Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Manhattan

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Manhattan? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sushi Noz

4.9

4.9 (9)

$50 and over

Sushi

Upper East Side

About the restaurant

Craftsmanship at its finest is displayed at Sushi Noz, where guests experience our seasonal omakase menu curated nightly by Chef Nozomu Abe. Known as "Noz" to his friends, Abe-san is part of a movement from Japan advancing Edomae-style sushi, incorporating aging and preparation techniques that date back to Japan's Edo period. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are transported by the Sukiya-style wooden interior, which was assembled using more than a dozen types of cedar. The centerpiece of our first dining room is our 8-seat, 200-year-old hinoki wood sushi bar and traditional ice chest, where Chef Noz refrigerates the evening's neta selections. Our second dining room features a sushi bar made from tamo ash wood, which accommodates an additional 6 guests. We welcome our guests in true Japanese hospitality, offering two nightly seatings at each counter.

Top review

Kenneth

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Exceptional experience in every way. A must visit in NYC.

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Experience

Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve

Experience

Omakase ($550/Person)

Kawachiya NYC

5.0

5 (14)

$50 and over

Kaiseki

Murray Hill

About the restaurant

The Kawachiya room by Kawabun NYC is a premium dining experience featuring seasonal menus offered in a lunch format and a full tasting menu for dinner at our Chef's counter. We feature techniques and recipes spanning four hundred years with an eye towards innovating for New York. Located near Bryant Park and the Chrysler building in Murray Hill, Kawachiya is a hidden gem conveniently located close to Grand Central Terminal.

Chef Ito Yoshitaka has been practicing his craft at the legendary Kawabun Ryotei in Nagoya, Japan since his youth. Hailing from a family of Washoku chefs, he applies his dedication and skills to bring a highly selective seasonal offering to New York to launch the first expansion of Kawabun since its founding in the early 1600s.

For A La Carte service in Kawabun NYC, please visit: www.opentable.com/r/kawabun-nyc-new-york

Top review

Michael

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

What a wonderful place. My spouse and I had the omakase experience and it was a feast for all the senses. From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable. The preparation and plating in front of us was truly a one of a kind event. Every plate was excellent and unique.

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Experience

Dinner Omakase

Experience

Lunch Counter Omakase

Gaia Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (38)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Midtown

About the restaurant

Gaia is an upscale Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in the heart of Herald Square. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and artfully crafted dishes, Gaia offers a dining experience that blends elegance and flavor in a vibrant, modern atmosphere. Perfect for intimate dinners, celebrations, and private events, our menu showcases Mediterranean classics reimagined with a contemporary twist.

Top review

James

Dined 5 days ago

First and foremost, a wow factor makes your presence just as you enter the restaurant! Exquisite and tasteful decor and ambience. Warm welcomes from different staff members and Sean Agaj - owner delivers above and beyond service, food quality and experience. Watch out NYC you must visit and enjoy a true Mediterranean food story.

Grand Salon & Bar at Baccarat Hotel New York

4.7

4.7 (141)

$31 to $50

French

Midtown East

About the restaurant

Kindly call 212-790-8867 to speak with our reservations team or for parties larger than 7+
Book Afternoon Tea here: https://www.baccarathotels.com/dining/afternoon-tea
• Reservations for Dining requires a $75 Minimum spend per person for non-hotel guests (Not Afternoon Tea)
• Afternoon Tea in the Grand Salon Requires $140 Minimum spend per person (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian & Vegan available)
*Kindly note in special requests if children are attending and or if there are any allergies or dietary restrictions.

A spirit of style, rhythm and whimsy keeps the plush, platinum and champagne-hued Grand Salon humming throughout the day and evening. Glowing inside and out, a corrugated crystal-like curtain reveals cascading chandeliers framing lush lounge-style seating clad in rich velvets and Jouffre silk.

Top review

Christopher

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

The hostess was really accommodating to me and my guest despite a very busy evening dealing with customers. I appreciate her caring attitude to enhance our experience.

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Experience

Ring in 2025 with Baccarat Hotel New York

Experience

Ring in 2025 with Baccarat Hotel New York

Jadis

4.7

4.7 (174)

$30 and under

French

Lower East Side

About the restaurant

Jadis is a cozy wine bar offering Euro- centric organic wines, small plates like escargot, mushroom risotto puff, decadent cheese and charcuterie platters, French classics like Cassoulet and Beef Bourguignon. Jadis is perfect for a date night and get together with friends.
Jadis is located in the heart of Lower East Side since 2006. Nearest train is F at 2nd Avenue.
Visit out website for up to date menus!
www.jadisnyc.com

Top review

GingerVIP

Dined 7 days ago

It was a lovely evening with lots of wine and great food. The service was impeccable and the spot adorable.

