If you've ever been to NYC, chances are you've heard of the High Line. This historic rail line was transformed into a public park and opened to the public in 2009. The elevated path reinvented the NYC public park experience, with diverse luscious gardens, curated video screenings, scattered art pieces exclusive to the space and, of course, beautiful views of the city.
Walking through tall apartment buildings, peaking through alleyways and perching over busy sidewalks, the High Line gives you a touching yet surreal view of New York. After taking a tranquil stroll for a breath of fresh air, or a giggly reunion with old friends, why not top it off with some delicious food? These are the 13 best restaurants near the High Line.
See also: The 14 Best Rooftop Bars In NYC
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156 10th Ave. / 212.924.4440 / Website
Avid readers will know: we love a good brunch spot. Chef Marc Meyer is committed to locally sourced ingredients, seasonally and sustainably. His passions make him a pioneer in the New York City restaurant scene, springing delicious go-to spots like Cookshop. Always following what's in season, the menus are changing frequently. It's spacious and always delicious, serving up favorites like the stone oven pizzas, huevos rancheros and roasted chicken.
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Multiple locations / Website
Simone Flaco is blessing us with a fast, affordable and delicious 90-second trip to Napoli at Simò. Their menu is made with authentic Italian ingredients made accessible for everyone, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. You can’t go wrong with any of their pies, but we recommend their famous Tartufo E Porcini for a sans-red sauce bite, or get a little bit of everything with their reliable Pizza Tre Gusti (margherita, cacio e pepe and pesto e pecorino fashioned into a mouth-watering Italian flag).
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210 10th Ave. / 212.335.2277 / Website
Just under a beautiful mural of revolutionary artists is the landmark eatery, Empire Diner. This spot, still decked out in its original traditional New York fashion, offers elevated diner favorites and classic American dishes. Loyalists recommend the Chicken and Waffles, the New York Pastrami Sandwich or the convertible Empire Special Blend Burger (with the option of making it “impossible”).
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205 10th Ave. / 212.675.8805 / Website
If you’re looking for delicious small bites, try Tia Pol. This cozy and rustic spot has been serving up incredible tapas for close to two decades, bringing delicious regional flavors from Spain to Chelsea. Their patatas bravas and squid with rice are a great way to round off a relaxing day.
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9 9th Ave. / 212.217.2210 / Website
Keep the greenery and city views going with the glamorous rooftop scene brought to you by Restoration Hardware. That’s right, sitting right on top of home-decor shopping heaven is a rooftop restaurant glittering with chandeliers and perfectly green trees for every table. From light bites like their green salads and burrata to protein-heavy dishes like their famous lobster roll or the ribeye sandwich, you can't go wrong at this hotspot.
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Multiple locations / Website
Taco lovers are guaranteed to know about this one already. What might be the most talked about taqueria in New York was brought to us in 2013 by three friends from Tijuana and Brawley. Taste true, authentic Mexican flavors here with their famous carne asada tacos. If you’re looking for something meat-free, try their grilled cactus option. This spot is usually booming with people, so try picking up some tacos and finding a spot on the High Line for a flavorful picnic moment.
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Multiple locations / Website
Imagine a love letter written to Provence in the form of carefully crafted dishes. Provence in southeastern France is known for its diverse flavors, where french and Mediterranean cuisine mix into explosions of flavor. There are options for any occasion; get the panko-crusted Spanish octopus to share with your friends, or the delectable tomato-eggplant-burrata dressed paccheri.
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75 9th Ave. / 212.989.6699 / Website
High ceilings, warm candle-lit lighting and a long Beauty and the Beast-esque table are situated right in the meatpacking district. Thanks to restaurateur Stephen Starr, this Asian-fusion spot serves up some of the best dinner plates on the west side. We recommend the chili rock shrimp or the lobster fried rice sprinkled with saffron. Vegetarian options include a range of spiced tofu dishes and rich coconut-curry fried rice.
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88 9th Ave. / 212.858.8899 / Website
Sometimes all you need to end is a good steak and a soul-warming dessert. This massive space boasts a running list of hearty meals from raw plates, rolls, meats and vegetarian dishes. Whether you’re into saucy truffle butter steak or spicy pasta, there’s a warm comforting blanket of flavor for you. Don’t be shy! Order one of their desserts like the bananas foster baked Alaska or the Hot & Cold Espresso Mini Martini to round off the night.
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848 Washington St. / 212.645.4100 / Website
Get immersed in old New York at The Standard Grill. This brasserie is an iconic award-winning location posted in the Meatpacking District. With a penny tile floor, curved booths and expansive curved ceilings, this place will surely raise your dining standards. But the ambiance isn’t where the glamor stops. Their staple is the Standard Burger, with bacon, American cheese, pickles, shallots and a garlic aioli stacked to perfection between sesame buns.
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136 9th Ave. / 212.776.1990 / Website
Traditional, rustic flavors of the Spanish Mediterranean can be found in Chef Luis Bollo’s Salinas. This spot serves regional mains and a range of traditional and inventive tapas, derived from Michelin star training and passed-down family recipes. Dine the way you want to in their intimate spaces, from a lounge and bar, the main dining room and a charming garden that’s comfortable through the seasons. Favorites include their octopus tapas, Pulpo Con Cenizas, and Arroz Vasco.
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Multiple locations / Website
Imagine fine dining with a DJ and mingling. Check out STK Steakhouse for a modern steakhouse and stylish lounge wrapped into one. This spot has a decade of experience serving New Yorkers high-quality steak and seafood, becoming a carnivore’s dream. If you’re a seafood lover, try their well-loved tuna tartar or miso-glazed Chilean sea bass. They even have a delivery service, where you can get high-quality steakhouse cuts delivered right to your door nationwide.
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52 Gansevoort St. / 212.929.4844 / Website
Pastis is a lovely feel-good bistro sitting right in the Meatpacking district. Beloved by locals, this spot provides heart-warming dishes and desserts that won’t disappoint. In addition to their menu, they offer a special plate for every day of the week from duck confit to lobster risotto. Their desserts are irresistible, with Île Flottante (think pears and meringue) and Profiteroles.
It’s time to romanticize your life. Whether you feel like your life is on track or free-styling off the rails, The High Line is always there for you. Rain or shine, this linear park is one of the best places for a stroll on the west side of Manhattan, surrounded by the best people and food. Whatever you’re tastebuds are looking for, we’ve got you covered. Happy exploring!
Photography by: sangaku / Getty Images/iStock Photo
