Saying that there are many restaurants in NYC is like saying the ocean has a few drops of water. By some estimates, there are around 25,000 restaurants in the city, and it would take over 20 years to try them all. But you don’t want to try them all. You want to try the best ones only. To do just that, you can reduce the pool of contenders by focusing on the 72 Michelin-starred New York City restaurants. You can also listen to us, the experts. We know New York like our back pocket. So, we can easily direct you to the restaurants that are buzzing right now. The following five establishments are where you’ll want to make a reservation this fall. Trust us and thank us later.
Le Chêne
A newcomer to the West Village, Le Chêne is a French restaurant owned and operated by celebrity chef Alexia Duchêne and her husband. Alexia Duchêne’s resume alone should make you beeline to Le Chêne. She was one of the youngest Top Chef semi-finalist and worked with Michelin-starred chefs throughout the world. But it’s the menu that will entice you there and have you come back time and again. The refined French dishes on offer are concocted using seasonal and local ingredients, and there’s enough wine in the cellar for the right pairings. The house specialty is the Surf & Turf Pithivier, a round and enclosed pie of puff pastry filled with smoked eel, a cheesy and creamy potato mixture, pork stuffing, and beetroot ketchup. You’ll want to take your phone out to snap a pic of it before you tuck in – the presentation is divine. And whatever you do, don’t pass on dessert. There tales of the vanilla millefeuille all the way to Brooklyn.
Le Chêne is open from Tuesday to Saturday and walk-ins are welcomed, but we recommend making a reservation via Resy.
The Polo Bar
Since it opened its doors in 2015, The Polo Bar has been extremely exclusive. While top-shelf celebrities seem to be able to get in without a hitch, it can be tricky for everyone else to make a reservation at this Midtown hotspot. The only way to book a table is by phone from 10 AM to 10 PM and the restaurant only accepts reservations up to one month ahead. You’re likely to spend well over one hour on the line to score a booking. But – dare we say it – it’s worth it.
The space is very atmospheric, with a decor reminiscent of a posh London gentleman’s club. There are leather banquettes, wood panels, dark green walls, brass accents, and a lot of equestrian-themed art (Ralph Lauren loves horses). The waitstaff wears crisp white shirts, black ties, and white aprons, and the guests are expected to look their best. The menu offers elevated American food, and The Polo Bar Burger and Ralph’s Corned Beef Sandwich are guests’ favorites. As for dessert, you’d be remiss to pass on the Coconut Cake and Ice Cream Sundae so don’t.
This summer, The Polo Bar had a special Hamptons menu, but if you missed it, don’t despair. The Thanksgiving a la carte menu will soon be here for you to indulge.
Casa Tua
Italian restaurants in New York City are a dime a dozen. That said, there’s one establishment that takes the Mediterranean dining experience to another level: Casa Tua.
Open since October 2024, the Upper East Side restaurant and members-only club is part of the luxurious and newly renovated The Surrey hotel. In fact, it’s the only dining option available on site.
On the main floor of Casa Tua, you’ll find a restaurant and a lounge; the second floor is home to the members-only club. If you’re not a club member, you can’t book a table, but you can walk in and take your chances. The space features a lot of rich, glossy wood and is dimly lit — it’s an intimate atmosphere. The decor exudes early-60s Italian sophistication. And after a glass of the in-house cocktail and a plate of antipasti, you won’t even remember you’re in New York City any longer.
Casa Tua is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as brunch on weekends.
Four Twenty Five Park
Not only is Four Twenty Five on the New York Times’ list of the 100 Best restaurants in New York City in 2025, but it’s also a Michelin-Guide recommendation. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week, Four Twenty Five is run by acclaimed chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Jonathan Benno. Vongerichten operates over 40 restaurants around the world, and Benno is the first American chef to earn three Michelin stars. Not a bad combo.
Four Twenty Five is located in Midtown, in a modern office tower building. The decor and design of the establishment reflects the location. The interior is sleek, modern, luminous, and airy thanks to immense windows and 45-foot-tall ceilings. Four Twenty Five has two levels: the street level is home to the bar and cocktail lounge, while the intimate dining room and open kitchen are on the mezzanine.
The menu is a welcoming mix of Asian, Italian, American and French dishes, allowing guests with different tastes to dine together and enjoy the experience. Yes, you can have foie gras, sashimi, ravioli, and caviar on the same table. While it launched in 2023, Four Twenty Five only recently opened an open-air patio at the corner of Park Avenue and 56th Street. So make a reservation now, if you want to catch the last sun rays of the summer.
The Grill
If you want to dazzle your guests or impress your date, there’s no better place to take them than The Grill. The very swanky Midtown establishment is in the Seagram Building, a renowned architecture masterpiece from the late 50s. Inside, the vibe is glamorous and glitzy, a la mid-century Manhattan — so you need to dress the part.
The menu favors American cuisine, like Montauk Pearl Oysters, prime ribs, and banana fosters. In short, all the delicious and generous classics. Expect very entertaining tableside displays from the flawless waitstaff, but don’t get too distracted. You need to keep your eyes peeled for the many A-listers that frequent The Grill.
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FAQs
Q: When did New York City’s Le Chêne restaurant open?
A: Le Chêne opened on May 23, 2025.
Q: What cuisine does The Grill in New York City serve?
A: Le Grill serves all-American cuisine like prime ribs, corn chowder soup, and more.
Q: In what neighborhood is Casa Tua New York?
A: Casa Tua New York is on the Upper East Side.
