Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot for happy hour drinks, an epic pre-show feast, or a leisurely weekend brunch with mimosas galore, these cool restaurants in Midtown NYC have you covered. From modern Japanese dishes from a culinary legend to world-class steaks, French brasserie classics, and red-sauce MVPs, you’re never far from a great meal in Midtown Manhattan.
Sip on ice-cold martinis at a stunning oyster bar at Grand Central Terminal. Dig into high-end steaks at a Prohibition-era favorite in the Theater District. Feast on ultra-fresh Mediterranean seafood at a Greek stunner in Midtown West.
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Read on for a guide to the top 10 cool restaurants in Midtown NYC.
For high-end steaks at a peak old-school NYC destination: Gallaghers Steakhouse (Midtown West)
Prohibition-era Gallaghers Steakhouse has been a Theater District mainstay for Broadway stars, famous athletes, and locals since it opened in 1927. With wood-paneled walls and classic red leather banquettes, the restaurant is peak old-school NYC steakhouse. Start with seasonal raw oysters and the classic wedge salad before moving on to premium meats—call ahead for the legendary prime rib roast—dry-aged in a street-facing room and cooked over hickory coals.
For creative Japanese cuisine at a glam NYC institution: Nobu Fifty Seven (Midtown West)
Since opening his first restaurant in Tribeca in 1994, renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa has expanded his restaurant empire to more than 50 locations worldwide. At Nobu Fifty Seven, expect the same ultra-luxe Japanese dishes that put the concept on the map—world-class sashimi and nigiri, caviar-studded yellowtail tartare, and signature dishes like black cod with miso. Sit at the bar to sip lychee martinis underneath a dramatic abalone shell chandelier or book a table in the sleek upstairs dining room.
For renowned Brazilian fare in the heart of Manhattan: Fogo de Chão (Midtown West)
Brazilian import Fogo de Chão is all about the art of churrasco—grilling high-quality meats over open flames. Feast on all-you-can-eat lamb chops, bone-in ribeye, and more, carved to order in the sleek, three-story dining room. Or try one of the equally stellar seafood or vegan dishes. Add in a festive all-day happy hour starring South American wines and cocktails, and every meal here feels like a celebration.
For French brasserie vibes at one of the cool restaurants in NYC: La Grande Boucherie (Midtown West)
From the stylish, Art Nouveau-inspired interiors to elegant, bistro-inspired dishes, La Grande Boucherie brings classic French brasserie vibes to Midtown. The menu zips through French hits like escargot and steak frites, plus high-end steaks like a 48-ounce tomahawk for two prepared by an in-house butcher. Bonus points for clever, absinthe-forward cocktails and an always-lively brunch.
For crowd-pleasing, contemporary American dishes at one of the best restaurants in Midtown NYC: The Smith (Midtown East)
The Smith is where you go for crowd-pleasing bistro fare in a chill setting. Pull up at the raw bar for ice-cold happy hour martinis, seafood platters, and shareable snacks like calamari. Or settle into the huge, industrial-chic space decked with white tiles for signature dishes like ricotta gnocchi with truffle cream and the namesake steak. Don’t miss the always-lively weekend brunch, starring raw oysters and breakfast favorites like steak and eggs and avocado toast.
For a Greek seafood extravaganza at one of the cool restaurants in Midtown NYC: Estiatorio Milos (Midtown West)
Head to Estiatorio Milos for some of NYC’s best seafood, flown in daily from the Greek islands. Choose grilled-to-order Mediterranean catches ranging from fagri (white snapper) to loup de mar (sea bass) from the restaurant’s iced display, then settle in for a seafood extravaganza in the sophisticated, light-filled space decked with Greek ceramics. Caviar, raw oysters, and premium steaks round out the special occasion-worthy menu.
For world-class steaks at a NYC classic: Smith & Wollensky (Midtown East)
From its striking green-and-white facade to its charming interiors, Smith & Wollensky is the ultimate old-school NYC steakhouse. Start with one of the raw bar platters, then move on to the main event—premium meats like a 26-ounce primer rib, wheeled out by tie-clad servers. White tablecloths, perfectly chilled martinis, and decadent desserts like the legendary coconut cream cake complete the classic steakhouse vibe.
For red sauce classics at one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC: Quality Italian (Midtown West)
One of the best Italian restaurants in New York City, Quality Italian is where you go for ultimate red sauce dishes with all the fancy extras. Grab a seat in the industrial-chic dining room to feast on signature housemade pastas, like the spicy lobster rigatoni alla vodka. Or try one of the restaurant’s famous premium steaks, complete with tableside truffle butter service. Cocktails are equally stellar—try the tri-colored margarita featuring an Italian flag-shaped ice cube.
For stellar seafood and oysters at an NYC landmark: Grand Central Oyster Bar (Midtown East)
Open since 1913, Grand Central Oyster Bar still serves up seriously cool vibes along with some of the city’s best seafood. With Beaux Arts-style details like vaulted ceilings and terracotta tiles, the bar inside the iconic train station is also one of New York City’s most beautiful restaurants. Sit at a checker cloth-dressed table or grab a stool at the bar counter for raw oysters and massive seafood platters, plus ice-cold dirty martinis served with a sidecar of olive juice that make it one of NYC’s best bars.
For Asian-forward small plates at one of the cool restaurants in Midtown NYC: TAO Uptown (Midtown East)
Caviar-topped sushi rolls, a reflective pool filled with Japanese carp, and a giant 16-foot Buddha—clubstaurant TAO Uptown has it all. Located in a historic movie theater, the dimly lit space complete with a sushi bar and onsite club make this a go-to spot for bachelorette parties and large group celebrations. The extensive, Asian-forward menu also features top-notch sushi, traditional dim sum, and playful cocktails like a house take on the cosmopolitan.
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back happy hour hangout or a hotspot where you can feast on sushi and sip on the cosmos well into the night, there’s a restaurant in Midtown NYC for you. Get everything from a Greek seafood extravaganza to chic French bistro-inspired classics at these cool restaurants in Midtown NYC.
