The Top Extravagant Restaurants In New York City

Born in Paris in 1972 by siblings Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze, Le Bernardin is primarily known for its exquisite seafood dishes and top-notch service. After coming to New York in 1986, chef Eric Ripert upheld this three Michelin-star restaurant’s reputation as one of the world’s premier seafood restaurants, which has won numerous awards, such as the coveted James Beard Award for ‘Outstanding Restaurant’ and, for the sixth year in a row, the Zagat Guide’s winner in the category of ‘Best Food.’ With its large variety of menus, along with outstanding wine pairings and decadent desserts, Le Bernardin is a ‘can’t miss’ restaurant for seafood lovers everywhere.

One of the most highly-regarded Nordic restaurants in the country, Aquavit continues to be one of New York’s most popular places to dine. With its deep-rooted Swedish heritage, this sophisticated restaurant delivers ambitious and inventive plates of food. Their Chef’s tasting menu offers decadent dishes like sea urchin and potato, hazen blue and fig, and an arctic bird’s nest. Known for their outstanding quality of seafood, game, and dessert dishes, Aquavit is definitely worth the high price.

Casual dining meets sophistication at this Italian-American establishment. Top Chef master and Barbuto owner Jonathan Waxman creates dishes that will make your taste buds swirl, from the delicious array of pasta and seafood to the famous pollo al forno.

Located in Greenwich Village, Blue Hill prepares locally-sourced ingredients from nearby farms, including Blue Hill Farm in Massachusetts and Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, right outside of NYC. Guests can choose from a four-course tasting menu, or the ‘Farmer’s Feast’ menu, a six-course meal crafted with products from the weekly harvest. Featured on the Netflix series, ‘The Chef’s Table,’ Blue Hill attracts restaurant-goers from all over the country. The farm-to-table fare, a beautiful garden, and comfortable indoor seating turns guests into loyal patrons.

Poached pike dumplings with champagne sauce and caviar? Chocolate soufflé? Yes please. With its warm, romantic ambiance and deep-rooted French history, La Grenouille has been a favorite destination amongst A-listers such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Salvador Dalí, and Yves Saint Laurent. This famous New York City restaurant is quite pricey, but its prix fixe menus are a bargain.

Estiatorio Milos brings Greece to New York City. With a light and airy ambiance and fresh fish daily, Estiatorio Milos is worth the high price tag if you’re into seafood. The Canadian scallops, loup de mer (straight from the island of Kephalonia), and the karidopita are big hits among restaurant-goers. With additional locations in Miami and Las Vegas, Estiatorio Milos is a fan-favorite.

Still standing at 110 years old, Barbetta is the oldest restaurant in New York that is still owned by its founding family. Built inside of four townhouses (previously owned by the Astor family), Barbetta is filled with an abundance of elegant 18th century Piemonte antiques, paintings, and artifacts. Their outdoor garden and patio is one of the city’s most sought-after summer dining destinations. As the first elegant Italian restaurant built in New York, Barbetta’s traditional Italian fare is mildly pricey, but it is definitely a restaurant you’d want to visit more than once.

Another three-Michelin star restaurant on this list, Eleven Madison Park offers seasonal tasting menus that focus on local ingredients (think: sunflowers and freshly-harvested asparagus). Their meals consist of about 8-10 decadent courses, and although it is pricey, the elegant décor, exceptional staff, and deliciously unique meals (overseen by Chef Daniel Humm) create the dining experience of a lifetime.

From the amazing Italian fare to the retro-glam, old school vibes, Carbone is a big hit among the folk of NYC. This Michelin-starred restaurant delivers authentic charm and ambiance along with some seriously fresh ingredients. Lobster ravioli and zuppa di pesce are just some of the extravagant dishes on offer. A single dish may cost you over $50, but the delicious food and fun environment are worth it.