New York City’s Most Iconic Restaurants

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.

Nougatine at Jean Georges

4.7 (5960)

$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

TomoVIP

Dined on Jul 17, 2025

Great service and food is always outstanding. Love how they always have seasonal ingredients featured on their menu. Squash this time, but last time, peas. Those dishes are always a good bet.

Top review

TomoVIP

Dined on Jul 17, 2025

Great service and food is always outstanding. Love how they always have seasonal ingredients featured on their menu. Squash this time, but last time, peas. Those dishes are always a good bet.

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Popular dish

Green Goddess Filet Mignon

4.7 (10829)

$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

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent meal! Drinks and wine were fantastic. The meal from appetizers, main course, desserts were delicious.

Top review

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent meal! Drinks and wine were fantastic. The meal from appetizers, main course, desserts were delicious.

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Popular dish

Green Goddess Filet Mignon

4.7 (16392)

$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

AbdulVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great restaurant! I always have an amazing experience, never disappoints.

Top review

AbdulVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great restaurant! I always have an amazing experience, never disappoints.

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