit at the bar. Make friends w/the bartenders, they know the ins & outs. Samantha was a huge help & her recommendations were spot on. Squid -spinach garbanzo bean salad-shrimp-shishito peppers.
Truly some of the best sushi in New York. Get the omakase and sit back and enjoy. But be warned this is a special occasion meal. If you indulge it may end up costing 4-5 hundred dollars!
Best sushi on UES. No, arguably best sushi in Manhattan. 🍶🍣
An exquisite raw fish experience with uniquely crafted pieces. Try the tuna with tofu cream, flounder with lotus chip, and the foie gras sushi.
Wonderful vibe with live music! Great people watching too!
This is the real thing. A place for Gotham insiders. Gold leaf ceilings and enchanting murals by Madeline author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. Arrive by 8pm and take a small table near the piano.
At the only place where Bemelman’s art work is publicly displayed, Tony has a martini saying “a room like this calls for a classic.” As seen on Travel Channel’s The Layover with Anthony Bourdain.
Italian at its finest! A must try!! Can't go wrong with any order here.
This place is The temple of food!
They'll make you any pasta you want but I'd recommend penne vodka - I've never had a better!
Love Love Love Their Meze Platter : )
Grilled octopus. JUST DO IT. All day, every day. And the dip plate. And shrimp saganaki. And lemon potatoes. Seriously, this place is utterly amazing. Just don't take my bar seat - pointing at you.
Local gem. Must try when on upper east side.
Cozy winter spot with huge wine list
Best for wine and apps only. Main courses are average.
Try the gnocchi ai fromaggi and a Montepulciano wine.
Totally decadent gluten-free experience. Go here for a special occasion! Read more.
Try the black truffle spaghetti. It's life changing
Amazing artichoke salad! And get the wheat penne with black truffle oil.. Delish
Beautiful place for afternoon tea, perfect for a special occasion!
Lovely for afternoon tea--highly recommended for a sophisticated atmosphere and great service!
Beautiful dessert trays!
Delicious and amazing atmosphere. Get their eggplant dip!
Incredible restaurant very reasonably priced with a dope atmosphere. Even a dj. Also next door to bloomies and Dylan's candy bar :)
Delicious food, prompt service and wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend the striped bass and walnut cake. A lovely new addition to neighborhood!
Crostini are delicious! Especially the eggplant and ricotta!
Amazing wine selection. Super romantic - great place to take a date :)
Give them a few weeks to get their feet wet. Service at the bar was horrendous on opening night.
Lovely French bistro! Have brunch on the patio! You get a delicious basket of pastries. Great cappucinos & the eggs Benny was delish. Make sure you get the homefries!
This is the most underated restarant in the city. The steak tartare is probably the best in the country. I've never had a bad meal here. Also, I've never had an issue with the servers being rude.
The BEST Steak Tartare in town!
Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA