When it comes to the best solo dining in NYC, the scene is strong. Busy professionals and creatives are often in need of a bite between engagements but still demand the best. Slide up to the counter for some untraditional ramen on the Lower East Side, enjoy MICHELIN-Starred hand rolls in Hell’s Kitchen, or slurp exciting oysters in Fort Greene.
Whatever cuisine or atmosphere you’re hankering for, there’s a counter or cozy table available for you somewhere in NYC. But there are also plenty of people looking for the same, so be sure you get a spot by planning ahead.
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Discover 12 spots for the best solo dining in NYC today.
For MICHELIN Plate-recognized ramen at one of the best restaurants for solo dining in NYC — book Ivan Ramen (Lower East Side)
Chef Ivan Orkin brings his Japanese expertise to the Lower East Side with a bold, unconventional take on ramen at Ivan Ramen, a 2022 MICHELIN Plate winner. Noodles are made with rye flour for a distinct flavor, and ramen like the triple pork triple garlic mazeman eschew broth entirely. A relatively neutral design with industrial metal touches is decked with colorful ramen-themed art for a punch of personality, and the long counter is one of the best places for solo dining in NYC.
For upscale diner fare with some of the best solo dining in Midtown NYC — make a reservation at B&L Diner (Midtown East)
B&L Diner upgrades the classic diner with global cuisine in Midtown East. Known for the towering Reuben stacked with house-made pastrami and kimchi and the shakshuka Benedict with spiced hollandaise, B&L bridges nostalgia and refinement. Pair your meal with a milkshake or fresh-squeezed orange juice. Checked tile floors and red leather booths evoke mid-century Americana, while a proper counter invites some of the best solo dining in Midtown NYC.
For chic Middle Eastern at one of the best restaurants for solo dining in NYC — reserve a table at Cafe Zaffri (Union Square)
Cafe Zaffri is an elegant Union Square restaurant serving upscale Middle Eastern cuisine. Small plates include chicken liver mousse with cardamom and roasted beets with orange blossom and cacao. The larger spaghetti and crab with saffron and Aleppo is a standout as is the lamb Wellington. Plush booths and floral wallpaper add to the elegant experience, while the slightly more casual atrium has smaller tables and counter seating—among the best places for solo dining in NYC.
For a stylish daytime meal at the city’s most iconic shopping address — snag a seat at BG – Bergdorf Goodman (Midtown West)
A glamorous escape atop Bergdorf Goodman, BG serves refined, American-inspired lunch and one of the city’s most coveted afternoon teas with views of Central Park. The Gotham salad layers grilled chicken, avocado, and beets in a signature house dressing, while luxurious mains range from truffle chicken pot pie to lobster Napoleon. The champagne-forward drink menu caters to mid-day indulgence while oversized chairs, pale colors, and gilded fixtures create an elegant retreat.
For the city’s most famous oysters at one of the best NYC restaurants for solo dining — secure a spot at Grand Central Oyster Bar (Midtown East)
Located below the city’s most famous hub, Grand Central Oyster Bar is a NYC seafood institution in Midtown East. The oyster pan roast—cooked to order with half and half and a hint of tangy chili sauce—is legendary and has been on the menu since its opening in 1913. The menu leans into fresh daily catches from the fish market, and the robust wine list emphasizes crisp whites that pair with shellfish. The oyster counter is the ideal perch for one of the best solo dining NYC experiences.
For the best solo dining in NYC at Brooklyn’s top oyster bar — reserve a spot at Strange Delight (Fort Greene)
Strange Delight blurs the line between fine dining and playful experimentation at Fort Greene’s top oyster bar. From charbroiled to spicy BBQ, oysters are king here, but the menu includes other top-tier seafood dishes like catfish nuggets, crab dip, and a fried shrimp loaf sandwich on milk bread. The cocktail list specializes in updated classics heavy on New Orleans inspiration, from the hurricane to the Ramos gin fizz. Grab a stool at the full bar for a unique solo dining experience.
