Nicer/Fancy-ish Restaurants + Bars in Manhattan
Swan Room
Bar · Chinatown
Opulent decor, pricey drinks and a low volume level meaning you can have a proper quiet conversation here.
Lure Fishbar
Restaurant · SoHo
I am such a sucker for their Cobb Salad with Shrimp. I get it pretty much every time I go. The sushi is expensive but really good and an appetizer of the crispy sushi rice is always a crowd pleaser. This is a lunch, not dinner spot.
Hawksmoor NYC
Steak house · Flatiron District
Not super fancy but also not inexpensive, and you’d feel at home if you were dressed up in the dining room. They have a no corkage Monday night and a $28 😬 cheeseburger that is pretty delicious at lunch. Also don’t sleep on the Ash-baked beets … the dish is reminiscent of a 90s beet salad with goat cheese in a good way, actually.
Keens Steakhouse
Steak house · Midtown West
Not “fancy” per say but the steak isn’t exactly cheap. An institution for a reason!
ATOMIX
Korean restaurant · Midtown East
Been wanting to go for a long time. Just need a reason to celebrate something (cause it’s $$$).
King Cole Bar
Bar · Midtown East
Where I used to get an occasional drink with my dad. Drinks are $$$ but generous. No kids after 5pm.
The Modern
Restaurant · Midtown West
I haven’t eaten here in years but I always enjoyed dining in the bar room and it obviously couldn’t be more convenient if you’re visiting the MoMA.
Monkey Bar
American restaurant · Midtown East
My dad used to hang here in the 80s and 90s. It’s been updated slightly decor wise but supposedly has the original vibes. Same people as 4 Charles Prime Rib, which I think is harder to get a reservation at.
Le Bernardin Privé
French restaurant · Midtown West
I’d been meaning to go back to this place as it had been years and then Pete Wells recently dropped an updated, GLOWING review. Midtown lunch classic.