Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies on the Upper East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies on the Upper East Side
1. Daniel
A landmark of haute French dining where seasonal tasting menus, polished service, and a serene Park Avenue–adjacent dining room create a quintessential special-occasion meal.
✓ Why Go:
For food lovers seeking a benchmark NYC fine-dining experience with meticulous technique, deep wine lists, and dishes that celebrate peak-season ingredients.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dinner Tuesday–Thursday for a less frenetic room; book 3–4 weeks out for prime weekend seatings.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request the lounge for a shorter à la carte experience; elegant attire is expected.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise flawless service, nuanced sauces, and memorable desserts; some note premium pricing as part of the experience.
2. Café Sabarsky
A gilded Viennese café inside the Neue Galerie serving expertly pulled espresso drinks, layered tortes, and schnitzel in a wood-paneled, Old World salon.
✓ Why Go:
To pair museum-hopping with sachertorte, apple strudel, and classic coffee drinks in a setting that transports you to turn-of-the-century Vienna.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late morning for easier seating; it’s especially cozy in fall and winter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the dedicated café entrance and order a mélange with a slice of Klimttorte if available.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons love the atmosphere and pastry craftsmanship; lines at peak brunch are common but considered worth it.
3. J.G. Melon
A beloved neighborhood tavern famed for its griddled burgers, cottage fries, and checkered tablecloth vibe that hasn’t changed in decades.
✓ Why Go:
To taste one of NYC’s most iconic burgers and soak up a classic UES institution that draws regulars, celebrities, and burger pilgrims alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch or early dinner to avoid the heaviest waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep your order simple—burger cooked medium, American cheese, cottage fries—and be ready for a short wait during peak hours.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about the juicy patties and nostalgic charm; occasional crowds and tight seating are part of the allure.
4. Orwashers
A century-old bakery turning out crusty loaves, seeded ryes, black-and-white cookies, and filled-to-order jelly doughnuts from its original Yorkville shop.
✓ Why Go:
For a true taste of neighborhood baking heritage—perfect for breakfast, a picnic in Central Park, or bread to take home.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning when the ovens’ first bakes hit the counter and the doughnuts are freshest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for your jelly doughnut filled to order and pick up a loaf of sesame semolina or Russian rye.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars applaud the old-school technique and warm service; a few note popular items sell out early.
5. Pastrami Queen
A kosher-style deli known for thick-cut, hand-carved pastrami piled high on seeded rye with sharp mustard and classic sides.
✓ Why Go:
To experience a top-tier NYC deli sandwich without leaving the Upper East—smoky, peppery, and satisfyingly messy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunch before noon or after 2:30 p.m. to dodge the rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a fatty cut for extra succulence and share a sandwich if you’re planning multiple tastings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Deli devotees celebrate the carving and spice balance; prices are hefty but portions follow suit.
6. Sant Ambroeus
A chic Milanese café where espresso, cornetti, panini, and gelato meet polished service and prime Madison Avenue people-watching.
✓ Why Go:
For an elegant caffeine stop or light Italian lunch that feels both neighborhood and fashion-scene at once.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning for coffee and pastries, or aperitivo hour for a spritz and small bites.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand at the marble bar for a faster espresso and snag a slice of torta della nonna to go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the refined ambiance and consistent pastries; some mention a wait during weekend brunch.
7. Sushi of Gari
Pioneering omakase spot celebrated for creative, composed nigiri that balances pristine fish with thoughtful toppings and sauces.
✓ Why Go:
To explore inventive sushi beyond soy and wasabi—think delicately torched cuts and harmony-first flavor pairings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening seatings Tuesday–Thursday for a calmer bar experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit at the counter, skip extra soy, and let the chef lead with an omakase tailored to your preferences.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars commend the fish quality and imagination; a few note compact seating and premium pricing.
8. Eli's Market
A gourmet grocer from the Zabar family with standout bread, cheeses, smoked fish, prepared foods, and pantry gems ideal for picnics.
✓ Why Go:
To curate a best-of-UES spread—bagels and lox, roast chickens, vibrant salads—and head to nearby Central Park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays for relaxed browsing and full counters.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a picnic with smoked salmon, scallion cream cheese, and a crusty baguette; grab seasonal fruit before checkout.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers appreciate top-tier ingredients and selection; higher prices are expected for the quality.
9. Bemelmans Bar
An elegant Carlyle Hotel lounge with whimsical murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, polished cocktails, and a polished bar menu.
✓ Why Go:
For martinis and refined bites in a storied room that epitomizes Upper East Side glamour—perfect pre- or post-dinner.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive right at opening for a seat; evenings fill quickly, especially on live-music nights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a classic martini and share bar snacks before a late dinner nearby on Madison or Lexington.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors swoon over the ambiance and cocktails; waits can be long but the setting steals the show.
10. Lexington Candy Shop
A 1925 soda fountain pouring hand-whipped malteds and egg creams alongside griddled sandwiches in a perfectly preserved luncheonette.
✓ Why Go:
To savor a slice of edible history and classic comfort fare that’s become a rite of passage for NYC food lovers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon for a sweet break between museum visits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order an egg cream and watch the seltzer pour; pair with a tuna melt or patty melt for the full throwback.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners adore the nostalgia, friendly staff, and fountain treats; space is tight but charming.
