Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City

Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Upper West Side

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tokugawa - Madison restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(64)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Upper East Side
Booked 7 times today
Coming Soon!
A photo of Beauty & Essex- New York restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(9979)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Lower East Side
Booked 134 times today
Beauty & Essex has an innovative design that starts in the restaurant’s entrance, a well-curated modern-day pawn shop replete with a saxophone, boom­box, quirky artifacts, vintage treasures, and an eclectic array of “one-off” pieces of jewelry. Continuing past the pawnshop, guests encounter a grand, circular staircase wrapped around a two-story custom chandelier, but only the adventurous will discover all that Beauty & Essex has to offer. With four distinct dining rooms (one private), two bars, a lounge, and a women’s bathroom complete with a salon including a luxurious sofa, and antique perfume bottles. The cuisine, much like the design, is intended to set a new course. Chef Chris Santos was one of the pioneers of the small, share plate dining trend that has swept the nation, and with the Beauty & Essex menu, he once again has created waves on the food scene.
A photo of Le Jardinier - New York restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(445)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Midtown East
Booked 13 times today
Le Jardinier is an approachable yet refined hyper-seasonal restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli. Rooted in classic French technique, Verzeroli has created a menu where seasonality a prominent role: local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, and greens are complemented by sustainable proteins. The wine list features over 350 references, and has an international focus drawing heavily on the French regions of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Cocktails utilize high quality craft spirits, fortified wines, fresh herbs, and house made tinctures and bitters.
A photo of Casa Bond restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(98)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • NoHo
Booked 17 times today
Casa Bond offers a vibrant dining experience, blending creative, modern Mexican cuisine with a chic, Bohemian atmosphere. Named one of "New York's Best New Restaurants of 2023" by the Financial Times, we’re known for standout dishes like Aguachile and Gobernador Tacos. Join us for an unforgettable meal that captures the essence of authentic Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist. Perfect for those seeking top-notch service, exceptional food, and a lively, artistic ambiance.
A photo of Le B. restaurant
4.4
Awesome(18)
Price: Very Expensive
• European • West Village
Booked 5 times today
Continental cuisine, for the modern diner. Restaurant Le B. is a celebratory, lively, dinner setting that is rooted in the culture of Downtown Manhattan. Staying true to form, Chef Angie Mar’s cuisine mines history for forgotten pleasures, with a focus on land air and sea. Tableside presentations and over the top excess has always been a hallmark of Mar’s style. Awarded Four Stars by Forbes, Best New Restaurant by Conde Nast Traveler, Financial Times and Robb Report, and rated 50 Best in America by Esquire Magazine, her award winning team’s overwhelming hospitality coupled with the essence of her cult favorite restaurant, The Beatrice Inn, are carried through in this next iteration of downtown dining, with a sophisticated and playful point of view. *Please note that Le Burger is not available in the Dining Room, and is first come first serve exclusively at our Bar. If you'd like to experience Le Burger, we invite you to book our Bar Experience by calling the restaurant directly.
A photo of Armani Ristorante 5th Avenue restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1633)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Midtown East
Armani Ristorante 5th Avenue is hailed as a creative cuisine hub. The restaurant's menu features 'modern, creative cuisine' and 'excellent reinterpretations of traditional Italian classics', as per the reviews. The head chef, Ivano Lauretti, is acclaimed for his innovative creations. The restaurant's dishes are 'sophisticated', 'superb' and 'exceptional' and the 'presentation was outstanding'.
A photo of Gabriel Kreuther restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1593)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • Midtown West
Gabriel Kreuther is a Relais & Chateaux and Two Star Michelin restaurant looking out onto beautiful Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. We offer a luxurious, upscale Contemporary-French-American & Alsatian-inspired dining experience with a distinct New York Spirit. Also known for its stunning decor, Gabriel Kreuther looks out onto NYC's vibrant Bryant Park on 42nd street & offers fine-dining in the upscale dining room (reserve here) or elevated casual dining at the bar and lounge (call) offering "some of the absolute best bar food in NYC" (Grub Street). Gabriel Kreuther accepts reservations for the main dining room 6-weeks in advance & you can also book our In-Kitchen Table offering a fully immersive, special dining experience for up to 8 guests by contacting us at office@gknyc.com.