For multi-sensory drama and flair from an award-winning chef — lock in a spot at The Bazaar by José Andrés (NoMad)
The Bazaar by José Andrés is the multi-James Beard Award-winning chef’s NoMad outpost, dazzling with theatrical, globally-inspired cuisine. The cotton candy foie gras melts in a savory-sweet bite, while the liquid olives gently burst with briny intensity. A sizable sherry selection reflects Iberian roots while imposing artworks and plush red seating heighten the drama, making this a great destination in NYC for spectacle and world-class food from an acclaimed chef.
For a traditional NYC steakhouse meal for one — score a table at The Palm (Theater District)
A Theater District steakhouse with deep roots, The Palm serves prime-aged beef with timeless flair. The 22-ounce bone-in ribeye delivers rich marbling, while the lobster ravioli folds sweet seafood into a creamy alfredo pasta dish. Martinis arrive ice-cold—the classic accompaniment to any power meal. Wood accents and scores of caricatures set the stage for a classic Big Apple feast featuring time-tested flavors and traditional hospitality.
For solo dining at one of Manhattan’s trendiest new bars — reserve Bar Contra (Lower East Side)
Bar Contra is the reinvention of the former Contra, a MICHELIN-Starred spot in the same location. Today, the Lower East Side cocktail bar includes intimate counter dining with a small plate menu that complements the modernist drinks. From simply presented Montauk scarlet prawns on ice to an elegant mushroom tartlet and wagyu tartare topped with ramp and artichoke, this is far from your average pub fare. Instead, it’s one of the best places for solo dining in NYC at a buzzy new bar.
For a MICHELIN-Starred meal at one of the best restaurants in NYC for solo dining — grab a table at Tsukimi (East Village)
Tsukimi showcases Japanese precision in a modern East Village setting. The chef’s tasting varies seasonally—but expect elegant presentations of dishes like uni and egg with Keluga caviar, tender wagyu garnished with napa cabbage and shiso, and indulgent hamo with matsutake mushroom. Pair your meal with sake or wine. With just 12 seats among two parallel counters, it’s one of the best MICHELIN-Starred restaurants for solo dining in NYC.
For stellar Korean hand rolls — secure a spot at Mari (Hell’s Kitchen)
A MICHELIN Star holder, Mari transforms Korean hand rolls into a high-concept tasting in Hell’s Kitchen. The seasonal tasting menu has included boundary-pushing hand rolls like shrimp and seaweed in egg yolk sauce with fried leek and four-day seasoned duck with garlic chips. A soup like lobster kalguksu is likely to arrive before dessert. A stool at the marble counter surrounding the open steel kitchen here brings some of the best solo dining in NYC for a modern, MICHELIN-Starred meal.
For Brooklyn sensibility in a Manhattan space — book a table at Demo (West Village)
Demo serves a selection of refined dishes at its West Village wine bar. Focaccia with a variety of optional toppings is a simple but satisfying start, beef tartare with piparras and soy-cured egg yolk delivers a balance of richness and acidity, and mackerel with gribiche and pickled shallots highlights bold flavors with balance. A pour from the dozen-strong glass list and a seat at the bar are the ideal combo for a great solo dining experience.
From wine bars to kaiseki counters, the best solo dining in NYC comes in many forms. Whether you’re looking for small bites with a drink or a full feast for one, it’s easy to score high-quality solo meals in New York. But many people are doing the same, so you’ll typically need a reservation to guarantee a seat.
Book some of the best solo dining in NYC on OpenTable today.
To discover more top restaurants in NYC, try these guides:
- 9 top kosher restaurants in NYC
- 10 can’t-miss Gramercy Park restaurants
- 10 NYC restaurants with the coziest vibes
- 10 must-try Indian restaurants in NYC
Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others. He is the author of six books, including three cookbooks. Follow his adventures on Instagram @thebrandonalexandr.
