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New York City’s Most Iconic Restaurants

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by The OpenTable team
Updated December 15, 2023
Seasons change, trends come and go, but these restaurants have withstood the test of time—and have become integral parts of the New York City dining scene. Here are NYC’s OpenTable Classics: the places that continue to excel after 10+ years. There’s a reason they’re still around: they keep giving us a reason to come back.
4.7 (5958)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Upper West Side
Jean-Georges Vongerichten is one of New York City’s most influential chefs, and his restaurants near Columbus Circle—the eponymous Jean Georges, and its sister, Nougatine—are a perfect testament to his legacy. Nougatine is particularly great for lunch, where the prefix menu is a relative steal compared to other fine-dining spots in the city.
Top review
DrKathyVIP
Dined on Jun 20, 2025
I enjoyed dining at Nougatine by Jean George for a Friday dinner. As I entered the lovely restaurant, I was greeted by a wonderful hostess Natalia who took me to a table and she was so lovely to speak with about the restaurant. My servers were Mert and Liam and they very professional and courteous to me. They were very efficient in taking my order. They also served me complimentary mini appetizer which was a delightful surprise. The back server Deniz was nice too. I enjoyed the Pea soup and the Shrimp salad with avocado. The service was excellent and the food was so fresh and delicious. Thank you to the entire staff at Nougatine for making my time there so enjoyable.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten is one of New York City’s most influential chefs, and his restaurants near Columbus Circle—the eponymous Jean Georges, and its sister, Nougatine—are a perfect testament to his legacy. Nougatine is particularly great for lunch, where the prefix menu is a relative steal compared to other fine-dining spots in the city.
Top review
DrKathyVIP
Dined on Jun 20, 2025
I enjoyed dining at Nougatine by Jean George for a Friday dinner. As I entered the lovely restaurant, I was greeted by a wonderful hostess Natalia who took me to a table and she was so lovely to speak with about the restaurant. My servers were Mert and Liam and they very professional and courteous to me. They were very efficient in taking my order. They also served me complimentary mini appetizer which was a delightful surprise. The back server Deniz was nice too. I enjoyed the Pea soup and the Shrimp salad with avocado. The service was excellent and the food was so fresh and delicious. Thank you to the entire staff at Nougatine for making my time there so enjoyable.
4.7 (10797)
$31 to $50
American
Midtown West
It’s hard to believe that Quality Meats is over twelve years old; the place still feels hip and modern, with a bustle and buzz usually reserved for newer hot spots. The menu is devoted to steakhouse classics, and you can’t go wrong with any of them—but if you’re in the mood for a splurge, go for anything from the Butcher’s Cut section.
Top review
Elle
Dined 2 days ago
Had reservations but ended up eating at the bar. Nick set us up with an amazing dinner experience. Highly recommend!!
It’s hard to believe that Quality Meats is over twelve years old; the place still feels hip and modern, with a bustle and buzz usually reserved for newer hot spots. The menu is devoted to steakhouse classics, and you can’t go wrong with any of them—but if you’re in the mood for a splurge, go for anything from the Butcher’s Cut section.
Top review
Elle
Dined 2 days ago
Had reservations but ended up eating at the bar. Nick set us up with an amazing dinner experience. Highly recommend!!
4.7 (16358)
$50 and over
Chinese
Meatpacking District
While it may not be the most authentic or low-key Chinese restaurant in town, Buddakan certainly has its perks: it’s fun, it’s glizy, it’s sceney, and the food is—somewhat shockingly—delicious. Order a bunch of dishes from the dim sum section of the menu along with the short ribs, lamb chops, and tea-smoked chicken, and you’re in for a fun—and raucous—evening.
Top review
AndrewVIP
Dined 5 days ago
A very late dinner with my family was a wonderful dining experience.
While it may not be the most authentic or low-key Chinese restaurant in town, Buddakan certainly has its perks: it’s fun, it’s glizy, it’s sceney, and the food is—somewhat shockingly—delicious. Order a bunch of dishes from the dim sum section of the menu along with the short ribs, lamb chops, and tea-smoked chicken, and you’re in for a fun—and raucous—evening.
Top review
AndrewVIP
Dined 5 days ago
A very late dinner with my family was a wonderful dining experience.
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