In New York City, choosing a favorite restaurant is a joyful task, with various choices depending on the season, occasion, and even mood. Despite their distinct qualities, you may have top spots on your personal best list for a dive bar, fine dining restaurant, and even an ‘anytime’ type of bar.
New York City is known for its wide range of great restaurants. In Manhattan’s restaurants, regional ingredients come from California, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, and New England – all have made their mark on the menus. Therefore, American cuisine is much more than just steak restaurants and hamburgers.
Best American Restaurant NYC
We have compiled a list of the ten best restaurants in Manhattan, NYC, covering all of the above categories:
1. Brooklyn Diner
Even though its name doesn’t indicate it, this diner is close to Times Square. The Brooklyn Diner is a diner just like in a book: from both an outside and an inside perspective. We recommend you to try pastrami and French toast at Brooklyn Diner.
2. Empire Diner
An NYC icon, this American diner is located in Chelsea. The building is adorned with beautiful graffiti, so you can’t miss it. You can also get there by walking along the High Line.
3. Gayle’s Broadway Rose
Enjoy a delicious and fancy milkshake at Gayle’s Broadway Rose while listening to singing waiters and waitresses belting out classical and contemporary Broadway hits.
4. Industry Kitchen
A typical American menu is offered here with a modern twist. Dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients. Salads, pizza, and freshly grilled meat are served at the Industry Kitchen, along with a selection of fine wines. You will get your money’s worth if you’re a beer or cocktail fan since the selection is outstanding.
5. Lakeside Restaurant Of Loeb Boathouse
One of the most idyllic restaurants in New York City is the Lakeside Restaurant of the Loeb Boathouse, located on the water’s edge at the northeastern tip of Central Park Lake. One of the most romantic spots in the city, Lakeside dining is undoubtedly an elegant dining experience infused with beauty, breeziness, and a romantic atmosphere.
6. Little Prince
We observed the French restaurant for the first time in summer: the windows can be completely opened, and due to its size, you have a completely private spot & table by the window. Super romantic, and we immediately included it on our list of what’s best for couples in NYC.
7. Manhatta
There are many great restaurants in town, but the Manhatta restaurant is one of the best if you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant. Here, not only are the food and service top-notch but so are you! You can enjoy an incredible view of the city from the 60th floor.
8. Red Rooster
A staple of the Harlem community, the Red Rooster, is an absolute institution. This restaurant, also known as the Harlem Speakeasy, was located at 138th Street and 7th Avenue, near the Apollo Theatre. The pleasant, colorful mood was revived with the Red Rooster, and it was a great hit. Not only does the place serve soul food, but it also hosts cooking classes and offers live music.
9. The Dutch Restaurant
The Dutch, despite the name, are not renowned for Dutch cuisine but for American cuisines. There is a wide selection of meat and fish dishes in addition to salads and pasta. You can also enjoy brunch on weekends – and there is a lot to choose from.
10. The Mercer Kitchen
The Mercer Kitchen is a restaurant located in New York City’s SoHo District, near the Mercer Hotel. Take advantage of the restaurant’s breakfast and lunch specials while visiting SoHo.
The restaurants listed above are a catalog of the best American restaurants in NYC; we wish we were eating right now. Places that we wish to return to again and again aren’t necessarily the most recent or famous. These are just places we enjoy revisiting, and we think you will, too.
Would you be interested in learning about the best Mexican restaurants in NYC? Read our blog post to learn more.