The 15 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In NYC

From cheap street snacks to exquisite caviar French plates, NYC has some of the best food in the world.

You’re sure to find something of interest here, no matter your interests. If your budget allows, you can also have a pre-fixe lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

From their street halal cuisine to the traditional NYC bagels, New York City is a center of amazing food and creative chefs. Something tasty is always around the corner.

But to enjoy the peak of New York cuisine, however, you must visit one of these spectacular NYC Michelin-starred restaurants.

I sampled the finest of the best in the city that never sleeps, from the best Japanese cuisine to creative American cuisine. Check out my list of the greatest Michelin star restaurants in New York City below!

My Top 3 Picks of The Best Michelin Star New York City Restaurants

Restaurant	Top Pick	Our Rating
Ai Fiori	Trofie Nero pasta	5/5
Per Se	Quail and the Caviar and Oysters	5/5
The Musket Room	Spring Peas with King Crab and Uni	5/5

The 15 Best Michelin-Starred Restaurants In NYC

Ai Fiori

400 5th Ave. #2, New York, NY 10018, United States // +12126138660

Ai Fiori offers the unusual opportunity of transforming a meal into an event that sticks in one’s memory due to its numerous subtle charms.

The calm professionalism of the personnel, the restrained decor (despite its name, there aren’t many flashes of floral color in the spacious, rather plain dining area), and the controlled flavoring of the nicely presented dishes all contribute to the subtlety.

As already said, Ai Fiori has received much-deserved appreciation. From start to finish, the service is flawless, discreet, attentive, and polite, with no stuffiness or drama.

The chef creates exquisite Italian-inspired dishes that delight the palette; spaghetti and sausage sunk in a pond of red sauce are not offered here.

Best Michelin Star Restaurants In NYC: Ai Fiori Seafood Pasta

Every dish was flawless, but the Trofie Nero pasta in a delicious seafood ragout, the scallops and wild mushrooms, and the lamb “in crepinette” stand out.

The wine list was excellent and properly complemented the dish. The seating is comfy, and the environment encourages conversation. Is there anything further to say? It’s worth every penny; a terrific resort for special occasions or a destination to turn regular occasions into extraordinary ones. I highly recommend this Michelin-rated restaurant in NYC!

Beppe Trattoria

234 W. 56th St., New York, NY 10019, United States // +12125862403

A fantastic Michelin-rated Italian restaurant in Manhattan. The space is warm and tidy. The people who work there are the best. They enhance your dining experience. And the food was fantastic. Every dish you order is decadent.

You can’t go wrong with the pasta, whether you order the Lasagna or the mouthwatering Pappardelle. Along with the outstanding balsamic vinegar and carefully chosen olive oil that you may use to dip your fresh rustic bread, the salads are some of the best in the city.

My friend always looks to sample the changing ravioli or risotto specials while I enjoy the seasonally appropriate Caprese Pasta dish, to which I add beef.

I recommend stopping at this fantastic restaurant in the heart of New York City’s entertainment district.

Per Se

10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, United States // +12128239335

Per Se is a three-starred Michelin restaurant serving French-New American cuisines with stunning views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. It can be found at 10 Columbus Circle on the fourth level of the Time Warner Center.

I found the farm-to-table or foraged-to-table cuisine that Per Se emphasizes to be hearty, enticing, and difficult to resist.

While the chef’s usual tasting menu was excellent, I was glad to see that they also offered a vegetable tasting menu that showcased the beauty of foraged ingredients and freshly gathered veggies.

My favorite dishes were the quail “sushi-like” dish and the caviar and oysters (Oysters & Pearls).

I believe the foie gras was purposefully given a mild flavoring to blend in more gently with the other ingredients. Every single one of the desserts was quite strong and delicious.

Its proximity to Columbus Circle makes it the perfect location for a lavish dinner following a day spent in Central Park. You will love it! It’s one of the best Michelin star restaurants In NYC.

Atera

77 Worth St., New York, NY 10013, United States // +12122261444

At Atera, the exquisite décor and perfect tasting menu that continuously changes to reflect the season allow you to go on a full-sensory adventure.

This restaurant proved why it is deserving of its two stars. Every course that was given to us while we were seated at the counter was delicious. The flavors were exquisite and well-balanced, and the meals displayed artistry in their conception and execution.

The sommelier was really helpful and understood that we were there to enjoy fantastic food and that we also like fantastic wine, mainly when we “discover” it.

Unexpectedly, a plain rye cracker with piped ham on top and crispy chicken skin was my favorite dish there.

They provide a range of ingredients, including confit quail egg yolks, cucumbers that have been delicately cooked, and premium Wagyu beef. It is close to the Mendik Library in the hip Tribeca neighborhood.

