Best Casual Restaurants in Upper East Side

473 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tavern on the Green restaurant

1. Tavern on the Green

4.7

Exceptional(18908)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 98 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 Papillon Bistro and Bar restaurant

2. Papillon Bistro and Bar

4.0

Excellent(1074)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Midtown East

Booked 49 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 The Smith- Lincoln Square restaurant

3. The Smith- Lincoln Square

4.6

Exceptional(12155)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lincoln Square

Booked 240 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 Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village restaurant

4. Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village

4.7

Exceptional(313)

Price: Moderate

• Australian • West Village

Booked 118 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.

A photo of Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC Flatiron restaurant

5. Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC Flatiron

4.3

Awesome(6993)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Gramercy Park

Booked 140 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.

6. The Alderman

4.2

Awesome(146)

Price: Moderate

• American • Midtown West

Booked 85 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.

7. Casa Cruz

4.1

Excellent(15)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Upper East Side

Booked 25 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

8. Caffe Buon Gusto - UES

4.8

Exceptional(1150)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Upper East Side

Booked 22 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 Zaytinya - New York restaurant

9. Zaytinya - New York

4.5

Awesome(622)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • NoMad

Booked 65 times today

Zaytinya at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on José Andrés' deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines. Zaytinya is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

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

10. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC

4.7

Exceptional(8492)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 150 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

R
Ricky
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Just excellent food, drink and service from Serra. Tiramisu is the best. Spaghetti and steak also so delicious.
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Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC FlatironPrice: Expensive• Italian• Gramercy Park
•
4.3
T
Timothy
Northwest Florida •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Golden beet salad was great and they were generous with the beets. The wild mushroom bread appetizer was phenomenal. Great sauce (almost like a stroganoff). Steak sandwich was served w an au jus and was juicy. My bride had the lobster Mac and cheese. Very buttery and rich. Perfect lunch. Despite being a little early they sat us before our reservation time. It was our anniversary and we got a special card and great complimentary dessert. Over all wonderful meal
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Tavern on the GreenPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
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4.7
P
Pauline
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food is great! Service is always a toss up but food is consistently good.
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Little Ruby's Cafe - West VillagePrice: Moderate• Australian• West Village
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4.7
L
Lynn
New York City •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Our pre-theater dinner was extraordinary. The staff from the moment we entered through dessert was magnificent. The food was even beyond our expectations. Of course, we had the famous potato chips which were quite a hit. The salmon tartare was so well prepared and melts in your mouth ( there is a crunch too). We also had a kale and quinoa salad, tomato soup , bibimbap and lots of other delicious food. Make sure to make a reservation .. the place was packed and yet the staff was incredibly attentive. I would give it ten stars if I could.
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The Smith- Lincoln SquarePrice: Moderate• American• Lincoln Square
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4.6
T
TanaVIP
Las Vegas •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 6, 2024
Booked back in July, and got there and didn’t have a table due to company Christmas parties. They finally fit us in later.
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Papillon Bistro and BarPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Midtown East
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4

Best Casual Restaurants in Upper East Side

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473 restaurants available nearby

1. Tavern on the Green

2. Papillon Bistro and Bar

3. The Smith- Lincoln Square

4. Little Ruby's Cafe - West Village

5. Serra by Birreria - Eataly NYC Flatiron

6. The Alderman

7. Casa Cruz

8. Caffe Buon Gusto - UES

9. Zaytinya - New York

10. Carmine's - 91st Street - NYC

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