Rise Bar - Drag Brunch

4.8

4.8 (110)

$30 and under

American

Hell's Kitchen

About the restaurant

SUN DEC 15TH-- If you are having difficulty booking for 12:15, we may be sold out. Try booking a reservation at our sister bar's Drag Brunch, The Red Stache, for an equally as fabulous show!
Rise Bar is an LGBTQ+ bar located in Hells Kitchen Manhattan serving the gay community with entertainment and cocktails. Providing a safe place for LGBTQ+ and their allies.

PLEASE NOTE: Rise Bar is a 21+ establishment

Top review

Bess

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Excellent Saturday drag brunch with amazing hosts and delicious food!

Majorelle at The Lowell

4.9

4.9 (1043)

$50 and over

French

Upper East Side

About the restaurant

Intimate bar and beautiful lounge lead to unique restaurant with an open garden.

The subtly lit French oak paneled bar greets you with booth banquettes and
tables amenable to serve Jacques’ Bar Menu, all day.

The Club Room: its coffered ceilings and fireplace creates familiarity in the comfort of a warm elegant home.

Both the lounge and the bar menus offer spontaneously prepared French delicacies, savory and sweet with distinct Mediterranean and Moroccan influence.

“Majorelle” restaurant: its vaulted ceiling, marble columns, and trellised garden with up-lighted fountains set the stage for fine French Cuisine and Service in an atmosphere of harmony and luxury for all the senses.

Top review

CandyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Glamorous Efficient And love no one was engage in photos of food New York as I like it Cool with power Love

The Champagne & Caviar Bar at RH Guesthouse

4.8

4.8 (75)

$50 and over

American

Meatpacking District

About the restaurant

The Champagne & Caviar Bar recalls the distinctive glamour of a vintage jewel box, presenting a carefully curated selection of the finest Champagnes, Petrossian Caviar and a menu of classic dishes in which caviar is the star. The space features a progression of hand-blown chandeliers, geometric floors of Italian marble, and an ornate coffered ceiling, punctuated by camel mohair velvet seating for an intimate, immersive experience.

For group dining inquiries, please email: GHNYDR@rh.com

Top review

GinaVIP

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

We had a wonderful time. The service was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. We had some off menu requests and they accommodated them with no hesitation. We were celebrating a birthday and got to really enjoy our time there. The space was definitely a vibe. Can’t wait to go back.

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4.8

4.8 (1369)

$50 and over

American

Financial District

About the restaurant

Steps away from The Beekman's centerpiece atrium and the bustle of The Bar Room, is Tom Colicchio's Temple Court. Surrounded by a series of stained-glass windows, and full of historic charm, Temple Court's Dining Room is a destination for the fine dining devout. Now under the stewardship of Executive Chef, Travis Sowards, Temple Court is a tour de force of Tom Colicchio's most classic flavor profiles, reimagined and assembled on a showcase menu in Downtown NYC. *The Bar Room is not reservable through Open Table*

Top review

Phoebe

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

The overall experience at Temple Court is exceptional. Surprisingly, the prices are more reasonable than those of most high-end restaurants in NYC, despite being a luxury dining space within a hotel. The romantic atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for couples or anyone seeking a pleasant and peaceful setting for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The servers and hosts are attentive and detail-oriented, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Temple Court is a solid 10/10 in every aspect.

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Experience

Christmas Eve

Experience

Cocktails & Family-Style Dining Experience

Experience

Large Party Plated Experience

One if by Land, Two if by Sea

4.5

4.5 (6724)

$50 and over

Contemporary French / American

Greenwich Village

About the restaurant

One if by Land, Two if by Sea has been recognized for its classic menu, long history, and beautiful decor. It is often cited as the most romantic restaurant in New York City. The decor features candlelit tables, brick fireplaces, a baby grand piano and a private garden.

The restaurant operates inside a historic, land-marked carriage house built in 1767.

Established in 1973, One if by Land, Two if by Sea soon became the go to spot in NYC for engagements, anniversaries, weddings and just a night out for quiet dinner.

DRESS CODE

We kindly ask our guests to abide by the dress code of the restaurant.

No Excessively revealing clothing, Athletic wear, beachwear, tank tops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, casual shorts, Hats, flip flops and party accessories (including crowns, sashes & other paraphernalia)

To cancel a reservation; it will require at least 48 hours prior to the day of the reservation. Less than 48 hours will result in the full per person price of the dinner.

Top review

Mickey

Dined 4 days ago

We’re native NYers and haven’t visited this dear old friend in too long. Brilliant service, breathtaking romantic lush atmosphere (a young man went down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend when we were there) and that makes the check worth it. It’s des Artistes crossed w the Russian Tea Room 30 years ago. Go here, the food isn’t special and it’s expensive but if you can do it, DEFINITELY do it.

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