Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in New York City

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in New York City? 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!

Mira

5.0

5 (463)

$50 and over

English

Kips Bay

About the restaurant

Mira is your culinary oasis in the city, offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle. Our menu features a vibrant selection of healthy, flavorful dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients designed to delight your taste buds and nourish your body. Savor our signature offerings, such as grilled salmon with a zesty lemon-herb marinade or a colorful vegetable stir-fry packed with flavor. Our chefs prioritize quality by using the finest locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite is a celebration of freshness. The inviting ambiance at Mira is complemented by warm, natural light that creates a tranquil atmosphere. Our friendly staff is committed to providing attentive service, making your dining experience exceptional. Whether you're in for a quick, healthy lunch, a leisurely dinner with friends, or a special celebration, Mira is the perfect destination. Join us and discover a world of culinary delights that nourish both body and soul.

Top review

Sophia GraceVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Celebrated my best friend’s birthday here The Octopus was masterfully grilled — tender with a smoky edge, and those sweet peppers gave it a playful twist. Cozy lights and soft chatter made the night even more special.

The Parlour, Brooklyn High Low

4.9

4.9 (154)

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Park Slope

About the restaurant

After three successful years, we’re excited to announce our second location! Immerse yourself in a moody, luxurious Speak'Teasy vibe, perfect for afternoon tea lovers seeking another vintage escape in Brooklyn. Enjoy our signature guest service, cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a delightful twist on traditional afternoon tea.

Top review

AlexN

Dined 6 days ago

This was such a cozy, quirky tea room! We booked a Grand Vanderbilt seating and requested pre-brews the night before of the English Breakfast and Toffee Teas. When we arrived we were immediately seated on big spacious couches that were tall enough to make it feel like being in a private booth. Our host Isabelle gave us a great introduction to how the tea would be served and they had an awesome service request system where you could put a clip on your tower if you needed service otherwise they would leave you alone and let you chat. Our full tower was gorgeous and delicious! I just did a year in the UK and can confirm that this rivaled the high teas abroad. The sheer variety of little sandwiches was a highlight and I appreciated the small portions because there were so many. We were full of tea and treats by the end and had a great time gossiping. Price-wise I'd say it's worth it, there is plenty of food and unlimited tea, they offered to go on anything we didn't finish and the service plus ambience make it a fantastic overall experience!

Aquarelle

4.9

4.9 (255)

$31 to $50

Seafood

East Village

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Andrew JamesVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The Mediterranean Seafood Flatbread had this subtle herb aroma that instantly reminded me of summers in Bodrum. Crisp, warm, and packed with flavor.

The Restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Co

4.8

4.8 (515)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

NoHo

About the restaurant

The Restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Co. is proud to serve classic favorites reinvigorated by modern technique, and enriched by the flavors of sumptuous local ingredients. Enjoy a unique dining experience that pays homage to a bygone era of the city’s past, and find the best of New York on every plate.

Join us every Saturday for Jazz Brunch!

Top review

Yen-Yen

Dined 6 days ago

I brought my partner here on a surprise date since he enjoys whiskey. Even though I do not drink, he said the whiskey was amazing. According to him, the flavors and proportions were perfect. We came for the ambiance and the live jazz Saturday brunch and had a great time. The food was delicious although there is only one appetizer and one entree option for vegetarians. We had a great time and plan on coming back for another Saturday brunch + jazz with visiting friends that we know will love this place.

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Experience

Jazz Brunch at Great Jones Distilling Co.

Joomak

5.0

5 (26)

$50 and over

American

West Village

About the restaurant

Acclaimed chef Jiho Kim (DdoBar) opens Joomak, a fresh iteration of his former Michelin-starred restaurant, Joomak Banjum, at Maison Hudson New York. “Joomak,” is an elevated update, a jewel box set in a more intimate and luxurious space with just 27 seats. The menu features New American cuisine rooted in Korean flavors across an eight-course tasting menu, complemented by a robust wine program featuring French-forward and new-world wines alike.

Top review

Michael Hursa

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

A wonderful experience. Incredible food and service. The best. Can’t wait to go back.

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Experience

8-Course Tasting Menu

Kaizen Flushing

5.0

5 (619)

$50 and over

Sushi

Flushing

About the restaurant

**To reserve a seat for our exclusive 15-course omakase experience at the sushi counter, please select the "Experiences" option below and book under 15-Course Omakase.

