The 10 Best Restaurants on the Upper East Side Right Now
Which restaurant on the Upper East Side is the best?
Are you looking for the best restaurants on the Upper East Side? Then you’ve come to the right place – because I’ll show you the hippest and most authentic places where New Yorkers hang out. The choice of restaurants in the Upper East Side of New York is huge – so there will definitely be something for you.
To help you quickly and easily see which Upper East Side spot is near you, find them all on an interactive map.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
The Absolute Best Restaurants on the Upper East Side
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01
Pastrami Queen
Other Restaurants in Upper East SideOur Highlight
Besides the Katz’s delicatessen, the Pastrami Queen is one of our favourite pastrami shops. The sandwiches are kosher, incredibly tasty and really thickly topped. The shop has remained unchanged for almost 30 years and stands for very good dishes.
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02
B. Cafe
Other Restaurants in Upper East SideContinuing on our journey, we arrive on East 75th Street. Nestled near Central Park, you’ll find B. Cafe, which dishes up Belgian-inspired brunch that’s a cut above the rest. The airy, light Belgian waffle tastes like a bite of cloud, while the moules frites – fresh mussels paired with the cafe’s signature fries – offer a savory delight.
If you visit, be sure to enjoy brunch in their beautiful back garden. This charming spot is adorned with lights and bistro sets that are ideal for a date. And for the best brunch experience, I recommend their eggs benedict salmon and the B. Burger, served with pancetta and gruyere.
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03
Café Boulud
French Restaurant in Upper East Side
Extravagant, French cuisine in a restaurant with bistro character. Very chic and exclusive. Especially recommendable is the brunch on weekends.
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04
Cafe d'Alsace
French Restaurant in Upper East SideCafe d’Alsace, an Upper East Side brunch favorite, brings the warmth of a classic Parisian brasserie to the city. It’s where you can savor flawlessly folded crepes and the buttery goodness of croque madame under a radiant ambiance.
Executive Chef Philippe Roussel weaves magic in the kitchen, transforming Franco-German flavors into delicious brunch treats. Whether you’re delighting in the Croque Madame or the Country Avocado Toast, this is THE place to experience a taste of Alsace in NYC and a truly unforgettable brunch.
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05
Daniel
French Restaurant in Upper East Side
A very elegant French restaurant with excellent cuisine. You should definitely dress up here. Make sure you make a reservation in advance.
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06
Dylan Murphy's
Other Restaurants in Upper East Side
If you’re looking for a cozy, intimate Irish pub in NYC, Dylan Murphy’s is the place for you. This bar is small and features a limited menu of traditional Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie, boxty, and beef and Guinness stew. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day. Make sure to try the Mac and Cheese or wings for a delicious pick-me-up. Delicious!
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07
EJ's Luncheonette
American Restaurant in Upper East SideJust down from Maman, on 3rd Avenue, EJ’s Luncheonette is an Upper East Side brunch hub that is reminiscent of the classic American diner era. Once you step inside, it’s like you’ve traveled back to the 1930s or 40s, and you’re surrounded by comforting home-style breakfasts that skip the frills but not the flavor.
From heavenly chocolate chip pancakes that melt into a gooey delight to classic eggs benedict and a smoked salmon platter, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Want my top picks? Try the blueberry pancakes or the challah french toast – you won’t be disappointed! Oh, and remember, this is a cash-only spot, so come prepared.
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08
Festival Cafe
Other Restaurants in Upper East SideNext on our list is Festival Cafe. This restaurant is the home of NYC’s only farm-to-bar cocktail experience. Located on 2nd Ave, this brunch spot has a chic ambiance, incredible staff, and a delectable menu that keeps me coming back.
Their lobster rolls and salmon are top-notch, but it’s their croissants that steal the show. And when you combine the bottomless mimosas, bloody mary, and spritzers, you’re in for a great time! For food, I suggest you try their cheeseburger, nachos, vanilla bean french toast, and of course, the avocado toast. But remember, their bottomless brunch only runs from 12 pm to 4 pm on weekends, so plan ahead and arrive early!
