Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Midtown East

Price

$$
$$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

BergenBronxBrooklynCentral New YorkEssexHudson

Neighborhoods

AstoriaBay RidgeBoerum HillBushwickCarlstadtChelsea

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

83 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant

1. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience

4.9

Exceptional(1123)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Upper East Side

Booked 23 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 Legasea Bar & Grill restaurant

2. Legasea Bar & Grill

4.3

Awesome(1926)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Midtown West

Booked 56 times today

Known for the best Ribeye deals in Midtown! Legasea Bar & Grill is a fresh take on bar & grill classics with a fun-casual atmosphere for an entertaining dining experience. Open for lunch, happy hour & dinner, enjoy a lively bar scene & inviting dining room that provides guests with an unforgettable evening full of good food & good company. Menu highlights include American bar & grill favorites. Experience our $55 Unlimited Ribeye & Fries (available Sundays, Mondays & the day after every Knicks home game win) & with purchase, pair with a $6 Rosé or $6 American Lager. Or, enjoy our new $42 Ribeye special available daily. Plus, enjoy Happy Hour every Mon - Fri from 3PM - 6:30PM including $2 Oysters, $4 Fries, $6 Beer, $8 Wine & $10 Martinis. Available at the bar only. Walk-ins welcome.Located in the heart of Midtown, located just blocks from New York City’s most popular destinations, including Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Theater District, & Times Square.

3. JeJu Noodle Bar

4.7

Exceptional(64)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Korean • Greenwich Village

Jeju Noodle Bar is a primarily reservation based however we do accept walks in based on cancellations and no shows. Jeju, in Korean, also has a few different definitions such as “skill, talent, ability”. The close Korean equivalent of the Japanese Ramen, Ramyun is a comfort dish enjoyed by Koreans of all social class and ages. At Jeju Noodle Bar our main focus is to allow diners to experience and savor the distinct Korean flavor by using different techniques & ingredients from chef Douglas’s experiences.

A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - New York City restaurant

4. Mastro's Steakhouse - New York City

4.7

Exceptional(5225)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Rockefeller Center

Booked 102 times today

Mastro’s collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.

5. Ainsworth Midtown

3.6

Very Good(443)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Murray Hill

Booked 47 times today

Located in New York City’s Midtown neighborhood, The Ainsworth venues are multipurpose spaces comprised of full-scale restaurants, bars, lounges, and event areas. All Ainsworth locations offer a new take on classic American fare favorites, signature cocktails, and visually stimulating décor, culminating in the ultimate drinking and dining experience. Celebrating something? The Ainsworth is the ultimate party atmosphere - perfect for birthdays, bachelorette/bachelor parties, anniversaries, going away bashes, and more!

A photo of Tony's Di Napoli - Upper East Side restaurant

6. Tony's Di Napoli - Upper East Side

4.7

Exceptional(4419)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Upper East Side

Booked 48 times today

For over 20 years, Tony’s Di Napoli has been a beloved New York City Italian restaurant, serving authentic, family-style Southern Italian cuisine in hearty, shareable portions. Open daily for lunch and dinner, we’re perfect for casual meals, special occasions, and group dining. Located in Midtown Manhattan, we offer private dining rooms for corporate events and celebrations, plus off-site catering and delivery from the 40s to the 90s. Takeout is always available for classic Italian comfort at home. We’re proud to be reopening on the East Side, where our story began. Whether you’re a longtime guest or first-time visitor, we look forward to welcoming you with warm hospitality and delicious meals.Come hungry, leave happy—just like family. Grazie & Ciao, Tony

A photo of Nusr-Et Steakhouse New York restaurant

7. Nusr-Et Steakhouse New York

4.7

Exceptional(3134)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Midtown West

Booked 34 times today

Nusr-Et Steakhouse in New York is a worth-the-drive place, as per the reviews. It's not just about the food, it's a whole experience - theatrical tableside dining, incredible smells, and an ambiance that's been called 'spectacular' and 'unforgettable' by patrons. One reviewer mentioned it's a 'symphony for the senses', and another called it 'an absolute blast'. Sure, it's pricey, but the overall experience is worth every penny.

A photo of Drift Restaurant & Bar restaurant

8. Drift Restaurant & Bar

4.3

Awesome(149)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Weehawken

Booked 32 times today

Drift Restaurant in Weehawken, NJ serves as a blend of modern flair and coastal charm. It is elegantly perched on the waterfront, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Drift's interior is sleek yet cozy, adorned with a nautical-themed de for that evokes a serene oceanic atmosphere. The menu is a delightful journey through contemporary American cuisine.

9. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.5

Awesome(5593)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • DUMBO

Booked 219 times today

Cecconi’s Dumbo is a modern day classic Italian restaurant near Brooklyn Bridge park, specializing in hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and other Italian staples. Originating in Venice and with outposts in London and West Hollywood, Cecconi’s has become a critically acclaimed dining destination featuring simply prepared Venetian inspired food. With waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline, join us in our main dining room, bar or patio dinner and weekend brunch seven days a week. Cecconi’s offers an elegant and relaxed dining experience for all guests.

A photo of Wolfgang's Steak House - Times Square restaurant

10. Wolfgang's Steak House - Times Square

4.6

Exceptional(3718)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 43 times today

TAKE-OUTMonday thru Thursday12 pm to 9:15 pmFriday & Saturday12 pm to 10 pmSunday12 pm to 9 pmWith 4 decades of experience, Wolfgang Zwiener didn't duplicate an exceptional steakhouse, he improved on it to make Wolfgang's Steakhouse exceptional. The porterhouse steak for one, two, four or more, is an outstanding choice. The atmosphere, expanded menu & professional service will appeal to even the most exacting diners. Wolfgang's is pleased to add this location in the heart of Midtown East.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Midtown East

Discover exceptional dining in Midtown East, Manhattan, with our curated list of restaurants that are truly "worth the drive". This vibrant area of New York City is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from exquisite Michelin-starred experiences to innovative local cuisines. Whether you're craving refined Italian dishes, authentic Northern Chinese flavors, or a high-end kosher meal, Midtown East promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Each restaurant in this selection stands out for its excellent food, superb service, and unique ambiance, ensuring a dining experience that is worth every mile traveled. Consistently praised by food enthusiasts and critics alike, these establishments offer not just meals, but memorable occasions that cater to both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Dive into the heart of New York City's dining scene and discover why these restaurants are celebrated as top destinations for culinary excellence.

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