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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Upper West Side

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470 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel restaurant
1. The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel
4.4
Awesome(6921)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Midtown East
Booked 77 times today
The Palm Court’s Afternoon Tea truly shines with custom tableware and china, a fragrant tea list steeped in history, and of course, a bit of precocious Eloise too. Guests are invited to nibble on our in-house Pastry Chef’s unique culinary offerings like delicate finger sandwiches, buttery scones and elegant desserts, which are all made from scratch with local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.Hours: Breakfast* | 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Confirmed breakfast reservations at The Palm Courtare reserved for hotel guests at this time.Afternoon Tea | 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.Lite Fare & Cocktails | 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.Reservations are not required but recommended*Lite Fare menu ends at 10:00 p.m.*Based on hotel occupancy. Hotel guests will be priority.For parties larger than 6 guests, please send an inquiry email to PalmCourt.PLZ@Fairmont.com
A photo of Chez Fifi restaurant
2. Chez Fifi
4.7
Exceptional(36)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Upper East Side
Booked 3 times today
A new French bistro nestled in a historic townhouse on the Upper East Side. In the main dining room, Executive Chef Zack Zeidman delivers Parisian classics with Basque flair. Upstairs at Salon de Fifi a l’Étage, master mixologist Yumi Nemoto showcases innovative signature cocktails, served alongside light bites from the kitchen below.Please direct large party and private dining inquiries to reservations@chezfifinyc.com. Kindly note that we do not take standard reservations over email. We look forward to dining with you soon!
A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant
3. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC
4.6
Exceptional(30219)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 435 times today
Carmine's is a family-style Italian restaurant in NYC, crafted for sharing and celebrations. Reviewers lauded it for its exceptional value, abundant portions, friendly service, and the elegant atmosphere. The restaurant is praised for its ability to make any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast. It's perfect for family dining, celebrating special occasions, and hosting business team dinners. With reviews boasting 'excellent food for sharing and phenomenal service,' it's clear Carmine's is a favorite for making any gathering memorable.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie NYC restaurant
4. La Grande Boucherie NYC
4.5
Awesome(8477)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Midtown West
Booked 329 times today
With a dazzling dining gallery featuring 40’ glass ceilings, this one-of-a-kind brasserie is built in the tradition of the Belle Époque, inspired by elegant and ornamental Art Nouveau style. The menu features French classics and timeless bistro favorites, with a focus on prime cuts and an in-house meat program. In addition to an extensive wine list and classic cocktails, La Grande Boucherie also features an inspired menu of absinthe-driven signature drinks.We look forward to welcoming you! (you can find the hours of operation on this page)**Please note that kitchen hours may differ
A photo of Twin Tails restaurant
5. Twin Tails
4.7
Exceptional(226)
Price: Expensive
• Thai • Upper West Side
Booked 99 times today
Quality Branded's new Thai and Vietnamese restaurant, now open nightly in Columbus Circle.
A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant
6. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience
4.9
Exceptional(927)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Upper East Side
Booked 29 times today
Join us at Aunt Jake's Upper East Side for our Pasta Making Class & 3-course pasta menu! The cost is $60 per person for pasta instruction and the prefix meal. We require a $10 per person non-refundable deposit. The entire experience is approximately 2.5 hours. Please use the OpenTable mobile app for best results when booking the Pasta Experience.–Aunt Jake's was founded in 2015, as the company set out to replicate the idyllic, simplistic cuisine we grew up to enjoy. However, we wanted to create Italian food for the “next” generation. The idea was to develop an Italian concept around the customer’s choice of how to eat pasta compared to how the restaurant wanted you to eat it. With that in mind, Aunt Jake’s core mission is to bring high-quality fresh ingredients daily to craft our handmade pasta and sauces health-consciously. The customer can mix and match sauce with shape and create a custom dish of their own.
A photo of Joanne Trattoria restaurant
7. Joanne Trattoria
4.4
Awesome(3216)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Lincoln Square
Booked 20 times today
For parties of 15 or more guests please go to www.joannenyc.com/parties or text "parties" to 212-721-0068Joanne LIVE Entertainment Friday and Saturday on our Patio.Joanne brings to you the flavors of a home-cooked Italian meal. The restaurant offers a romantic setting of timeless charm with fireplaces, an open patio, a private dining room, and a cozy bar. The menu and service reflect the warmth and attention of being a house. Some regulars say "it has the look and feel of Greenwich Village on the Upper West Side"We feature fresh pasta, artisanal pizza & other great Italian staples, like chicken scarpariello, eggplant parmigiana, & lasagna. We have many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.Joanne is conveniently located near Lincoln Center, the Beacon Theater, the Museum of Natural History & Central Park.Private parties, catering, and take-out are also available.
A photo of Papillon Bistro and Bar restaurant
8. Papillon Bistro and Bar
4.0
Excellent(1131)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Midtown East
Booked 3 times today
Papillon is a stunning classic French Bistro featuring an elegant rustic decor that brings you back through time to a provincial town in France. The exquisite decor is the perfect setting for Papillon's culinary delights. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just steps from Central Park, Museum of Modern Art & the famous 5th Avenue shops, Papillon offers a fun environment where our guests feel like family. Our deceivingly large space offers dining experiences to match your every mood, whether you’re enjoying a craft cocktail on our sidewalk café, mingling with colleagues in one of our private rooms, or delighting in dinner and a show at our Opera Night on Saturdays. Get to know our killer staff, and enjoy a sense of community with a little something for everyone. At Papillon Bistro & Bar, every night is made better with just a touch of sophisticated debauchery!