We particularly appreciated the chefs preparing the courses, bringing them to us, and chatting with us about them. A regular high-end restaurant cannot replicate this level of personalization.

Contra

138 Orchard St., New York, NY 10002, United States // +12124664633

Delicious meal in a beautiful environment. It’s an experience rather than just food. As soon as I entered, I sensed the welcoming and cozy atmosphere. I really liked the design, which gave me the impression that I was eating at a friend’s house rather than at a typical restaurant.

Our first course was a Hiramasa Tartare with kimchi, roasted peppers, and scallion ash; excellent flavor with a crisp, fresh zing.

The Wagyu Beef Crudo with rhubarb mole, chili, and sesame was what I later ordered. Excellent beef was served. It had a hint of sweetness and was buttery, a mouthwatering contrast to the delicate tartare.

My friend chose the Boston Mackerel with sorrel and homegrown tomatoes. A good-sized piece of fish with the perfect, fresh oiliness, “cut through” by the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes and the lemony sharpness of the sorrel.

We also ordered a Boudin Noir, which is a black or blood pudding. Some people may be put off by this. Don’t be! It was thick, robust, and wonderful, and adding beans, Verde mustard, and Fushimi pepper beautifully balanced the flavor.

To finish, we chose a Concord Grape And Bitter Almond with almond biscuit and burnt vanilla. This was odd and difficult to describe. Don’t get me wrong: it was terrific. It was tangy and sweet, creamy and crumbly. A real flavor contrast that just works.

All these delicacies were washed down with a chilled bottle of rose. It’s a small restaurant, but the seating is carefully planned out. A busy but welcoming atmosphere. Couples, families, and friends are most likely the primary consumers. This is one of the Michelin star restaurants In NYC if you’re searching for something unique and wonderful.

Eleven Madison Park

11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010, United States // +12128890905

Eleven Madison Park is a one-of-a-kind, three-Michelin-starred restaurant emphasizing the lighter side of culinary perfection, providing an utterly plant-based tasting menu.

The location was stunning, the service was pleasant, and the atmosphere was assured, high-end yet casual. The cuisine, on the other hand, was the show’s star.

Each course was exciting and often surprising, yet it was never gimmicky. This restaurant serves delicious meals and provides an enjoyable dining experience.

Chef Daniel Humm’s goal is to redefine the culinary vocabulary to emphasize the freshness and richness of vegetables.

It is located near Madison Square Park and provides innovative meals such as cucumbers with black truffles. My favorite, however, was the refreshing strawberry dessert with plant-based gelatin, which tasted fantastic and looked like a work of art.

The Musket Room

265 Elizabeth St., New York, NY 10012, United States // +12122190764

This is a must-visit amongst the Michelin star restaurants In NYC for anyone looking for a quality dining experience! Eleven Madison Park, located at the base of a historic Art Deco structure overlooking the gorgeous Madison Square Park, is ranked as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, presenting a seasonal tasting menu inspired by local culture, history, and food.

They offer both an omnivore and a vegan tasting menu so that they can accommodate practically everyone.

The spring peas with king crab and uni will always hold a special place in my heart, even though the Kristal caviar, the anchovy butter, and the Wagyu tartare were all excellent and quite life-changing. You should definitely visit this Michelin-starred restaurant; it’s worth it!

Tuome

536 E. 5th St., New York, NY 10009, United States // +16468337811

Japanese flavors are infused in every meal served at the modern American eatery Tuome. It’s two streets south of Tompkins Square Park in the East Village.

Chef Thomas Chen combines Japanese cuisine’s zing and elegance with American fare’s warmth and earthiness.

We began the evening with a lovely small potato and ricotta dish given out as a gift from the chef. It was pleasant and light, but it was just the beginning. Next, we ordered some delicious cocktails.

I had the dragon sangria, which was a pleasant way to begin the evening. We thought the foamy brown butter sauce on the octopus deserved particular mention, even though the deviled eggs, chicken liver mousse, and octopus were all superb. It was rich and had a nice mouthfeel, but it also had a wonderful taste that is frequently lacking in a foam sauce.

Regarding the entrée, we shared a delicious pig: a plate of crispy pork belly with three different sauces and a side of peanut noodles. While the pork was great, the arugula salad garnished with lychees and candied walnuts really stole the show.

We also enjoyed the halibut, which was superb. It came with a lovely light curry cream sauce. Everyone at the table enjoyed the crab noodles, which had a very light flavor but were still extremely good.

However, the rice served as a side dish was my personal favorite. It was sweet and pudding-like and was the perfect complement to the pork and curry! We finished with roasted carrots with a smokey sauce, which demonstrated the chef’s versatility and ability to create so much with something as basic as carrots.

We were so full that we couldn’t finish our meal. It was all quite rich, with a variety of sauces and flavors. We were blown away by this inconspicuous little eatery that avoids pretentiousness while delivering deliciousness.

We couldn’t leave without trying their dessert, so we split a plate of beignets with vanilla ice cream, red bean paste, and a squeeze bottle of caramel sauce on the side. It was the most delicious ice cream sandwich I’d ever had.

This utterly unexpected and amazing encounter left us speechless as we headed back. I was very impressed with both the service and the food, which was excellent, rich, and filling. A must-try amongst the Michelin star restaurants In NYC.

The Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare

431 W. 37th St., New York, NY 10018, United States // +17182430050

The majestic and exquisite fusion of French and Japanese cuisine created by renowned Chef César Ramirez distinguishes this three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

It’s nestled away in Hudson Yard off Dyer Avenue, so only those in the know go there. Nevertheless, each meal, whether steak or salmon, seemed to be built around a quality item.

The first course, Kaluga caviar, was intensely excellent. After that, the bluefin tuna with kale and kinome leaf, as well as the Hokkaido uni with truffle leaf on brioche, were pure and fulfilling.

The Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare Hokkaido Uni

Every meal was flavorful; the contents were prepared to perfection (fish and meats), and the dishes were presented aesthetically, freshly, and artistically, such as the cucumber sorbet and frozen corn souffle! What a memorable meal!

Each plate was small and concentrated, allowing me to enjoy the richness of the main component without being overwhelmed by a cacophony of aromas. It’s a fantastic find that I wholeheartedly endorse. Definitely one of the best Michelin star restaurants In NYC.

D aniel

60 E. 65th St., New York, NY 10065, United States // +12122880033

Daniel has been a Park Avenue culinary fixture since 1993, when it took over the former Mayfair Hotel premises.

Our server described how every vegetable and fruit, from foraged fruits and vegetables to rare meats, is highly valued in the kitchen.

It has two Michelin stars and develops new flavors using traditional French cooking methods. Every meal had plating that resembled the natural layout of a forest yet tasted of expensive ingredients, making each one look like my own personal food forest.

The dinner was wonderful and meticulously prepared. The Amuse-bouche exceeded its objective by exploding our taste buds.

The Foie Gras was excellent and savory but not pungent in the four-course delicacy. In the second course, Diver Scallops were presented like pieces of art, with scallops sliced thinly and layered with sauce and potatoes.

The main halibut course was just divine, a big portion that proved really delectable. The dessert was sweet but not overpowering, and it was the perfect ending to the meal.

Daniel provided a fantastic dining experience regarding food, service, and ambiance. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The Modern

9 W. 53rd St., New York, NY 10019, United States // +12123331220

The Modern’s entrance is not easy to find. It has a brilliant neon glow and is extremely close to the entrance to the MoMA museum.

You will initially go down a short, light hallway before arriving at The Modern’s Bar Room. If you come here for a short bite or drink, the servers will seat you here.

The bustling environment of this contemporary American restaurant matches the exciting menu. They are pleased to have two Michelin stars and serve a substantial and adaptable menu that mixes intriguing and refreshing ingredients.

From the crunch of flawlessly dry-aged duck to the rich and deep flavor of chocolate torte, every detail will be felt and tasted during your experience.

The staff is quite kind, and sitting next to the outdoor sculpture garden is ideal for a fantastic meal. If you’re in New York and don’t mind splurging, this is definitely worth a look.

Le Bernardin

155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019, United States // +12125541515

For nearly ten years, Le Bernardin has been a three-star amongst the Michelin star restaurants In NYC. This flashy French restaurant is known for its seafood prepared by chef Eric Ripert and its extensive wine selection managed by sommelier Aldo Sohm.

The cuisine is divided into three sections, nearly raw, barely touched, and lightly cooked. “Almost raw” includes caviar, oysters, fluke, tuna, salmon, and snapper.

Seared octopus slick with tomatillo salsa and crab-filled calamari are among the dishes on “Barely touched.”

And “Lightly cooked” allows the fish to shine, as in poached halibut floating in daikon-ginger dashi or baked lobster drenched in red-wine-gumbo sauce.

I began with an Into The Woods cocktail, which was expertly made and served as the perfect way to welcome the main cast. Next, surf and turf with smoked salmon/chives spread and grilled octopus-pork belly.

The octopus was crisp and delicious, and the pork belly was flavorful without feeling unduly salty.

The duck completed the culinary accomplishment with a restrained accompaniment of asparagus, carrot purée, mushroom, a brussel sprout leaf, and a few green peas. One of the finest ducks I’ve had so far and one I plan to have again soon.

For the big finale, I went for Dulce de Leche, a panna cotta with passion fruit filling and a delicious honey crisp.

The entire lunch was outstanding, the staff provided flawless service, and the atmosphere was upbeat and comforting. Bravo to the entire team! Even only once in your lifetime, you must go here. It is worthwhile!