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09
J.G. Melon
Burger Spot in Upper East Side
Time seems to have passed without a trace here, as the pub still exudes the glamour of the old days – and there is one of the best burgers in town.
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10
Jackson Hole
Burger Spot in Upper East Side
You can get really good burgers and chicken sandwiches here. But beware – the burgers are really huge!
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11
Jones Wood Foundry
Other Restaurants in Upper East SideHeading into Yorkville, you’ll find Jones Wood Foundry, which is a British gastropub that’s a local haven for both foodies and Premier League fans. Hidden in the back, this peaceful space invites you to indulge in toasted crumpets and a typical English breakfast.
When I eat at Jones Wood Foundry, I always opt for the Prix Fixe, which offers great bang for your buck. I suggest going for the English breakfast, Yorkshire pudding pop-over, fried chicken and waffle, or English bacon steak and eggs for a truly indulgent experience. But the good news is that no matter what you pick, as long as you choose outdoor seating, you cannot go wrong!
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12
La Goulue
French Restaurant in Upper East Side
Add a touch of French culture to your Thanksgiving meal by enjoying your dinner at La Goulue. This Upper East Side establishment is offering a three-course meal for $96 per adult or $48 for each child under 12. The menu will offer foods such as tuna tartare, butternut squash soup, steak au poivre, roasted organic turkey, pumpkin tart, and pecan mascarpone napoleon.
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13
Lexington Candy Shop
American Restaurant in Upper East Side
The Lexington Candy Shop was opened in 1925 and is now run by the third generation of the family. Breakfast is particularly popular: the French toast is incredibly delicious and the pancakes with strawberries are highly recommended. For lunch you should definitely eat a burger. The menu also includes soups, salads and sandwiches.
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14
Maya
Mexican Restaurant in Upper East Side
Chef Richard Sandoval uses flavors and techniques from his Mexican roots while also experimenting with modern tastes at his restaurant Maya located in the Upper East Side. The tequila flights are a fun way to taste multiple tequilas without committing to selecting a drink. This is especially a great option since each tequila is carefully curated and added to the collection.
Some of the more exciting tequilas to try include ‘Casa Dragones’ and ‘Riazul.’ 100% of their selection of tequilas, including the Blanc’s are made with 100% blue agave. These high-end tequilas are best served with elegant lobster tacos or the zarandeado salmon special.
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15
PJ Bernstein
Other Restaurants in Upper East Side
PJ Bernstein is a cherished Upper East Side Jewish deli that boasts a rich history dating back to 1965 when it first opened its doors. Nowadays, PJ Bernstein remains a popular spot for locals and celebrities, including Liza Minelli, Mel Brooks, and more. With Chef Tommy Jedrzejezyk at the helm, PJ Bernstein continues to delight patrons with dishes like chicken soup, pierogies, cheese blintzes, and smoked fish specials, all served with a generous side of history and charm.
PJ Bernstein’s interior welcomes you with a clean, inviting countertop displaying their choice meats and deli products. Framed photographs of famous clientele adorn the walls, creating a familiar and warm atmosphere. Plus, there’s now an outdoor patio dining area with lush hanging plants, offering patrons a delightful al fresco experience.
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16
Quality Eats (Upper East Side)
American Restaurant in Upper East SideAre you looking for a steakhouse brunch in the Upper East Side? If so, then head to Quality Eats on 2nd Ave. As the name suggests, their brunch menu offers high-quality meat dishes like short rib hash and steak du jour.
Perhaps the best part is that the bright and lively atmosphere adds to the allure, making it one of my favorite spots for brunch. Be sure to share their Quality Monkey Bread with your friends; it’s a light, sweet, and oh-so-fluffy bread! And don’t miss out on their Eggs & Steak du Jour or the Mezze & Eggs, which are both an upscale twist to brunch that you’ll love.
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17
Sant Ambroeus (Upper East Side)
Italian Restaurant in Upper East Side
Located just down from Central Park, right off Madison Avenue, you’ll find Sant Ambroeus, the epitome of Sunday brunch NYC Upper East Side elegance. As you sink into the plush velvet chairs surrounded by white tablecloths, you’ll find the ambiance relaxed yet sophisticated – like donning business casual attire for a meal.
