NYC is home to over 100 MICHELIN stars across more than 70 recognized restaurants. Around the boroughs, you’ll find tempura mastery in Midtown East, a two-starred Scandinavian tasting menu in Williamsburg, and a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant within a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in the Flatiron District.
Some of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC are recent arrivals to the prestigious list, and others are well-known standards that have been carrying stars for more than a decade. But all require reservations if you want to guarantee a seat at the table (or counter).
Book one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC now on OpenTable.
Discover 20 of the best MICHELIN-Starred restaurants in NYC today.
For a choice of Scandinavian tasting menus at one of the best MICHELIN star restaurants in NYC — book Aquavit (Midtown East)
A two-MICHELIN-Starred Nordic restaurant in Midtown East, Aquavit provides refined Scandinavian flavors under chef Emma Bengtsson. Dishes like hay-smoked gravlax garnished with roe, venison tartare, and Danish smørrebrød (buttered bread with unique toppings) may appear on the tasting menus, alongside a comprehensive beverage selection. The sleek dining room with warm wooden interiors is surprisingly inviting for a modern space that rates high among the best MICHELIN-star restaurants in NYC.
For haute Nordic cuisine with Brooklyn ingredients — make a reservation at ASKA (Williamsburg)
Brooklyn’s Williamsburg is home to ASKA, a two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant that showcases Nordic and Scandinavian cuisine through a 12 to 14-course tasting menu. Chef Fredrik Berselius often crafts dishes like live scallops in warm broth, venison with sunchoke, and preserved vegetables, using foraged ingredients from the borough and beyond. The private setting of around ten small tables spaced well apart brings luxurious exclusivity to dining at one of the best MICHELIN star restaurants in NYC.
For northern French comfort combined with NYC luxury — reserve a table at Gabriel Kreuther (Midtown West)
A two-MICHELIN-Starred favorite in Midtown West, Gabriel Kreuther blends Alsatian tradition with modern finesse. Highlights of the contemporary French menu include the celebrated chef’s famed sturgeon and sauerkraut tart with kaluga caviar, bacon-smoked tarte flambée, and decadent seasonal dishes. The ambiance is sophisticated, with comforting wood tones and hand-blown glass fixtures.
For exclusive kaiseki in a discreet location — snag a seat at odo (Flatiron District)
A discreet Flatiron District kaiseki counter, two-MICHELIN-Starred odo prepares a tasting experience grounded deeply in the precision of Japanese tradition. Chef Hiroki Odo’s evolving omakase highlights dishes and ingredients like uni and caviar chawanmushi, A5 wagyu, and pristine sashimi. The small space is hidden behind a cocktail bar and dimly lit for an exclusive experience akin to fine dining in Kyoto without leaving one of the best MICHELIN star restaurants in NYC.
For two-starred omakase at one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC — secure a spot at Sushi Noz (Upper East Side)
The Upper East Side’s two-MICHELIN-Starred Sushi Noz is an ode to Edomae sushi helmed by chef Nozomu Abe. Expertly crafted Japanese-inspired dishes like aged otoro, Hokkaido uni, and other precisely seasoned bites are served at a hinoki wood counter that’s over 200 years old. The meticulous aging techniques and chef Abe’s exacting standards for each detail from wasabi to rice make this one of New York’s most sought-after omakase destinations.
For one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants with a BYOB-optional omakase counter — book a table at Bar Miller (East Village)
A sleek East Village omakase counter, Bar Miller serves adapted Japanese with North American ingredients. Inventive dishes might include a crispy fish cracker topped with tuna tartare or torched sea urchin in locally made soy sauce. With just a handful of seats, the experience is exclusive and personal.
For MICHELIN-Starred tapas in Union Square — lock in a spot at Casa Mono (Union Square)
MICHELIN-Starred Casa Mono is a Spanish restaurant near Union Square that channels the vibrant energy of the Barcelona tapas scene. The open kitchen sends out plates of razor clams a la plancha, duck egg with mojama, and bacalao croquetas, while warm lighting, Spanish tile, and the hum of conversation create a lively, convivial atmosphere. Pair your meal with a glass of sherry from the extensive collection.
For a blend of French and Italian influences at one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC — score a table at Francie (Williamsburg)
MICHELIN-Starred Francie fuses European brasserie charm with seasonal American ingredients in Williamsburg. The menu includes dishes like bucatini amatriciana and oysters with persimmon mignonette, but duck preparations are the stars of the menu. The dining room presents an open kitchen, warm wood paneling, and soft lighting, creating a welcoming yet polished atmosphere. The a la carte menu also makes it one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC for enjoying your favorites over a tasting menu.
For elegant Korean dishes at a MICHELIN Star restaurant in NYC — reserve Kochi (Hell’s Kitchen)
MICHELIN-Starred Kochi serves a modern Korean tasting menu inspired by royal cuisine. Skewers ranging from scallops with leche de tigre to pork collar with pistachio ssamjang are the main event, but other standouts include kimchi shakshuka and charred short ribs with black garlic jus. The sleek Hell’s Kitchen interior with dark wood and an open kitchen encourages engagement. Bold yet balanced flavors paired with modern plating make Kochi one of the top fine dining destinations in NYC.
For strong Japanese influence in a Parisian salon setting — grab a table at l’abeille (TriBeCa)
At l’abeille, chef Mitsunobu Nagae combines French cuisine with strong Japanese influence in a sophisticated yet approachable menu. Tasting menu dishes at the MICHELIN-Starred TriBeCa charmer could include black truffle Japanese risotto, kombu and beef gelée with uni, or Maine lobster with French lentils. The setting is glamorous, with plentiful touches of marble and velvet. Attentive service and wine pairings complete the refined dining experience.