Discover Kaizen, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of Flushing, Queens. Our menu, featuring premium sushi, sashimi, and hand rolls, celebrates the art of Japanese cuisine with a modern twist, offering flavors that are both timeless and inspired. Whether you're indulging in our exquisite 15-course omakase or sharing small plates with friends, every dish is crafted to excite the palate and elevate the moment. With a vibrant atmosphere perfect for social occasions, corporate events, or intimate gatherings, Kaizen promises a dining experience that’s as dynamic and delightful as its name suggests.

Important: The sushi counter is only reserved for omakase.

Top review

Marco

Dined 3 days ago

That Rock Shrimp Tempura? Crunchy, sweet, with just enough heat to make my eyebrows dance. Bravo Kaizen, shrimp dreams do come true.

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Experience

15-Course Premium Selection Omakase

Experience

Bottomless Happy Hour / Open Bar

Experience

$45 7-Course Lunch Omakase

Wabi Nori Hand Roll Bar

5.0

5 (998)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Lower East Side

About the restaurant

A Sophisticated Interpretation Of Traditional Japanese Cuisine

A distinctive, well-preserved and comfortable space, high-quality products, authentic cuisine, food and drinks are done flawlessly.

We continue to be one of the top Japanese restaurants in America, attracting countless food lovers from all over the world. Our one-of-a-kind menu includes authentic tapas-style Japanese dishes and homemade desserts.

**As a small establishment, we can’t always guarantee a table, but we’re happy to ensure you have a wonderful experience at our bar dining area as well. For parties of 5 or more, we encourage you to give us a call to check on availability. We look forward to hosting you soon!**

Top review

Sage RowanVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The Oaxacan Sunset cocktail was the perfect balance of smoky and citrusy—came here with friends after work and the vibe was pure chill.

Néo Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (11)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Forest Hills

About the restaurant

Nestled in Hollis Hills, Néo brings a refined yet contemporary take on Mediterranean cuisine, drawing inspiration from the coastal flavors of Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and Israel. With a commitment to quality, Néo sources fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that celebrate the vibrant essence of the Mediterranean. The restaurant’s elegant yet inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a dining experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Whether you’re gathering for a special occasion or simply indulging in a meal that transports you to the shores of the Mediterranean, Néo offers a space where food, culture, and hospitality come together in perfect harmony.

Top review

LizVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Great drinks and food served by friendly and efficient waitstaff in a beautiful space.

Brooklyn High Low

4.9

4.9 (377)

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Prospect Heights

About the restaurant

We serve Tea Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
*dietary requests made 48 hours in advance must be submitted on the reservation. We offer Vegetarian options and Gluten-Free Tea Tiers. There are no vegan or dairy free options . Our sittings are Timed, please make all arrangements to arrive with your entire party on time.

Brooklyn High Low pulls from both Low Tea and High Tea traditions to offer an afternoon tea experience with a Brooklyn twist. Complement a pot of tea with our triple tier plate stand filled with baked scones, crumpets, finger sandwiches & house selections of yummy desserts. Choose from three different experiences, each leaving you more full and comforted than the last. Our Tea experiences are known as "The Classic", "The Vanderbilt", & "The Heights" Our vintage sitting room lends itself to a nostalgic experience while our garden offers fresh air, soft lighting, and a spacious atmosphere.

Enjoy a break from the day's pressures to enjoy

Top review

Lindsay

Dined 7 days ago

This place was on my short list for quite a while and it didn't disappoint. Quality food and teas, quiet atmosphere, cute setup all around.

Una Pizza Napoletana

4.9

4.9 (26)

$31 to $50

Italian

Lower East Side

About the restaurant

Chef/Owner Anthony Mangieri has been crafting naturally-leavened, wood-fired pizzas with meticulous attention to detail since 1996. A pioneer of Neapolitan pizza in the U.S., Anthony still makes every ball of dough by hand and is at Una making pizza every night. A few starters and desserts complement the pizzas, along with wines from Campania, Italy. Everything is made fresh daily until sold out.

In the intimate dining room, guests are surrounded by one-of-a-kind pieces of art while watching Anthony work the dough and bake three pizzas at a time. The choice to have only one location allows for an obsessive focus on every detail.

Una has been awarded #1 pizzeria in the world by 50 Top Pizza for 2022 and 2024, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, and recognized in media outlets including the TODAY Show, CBS Mornings, and Esquire.

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Reservations from 5 - 9:15pm. Reservations that have been traded or purchased through third party platforms will not be honored.

Top review

Teresa

Dined 6 days ago

Best pizza in the town. Cool ambiance and very nice staff

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