Ready for my recommendations? The Omelette della Casa is a classic – choose your preferred fillings from an enticing list and savor the flavors. Or, for a bit of indulgence, the Salmone Affumicato with Scottish smoked salmon and cream cheese never disappoints.
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18
Seamore's Upper East Side
Sea Food Restaurant in Upper East Side
Seafood for brunch? You heard right! Seamore’s, situated in the Upper East Side, presents a unique twist to your regular brunch with their $28 bottomless brunch deal. Founder Michael Chernow promises seafood that’s as fresh as it gets.
So, if you’re a seafood lover you will adore the lobster, eggs benedict, and fish tacos, but those who love brunch classics aren’t left out either. Just don’t forget to make a reservation; the place gets busy quickly on weekends!
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19
Shake Shack
Burger Spot in Upper East Side
Shake Shack is a burger chain with more than 20 stores in New York alone. We got this spot recommended by a New Yorker as the “best burger in town” with the warning that you have to wait an hour for your burger – but it was worth the wait! From the outside the burger shop may seem quite inconspicuous, but the burgers are certainly among the best in New York.
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20
Sojourn
American Restaurant in Upper East SideIf you’re looking to eat brunch in the Upper East Side, Sojourn is one of the best bottomless brunch deals in the area. But go ahead and pencil in a two-hour slot for this gem because their drink special is too good to rush. For just $30, you can indulge in endless drinks.
With your thirst quenched, you’ll want to explore their delicious food menu. I’ve got two words for you – Hangover Cure. This flavor-packed plate of chorizo hash, poached eggs, and spicy avocado sauce is a must-try. But don’t get Sojourn confused with Sojourn Social, their sister bar, and plan ahead because they do get busy!
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21
The East Pole
American Restaurant in Upper East SideThe East Pole is discreetly housed in a brownstone on East 65th Street and serves up some of the best brunch in the UES. With a fresh, rotating, farm-to-table menu, it’s a must-visit spot for brunch lovers.
Think of it as “elegant home cooking,” available only on the weekends, ensuring you get a fresh and delicious meal every time. Don’t miss out on their huevos rancheros, complete with house-made tortillas and black beans. And do try the egg white frittata and brioche french toast – they’re simply delightful.
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22
The Penrose
American Restaurant in Upper East Side
The Penrose on Second Avenue is a stand-out Upper East Side brunch spot that doubles as an old-school bar. I love this restaurant because it’s bright and welcoming, which makes for a perfect brunch destination to enjoy innovative cocktails alongside delicious bites.
For something sweet, I highly recommend the cinnamon bun french toast sticks – a delicacy dressed in vanilla cream cheese drizzle and brown butter maple syrup. And if you’re after something savory, the avocado toast, Eggs Benedict, and shrimp and grits hit the spot. Believe me when you say you won’t regret a visit to The Penrose!
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23
THEP Thai Restaurant
Asian Restaurant in Upper East SideTHEP on the Upper East Side is one of the best Thai restaurants in NYC. The concept of the restaurant originates from Bangkok and they have made it their mission to offer their guests an unforgettable dining experience with excellent food. On the menu, you will find classic Thai dishes, some of which are also suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Don’t miss out on this Thai spot!
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24
Treadwell Park
Other Restaurants in Upper East Side
cuisine at Treadwell Park - NYC Upper East SideTreadwell Park is all about beer. The Craft Beer Hall features 20 rotating beers on tap, and you’ll even find cocktails and sundaes that include beer. There’s no need to go hungry here either: there are chicken wings, huge pretzels, and juicy burgers. If you get bored here, you can play a game of table tennis or pinball.
From September 15 to October 15, Oktoberfest is held daily at Treadwell Park. Drink delicious German beer and participate in the stein-holding contest for an authentic Oktoberfest experience.
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25
Uva
Italian Restaurant in Upper East Side
Uva is an Italian restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere, great food and fantastic wines. Bella Vita in New York.
