Best Casual Restaurants in Upper East Side

470 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Papillon Bistro and Bar restaurant

1. Papillon Bistro and Bar

4.0

Excellent(1092)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Midtown East

Booked 42 times today

Papillon is a stunning classic French Bistro featuring an elegant rustic decor that brings you back through time to a provincial town in France. The exquisite decor is the perfect setting for Papillon's culinary delights. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just steps from Central Park, Museum of Modern Art & the famous 5th Avenue shops, Papillon offers a fun environment where our guests feel like family. Our deceivingly large space offers dining experiences to match your every mood, whether you’re enjoying a craft cocktail on our sidewalk café, mingling with colleagues in one of our private rooms, or delighting in dinner and a show at our Opera Night on Saturdays. Get to know our killer staff, and enjoy a sense of community with a little something for everyone. At Papillon Bistro & Bar, every night is made better with just a touch of sophisticated debauchery!

A photo of Tavern on the Green restaurant

2. Tavern on the Green

4.7

Exceptional(18960)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 197 times today

Tavern On The Green will be offering our Holiday Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from November 30th-December 29th. This is priced at $95 per adult, $65 per child and does not include beverages or tax. A 20% gratuity will be added to all checks. Dress Code: Smart Casual. Jacket and Tie are Not Required. * We do not permit sleeveless shirts for gentlemen nor athletic/running/jogging attire for any patrons in the main restaurant. Reservations as early as 60 days out through our Reservations Department at 212-877-8684 or reservations@tavernonthegreen.com

A photo of The Smith- Lincoln Square restaurant

3. The Smith- Lincoln Square

4.6

Exceptional(12168)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lincoln Square

Booked 293 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with four upbeat locations in New York City: The Smith East Village, The Smith Midtown, The Smith Lincoln Square, and The Smith NoMad, as well as locations in DC and Chicago. We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

4. The Alderman

4.2

Awesome(160)

Price: Moderate

• American • Midtown West

Booked 41 times today

Nestled right in the heart of Times Square, The Alderman, A modern American Tavern, promises an unforgettable dining experience that transcends mere sustenance—a symphony of flavors, a dance of textures, and a celebration of New York’s rich culinary heritage.

A photo of Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village restaurant

5. Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village

4.7

Exceptional(317)

Price: Moderate

• Australian • West Village

Booked 159 times today

Since 2003, Little Ruby’s Cafe has brought Australian cafe culture to New York City, offering approachable all-day fare, specialty drinks, and a full coffee program. Open for brekkie, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, Little Ruby’s Cafe’s beloved menu features the signature burgers, pastas, salads and brunch classics, all served in thoughtfully designed spaces.Located on the landmark corner of West 4th St & 7th Avenue, our newest Little Ruby’s Cafe features an airy, multi-level space. A first for Little Ruby’s, West Village offers a full bar with an exclusive cocktail program alongside our classic menu with new dishes unique to the location. With an expansive terrace and sweeping windows, the West Village restaurant invites guests to absorb the energy of the neighborhood as they enjoy their morning brekkie or grab cocktails and dinner with friends. Opening October 2023. Little Ruby’s West Village will be open 7 days a week for brekkie, lunch and dinner.

6. Cafe Luxembourg

4.8

Exceptional(8655)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Upper West Side

Booked 120 times today

Cafe Luxembourg is offering reservations for indoor dining. Walk-Ins are welcome. Our Outdoor Cafe is complete with rain-proof awnings, fans, and electric heaters for your comfort. *Per the rules and regulations of the DINING OUT NYC Program, Outdoor Seating will be limited beginning 11.01.24. Weather permitting, outdoor tables will be first-come, first-served.Due to demand, we are unable to hold your reservation past the time it has been booked. If you are not present at the time of your reservation, we will offer the table to waiting guests. If you are running late or wish to cancel, please call us at 212-873-7411. We look forward to seeing you soon. The safety and welfare of our employees and guests is a top priority.Cafe Luxembourg has newly installed Merv13 filters, installed in all ducts. The filters trap 98% of airborne particles as small as .3 microns The air is not recycled but forced fresh air. Thank you for your patronage!

A photo of Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC Flatiron restaurant

7. Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC Flatiron

4.3

Awesome(7020)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Gramercy Park

Booked 129 times today

Meaning “greenhouse” in Italian, SERRA encompasses a lively and welcoming ambiance reminiscent of the lush Italian countryside, placing an emphasis on evergreen botanicals and pops of color throughout. Escape the busy city streets and celebrate the sunshine and warmer weather with innovative, authentic Italian food and beverage offerings in this 14th floor oasis that is sure to impress!PLEASE NOTE: Our service elevator between the 14th floor and our rooftop restaurant is currently out of order. For any further questions regarding this please contact us directly by phone.

