New York City’s dining scene is one of the best in the world. The only problem (if you can call it that) is there are too many great restaurants. You can't possibly get to them all, but it sure is fun trying!

From iconic pizza joints to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments, the sheer diversity and excellence of New York City's food scene can be overwhelming. But if you’re ready for the challenge, here's my annual list of where you should eat in the upcoming year, arranged loosely in order of preference.

The selected restaurants are based solely on the ones I visited in 2023 that I can happily recommend based on food, drinks, service, and ambiance. The list is far from comprehensive and, admittedly, Manhattan-centric, but hopefully, it will give you some great dining options for 2024.

I'd love to hear some of your favorites, too. Leave me a note in the comments section below. You can also follow along on my food, wine, and cocktail journey all year round on Instagram: @nycrestaurants. Cheers!

The Six Best of The Bests

Jungsik

Jung Sik’s modern Korean cuisine is pure sophistication, blending traditional flavors with innovative techniques and surprising presentations. The serene dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a neutral palate sets the tone for a memorable night out, enhanced by the impeccable service. 2 Harrison St, New York, NY.

Frevo

Frevo’s speakeasy-style entrance, hidden behind an art gallery, starts the evening off with a touch of intrigue. Once inside, guests can cozy up at counter-style seating to watch the masterful chefs and friendly wait staff in action. The $198 tasting menu’s dishes look like works of art and taste just as good. The wine list has an excellent selection of classic and more unusual selections with an optional wine pairing of $135 and $290. 48 West 8th St, New York, NY.

Essential by Christophe

One of the best new restaurants on the Upper West Side, Essential by Christophe’s sleek yet comfortable dining room and friendly, knowledgeable service staff set the scene for a spectacular evening. The menu offers a choice of three, four, or seven courses ranging from $125 to $215, all outstanding. And if you’re in the mood for à la carte options, the welcoming bar near the front entrance invites guests to drop in for a casual drink, an appetizer, or a full dinner. 103 West 77th St, New York, NY.

Koloman

Adjacent to the Ace Hotel's Lobby Bar, Koloman is the latest from Markus Glocker, a Michelin-recognized chef in NYC. The cuisine blends Austrian and French traditions with New York flair, creating a delicious fusion of flavors. Favorite dishes include Salmon en Croute, Wiener Schnitzel, and the gigantic dessert Souffle for Two (that could probably feed four!). 16 West 29th St., New York, NY.

Koloman’s Mushroom *Agnolotti* *with sweet potato and kohlrabi*

Le Pavillon

Firstly, the place is stunning. As you ascend the stairs, the views of the expansive blown-glass chandelier above the bar will take your breath away. Then, the presence of live plants artistically arranged throughout the modern 1950s-esque dining room creates a feeling of being outdoors. It's truly extraordinary! The seafood-centric cuisine lives up to the setting with delicious items like oyster gratiné with a hazelnut parsley-seaweed crust and poached salmon with cauliflower, horseradish, and Kaluga caviar. The friendly yet professional service is en point, resulting in a perfectly paced and memorable evening. One Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY

Torrisi

With a gorgeous setting in the historic Puck building, delicious food, excellent service, and a fantastic soundtrack, Torrisi is sure to impress. Menu highlights include a refreshing Fennel and Grapefruit cocktail, Chopped Liver antipasti, Duck alla Mulberry main, and a unique take on affogato for dessert (a MUST-have!). The wine list features heavy hitters (J.L. Chave Hermitage for $995), affordable gems (Andrea Felici Verdicchio for $65), and everything in between. 275 Mulberry St, New York, NY.

The Six Next Best

L’Accolade

Wishing you were in Paris? Book a seat at L’Accolade, and your dream will at least feel like a reality. The marble-top tables, brass lighting fixtures, and French-accented staff will transport you to the city of lights. My favorite seat is at the bar, where everyone is chatting while sipping delicious natural wines. The seasonal menu changes often, but you can’t go wrong with anything. 302 Bleecker St, New York, NY

Principe

This stunning seafood-centric restaurant offers three seating areas: a comfortable, softly-lit bar area, where a friend and I recently dined, and two dining rooms, the upstairs being bright with big fancy chandeliers, while the downstairs is darker and more lounge-like. We began with the Scallops and Sea Urchin from the raw bar, both fresh and topped with delicious flavors. Other favorites were the impeccably cooked Rock Shrimp Mafaldine and the juicy, tender grilled duck with a pear foie gras sauce. 450 West Broadway, New York, NY.

Dame

Dame is a seafood-focused eatery offering delicious fresh dishes in a cozy, fun environment with a disco soundtrack. The restaurant is considered English, with dishes like fish and chips. However, unlike many English versions (in England!), Dame’s fish is delicate and crispy without being greasy. The menu is divided into three sections: snacks, small plates, and larger entrees, all sharable. I like to feast on the small plates, with the addition of a snack or an entree or two. 87 MacDougal St., New York, NY.

Shukette

This casual restaurant in Chelsea (the sister spot to Shuka) offers some of the best Middle Eastern food in the city in a fun and lively atmosphere. The eclectic menu of flavorful dishes includes labneh, a Lebanese classic, and a must-try – topped with crispy squash blossoms and honey for a perfect blend of savory and sweet. The menu also offers four fantastic breads for dipping into your favorite dishes. Frena, a twist on traditional garlic bread, is amazing. 230 9th Ave, New York, NY.

