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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Upper West Side

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459 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(6577)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Midtown East
Booked 68 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(29422)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 358 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(2097)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Upper West Side
Booked 358 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(750)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Upper East Side
Booked 25 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
4.1
Excellent(1015)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Midtown East
Booked 45 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 Central Park Boathouse restaurant
6. Central Park Boathouse
4.6
Exceptional(871)
Price: Very Expensive
• Continental • Upper East Side
Booked 90 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 Nobu Fifty Seven restaurant
7. Nobu Fifty Seven
4.7
Exceptional(6073)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Midtown West
Booked 219 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(8574)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Upper West Side
Booked 201 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 The Smith- Lincoln Square restaurant
9. The Smith- Lincoln Square
4.6
Exceptional(12051)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincoln Square
Booked 325 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.
A photo of Becco restaurant
10. Becco
4.5
Awesome(28383)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Theater District
Booked 240 times today
Lidia Bastianich & her son Joe's Theater District mainstay. Best known for the $29.95 pasta tasting menu & the great selections on the $35 Italian wine list. Loved by locals & out of towners alike, Becco has been serving consistently delicious regional Italian cuisine since 1993. Located on the famed Restaurant Row in NYC's Theatre District, Becco is open for lunch & dinner seven days a week. Enjoy signature dishes, like the Osso Bucco, as well as the bounty of fresh seasonal preparations. The Reserve Wine list has many of Italy's best known producers, as well as some more eclectic wine makers. A knowledgeable staffer will be on hand to help you make a great choice. With 18 years on restaurant row, great food & great service help make Becco the right choice time & time again.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • eileen
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I’m so happy we were able to make a reservation online! We Got our table right on time. Our server took care of us brilliantly! Shout out to Patty P, our server. She was lovely! She did a great job with explaining the menu and the specials, making suggestions for wine. And just overall entertaining. She did a fabulous job of getting us everything we asked for.
    More info
    Carmine's - 44th Street - NYCPrice: Moderate• Italian• Theater District
    •
    4.6
  • Gretavip
    New York City •51 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Love me some Bad Roman. Our service was terrific. My cousin and I hadn’t seen each other in years/ our server made no attempt to hurry us along. He was attentive but not intrusive. Food is delicious- creative. Nice wine selection.
    More info
    Bad RomanPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
    •
    4.5
  • Dorinavip
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Phenomenal experience. The staff was so courteous and attentive, and were very kind in managing our requests. The ambiance was superb of course, the historical Plaza Hotel speaks for itself. The tea was delicious and the menu was filled with interesting and delicatessen items (food you won't likely find in other places). We were also pleasantly full despite the seemingly small samplers. Definitely a special experience. Also the decor for the holiday season is beautiful in an elegant want. Highly recommend seeing it for yourself.
    More info
    The Palm Court at The Plaza HotelPrice: Very Expensive• American• Midtown East
    •
    4.4
  • AmyC
    Dallas - Fort Worth •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The pasta making was fun. We had great company next to us and since we were traveling we gave them our pasta. The portions of each course of the meal are huge! Don’t order the same as your partner. Try different things and share! We love Aunt Jake’s. This was our 4th time to dine with them, first time making pasta!
    More info
    Aunt Jake's Pasta ExperiencePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Upper East Side
    •
    4.9
  • Davidvip
    Alabama •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Went for drinks and dessert. Our cocktails were delicious. The cheesecake may have been the best I've ever had, Highly Recommend!
    More info
    Papillon Bistro and BarPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Midtown East
    •
    4.1

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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