A photo of Quality Italian - New York restaurant
9. Quality Italian - New York
4.7
Exceptional(6194)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Midtown West
Booked 126 times today
Quality Italian is New York's best steakhouse. Our renowned steak and delicious Italian food make us a popular destination for folks seeking a great meal. Whether you are looking for a wonderful lunch or an inviting brunch, we provide an outstanding dining experience. Visit us today to experience the best steak and Italian food in New York for yourself. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Italian is the best restaurant in Midtown Manhattan and NYC.
A photo of Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC restaurant
10. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC
4.6
Exceptional(8569)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Upper West Side
Booked 103 times today
Carmine's is a family style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through the many dishes of Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler crafted Carmine's with a singular vision; bringing his guests abundant portions and making any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast.Platters of made to order pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees, and of course homemade desserts are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing among friends and family. When great food and wine are supported by friendly and knowledgeable service, the results are magic - we want every day to feel like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's!We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Pick-up, Delivery, Catering and Private Parties. Join us for Happy Hour at our Bar!Your safety is our priority. As of 3/7/22, NYC no longer requires proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Indoor & Outdoor dining are available.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LexiVIP
    Dallas - Fort Worth •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    One of the best experiences I’ve had in New York. Had to book pretty early in advance due to the Valentines Day weekend rush, but got a lovely early afternoon spot. The atmosphere was so elegant & classy. Our waitress Mary Alice was so kind, accommodating, and overall such a pleasure to interact with. Yes it is pricey, but the experience and the quality of the food/tea was well worth it.
    More info
    The Palm Court at The Plaza HotelPrice: Very Expensive• American• Midtown East
    •
    4.4
  • Julie
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Chez Fifi did not disappoint! We had an exceptional experience from the French martini to the chocolate mousse, each dish was better than the next. The dining room has a certain je ne sais quoi and made for a lively dinner. The service was great too!
    More info
    Chez FifiPrice: Very Expensive• French• Upper East Side
    •
    4.7
  • Melissa
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I had the best time! La Grand Boucherie has such a beautiful ambiance. Feels very chic when you enter. The bar is stunning. The staff was very friendly, bathrooms very clean. For starters my friend & I shared the ceaser salad. We each had a glass of Sancerre, perfect compliment to our meal. I ordered the Filet Mignon au poivre - it was perfection! I tried my friend’s Bavette au diane which was also fantastic. We shared a side of haricots vert- they were great as well. For dessert we shared profiteroles & the chocolate caramel tart. A great way to end our meal! Sooo good! The chocolate was not too sweet & not too bitter- it was practically perfect with every bite! The service was fantastic. The perfect last supper before my travels… Can’t wait to come back!
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie NYCPrice: Very Expensive• French• Midtown West
    •
    4.5
  • John
    Mississippi •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I picked this restaurant by looking at online reviews. I could not have made a better choice. Our reservation was on time. We walked in, sat down and were immediately greeted by our server. Emily was her name. She was without a doubt, one of the best servers I have ever had the pleasure of working with she treated my wife and me as if we were her only customer and we were the most important people in the restaurant. It was truly a special occasion for us. The food was everything that she had said it would be and everything that I read online. It was fabulous. We took her suggestions for some of the dishes we got and every suggestion she made was fantastic. I will go back to Carmines anytime I’m in New York City.
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    Carmine's - 44th Street - NYCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Theater District
    •
    4.6
  • Thelddy
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I have no complaints ! On arrival the ambiance was great, dim lighting , calm music , and a sense of class and elegance to match. Tables weren’t ready yet but we were directed to one of the bars where the drinks started our nights off perfectly! As receiving our tables 5 minutes after and food about 10 minutes after that I was shocked how fast things were moving to make accommodations. The food was to die for, the shaking steak I highly recommend as the seasonings was so savory. The sticky rice complimented it perfectly definitely giving that tai feel,while our waiter was nothing short of perfect even offering us tiramisu ahead to time so it would be received faster as it was. If you’re looking for a good date night place that isn’t too pricy but still gives out Luxury I highly recommend it there!
    More info
    Twin TailsPrice: Expensive• Thai• Upper West Side
    •
    4.7

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Upper West Side

Discover the charm of Manhattan's Upper West Side with its vibrant dining scene, ideal for celebrating special occasions. This neighborhood boasts a variety of restaurants offering exceptional experiences, from intimate Italian bistros to lively American eateries. Each venue is celebrated for its unique ambiance, excellent service, and delectable cuisine, making them perfect choices for memorable events. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a festive celebration, you'll find a spot that caters to your needs. The Upper West Side is known for its sophisticated yet comfortable dining atmosphere, where every meal is served with a touch of class. Restaurants here are adept at crafting special moments, ensuring that every celebration is not just a meal, but an experience to cherish. Enjoy the culinary excellence and welcoming vibe of the Upper West Side, where every dining option promises a delightful and memorable occasion.

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