For handrolls and ssam-style wrapped dishes at one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC — make a reservation at Mari (Hell’s Kitchen)
A MICHELIN-Starred Korean concept in Hell’s Kitchen, Mari reinterprets classic flavors with a seasonal tasting menu of small plates and unique handrolls. Highlights include lobster kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) in gochujang bouillabaisse, smoked hwe with blood orange brulee, or uni and snow crab, among other delicate seafood preparations. The modern, chic, and elegant decor complements the restaurant’s approach of sophistication rooted in tradition.
For MICHELIN-Starred tasting menus that include a fully vegan experience — reserve a table at The Musket Room (NoLita)
MICHELIN-Starred The Musket Room brings contemporary American fare to NoLita in a chic, inviting space. Signature dishes range from cold smoked scallops with pear and black garlic to steak tartare with kumquat and Aleppo pepper. A rustic-chic aesthetic, including exposed brick, soft lighting, and a charming backyard adds warmth to the airy space. The Musket Room is also home to some of the city’s best desserts.
For a stellar Edomae meal at one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC — snag a seat at Noz 17 (Chelsea)
The Chelsea counterpart to Sushi Noz, MICHELIN-Starred omakase Noz 17 delivers an intimate, highly exclusive sushi experience. Aged bluefin tuna, silky Hokkaido uni, and delicate kohada showcase the chef’s mastery of Edomae techniques. Limited seating, a beautifully crafted hinoki counter, and a quiet, reverent atmosphere make this a destination for serious, traditional Japanese sushi.
For one of the best MICHELIN-Starred sushi experiences in NYC — secure a spot at Sushi Ichimura (TriBeCa)
Led by chef Eiji Ichimura, Sushi Ichimura is a MICHELIN-Starred sushi-ya in TriBeCa known for omakase centered on aged fish. Expect plates like kinmedai (golden eye snapper) and kohada (gizzard shad), which are meticulously prepared and gracefully presented. The setting is traditionally understated, with a focus on sushi from start to finish. Exceptional knife work, perfectly seasoned rice, and thoughtful sourcing place make Sushi Ichimura one of the top fine-dining experiences in NYC.
For one of the few MICHELIN-Starred tempura restaurants in the country — book a table at Tempura Matsui (Midtown East)
Tempura Matsui focuses on the Japanese art of tempura in a warm space with a sloping wooden roof and paper screens for windows. With expert frying of an almost ethereal batter, the seasonal menu includes shrimp tempura, seasonal vegetables, and delicate seafood. Grab a seat at the counter for an up-close view of the chef’s mastery.
For kaiseki at one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC — lock in a spot at Tsukimi (East Village)
A MICHELIN-Starred kaiseki experience, Tsukimi presents a modern Japanese tasting menu in the East Village. Seasonal dishes might include sashimi with dainty garnishes, A5 Wagyu beef, and delicate broths. The sleekly minimalist setting with the focus on counter dining adds to the meal’s contemplative, almost ritualistic nature. Thoughtful details, from ceramics to plating, contribute to the refined ambiance at Tsukimi.
For contemporary Chinese at one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC — score a table at Yingtao (Hell’s Kitchen)
Yingtao gives regional Chinese flavors a modern twist in Hell’s Kitchen. Standout dishes include extra-crispy pipa duck with pumpkin-infused bao, red snapper with crispy tofu skins, and foie gras with Sichuan peppercorns. The dimly lit dining room of dark woods, black surfaces, and metallic finishes is decidedly modern without sacrificing traditional Chinese details, much like the menu. Don’t miss the creative cocktails, including zero-proof options.
For contemporary American in a chic NYC space — reserve Estela (NoHo)
Estela, a MICHELIN-Starred NoHo hotspot from chef Ignacio Mattos, is known for bold, ingredient-driven small plates. Tapas-style favorites include beef tartare with sunchoke and ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino. The wine list leans natural, and the deep beer list is also notable. The buzzy space, with its marble bar and close-set tables, makes it a go-to for late-night dining.
For contemporary Korean with traditional glamour — grab a table at Oiji Mi (Flatiron District)
Located in the Flatiron District, Oiji Mi provides a contemporary Korean fine dining prix fixe menu with a MICHELIN Star. The five-course experience includes refined takes on classics, such as lobster ramyun with chili and cucumber or striped jack hwe with finger lime and pear. The bar program is known for its stellar soju-based cocktails. Plush seating, lantern-inspired lighting, and premium finishes add to the glam vibe, and plates from chef Brian Kim are even more elegant.
For exclusive and luxurious Korean dining — book bōm (Flatiron District)
bōm is an ultra-exclusive MICHELIN-Starred counter tucked inside Oiji Mi, where chef Brian Kim presents a high-end omakase of contemporary Korean fare. The multi-course progression might include caviar-topped gimbap or king crab gyeran-jjim along with refined wagyu preparations. The experience is immersive and highly limited, with low lighting over a dramatic marble counter for heightened luxury.
From exclusive counters to buzzy hotspots, the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC span ambiance and vibe as readily as the diverse cuisines they prepare. But they’re also among the most coveted reservations in the city.
Book your spot at one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC on OpenTable now.
For more top restaurants in NYC, check out these expert guides:
- 10 standout Japanese restaurants in NYC
- 10 must-visit Chinese restaurants in NYC
- Top 10 Italian restaurants in NYC
- 17 most drop-dead gorgeous 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.