Thai Diner

Creative and delicious Thai American fare in a super cute, kitschy atmosphere. Reservations are hard to snag at this trendy spot — they mostly take walk-ins — so put your name down and grab a glass of biodynamic wine at Epistrophy while you wait. 186 Mott St, New York, NY.

The Lobster Club

I just love the feeling of this place: a mod 1960s vibe with its white onyx bar, pink and green seating, and large, colorful artwork. The first thing I do upon arrival is sidle up to the bar and order The Last Word, a classic cocktail invented during the Prohibition. As I sip this tasty concoction, I feel like Frank Sinatra could come walking in at any moment and start serenading the place. Chef Tasuku Murakami's eclectic menu includes teppanyaki options like scallops brushed with toasted sesame seeds, charred king oyster mushrooms, and shishito peppers. Don’t miss the delicate black bass in a citrusy yuzu sauce. 98 East 53rd St, New York, NY.

The Rest of The Best

Laser Wolf

Laser Wolf’s cuisine focuses on an Israeli grill style known as a "shipudiya" or "skewer house,” which uses a charcoal grill. Named after the iconic character "Lazar Wolf" from Fiddler on the Roof, it offers a prix fixe, kebab-focused menu on the rooftop of The Hoxton, Williamsburg, with panoramic views of the NYC skyline. The delicious hummus and fluffy pita are to die for! 97 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.

Nobu Fifty Seven

What can I say about Nobu that hasn’t already been said?! I remember attending the opening night for the very first Nobu in downtown Manhattan in 1994 and thinking, “What a fabulous new place, unlike any other sushi place in town.” Fast forward 30 years, Nobu, now a global chain, still delivers the same great experience, at least at this one on 57th Street. My favorite dishes are New Style Sashimi, Tuna Sashimi Salad, Creamy Spicy Rock Shrimp Tempura, Black Cod Miso, and the dessert Bento Box with Chocolate Cake and Green Tea Ice Cream. Signature cocktails include a delicious Lychee Martini and ginger margarita. 40 W 57th St, New York, NY.

Pinch Chinese

Pinch Chinese, located in the heart of Manhattan’s lively SoHo neighborhood, is a popular, casually chic destination for authentic Chinese comfort food. Diners can feast on some of the city’s best soup dumplings, Peking duck, and Crispy Red Snapper. The well-curated bar menu offers an extensive selection of over 300 natural wines and terrific beers and cocktails. 177 Prince St., New York, NY.

Cosme

This trendy spot in NYC's Flatiron District, now open for a decade, is still going strong. The contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine uses local, seasonal ingredients, and the beverage program focuses on artisanal spirits, particularly mezcal. A must-have item is duck carnitas with mole to go with it. And make sure to order the corn husk meringue, one of New York’s top desserts. 35 East 21st St, New York, NY.

Bangkok Supper Club

Bangkok Supper Club, sister to Fish Cheeks, brings a casually upscale twist to Thai street food with inventive, contemporary cuisine. The open kitchen, featuring a charcoal grill, serves shareable plates like whole branzino and fried sticky rice-stuffed chicken wings. The inviting design, soft lighting, and great cocktails transport diners to a late-night atmosphere in Bangkok. 641 Hudson St, New York, NY.

Bar Pasquale

Bar Pasquale’s website states that their pizza and pasta enoteca is a love letter to Sicily, the beautiful, rustic island in southern Italy. The restaurant’s handmade pasta, thick (but oh-so-light) Sicilian pizza, and small plates reflect the eclectic flavors found in Sicily. The comfortable space features a dining room with burgundy-red leather banquettes, vintage furniture, an open kitchen, and an outdoor patio. 98 Kenmare St, New York, NY.

Genki Omakase

Offering one of the best values for Omakase in NYC, the menu consists of 13 pieces for $72 or 17 pieces for $98. The long, comfortable counter seating lets you watch the chefs preparing sushi and sashimi of the highest quality. 552 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY.

Koi

Opened in 2005, the popular Koi Restaurant inside The Bryant Park Hotel hasn’t lost its touch. Known for its dramatic setting and upscale Japanese fare, Koi‘s inventive cocktails and signature dishes, like Crispy Rice topped with Spicy Tuna and Peppercorn Filet Mignon with Shishito Potato Purée, provide a fun and sophisticated dining experience. 40 West 40th St, New York, NY.

Yasaka

Considered one of the best sushi spots on the Upper West Side, Yasaka’s sushi and sashimi are always fresher than fresh and beautifully presented. The cooked items are also equally delicious. The restaurant is packed, no matter what time of day, so book ahead. 251 West 72nd St., New York, NY.

**Yasaka’s crisp fried vegetable gyoza**

Greywind

Situated in the Hudson Yards neighborhood, this new establishment by Chef Dan Kluger (of Loring Place) offers a locally sourced, seasonally-driven dining experience. Greywind's gorgeous interiors blend the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley with the urban edge of Manhattan. Adjacent to the restaurant is a bakery serving loaves of sourdough focaccia and milk bread, available Tuesday-Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm, alongside pastries, sandwiches, and salads. 451 Tenth Avenue, New York.