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Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Upper West Side

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tokugawa - Madison restaurant
1. Tokugawa - Madison
4.5
Awesome(71)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Upper East Side
Booked 7 times today
Coming Soon!
A photo of ABC Kitchen restaurant
2. ABC Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(6561)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Gramercy Park
Booked 86 times today
Since opening in 2010, situated steps away from the Union Square Greenmarket, abc kitchen has celebrated community and local producers. Specializing in seasonal American cuisine with Jean-Georges’ signature touch (spice, acidity and Asian flares sprinkled throughout), abc kitchen is a Jean-Georges restaurant that partners with a diverse network of farmers and purveyors including Norwich Meadows Farm, Eckerton Hill Farm, Bodhi Tree Farm, Lani’s, and many more. The restaurant’s regularly rotating food and beverage menus showcase organic ingredients, ranging from fresh greens to meats and fruits. Set amidst rich natural woods, abc kitchen offers a cozy ambiance that invites guests to savor celebrated seasonal dishes and local harvests in a warm and inviting setting.
A photo of Beauty & Essex- New York restaurant
3. Beauty & Essex- New York
4.6
Exceptional(10048)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Lower East Side
Booked 92 times today
Beauty & Essex has an innovative design that starts in the restaurant’s entrance, a well-curated modern-day pawn shop replete with a saxophone, boom­box, quirky artifacts, vintage treasures, and an eclectic array of “one-off” pieces of jewelry. Continuing past the pawnshop, guests encounter a grand, circular staircase wrapped around a two-story custom chandelier, but only the adventurous will discover all that Beauty & Essex has to offer. With four distinct dining rooms (one private), two bars, a lounge, and a women’s bathroom complete with a salon including a luxurious sofa, and antique perfume bottles. The cuisine, much like the design, is intended to set a new course. Chef Chris Santos was one of the pioneers of the small, share plate dining trend that has swept the nation, and with the Beauty & Essex menu, he once again has created waves on the food scene.
A photo of Casa Bond restaurant
4. Casa Bond
4.5
Awesome(113)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • NoHo
Booked 12 times today
Casa Bond offers a vibrant dining experience, blending creative, modern Mexican cuisine with a chic, Bohemian atmosphere. Named one of "New York's Best New Restaurants of 2023" by the Financial Times, we’re known for standout dishes like Aguachile and Gobernador Tacos. Join us for an unforgettable meal that captures the essence of authentic Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist. Perfect for those seeking top-notch service, exceptional food, and a lively, artistic ambiance.
A photo of Le Jardinier - New York restaurant
5. Le Jardinier - New York
4.7
Exceptional(454)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Midtown East
Booked 15 times today
Le Jardinier is an approachable yet refined hyper-seasonal restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli. Rooted in classic French technique, Verzeroli has created a menu where seasonality a prominent role: local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, and greens are complemented by sustainable proteins. The wine list features over 350 references, and has an international focus drawing heavily on the French regions of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Cocktails utilize high quality craft spirits, fortified wines, fresh herbs, and house made tinctures and bitters.
A photo of Kahlo Restaurant restaurant
6. Kahlo Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(830)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Chelsea
Booked 16 times today
Kahlo is a restaurant specializing in seasonal modern Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, a vast selection of fine wines, and an array of delightful beverages. Our stunning dining room, inviting bar, and sophisticated dining area pay homage to the legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Conveniently situated on 29th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue, we are within walking distance of Hudson Yards, the High Line, Manhattan West, and the Javits Center. Don’t miss our fish yucateco, delectable branzino, tuna tostadas, and fresh guacamole paired with homemade chips! Whether it’s a special occasion or a business dinner, we provide the ideal cozy setting.
A photo of Le B. restaurant
7. Le B.
4.4
Awesome(18)
Price: Very Expensive
• European • West Village
Booked 6 times today
Continental cuisine, for the modern diner. Restaurant Le B. is a celebratory, lively, dinner setting that is rooted in the culture of Downtown Manhattan. Staying true to form, Chef Angie Mar’s cuisine mines history for forgotten pleasures, with a focus on land air and sea. Tableside presentations and over the top excess has always been a hallmark of Mar’s style. Awarded Four Stars by Forbes, Best New Restaurant by Conde Nast Traveler, Financial Times and Robb Report, and rated 50 Best in America by Esquire Magazine, her award winning team’s overwhelming hospitality coupled with the essence of her cult favorite restaurant, The Beatrice Inn, are carried through in this next iteration of downtown dining, with a sophisticated and playful point of view. *Please note that Le Burger is not available in the Dining Room, and is first come first serve exclusively at our Bar. If you'd like to experience Le Burger, we invite you to book our Bar Experience by calling the restaurant directly.