A photo of Da Raffaele - NYC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(473)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Midtown East
Booked 6 times today
Da Raffaele's is a warm and inviting Italian restaurant.
A photo of Ruta Oaxaca - Astoria restaurant
4.5
Awesome(311)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Astoria
Booked 12 times today
Our Story The goal – to guarantee a wonderful meal with authentic cuisine and fabulous margaritas, serve over 50 artisanal and ancestral mezcals, and over 100 different types of tequila brands in a vibrant unique atmosphere that boasts excellent service. Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine opened in Astoria in 2021 with such a wonderful and successful home run that a second location opened in Patchogue in March 2022. Ruta Oaxaca means “Road to Oaxaca,” a historic state in the southern part of Mexico. Mr. Castillo and his Partners are keenly focused on honoring Oaxacan culinary traditions, whose fame is derived in great part from its many varieties of moles. By legend, these ancient recipes are more than sauces, they are the very focus of the meal. Ruta Oaxaca proudly features four moles, each prepared using the Oaxacan mole recipes that have made the cuisine world famous. Visit us at our locations in Astoria 929-349-1228 Patchogue 631-569-2233 Woodbury 516-515-9620 Brooklyn 718-576-1507
A photo of L' Artista restaurant
4.5
Awesome(75)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Harlem
Booked 3 times today
Experience of Northern Italian Cuisine, Great Wine, Craft Cocktails and Music.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • RobertVIP
    Baltimore / Maryland •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food and service was exceptional as it has been every time we have dined at Beauty and Essex.
    More info
    Beauty & Essex- New YorkPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Lower East Side
    4.6
  • Jacqueline
    New York City •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The chef and entire team were flawless. We came to celebrate my mother’s retirement. I’m a long time NYer (23 years!) and my mom lives in Miami and is an avid world traveler/diner. Our cocktails were very inventive and delicious. I wanted a seasonal pumpkin coconut cocktail and it was a great way to start the night. Our server surprised us with an amuse bûche and extra dessert to celebrate her retirement. Another complement to our wonderful server is that he was insightful enough the ask about if I ate gelatin before surprising us with the amusement bûche after I told him about my dietary restriction. The ‘sole for two’ and tagliatelle with shaved truffles was to die for. The atmosphere itself with all the botanical elements is a pure joy, it reminded me a lot of the contemporary art gardens I’ve visited in Brazil designed by Burle Marx. My mom and I were so enamored with the sole she asked if we could come and try the lunch tasting menu before her short NYC trip ended. I know Le Jardinier has a Michelin star but I feel like people are sleeping on how excellent this restaurant is. We’re also going to Carbone and Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi while she’s in town and honestly Le Jardinier deserves just as much fanfare.
    More info
    Le Jardinier - New YorkPrice: Very Expensive• French• Midtown East
    4.7
  • WadeVIP
    Greater Boston •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 3, 2025
    Simply amazing food and service. Loved. Loved. Loved.
    More info
    Casa BondPrice: Expensive• Mexican• NoHo
    4.7
  • LauraVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •123 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Jan 3, 2025
    This place is a gem! The food is always delicious and well-prepared, and the welcome is always a warm one.
    More info
    Tokugawa - MadisonPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Upper East Side
    4.6
  • RobertA
    New York City •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 4, 2023
    Fantastic creative cuisine served by professionals in a beautiful space- what's not to like? Angie Mar's personal touch made it even better!
    More info
    Le B.Price: Very Expensive• European• West Village
    4.4

Discover best creative cuisine restaurants in Upper West Side

Discover a culinary treasure trove in New York City's Upper West Side with our selection of restaurants offering creative cuisine. Nestled in the vibrant Manhattan district, these eateries showcase a blend of inventive dishes that push the boundaries of traditional cooking, making each meal a unique experience. From modern twists on American classics to innovative Mediterranean plates, the Upper West Side is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking creativity on their plates. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on high-quality ingredients, expertly crafted by chefs who are passionate about delivering both taste and presentation. The dining scene here is characterized by a mix of sophisticated, cozy atmospheres and a commitment to culinary excellence, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor exploring the gastronomic landscape, the Upper West Side offers an array of options that cater to diverse palates and preferences, solidifying its status as a key destination for creative cuisine in Manhattan.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo