The 13 best restaurants on the Upper East Side

It’s tough to find Cambodian food in NYC, but you can get a bite on the Upper East Side. At Bayon (which was recently opened by the owners of the beloved Angkor, and in the same location), order the prahok, the salted, fermented fish paste that adds an umami burst to every bite, and the baked amok, which is one of Cambodia’s best-known dishes. This souffle-like meal is steamed, fragrant with scallops, coconut milk and lemongrass, and totally transportive.

Chef Julian Medina has conquered Mexican and Cuban restaurants—now, he’s turning to Italian food. In a cozy townhouse on the UES, he’s serving up his take on the traditional cuisine. Try zucchini blossoms stuffed with cheese and Calabrian chilis, arancini with black truffle and even a spicy pizza topped with sweet peaches. Bring a date to twirl up some pasta—their Sunday gravy, which is made with beef cheeks and slow-cooked tomato sugo, is thankfully served every day—and order from their martini menu or peruse the entirely Italian wine list. 

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The erstwhile East Village institution now located in Murray Hill has also expanded its chopped liver, corned beef and pastrami operation to the Upper East Side. Brothers Josh and Jeremy Lebewohl, the founder's nephews, stay true to the original with the same menu of Jewish standards at this 70-seat location.

That one of NYC’s best sushi restaurants would also be among its most expensive is mostly expected, but it was surprising when Sushi Noz added this considerably more affordable alternative. Noz Market’s top-tier Chef’s Menu is $155 per person for a seated omakase, while the Classic Menu is $80.

The home of an NYC classic burger since 1972, J.G. Melon’s saloon-like decor still appears to pre-date even that decade. Outside, its vertical neon sign creates a tableau that’s equal parts postcard picture, album cover and Hopper painting. Inside, the wood-lined barroom is punctuated with stained glass insets and a collage of framed prints throughout, including more than a few melon interpretations. Its menu also includes a few salads, a couple of steaks and several bottles of wine under $50. 

One of the most classically opulent of the city’s rarified fine dining restaurants, Daniel’s five-course prix fixe starts at $234 in its elegant space. Its current menu includes selections including Maine lobster, scallops, rabbit and lamb.

Though it’s easy to think of as a splurge, plenty of NYC cocktail prices are reaching for (and sometimes exceeding) Bemelmans’, without the impressive environs. Its murals are legendary, its drinks are best in class and it continues to inspire newcomers even after 56 years in operation. 

Also one of the best bars in NYC, East 75th Street’s NR is the second venture from the team behind ROKC uptown. Like the original, NR has terrific cocktails, ramen and raw bar items. Deceptively simple cocktails and a few more elaborate flaming options are as tasty as they are eye-catching. 

Fresh fish tops warm rice at this UES offshoot of a popular Los Angeles sushi spot. At dinnertime, omakase starts at $70 for 10 pieces of sushi and miso soup. À la carte options are also available if you aren’t yet ready to commit. 

Peruvian menu items are served amid leafy potted plants and accent walls with climbing vines inside and out at Mission Ceviche. Follow your catch of the day ceviche with seafood paella and sip drinks like the literally smoking, whiskey-based Witch Hunter cocktail. 

This lovely corner Thai restaurant has a pretty sidewalk patio where colorful flowers wind down from overhead. Natural light shines through large windows and onto more flora inside. And the crowd-pleasing menu includes plenty of curry, wok, rice and noodle options. 

NYC’s first Sushi of Gari location has been working with lesser-seen ingredients and creating unique combinations since 1997. Crowds still file into the small spot for the Gari’s Choice tasting menu. Expect pairings like seared foie gras with daikon, salmon with tomato and onion and spicy tuna with mayo, Tabasco and sesame oil. 

Xi’an’s 14 NYC locations presently span three boroughs. Order your dumplings and spicy hand-ripped noodle bowls at the register and snag a seat at one of the wall-hugging counters to promptly savor the flavors.

Whether for a special occasion or a regular treat-yourself Tuesday, splurge at the best fine dining restaurants in NYC