10 Classic Spots for This Summer’s NYC Restaurant Week (2024)

In a city full of culinary adventures, NYC Restaurant Week showcases the most exciting bites from every borough with special prix-fixe menus, deals and wine pairings. Launched in 1992, NYC Restaurant Week is a tradition that happens twice a year, offering diners an affordable way to discover the City’s diverse array of cuisines. Whether you’re a veteran gourmand or an NYC newbie, you can find a memorable meal to match every whim, craving and occasion.

During NYC Restaurant Week, diners can also savor some of the City’s classic dishes that have tantalized taste buds for decades, even centuries. We’ve pulled together culinary landmarks that every New Yorker and visitor must check off their dining bucket list. For the program’s summer 2024 edition, explore these renowned restaurants that promise an unforgettable feast. But don’t sleep on snagging reservations—these tables go quick.

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Delmonico’s. Photo:Lanna Apisukh

Delmonico’s

56 Beaver St., Lower Manhattan
Before the Statue of Liberty came to town, Delmonico’s was here. If New Yorkers were competitive, we’d remind you that this pioneering restaurant, which opened in 1837, was the nation’s first so-called fine dining establishment, first to launch a cookbook and first to serve women at their own table. The grand entrance is marked by two marble columns that were said to be shipped from Pompeii; while the menu reads like it’s from another era (like the Gilded Age or more modern times of generous expense accounts), diners can discover surprising updates to steakhouse classics. During NYC Restaurant Week, score a table for a deluxe weekday lunch featuring their Caesar salad, which ups the umami with a powerful punch of aged parmesan, anchovy and myung ran, a Korean fish roe. Treat yourself to steak frites with black garlic butter, or upgrade to the signature rib eye known as the Delmonico Steak. Don’t worry, non-steak options are far from afterthoughts. There’s also a dessert menu that features their famous baked Alaska. Some credit Delmonico’s as the innovator of the torched frozen dessert, but again, New Yorkers are not competitive at all.

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The Dining Room at Gramercy Tavern. Photo: Francesco Sapienza

The Dining Room at Gramercy Tavern

42 E. 20th St., Flatiron District, Manhattan
Following his success with Union Square Café (see below), Danny Meyer captivated the City with an elevated and sumptuous interpretation of an American tavern. Since 1994, a meal at the Dining Room at Gramercy Tavern, the elegant inner sanctum of this restaurant, has been one of the most sought-after reservations, especially during NYC Restaurant Week. The menu features innovative seasonal dishes, like a hamachi crudo adorned with fresher-than-fresh produce. No matter what you order, it’s all executed with Michelin-starred detail. Fingers crossed you’ll find a way into this restaurant for a three-course tasting of their lunch menu that evokes a delicious sense of luxury.

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Courtesy, Gage & Tollner

372 Fulton St., Downtown Brooklyn
This City loves a revival—and venerable Gage & Tollner had a recent one, getting a restoration in 2021. The culinary landmark first opened its doors in 1879, a few years before the Brooklyn Bridge was completed. It became an even bigger dining destination when Southern cooking legend chef Edna Lewis led its kitchen from 1988 until 1992. The acclaimed oyster and chop house, which shuttered in 2004, was forgotten until a trio of visionary restaurateurs took over the storied space and its vintage Victorian-era detailing. Since reopening, it has delighted diners with its bountiful raw bar, sizzling steaks, pillowy Parker House rolls and classic cocktails. NYC Restaurant Week diners can enjoy a three-course tasting of Gage & Tollner’s inspired dishes amid its gaslit brass chandeliers and sumptuous brocade walls.

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Neir’s Tavern. Photo: Simbarashe Cha

Neir’s Tavern

87-48 78th St., Woodhaven, Queens
Journey to the residential neighborhood of Woodhaven in Queens for a trip to one of NYC’s oldest taverns. You may not be familiar with Neir's Tavern, but if you’ve ever watched classic films like Goodfellas or Tower Heist, you know it. The historic tavern has been serving its community since it first opened its doors in 1829. Part of Neir’s lore includes being the first venue where Mae West, one of Hollywood’s original sex symbols, performed. A beloved neighborhood fixture, Neir’s still has its 19th-century mahogany bar and original beer tap system. During NYC Restaurant Week, they are featuring their Famous Goodfella Burger, which keeps it spicy with melted pepper jack cheese, along with a special jerk chicken quesadilla, a festive collaboration celebrating their team’s roots in Mexico and Jamaica.

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Courtesy, Pete’s Tavern

Pete’s Tavern

129 E.18th St., Gramercy, Manhattan
Like many New Yorkers, Pete’s Tavern has seen it all. Established in 1864, this endearing restaurant has weathered many economic and cultural shifts, even outlasting Prohibition by pretending to be a flower shop. Longtime general manager Gary Egan says everyone has a story about Pete’s, noting it’s “more than a restaurant, it’s a piece of the community.” In a picturesque neighborhood near leafy Gramercy Park, Pete’s offers outdoor seating and cozy indoor booths. Order their Gramercy Burger, which is made with a juicy short-rib blend by celebrated butcher Pat LaFrieda and topped with crispy onions and the housemade O. Henry sauce, named for the author and onetime patron. The burger and the chicken parmigiana, their most popular dish, are just some of the signature items available on their NYC Restaurant Week menus, along with a bevy of special drink deals, including $30 bottles of wine.

