Get ready! It’s time to enjoy (indoor) dining in NYC again!
We missed indoor dining during the pandemic, and it’s great to finally be able to get out there and enjoy some of New York City’s amazing dining spots. With so many craving to go and have dinner in a restaurant, it’s hard to pick which one to go to first!
With many craving to go have dinner in a restaurant, it’s hard to pick which one to go to first.
That’s why Best Venues New York has put together a list of the 7 restaurants and bars to enjoy now that food and drinking establishments are allowed to reopen in New York City.
1. Zuma - Japanese
Zuma isn’t your typical izakaya (the Japanese word for Pub). Co-founders Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney created Zuma in 2002 and haven’t looked back. Now with 11 locations across the globe, it’s not hard to see why.
Zuma’s menu is creative and each dish features bold, inspiring flavors. Be sure to try the Maguro No Tataki (Seared tuna with chili daikon and ponzu sauce) to start with. The Ainame No Koumi Yaki To Kousou (Grilled Chilean sea bass with green chili and ginger dressing) is simply delicious and is a must-have for your entree.
If you are searching for a private dining experience, Zuma features 6 private event rooms that are perfect for any kind of event including business meetings, receptions, and social dining. The rooms can accommodate groups from 2 to 250 people. Be sure to utilize the house sommelier to help craft a drink menu that is perfect for your event.
2. Daniel - European
Michelin starred restaurant Daniel is the brainchild of chef Daniel Boulud. Originally opened in 1993, Daniel has been a staple in New York City’s fine-dining scene.
The menu at Daniel constantly changes, but this month’s current theme “Boulud Sur Mer” is meant to transport diners to the south of France. With the ongoing pandemic, this culinary vacation will be a welcome respite for all. Be sure to try out the Dodine De Poulet ( Sasso chicken, fricaseé of garbanzo beans, fennel, tomato confit, and panisses)
Daniel offers 3 private dining rooms. For a unique dining experience, be sure to book The Skybox with a view of the kitchen. For larger events (up to 90 guests), book The Bellecour Room. The space is perfect for executive board meetings, corporate events, and receptions.
3. Aquavit - Scandanavian
Aquavit offers a taste of Scandinavia with its seasonal high-end Nordic cuisine. Located in the historic Park Avenue Tower, Aquavit fits in nicely in Midtown Manhattan.
For starters, try the unique Arctic Bird’s Nest (Goat cheese parfait, blueberry sorbet, and yogurt). Nordic cuisine is known for its creative use of fish and Aquavit is no different. For your main, try the Seared Halibut (beets, sandefjord sauce, and pumpkin seeds).
Aquavit offers two private dining rooms, Linné Salon and the Nobel Room, for its guests. Both rooms come prepared with a screen, projector, and Wi-Fi to accommodate both social and corporate events. Linné Salon is 514 square feet and the room can accommodate up to 32 seated guests and 50 standing. The Nobel Room has 1,140 square feet of space and the room can hold up to 80 seated guests and 100 standing.
4. Catch NYC - Seafood
Catch NYC is one of those timeless restaurants that’s decor and menu will never go out of style or trend. Located in NYC’s Meatpacking District, Catch NYC is one of New York’s premier seafood restaurants.
While the entire menu is a seafood lover's dream, the Seared Yellowfin Tuna is the real prize. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the Lobster Mac & Cheese is to die for!
Catch has plenty of space for any sort of private event. With both indoor and outdoor space for private events and enough room to accommodate up to 1,000 guests, Catch is the perfect atmosphere and venue for hosting anything from corporate meetings to weddings.
5. Elsie Rooftop - Craft Cocktail Bar
Elsie Rooftop takes its inspiration from 1920’s actress Elsie De Wolfe, who created the first penthouse. Located 25 stories in the sky near Bryant Park, Elsie Rooftop serves progressive cocktails and small bites, perfect for a drink before dinner.
We recommend pairing the Cold Poached Lobster Sliders with a Popsicle Rose Margarita (Codigo 1530 Rosa tequila, blue agave, lime, orange, and of course, garnished with a popsicle.)
Elise’s is the perfect venue for a private event. With a large indoor and rooftop space, it’s no wonder Elsie Rooftop gets booked out months in advance for events.
6. Russian Tea Room - European
One of Midtown’s most famous cultural institutions, the Russian Tea Room has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has an extensive menu that will suit many tastes.
While the menu is exquisite, going to afternoon tea at the Russian Tea Room after listening to world-class musicians at Carnegie Hall. Afternoon tea involves an assortment of tea, scones, mini sandwiches, sweet pastries, and cake.
The Russian Tea Room holds 4 different spaces for your events. We recommend booking your next event at one of NYC’s premier holiday event venues, the Bear Lounge. With a capacity for 225 seated and 275 standing, there will be plenty of space to spread out. The room is quite simply stunning with a tree full of Venetian glass eggs and a 15-foot revolving bear aquarium.
7. Hutong New York - Chinese
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Hutong New York is one of NYC’s new top contemporary Chinese restaurants.
No visit to Hutong New York would be complete without trying Hutong’s famous Dim Sum Platter. The Platter includes an assortment of dumplings. The flavors include Lobster squid-ink, pickled chili cod, rosé champagne, and vegetarian spinach.
On their upper-level Hutong offers elegant private dining rooms that are perfect for board meetings and corporate events. The entire space at Hutong can be rented out for 140 seated guests and 500 standing.
Free venue finding is truly our passion! Our team of NYC event planners won’t rest until we’re able to help our clients find the perfect place for their event. If you’re interested in booking any of these NYC event spaces, contact us to get started!