Exploring Midtown East has led me to some locations that blew my mind, and I’m here to share them with you. Picture savoring sake in a concealed subterranean bar, enjoying French cuisine under a garden-inspired ceiling, or plunging into a bowl of authentic ramen that comforts you from the inside out.
If distinct places to dine in Midtown East are what you’re after, I’ve got some jewels for you. I’ve discovered locations where the settings are as memorable as the cuisine, from rooftop bars with breathtaking city views to intimate spots that feel like a secret only we know.
1. Sakagura
Sakagura is your go-to for a slice of Tokyo directly in Midtown East. Hidden in the cellar of an office building, this location is simple to overlook. But find it, and you’re in for a treat. It’s got a clandestine ambiance that draws you away from New York’s bustle. Surrounded by verdant vegetation and the soothing sound of birds chirping, it’s easy to forget you’re in the core of the city.
Their menu is a delight for anyone who adores Japanese cuisine. You’ve got your sushi and sashimi, plus some creative dishes that are all about flavor. And the sake selection? Phenomenal. It combines flawlessly with everything.
2. Le Pavillon
Next up, Le Pavillon. Right next to stately Central, it’s a fine-dining French sanctuary that’s both stately and intimate. Walking in, you’re greeted by high ceilings, a magnificent chandelier, and living olive trees. It feels like feasting alfresco, inside. With an indoor garden and floor-to-ceiling windows, one glimpse shows you nature, the other, the city skyline. It’s magnificent.
Yes, it’s a Michelin-starred location, so prices match the prestige. A three-course meal ran me $93, but it was worth every penny. I opted for the foie gras, kulebyaka, and fruits exotics. The portions were surprisingly generous.
3. Chili
If fiery flavors and authentic Sichuan cuisine are your favorites, CHILI in Midtown East is your next stop. Honestly, it’s a game-changer. This place has mastered the art of delivering dishes that carry a wallop with actual seasoning. And when I say piquant, I mean it. The menu is an exhilarating ride from start to finish.
Walking into CHILI, you’re greeted by a milieu that’s both refined and inviting, with a reference to old Shanghai. Think vintage chandeliers, elegant wall lighting, classic Chinese advertisements, and those iconic rotating fans on the ceilings. It all comes together to create an atmosphere that’s as memorable as the meal. Plus, the personnel makes you feel right at home.
4. Hatsuhana
Walking into Hatsuhana feels like you’ve been transported away to Japan. This sushi spot gets it with its exceptional atmosphere and authentic sentiments. The interior gives off that genuine Japanese feel, replete with a sushi bar where you can watch the chefs work their wizardry.
The headliner of the show here has to be the “Box of Dreams.” It’s a 10-piece sushi combo that’s just… wow. Every item is a pleasure, showing off the chefs’ expertise and the seafood’s freshness. Ending the meal with complimentary houjicha (roasted green tea) was the ideal finish.
5. Ophelia Lounge NYC
Ophelia Lounge NYC is your passport to an unforgettable night with breathtaking views of Manhattan and the East River. This rooftop establishment knows how to make an entrance. Right off the elevator, the snow globe ceiling captures your eye. It’s stunning, setting the stage for the evening.
The skyline vistas here, particularly at twilight, are something else. It’s what attracts the throng, and honestly, it’s simple to see why, particularly on those New York City evenings. Plus, they’ve got an outdoor veranda that’s ideal for those balmy evenings.
6. Sukhumvit 51
One of the trendiest spots to dine in Midtown East is Sukhumvit 51. This is where you strike the goldmine for genuine Thai cuisine in NYC. It’s an intimate location, so securing a table might be a mini adventure on its own. But trust me, it’s worth the wait. The prices are mild on the wallet, and everything on the menu shouts freshness.
I had to halt when I observed they offered mango glutinous rice. This dish is a hit or miss elsewhere, but Sukhumvit 51 perfected it. They only serve it when they get their hands on ideally matured mangoes. And wow, does it make a difference. One nibble, and I was transported directly to the streets of Bangkok. It’s robust, authentic, and surprisingly substantial.
7. Mala Kitchen
Mala Kitchen might just be one of the distinctive Midtown East restaurants that flawlessly encapsulates the essence of Sichuan cuisine. Just like CHILI, it provides the intensity with authentic flavors directly from China. It’s a compact location, but what it offers in terms of flavor is enormous. The chef’s origins from Sichuan mean you’re in for a genuine treat.
Our dinner was nothing short of spectacular. From pan-fried pork dumplings to beef lo mein and a fiery beef noodle broth that packs a substantial wallop, every dish was a success. The flavors here are vibrant and unapologetically authentic. Plus, the prices are just as enticing as the cuisine.
8. Lucky Cat
Lucky Cat is like entering into another world, right in the center of Midtown East. This place is an eruption of Japanese culture, from banners and caricatures to a human-sized cat hovering over diners. It’s the closest thing to an izakaya you’ll find outside of Japan. Even paying the bill is entertaining, with checks arriving in a manga book!
The ambiance? Spot-on if you’re after that authentic Japanese cafe ambiance. Now, let’s speak about their signature dish – the Lucky Cat ramen. It’s a bowl filled with homemade vermicelli, tender pork liver, and a broth that’s just luxurious.
Read Also: Exploring West Virginia's Coziest Restaurants
9. Monkey Bar
Monkey Bar is a tribute to the opulent 1920s clubs, and it’s right here in Midtown East. Walking in feels like you’ve been transported to a different era, thanks to the painted murals, original monkey light fixtures, and a color scheme that establishes the ideal ambiance. It’s intimate, it’s elegant, and it has an atmosphere that’s just right.
The menu is impressive. I opted for the wagyu cheeseburger and the linguine with scallops – both courses were out of this world. If you’ve heard about their patties, let me tell you, they live up to the reputation. Cap it off with their carrot cake, and you’re in for a treat.
10. Obao
If Thai fusion with a modern twist sounds like your style, OBAO is your next stop. Tucked away and simple to overlook, this establishment is the definition of a concealed jewel restaurant in Midtown East. It’s where traditional flavors meet contemporary panache, and trust me, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
The seared pork tongue and Khao Soi? Absolutely extraordinary. They begin things off with complimentary wings that set the bar high right from the start. The pork belly arrives with a minty freshness that just elevates the whole dish. But the Khao Soi, a moderate rendition for me, was something else entirely – truly extraordinary.