A photo of Armani Ristorante 5th Avenue restaurant
8. Armani Ristorante 5th Avenue
4.5
Awesome(1630)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Midtown East
Armani Ristorante 5th Avenue is hailed as a creative cuisine hub. The restaurant's menu features 'modern, creative cuisine' and 'excellent reinterpretations of traditional Italian classics', as per the reviews. The head chef, Ivano Lauretti, is acclaimed for his innovative creations. The restaurant's dishes are 'sophisticated', 'superb' and 'exceptional' and the 'presentation was outstanding'.
A photo of Gabriel Kreuther restaurant
9. Gabriel Kreuther
5.0
Exceptional(1595)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • Midtown West
Booked 5 times today
Gabriel Kreuther is a Relais & Chateaux and Two Star Michelin restaurant looking out onto beautiful Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. We offer a luxurious, upscale Contemporary-French-American & Alsatian-inspired dining experience with a distinct New York Spirit. Also known for its stunning decor, Gabriel Kreuther looks out onto NYC's vibrant Bryant Park on 42nd street & offers fine-dining in the upscale dining room (reserve here) or elevated casual dining at the bar and lounge (call) offering "some of the absolute best bar food in NYC" (Grub Street). Gabriel Kreuther accepts reservations for the main dining room 4-weeks in advance & you can also book our In-Kitchen Table offering a fully immersive, special dining experience for up to 8 guests by contacting us at office@gknyc.com. Close proximity to theater district, Pre-theater reservations available.
A photo of Da Raffaele - NYC restaurant
10. Da Raffaele - NYC
4.8
Exceptional(478)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Midtown East
Booked 2 times today
Da Raffaele's is a warm and inviting Italian restaurant.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LynnF
    New York City •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food was amazing - because of the creative approach to cooking, the menu was full of delicious culinary choices. Our meal was flavorful and delicious. However, the service was lacking. After are order was taken we never saw our waiter until the bill was presented. We had several requests - more water, another cocktail and our bill - and each of these requests we had to stop another waitstaff member to get these for us. We will try again, and hopefully the service will improve.
    More info
    ABC KitchenPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Gramercy Park
    •
    4.5
  • BergeVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •13 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This was my third visit in recent months. I think the food, service and ambiance were great. Price, a little high but nowadays all restaurants are the same. The only thing I couldn’t understand was the size and the design of the printed menu. It is confusing. They better redesign it and make it more user friendly.
    More info
    Le Jardinier - New YorkPrice: Very Expensive• French• Midtown East
    •
    4.7
  • BillR
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Chefs Kiss! We were celebrating a birthday, and they made it classy and lovely. Food is divine!
    More info
    Beauty & Essex- New YorkPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Lower East Side
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    Cancun / Riviera Maya •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing experience!! Food was delicious, lots of great recommendations, upscale but well priced and the service was PHENOMENAL. Probably best service I’ve experienced in NYC
    More info
    Casa BondPrice: Expensive• Mexican• NoHo
    •
    4.5
  • LindaVIP
    New York City •96 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 5, 2025
    Authentic cuisine Creative presentation Convivial and professional waitstaff
    More info
    Tokugawa - MadisonPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Upper East Side
    •
    4.5

Discover best creative cuisine restaurants in Upper West Side

Discover a culinary treasure trove in New York City's Upper West Side with our selection of restaurants offering creative cuisine. Nestled in the vibrant Manhattan district, these eateries showcase a blend of inventive dishes that push the boundaries of traditional cooking, making each meal a unique experience. From modern twists on American classics to innovative Mediterranean plates, the Upper West Side is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking creativity on their plates. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on high-quality ingredients, expertly crafted by chefs who are passionate about delivering both taste and presentation. The dining scene here is characterized by a mix of sophisticated, cozy atmospheres and a commitment to culinary excellence, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor exploring the gastronomic landscape, the Upper West Side offers an array of options that cater to diverse palates and preferences, solidifying its status as a key destination for creative cuisine in Manhattan.

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