New York City has a rich and diverse culinary scene that makes it one of the best cities to dine in. The Zagat guide composes ratings-based lists of the most popular restaurants in NYC. The list includes a wide variety of cuisines and price ranges. For the best dining experience, treat yourself to finer establishments with celebrity chefs who got famous for a reason. But there's no harm in having a good burger now and then, either.
Located in the Flatiron District, Gramercy Tavern has won the Zagat Survey's award for NYC's Most Popular Restaurant on five separate occasions. Executive chef Michael Anthony uses locally grown, seasonal ingredients in the creation of menu items such as Arctic Char with green cabbage, cauliflower, and American caviar. The restaurant boasts a gourmet Dining Room menu and a more casual Tavern menu. Gourmet cheeses, wines, and spirits round out the menus.
Celebrity chef Mario Batali backs the Greenwich Village based Babbo Ristorante e Enoteca. The menu boasts gourmet Italian food prepared with fresh, seasonal local ingredients. The cuisine has earned three stars from the New York Times and picked up a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant back in 1998.
Located in trendy Tribeca, the menu of Nobu combines celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa's experience at Tokyo sushi bars with his knowledge of South American cuisine. Menu features include Lobster with Wasabi Pepper and Yellowtail with Jalapeno.
Co-owned by Robert DeNiro, this hot spot features elegant Japanese interiors designed by renowned architect David Rockwell. The food has earned three stars from the New York Times and a Michelin star.
The three 5 Napkin Burger locations were born from the popularity of a burger first introduced at the restaurant Nice Matin. The original 5 Napkin burger boasts a quarter pound of beef, Gruyere, caramelized onions and rosemary aioli. It won the Time Out New York's 2009 Eat Out Award for Best New Burger.
The restaurant also serves six other burger varieties, sushi, and appetizers. Guests may select from 100 different wines and 50 beers. The atmosphere of 5 Napkin Burger is uptown casual, appropriate for a relaxing night out.
