With New York City’s dining scene as rich and varied as it is, hotel restaurants might seem like an afterthought—but not in these top-tier spots. Nowadays, some of the city’s most exceptional dining experiences are nestled within fine hospitality operations. Taxis, subways, and elevators alike carry diners to these sought-after culinary destinations.
From the chic streets of TriBeCa and SoHo to the heart of Midtown, here’s our curated list of hotels where fine dining isn’t just an amenity—it’s the main attraction.
The Dominick
Soho
F. Scott Fitzgerald may have said that there are no second acts in American life, but this storied Soho property proves there are exceptions. With new ownership and a new name, The Dominick is a stylish, luxurious boutique hotel with a stellar Spring Street location. Rising 46 stories, the hotel's shimmering glass façade is instantly recognizable, and its unobstructed views, of downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River, are unparalleled.
Vestry is a destination for guests craving a quiet evening in an intimate setting. Australian-born Chef Shaun Hergatt's admiration for Japanese culinary technique and elements is clear and woven into the seasonal vegetable- and seafood-based menu. Risotto with diced white asparagus is lovely but the diced, seared, glazed eel served on top is a clever embellishment. Tender, flavorful slow-cooked lamb neck with a dark, rich, Bourgogne reduction is another standout dish that speaks to the season. Dessert is particularly winsome; cheesecake fashioned into a dimpled wedge mimics Swiss cheese and is bested by grated apple decorated to look like a mouse. Smooth and rich, it's the ultimate ending.
The New York EDITION
Gramercy Park
Long departed from the hotel group that once carried his name, Ian Schrager is now partnered with Marriott International — the fruits of this collaboration, the Edition hotels, are a little more upscale than the earlier Schrager offerings, and a lot more stylish than the typical Marriott property. The latest addition to the Edition family is something of a homecoming, opening on Madison Square Park, in the old Metropolitan Life Tower, otherwise known as That Great Big Clock Tower in the Flatiron District.
Spanning three dining rooms overlooking Madison Square Park and the Flatiron District, the Clocktower offers contemporary British fare—a taste of London in the heart of midtown. Their version of fish and chips takes the national treasure to a new level. Beef Wellington may be a classic, but it isn't resting on any laurels here. Roasted Long Island duck is served with a chutney made from plum and shallots alongside woodsy chanterelles, but it's the chocolate torte with Earl Grey ice cream that you'll remember.
11 Howard
Soho
SoHo, formerly home to the artists’ lofts that were New York’s downtown signature, has gone steadily upscale since the early aughts—and steadily more international. Both trends find expression in 11 Howard, where contemporary Scandinavian design meets a more inclusive version of luxury hospitality. It’s the first independent hotel project for architect Anda Andrei, after decades as the designer behind Ian Schrager’s trailblazing boutique hotel projects. Produced in collaboration with Danish designers Space Copenhagen, 11 Howard avoids the sort of wall-to-wall bling that’s sometimes synonymous with New York hotels. And this one puts a bit of money where its egalitarian ideals are, as well—they call it “conscious hospitality,” which in concrete terms means passing on a share of revenue to charities like the Global Poverty Project.
The menu at this One MICHELIN Star is unapologetically French, though Chef Daniel Rose infuses his classics with a strong dose of personality. A selection of “gourmandises” showcases classics like pike quenelles and sautéed sweetbreads, nicely accented by tomato crème. It would be a mistake to skip the beef cheek and foie gras terrine in a pitch-perfect sherry vinaigrette. A venerated rabbit dish arrives in three acts: gently braised legs in a clear consommé with vegetables; stuffed saddle with a rustic pan sauce; and the rest matched with delicious mustard-enrobed onions.
The Greenwich Hotel
Tribeca
What do we know about the Greenwich Hotel? It’s got a celebrity owner (none other than Robert DeNiro), a prime Tribeca location, impeccable design credentials courtesy of one of New York’s top firms, Grayling Design, and some truly impressive construction involving artisanal handmade bricks. This attention to detail translates to a premium experience for guests.
This ever-trendy yet refined Italian ristorante is as much coveted for its gorgeous setting as its lineup of rustic, tasty fare. The ambience is always abuzz and everyone looks beautiful amid low lights, a long bar, and walls adorned with wine bottles.
The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
Midtown East
If the towering structure is any guide, then you could safely expect Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue to be a pretty big deal—sky-high even. And it is. This sixty-story skyscraper joins the Empire State Building on the Midtown skyline, and the architecture, by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates, is suitably monumental.
Nestled within the Langham Hotel with walls of windows overlooking Fifth Avenue, Ai Fiori is the perfect perch for feasting on French- and Italian-Riviera cuisine—dishes like a deconstructed Niçoise salad and risotto with ruby red shrimp, saffron, and bone marrow. The handsome marble bar and lounge is ideal for a post-work drink; while large florals, leather chairs and square columns lure families into the formal dining room.
Related articles:
Hero image: The Clocktower ( ©: The New York EDITION)
