While you might not have put a dent in the two million square feet of artwork in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it probably made a dent in your stomach, leaving you hungry after all your sightseeing.
Luckily for you, there’s a plethora of spectacular restaurants on the UES for you to choose from. To make this decision a little less difficult, we put together a list of the 12 best restaurants near The Met.
See also: The 12 Best Restaurants Near Central Park
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35 E. 76th St. / 800.405.1985 / Website
Looking for dinner and a show? Then Café Carlyle is the place for you. Since its opening in 1955, music has and continues to be an essential part of this restaurant. From the beach blonde oysters to the prestige caviar, your taste buds are going to be in for a lavish treat. Note that there is a dress code, so come dressed to impress.
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23 E. 74th St. / 212.288.1004 / Website
Frequently visited by some of New York City’s biggest celebrities like The Tonight Show’s host Jimmy Fallon and filmmaker Woody Allen, you might see a familiar face when you stop in at Caravaggio. Known for their impeccable service and delectable Italian food, Caravaggio’s is sure to impress. Renowned restaurant critic Pete Wells complimented the establishment, even describing their roasted swordfish as, “an Italian flag in seafood form.”
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24 E. 81st St. / 212.861.7660 / Website
Sister restaurant to Caravaggio, Chef Giuseppe Bruno continues sharing the fresh comfort food that the Bruno family prides themselves on. It’s evident that there is intent behind all of the ingredients he uses from the fresh shrimp and scallops to the zest from Amalfi’s acclaimed lemons. Their unique twist on a cannoli, one filled with lemon cream, caramelized with roasted pistachios and blood orange sorbet, isn’t something you want to miss.
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1593 1st Ave. / 212.249.4080 / Website
Felice 83 transports its guests back to Tuscany with its sparkling Italian wines, wooden backsplash and tufted leather seats. Felice 83 prides itself in their vast selection of wines with over 20 of these being offered by the glass. Guests can enjoy the notable Italian cuisine inside or on the outside patio.
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976 Madison Ave. / 212.906.7141 / Website
When distinguished chef Masayoshi Takayama and art dealer Larry Gagosian put their love of cooking and art together, they established Kappo Masa. With beautiful art pieces displayed on the walls and dishware specifically designed by Takayama. At Kappo Masa they take traditional Japanese dishes and apply a modern twist to them, combining familiarity with novelty.
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1219 Lexington Ave. / 646.524.6294 / Website
Located just three blocks east of The Met, L’Osteria is sure to please our pasta lovers. In order to have the freshest ingredients, their menu items change based on what ingredients are in season at the time. Their pasta is made in-house, enhancing the authentic Italian ambiance.
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25 E. 77th St. / 212.744.4300 / Website
If you leave The Met craving breakfast foods, you’ll definitely want to stop by The Mark for their all-day breakfast bar. French chef Jean-Georges offers both old and new recipes, both with his signature global seasonings that are sure to excite your taste buds. Daily offerings include coffee and tea, freshly baked pastries, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, fresh sandwiches, and more! If you’re in the mood for a drink, head over to The Mark Bar which is also conveniently located in The Mark Hotel.
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1000 5th Ave. / 212.535.7710 / Website
If you’re not done perusing the beautiful artwork, stay put at The Met and try their very own dining room. The calm indoor space has extensive windows that overlook Central Park, providing guests with a momentary break from the artwork. They have a variety of options ranging from Spring Risotto to Crab Cakes. This restaurant can get busy, so they recommend using OpenTable or calling/emailing them.
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1057 Lexington Ave. / 212.517.6400 / Website
Right on the corner of Lexington Ave. and E. 75th St., you’ll find a delicious Parisian-style eatery at Orsay. Sticking to traditional French cuisine, Orsay serves classic dishes like French onion soup, steak au poivre, and housemade macaroons. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, they serve small bites like an assorted charcuterie board and Foie Gras “Au Torchon” along with their signature Salade Orsay.
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1246 Madison Ave. (between 89th and 90th St.) / 212.923.5820 / Website
Owner and Chef Paola Bottero brought her Italian recipes and traditions across the Atlantic Ocean when she immigrated to America as a teenager. Paola’s Osteria, better known as just Paola’s, has become a staple part of the UES community. Rather than try and venture into the newer upcoming Italian cuisine realm, Paola’s stays true to its Italian roots. Offering a wide variety of both pastas and pizzas, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to ask about the pasta of the day when you stop by!
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1404 3rd Ave. (between 79th and 80th St.) / 212.535.3520 / Website
Masseria East continues the legacy of the old Parma restaurant that opened in 1977. New owner Giorgio Manzio has transformed the restaurant and continues to keep its unique Italian cuisine alive. Their tonnarelli cacio e pepe is their twist spaghetti, served in a cheese bowl-like structure is a favorite among guests.
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181 E. 78th St. (between Lexington and 3rd Ave.) / 917.338.1792 / Website
After spending years apprenticing and perfecting his craft, Chef Noz decided to open his own restaurant, thus Sushi Noz was born. Since its opening in 2007, Sushi Noz has wowed its patrons even earning a Michelin star in 2019. Their Edomae-style tasting menu, begins with 5-6 otsumami, small plates that highlight seasonal fish and vegetables. The menu then progresses through 12-14 courses of seasonal nigiri, followed by miso soup, tamago, and dessert.
Photography by: Joe Schildhorn/BFAnyc.com
