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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Upper West Side

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458 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel restaurant
1. The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel
4.4
Awesome(6614)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Midtown East
Booked 71 times today
The Palm Court’s Afternoon Tea truly shines with custom tableware and china, a fragrant tea list steeped in history, and of course, a bit of precocious Eloise too. Guests are invited to nibble on our in-house Pastry Chef’s unique culinary offerings like delicate finger sandwiches, buttery scones and elegant desserts, which are all made from scratch with local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.Hours: Breakfast* | 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Confirmed breakfast reservations at The Palm Courtare reserved for hotel guests at this time.Afternoon Tea | 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.Evening Prix Fixe | 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.Reservations are not required but recommended*Evening prix fixe menu ends at 10:30 p.m.*Based on hotel occupancy. Hotel guests will be priority.For parties larger than 6 guests, please send an inquiry email to PalmCourt.PLZ@Fairmont.com
A photo of Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC restaurant
2. Carmine's - 44th Street - NYC
4.6
Exceptional(29486)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 259 times today
Carmine's is a family-style Italian restaurant in NYC, crafted for sharing and celebrations. Reviewers lauded it for its exceptional value, abundant portions, friendly service, and the elegant atmosphere. The restaurant is praised for its ability to make any meal feel like an Italian American wedding feast. It's perfect for family dining, celebrating special occasions, and hosting business team dinners. With reviews boasting 'excellent food for sharing and phenomenal service,' it's clear Carmine's is a favorite for making any gathering memorable.
A photo of Bad Roman restaurant
3. Bad Roman
4.5
Awesome(2114)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Upper West Side
Booked 187 times today
A new lively, modern Italian restaurant from Quality Branded.
A photo of Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience restaurant
4. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience
4.9
Exceptional(758)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Upper East Side
Booked 16 times today
Join us at Aunt Jake's Upper East Side for our Pasta Making Class & 3-course pasta menu! The cost is $60 per person for pasta instruction and the prefix meal. We require a $10 per person non-refundable deposit. The entire experience is approximately 2.5 hours. Please use the OpenTable mobile app for best results when booking the Pasta Experience.–Aunt Jake's was founded in 2015, as the company set out to replicate the idyllic, simplistic cuisine we grew up to enjoy. However, we wanted to create Italian food for the “next” generation. The idea was to develop an Italian concept around the customer’s choice of how to eat pasta compared to how the restaurant wanted you to eat it. With that in mind, Aunt Jake’s core mission is to bring high-quality fresh ingredients daily to craft our handmade pasta and sauces health-consciously. The customer can mix and match sauce with shape and create a custom dish of their own.
A photo of Papillon Bistro and Bar restaurant
5. Papillon Bistro and Bar
3.9
Excellent(1048)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Midtown East
Booked 15 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 Quality Italian - New York restaurant
6. Quality Italian - New York
4.7
Exceptional(6019)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Midtown West
Booked 128 times today
Quality Italian is New York's best steakhouse. Our renowned steak and delicious Italian food make us a popular destination for folks seeking a great meal. Whether you are looking for a wonderful lunch or an inviting brunch, we provide an outstanding dining experience. Visit us today to experience the best steak and Italian food in New York for yourself. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Italian is the best restaurant in Midtown Manhattan and NYC.
A photo of Nobu Fifty Seven restaurant
7. Nobu Fifty Seven
4.7
Exceptional(6082)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Midtown West
Booked 171 times today
As the first uptown New York location for legendary chef Nobu Matsuhisa, we opened with much anticipation in the summer of 2005.Nobu's co-owners are his longtime partners: renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent, Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, and Hollywood film producer Meir Teper. The restaurant showcases Nobu's signature new style Japanese cuisine with classic dishes such as Tiradito Nobu Style and Black Cod Miso. The restaurant received three stars from the New York Times.
A photo of Cafe Luxembourg restaurant
8. Cafe Luxembourg
4.8
Exceptional(8584)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Upper West Side
Booked 82 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 Central Park Boathouse restaurant
9. Central Park Boathouse
4.6
Exceptional(892)
Price: Very Expensive
• Continental • Upper East Side
Booked 30 times today
Dine with us in the beautifully updated restaurant that reimagines the Boathouse's iconic history and charm. Reviving old traditions and making new ones – we’ve got something for everybody.Monday - FridayLUNCH: 12pm -5pmSaturday & SundayBRUNCH: 11am - 5pmIn addition, our outdoor Express Cafe, is open daily from 8am to 5pm. *For parties of 10 or more: please contact us at info@centralparkboathouse.com **Please Note** Our restaurant is located inside of Central Park, which means all guests must arrive on foot, there is no parking at our property. The closest entrance and cross streets are 72nd street and 5th Ave.
A photo of The Smith- Lincoln Square restaurant
10. The Smith- Lincoln Square
4.6
Exceptional(12076)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincoln Square
Booked 109 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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Trish
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We spent Thanksgiving holiday here. We had 4 young kids and they were taken care of with such care. The food was outstanding and so creative! The place is stunning and colorful. It was a memorable holiday for everyone.
    More info
    Bad RomanPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
    •
    4.5
  • Amber
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Check my significant other out for this dining experience!! He had a great time and the instructions were very hands-on!! The instructor is such a lively person and makes the experience very pleasant!! Not to mention, they do have good drink options and versatile dining options. Also, it is very family friendly, which I enjoyed. Definitely will be participating in this experience again. 
    More info
    Aunt Jake's Pasta ExperiencePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Upper East Side
    •
    4.9
  • Nicole
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at Carmine's on 44th with a large party, and I must say, the service was exceptional from start to finish! The hostess made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived, and the attentive service continued throughout the evening. I spoke with the manager, who went above and beyond to accommodate our needs, ensuring we had everything we needed for a great experience. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect for our gathering. I highly recommend Carmine's on 44th for its fantastic food and outstanding service!
    More info
    Carmine's - 44th Street - NYCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Theater District
    •
    4.6
  • jessica
    Phoenix / Arizona •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Kazon was our server and he made our experience perfect. His timing on taking care of myself and my guests, along with his suggestions were brilliant. A must visit anytime of the year, but especially special during the holidays. We did dress for the occasion, and I highly recommend doing so. You experience a level of fine dining while being accompanied by fellow guests with the same taste, it’s a lovely way to slow time down in the busy hustle of Manatan❤️
    More info
    The Palm Court at The Plaza HotelPrice: Very Expensive• American• Midtown East
    •
    4.4
  • Ticole
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Ambiance is amazing. Food was fine. But service was terrible.
    More info
    Papillon Bistro and BarPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Midtown East
    •
    3.9

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Upper West Side

Discover the charm of Manhattan's Upper West Side with its vibrant dining scene, ideal for celebrating special occasions. This neighborhood boasts a variety of restaurants offering exceptional experiences, from intimate Italian bistros to lively American eateries. Each venue is celebrated for its unique ambiance, excellent service, and delectable cuisine, making them perfect choices for memorable events. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a festive celebration, you'll find a spot that caters to your needs. The Upper West Side is known for its sophisticated yet comfortable dining atmosphere, where every meal is served with a touch of class. Restaurants here are adept at crafting special moments, ensuring that every celebration is not just a meal, but an experience to cherish. Enjoy the culinary excellence and welcoming vibe of the Upper West Side, where every dining option promises a delightful and memorable occasion.

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