5 Best Restaurants in Midtown

Explore the culinary wonders of Midtown, where exceptional dining experiences await you. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking to indulge in some of the finest cuisines, Midtown's diverse restaurant scene has something to offer everyone. From upscale French fare to fresh Greek seafood, these establishments will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.

Per Se stands as a beacon of fine dining in Midtown, offering an unforgettable culinary journey with its meticulously crafted menus and exceptional service. Known for its daily rotating menus, Per Se presents two exquisite options: a nine-course chef’s menu and a nine-course tasting menu. Each course features a variety of vegetables and unique ingredients, ensuring that no component is ever repeated throughout the meal. This approach provides a delightful and varied experience for your palate.

The restaurant's extensive beverage options are equally impressive. They range from a diverse selection of Rosé, Sake, White, and Red wines available by the glass to specialty cocktails like the Hemingway, made with Flor de Caña, Chartreuse Meilleur Ouvriers de France Sommeliers, grapefruit, and absinthe, and the Chamoyada, a blend of Casa Dragones Tequila with hints of cacao nibs, Mezcal Artesanal, and passion fruit.

Per Se offers multiple dining experiences, including The East Room, which hosts private parties of up to ten guests starting at $450 per person. The Salon Lounge, adjacent to the main dining room, provides a more relaxed atmosphere with couches, loungers, and lower tables, all complemented by stunning Central Park views.

For those seeking an ultra-upscale dining experience, Le Bernardin delivers with its refined French cuisine crafted by renowned chef Eric Ripert. Dinner at Le Bernardin is a four-course affair, starting with raw delicacies such as caviar, oysters, tuna, and hamachi. The second course features dishes like octopus, lobster over a squash herb salad, and more. The main course offers delectable options such as salmon over root vegetables, poached lobster with truffle gnocchi, and filet mignon with a red wine shallot sauce. Desserts include Peruvian dark chocolate tarts, pistachio praline, and a selection of sorbets. Le Bernardin also offers a chef’s tasting menu for those who wish to experience a broader spectrum of the restaurant's culinary prowess. As you dine, you’ll experience decor as elegant as the food, featuring large floral arrangements, tastefully displayed table settings with tablecloths, and sophisticated artwork.

Avra brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to Midtown with its emphasis on fresh Greek seafood. The restaurant sources its fish by the pound, which is flown daily from Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Florida, and New Zealand. Appetizers such as Chilean sea bass souvlaki over a red pepper sauce and tuna tartare set the stage for an impressive meal. The raw bar offers shrimp, oysters, clams, and Maine lobster, while non-seafood options include lamb chops, filet mignon, American wagyu, and grilled chicken with Mediterranean herbs. As you dine, you’ll be immersed in the ambiance reminiscent of a Greek seaside taverna, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it the perfect spot for a leisurely meal.

Bar Masa offers a minimalist yet sophisticated dining experience where the food and flavors take center stage. The restaurant's Omakase experience is priced at $750 per person and includes seating in Masa’s intimate dining room. For a more exclusive experience, the Hinoki Counter Experience is available for $950 per person, offering seating at the sushi counter where you can watch one of the restaurant’s skilled sushi masters create mouthwatering dishes. This reservation guarantees a two-hour culinary journey that is both casual and comfortable. Beyond the flavors, the elegantly plated dishes at Bar Masa showcase the chef's artistry and dedication to quality, ensuring a memorable dining experience that stands out among the restaurants in Midtown.

Upland brings a taste of California to Midtown with its vibrant and dynamic menu. The first course includes options like beef tartare and duck wings made with yuzu kosho. The second course features dishes such as lobster cavatelli with English peas and carrots and spaghetti al limone. For the third course, diners can enjoy Angus skirt steak, grilled branzino for two, or Faroe Island salmon. Dessert offerings include chocolate layer mousse cake, homemade ice cream, and Upland’s “Nutter Butter,” an oatmeal peanut butter cookie topped with whipped peanut butter cream.

Upland's brasserie-esque environment is both dynamic and intimate. Its open kitchen, lots of wood accents, and warm, earthy tone create a welcoming atmosphere from the bar to the dining room.

If you're ready to explore the best restaurants in Midtown, there's no better time than now. Midtown offers a diverse array of dining experiences that cater to every palate, making it an ideal location for food enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy the finer things in life. By exploring Midtown eateries, you're not just treating yourself to a meal; you're embarking on a culinary adventure that will leave you with lasting memories. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, the exceptional dining experiences in Midtown are sure to impress and delight.

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