8. Casa Cruz

4.0

Excellent(19)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Upper East Side

Booked 26 times today

Need to Know:Please note that we have an elegant dress code. We ask that our guests dress in attire that is reflective of Casa Cruz’s elevated setting. The following items are not permitted: athletic wear, flip flops/casual sandals, tank tops, t-shirts, baseball caps and blue jeans. Guests who do not adhere to dress code guidelines may be denied entry.About Casa Cruz:Occupying an entire six-story Beaux-Arts townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, just a stone’s throw from Central Park, Casa Cruz is an exquisitely designed restaurant featuring multiple dining rooms, bars, special event spaces, and a year-round rooftop terrace, Frances at Casa Cruz. Frances at Casa Cruz: This enchanting 30-seat rooftop terrace is the first-of-its-kind in the neighborhood. A true hidden gem crowned with a spectacular rose-hued canopy designed by Johanna Ortiz, this year-round oasis features masterful cocktails that rotate seasonally, with an exclusive selection served only on the rooftop.

A photo of Caffe Buon Gusto - UES restaurant

9. Caffe Buon Gusto - UES

4.7

Exceptional(1152)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Upper East Side

Booked 31 times today

This charming Upper East Side café exudes comfort and conviviality, with parchment shades that soften light from sconces that warm the room. Eager to please, the kitchen uses high-quality ingredients for its mix-and-match philosophy. Patrons can choose their meats, their pastas (dried or, for a slight surcharge, the restaurant's own homemade), and their sauces (from a simple marinara to a more complex carbonara) as they create their own dishes. For dessert, you can't go wrong with a cappuccino or a chocolate tartufo all served up with a smile. During this time, the Restaurant staff is taking temperature of diners and a phone number from one member of the party for contact tracing . Plexi-glass dividers are set up for both inside and outside dining areas.

A photo of Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC restaurant

10. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC

4.6

Exceptional(8522)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 144 times today

Carmine's is a family style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through the many dishes of Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler crafted Carmine's with a singular vision; bringing his guests abundant portions and making any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast.Platters of made to order pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees, and of course homemade desserts are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing among friends and family. When great food and wine are supported by friendly and knowledgeable service, the results are magic - we want every day to feel like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma's!We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Pick-up, Delivery, Catering and Private Parties. Join us for Happy Hour at our Bar!Your safety is our priority. As of 3/7/22, NYC no longer requires proof of vaccination to dine indoors. Indoor & Outdoor dining are available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Peter
London •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My wife wanted to go here for the Christmas decorations It was our last meal before leaving for the airport and it didn't disappoint decorations better than expected service and food to match would highly recommend Only thing we booked for 12.45pm arrived 12.35pm People in queue in front of us that had reservations for 1.30pm spoke to head waiter and he got us a table ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Papillon Bistro and BarPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Midtown East
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4
C
Chloe
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The spicy vodka pasta was literally heaven so good!!!! And the restaurant was so nice and relaxing
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Little Ruby's Cafe - West VillagePrice: Moderate• Australian• West Village
•
4.7
A
autumn
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We were visiting from out of state and had a friend from Europe visiting with us. We had prompt service, our server was attentive and everyone was friendly, the entrees were delicious. The option for the smaller portions on some items is appreciated. The portion size ordered was just right for everyone as we don’t like overeating or wasting food. The Smith has become one of our favorite restaurants to start our day when visiting. The bathrooms are very clean and well stocked with necessities. The photo booth is the best and has become tradition to visit prior to departing!
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The Smith- Lincoln SquarePrice: Moderate• American• Lincoln Square
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4.6
N
Nicole
San Antonio •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This place is just perfect! First we had the Parker rolls (must have) the whipped butter with garlic was so tasty!! Second we had the wedge salad which was very fresh and the spicy ranch was so good. Third we had the skirt steak with twice baked potato. Skirt steak was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The cranberry pear punch cocktail was great!! All around great atmosphere. Highly recommend!!
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The AldermanPrice: Moderate• American• Midtown West
•
4.2
S
Sandra
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing holiday classic! The decor is just amazing- beautifully decorated for the holidays. The food was equally amazing. We had the tomahawk steak special with three included sides. The steak was delicious and perfectly cooked. The lobster Mac and cheese and vegetables were delicious and the presentation was worthy of photos which didn’t do it justice. The service was friendly but efficient. We will be back.
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Tavern on the GreenPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7

Best Casual Restaurants in Upper East Side

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470 restaurants available nearby

1. Papillon Bistro and Bar

2. Tavern on the Green

3. The Smith- Lincoln Square

4. The Alderman

5. Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village

6. Cafe Luxembourg

7. Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC Flatiron

8. Casa Cruz

9. Caffe Buon Gusto - UES

10. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC

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