Bar Masa

The Shops at 10 Columbus Cir. Floor 4, New York, NY 10019, United States // +12128239800

Masa, managed by Executive Chef Masayoshi Takayama, is the top Japanese restaurant in New York. Every meal was vibrant and fresh, with vibrant greens and unusual proteins.

Masa is an oasis of flavor if you adore raw seafood as much as I do, and I heartily recommend the tuna and caviar tartare.

It’s easy to spot and attractive to everyone passing by because it’s located inside The Shops at Columbus Circle, just beside the Mandarin Oriental.

The most expensive restaurant in the US, dinner for two at this three-starred non-tipping Michelin sushi bar in the middle of Manhattan would cost you almost $1,300.

We ordered shared meals, and everything we received, including the duck, beef, fish, prawns, ceviche, and sushi, was excellent. We had a great experience, so I tip my hat to the chef.

The sommelier was really competent and gave us only the recommendations we wanted—never once did he attempt to oversell. I highly suggest going to this restaurant whenever you are in New York. It’s one of the best Michelin star restaurants In NYC.

Gabriel Kreuther

41 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036, United States // +12122575826

Chef Gabriel, the restaurant’s founder, has crafted a warmly opulent dining experience in the center of Manhattan by fusing his expert knowledge of classic French cuisine with his passion for New York City.

You’ll enter a chic, spacious dining area with reclaimed wood beams and a crane crystal chandelier through a concealed door on West 42nd Street.

If you’re lucky enough to secure a seat near the windows, you’ll be able to dine with a wonderful view of Bryant Park.

We started with the mushroom and Comte flatbread for the table, and there were numerous interesting amuse bouche selections, including the red beet foam topped with a horseradish foam, bacon, and pistachios, which was lovely, inventive, and excellent.

The foie gras was delicious and generously portioned. The squid ink pasta with smoked eel in a deconstructed carbonara sauce was fantastic and unforgettable.

The duck breast was delicious and tender. Black cod was prepared in red wine and served with a tart lemon sauce spooned on top. The apple tart was buried behind peach sorbet, which was not overly sweet and had cinnamon and crunch.

The dining room was cheerful, as everyone looked to be having a great time. I wholeheartedly recommend this venue for a memorable night out; you will not be disappointed.

Oxomoco

128 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222, United States // +16466884180

Oxomoco is a Mexican restaurant led by Chef Justin Bazdarich that feels like a vacation resort the moment you walk in.

The menu, which combines classic Mexican delicacies with modern adaptations, stimulates the senses and entices you to return for more. Don’t forget to sample the numerous tequila and mezcal drinks.

Most New York City Mexican restaurants will serve seven salsas, including mild, medium, and hot conventional and Verde salsas, as well as a mango habanero or whatever. Oxomoco provided much more.

Each salsa was unique and tasty in its own right. There was enough heat for fellow heat enthusiasts and moderate alternatives for the more delicate taste.

The Corn Tlayuda was also delicious. The corn was sweet and fresh, nicely complementing the cotija and crispy tortilla foundation.

The lamb barbacoa tacos lived up to the hype on Yelp. But it was the tilefish tacos that stole the show for me. The tilefish was juicy in a manner that few fish could match, but it was also flaky and deliciously crunchy.

I highly recommend this place, and you should come with an empty stomach and a huge appetite! It’s one of the best Michelin star restaurants In NYC.

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FAQ

How many Michelin star restaurants in NYC are there?

Regarding dining, Michelin is the gold standard, and New York City is fortunate to have 68 Michelin-starred restaurants.

How many three Michelin Star restaurants in NYC are there?

Five three-Michelin-star restaurants

Despite the city’s abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, New York only has five three-Michelin-star establishments. Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin, Masa, and Per Se are all in Manhattan.

What is required to receive a Michelin Star?

A restaurant must be judged “a very good restaurant in its category” to receive one star. The two-star criteria are “great cooking, worth a trip.” A restaurant must deliver “excellent cuisine, worthy of a special excursion” to earn three stars.

Final Thoughts About The 15 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In NYC

New York is one of the world’s most culturally and gastronomically varied cities. In addition, the city is home to clever and inspired chefs who take a minimalist and creative approach to their cuisine, frequently blending flavors you wouldn’t believe would go together.

If these chefs are competent at their jobs, they can make even the most basic items appear special—regardless of how modest or plain they are.

Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City provide excellent culinary experiences distinct from one another. While not every tasting menu will appeal to your palate, the exhilaration of eating new items and comprehending flavors in new ways will alter your perspective on food.

I had no idea how captivating a carrot could be or how startling a cucumber could taste, but visiting any of these Michelin-starred restaurants will blow your mind.

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Igor Jovanovsky

Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever