Here is a list of 20 New York City restaurants, famous for cuisine and ambiance.

There are so many famous New York restaurants, that one mere article could never hope to cover them all. From the New York Times to the Statue of Liberty, The Metropolitan Museum, Grand Central Station, Times Square, SoHo and Fifth Avenue, New York is laden with icons and teems with excitement at every turn.

 

A vital part of this multicultural explosion is a vast array of cuisine designed to please every ethnic soul, budget and refined palate. This article gives a list of New York City restaurants that are famous not just for their location but also for unique cuisine, ambiance, service and reputation.

20 Famous New York Restaurants

 

1.  Daniel is situated at 60 East 65^th Street. This fine dining establishment specializes in creative French cuisine. Expect course prix-fixe at around $96 (USD). Enjoy Italian Renaissance décor and impeccable service.

 

2.  Gramercy Tavern focuses on premier service and delicious American fare. Reservations are not required but recommended for faster service. It's located at 42 East 20^th Street near Broadway and Park Avenue.

3.  Grand Central Oyster Bar features an engaging open kitchen, a vibrant atmosphere and mouth-watering seafood.

4.  At Hard Rock Café International, it's not the price that is grand (you might eat a full meal for $20 or under), but the atmosphere that is among the best of New York City restaurants. Rock memorabilia and music enlivens the setting, while over-sized hamburgers are a specialty on the American cuisine menu. Discover this casual, classic restaurant between 7^th Avenue and Broadway.

5.  Kang Suh is a Korean restaurant that specializes in barbecue, cooked Korean-style. Kang Suh is located in Korea Town and stays open 24 hours.

6.  La Grenouille specializes in French cuisine and offers a classic, upscale atmosphere. Situated between 5^th Avenue and Madison, this fine restaurant requires reservations.

7.  Le Cirque specializes in fine French cuisine. Located at the Palace Hotel at 455 Madison Avenue, this fine dining establishment requires reservations, and boasts a steller reputation among afficionados of New York City Restaurants.

8.  Lutece is a fine restaurant showcasing French classical cuisine. Reservations are required.

9.  Odeon in Tribeca features steak-frit and cocktails among its specialties. Neon lights on the outside and boisterous atmosphere inside are a part of this dining experience that is moderately priced for New York City restaurants. It's situated at 145 W Broadway.

10.  One If By Land, Two If By Sea marries a dimly-lit carriage house decor and warm fireside ambiance with live piano music to set the scene for romantic dining. Locate this restaurant at 17 Barrow Street.  

11.  Russian Tea Room is more famous for its opulent décor than for its food. Situated at 150 West 57^th Street, this restaurant is so iconic among New York restaurants that most tourists have to try it at least once so they can say "been there, done that."

12.  Sardi's offers American Continental cuisine. Average prices are around $40 per person for dinner. Reservations are required. Sardi's is located at 234 West 44^th Street.

13.  Savoy serves up romance with cozy fireside ambiance during winter months. Enjoy the "chef's special menu" or delight in the regular menu. Find it at 70 Prince Street.

14.  Gotham Bar&Grill is listed in the Zagat Top Ten of the Most Popular Restaurants in New York. It's located at 12 E 12th Street in Greenwich Village, which is a neighborhood not to be missed and definitely a side benefit of touring New York City restaurants.

15.  The Four Seasons restaurant located at 99 East 52^nd Street offers fine dining in high style. You'll discover fine American cuisine and inimitable ambiance. Make reservations up to three weeks in advance. Dinner averages $80 and up per person.

16. The Place on 4^th Street in West Village specializes in affordable fine dining. Enjoy pan-European and American cuisine.

17. The Rainbow Room is located at Rockefeller Plaza. This restaurant features fine American cuisine in a multicultural setting.

18. The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center offers a premier venue for romantic dining among New York City restaurants, with its famous view overlooking the ice rink. Specializing in seafood, this restaurant is situated at 19 West 49^th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

19.  Among famous New York City restaurants, Tom's owes its claim to fame to being showcased on Seinfeld. Enjoy burgers, gyro platters and hearty breakfasts at this back-to-the-basics restaurant with inexpensive prices. You'll find it at 2880 Broadway.

20.  Virgil's on 44^th Street specializes in southern cuisine, with items such as Memphis-style ribs and Carolina Pulled Pork. Reservations are recommended but not required at this popular, comfortable restaurant.

More New York City Restaurants

In between sightseeing, finding New York gifts and art to take home, and people-watching, try to fit in at least a couple famous New York City restaurants. A few others that didn't make this list, but that might make yours includes Tavern on the Green overlooking Central Park was a legendary restaurant known for its opulence and magnificent setting. It is closed due to bankruptcy, however, be watchful for a new restaurant opening in its old location at Central Park&W 67th Street. If you're a pizza lover, try Lombardi's (first pizzeria in USA) or Gramaldi's. Blue Hill in Greenwich Village is a "must try" for all green-conscious, eco-luxury diners.

Are you planning a trip to New York? Take this handy list with you and bon appetit!


References
NY.com "Famous NY Restaurants"
NYNY.com "New York Restaurant Guide"