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The Russian Tea Room. Photo: Amy Lombard

The Russian Tea Room

150 W. 57th St., Midtown West, Manhattan
For a theatrical NYC Restaurant Week experience, the Russian Tea Room is your royal ticket to a jewel-toned wonderland. The Russian Imperial Ballet opened this spot as a store and café next to Carnegie Hall in 1927. Today, the restaurant serves up a dreamy spread of caviar, ice cold vodka and European delicacies. For a grand meal and a good value amid opulent art deco decor, the Russian Tea Room offers a three-course dinner during NYC Restaurant Week. Start with a bowl of RTR red borscht, made with pickled red beets, dill and a short rib and bacon broth, or a blinchik, a crepe stuffed with tender beef, cabbage and onion with a zingy side of pickled veggies. From there, move onto either Côtelette à la Czar, a pan-roasted chicken in a light red-pepper and mushroom sauce, or pan-seared sea scallops with sauteed lentils, trumpet, maitake and golden oyster mushrooms; both entrées normally are priced at $48. Finish your feast—there’s always room for dessert—with a triple-layer chocolate mousse cake or slice of cheesecake.

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Sylvia's. Photo: Brittany Petronella

Sylvia's

328 Lenox Ave., Harlem, Manhattan
Known as the “Queen of Soul Food,” Sylvia’s has been the crown jewel of Harlem since 1962. This NYC institution, which has won a James Beard America’s Classic Award, began as a luncheonette with 15 stools and six booths. Over the decades, Sylvia’s has expanded into an empire that brings politicians, celebrities and cultural movers-and-shakers together over bountiful plates of soul-warming food. Located blocks away from the legendary Apollo Theatre, Sylvia’s serves up a hit list of comfort food classics: gooey mac and cheese, crispy chicken and waffles, and creamy banana pudding. During NYC Restaurant Week, don’t miss their famous barbecue, smothered in their secret “sassy” sauce, along with your choice of mouthwatering sides.

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Tavern on the Green. Photo: Evan Angelastro

Tavern on the Green

West 67th Street and Central Park West, Central Park, Manhattan
The soft glow of twinkling lights at Tavern on the Green will make you fall deeper in love with New York City. At the edge of Central Park, this historic restaurant once housed a pen for the 700 sheep that grazed in the park’s meadow. Over the years, Tavern on the Green has hosted fairytale weddings and made appearances in Hollywood classics, including Ghostbusters and Beaches. John Lennon and Robert De Niro are among the celebrities who have dined in this scenic NYC institution. If you swing by during NYC Restaurant Week, you can taste some of their classic dishes along with an affordable wine pairing. Be sure to reserve an outdoor table to capture the idyllic beauty.

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Union Square Café. Photo: Peter Garritano

Union Square Café

101 E. 19th St., Gramercy, Manhattan
Most New Yorkers who have been to Union Square Café light up when they talk about the restaurant, which has been celebrating the freshest flavors of New York City’s best known greenmarket for more than 30 years. This award-winning restaurant launched Danny Meyer’s dining empire thanks to its attentive hospitality and locally sourced ingredients. Even though the restaurant moved from its original location, it’s still a favorite spot for special occasions and convivial meals that often become core memories. According to general manager Michael Pernicano, “Almost everything on the menu is inclusive of the Union Square Greenmarket in a way that makes you taste where you are.” Most of their daily lunch menu, including their classic Bibb salad blanketed with shards of Gruyère and soul-satisfying pastas, will be available during NYC Restaurant Week on weekdays and for weekend brunch.

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Courtesy, Veselka

Veselka

144 Second Ave., East Village, Manhattan
The Ukrainian word for rainbow is veselka, which happens to be the name of one of NYC’s beloved dining establishments, faithfully serving up Ukrainian comfort food since 1954. Founded by refugees and now owned and operated by their grandson, this historic institution is a pillar of the Ukrainian community and frequent site of late-night meals for artists and students. Hollywood hits, such as Ocean’s 8 and Juno, were filmed at Veselka, which sells thousands of hand-made pierogies each day. Their East Village location will offer a NYC Restaurant Week menu for both lunch and dinner. Diners can choose from a variety of soups, including their famous borscht, along with a hearty plate of meat or vegetarian pierogies and stuffed cabbages. A visit is not complete without a side of their mouthwatering potato pancake, and of course, it’s included in your NYC Restaurant Week meal.

10 Classic Spots for This Summer’s NYC Restaurant Week (2024)

FAQs

10 Classic Spots for This Summer’s NYC Restaurant Week? ›

Coming Summer 2024: NYC Restaurant Week

From July 22 to August 18, explore the City one bite at a time. Enjoy prix-fixe meals at hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs. General reservations open July 16.

How long is restaurant week in NYC in 2024? ›

Coming Summer 2024: NYC Restaurant Week

From July 22 to August 18, explore the City one bite at a time. Enjoy prix-fixe meals at hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs. General reservations open July 16.

What is the point of NYC Restaurant Week? ›

New York Restaurant Week, also known as NYC Restaurant Week is an event held twice a year in which participating restaurants in New York City offer prix fixe lunches and dinners. At the finest restaurants, this can be a fraction of the usual prices.

Does NYC have a summer restaurant week? ›

New York City Winter Restaurant Week: January 16 – February 4. New York City Summer Restaurant Week: July 24 – August 20.

How many restaurants are there in NYC? ›

There are more than eight million people living in New York City and some 25,000 restaurants keeping them fed. Though the Statue of Liberty and Broadway's flashing lights get most of the credit, restaurants and bars are just as essential to this city's DNA.

Are Saturdays excluded from NYC Restaurant Week? ›

In general, restaurants have opted into certain meal periods from Monday through Friday. Saturdays are excluded from the program; Sunday participation is optional. Please check each participating restaurant's website for hours of operation and regularly scheduled closings.

What best restaurant in the world is closing in 2024? ›

Senior Contributor. Noma, the three-Michelin-starred and perma-award-winning “world's best restaurant,” will close its doors in 2024. The Copenhagen institution, run by chef René Redzepi, will instead become “a full-time food laboratory.”

How much is NYC Restaurant Week? ›

Be sure to check the hours of operation at the restaurants you plan to visit. What deals are available during NYC Restaurant Week? The Summer 2024 program features a trio of pricing options ($30, $45, $60), which restaurants may offer during meal periods of their choosing (lunch, dinner, or both).

How many times is Restaurant Week in NYC? ›

New York City Restaurant Week actually comes twice a year, in summer and in winter, and each edition lasts for about a month. Restaurants curate their menus and produce prix fixe selections for brunch, lunch, dinner and sometimes all three.

What is the best day of the week to go to a restaurant? ›

Choosing the right day to eat in a restaurant can significantly enhance your dining experience. Friday and Saturday nights are the go-to choices if you crave a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and intimate setting, Sundays for brunch are your best bet.

What is the meaning of omakase? ›

Omakase literally means “I Leave The Details Up to You

Omakase directly translates to - "I leave it up to you." The term Omakase gained popularity in the 1990s. Omakase, a chef-curated dinner, is famous for its direct interactions with the chef. The customer leaves the order details to the sushi chef.

How to get free lunch in NYC? ›

Eligibility. Based on family income, some students qualify to eat for free. Families can apply by submitting an application to their school. Some children are categorically eligible — automatically eligible — for free meals without the need to verify household income.

Could you eat at every restaurant in NYC? ›

You can't walk a New York City block without passing a restaurant. Pizzeria chains sit next to mom and pop Ethiopian spots which sit next to Michelin Star establishment mainstays. It's a foodie dream to try it all, but you never will.

Where do the locals eat in New York City? ›

10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in New York
  • Anthony & Son Panini Shoppe. Have a classic New York sandwich. ...
  • Alice. Have fun with friends over Italian seafood. ...
  • See also. West Village in New York. ...
  • Scarr's Pizza. Sample pizza with house-milled flour and local veggies. ...
  • Lobster Joint. ...
  • Feroce Ristorante. ...
  • Coppelia. ...
  • Iguana.

Where to eat in New York on a budget? ›

The Best Affordable Restaurants in New York
  • Absolute Bagels. 2788 Broadway. ...
  • Wu's Wonton King. 165 E Broadway. ...
  • Fini Pizza. 305 Bedford Ave. ...
  • Scarr's Pizza. 35 Orchard St. ...
  • Birria-Landia NYC. 491 Metropolitan Ave. ...
  • Punjabi Deli. 114 E 1st St. ...
  • Dog Day Afternoon. 266 L, Prospect Park W. ...
  • Joe's Steam Rice Roll. 136-21 Roosevelt Ave # A1.
Mar 8, 2024

What is climate week in nyc 2024? ›

Mark your calendar for September 22-29 for the return of Climate Week NYC. We're in the age of urgency. People and companies are waking up to the fact that we need to act, fast, as they see the effects of climate change all around them.

What is the biggest restaurant day of the year? ›

The Mother of All Dining Days

One of the key's to Mother's Day in restaurants is its flexibility in dining options. Unlike many holidays centered around a single meal, Mother's Day celebrations span across breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, which can significantly boost restaurant revenue.

How long will it take to try every restaurant in New York? ›

The answer: 22.7 years!

The study even got detailed enough to split the years by boroughs: 12 years for Manhattan, 5.5 years for Brooklyn, 6 months for Staten Island, and 3.5 years for Queens.

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