New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Eat · Restaurants by neighborhood

The best restaurants on the Upper West Side.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.

I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit exploring every corner of Upper West Side in search of the best Upper West Side restaurants. After years of living in the city and countless Upper West Side restaurants later, I’ve narrowed it down to the spots that genuinely deserve your time. Here’s my honest rundown.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Best restaurants on the Upper West Side, 2026

  1. AmelieRestaurant · Upper West SideAmelie is one of my favorite restaurants on the Upper West Side for happy hour as well.
  2. BánhRestaurant · Upper West SideBánh is the type of place I return to often.
  3. Maison PickleRestaurant · Upper West SideUpbeat and fun, Maison Pickle is my go-to recommendation for out-of-town visitors on the hunt for the best brunch in the neighborhood.
  4. The ConsulateBar · Upper West SideThe Consulate is a swanky bar moonlighting as a restaurant.
  5. Charles Pan Fried ChickenRestaurant · Upper West SideIn 2022, he decided to relocate and opened a restaurant on the Upper West Side, where he serves some of the juiciest fired chicken you’ll find in NY.
  6. Chick ChickRestaurant · Upper West SideExcellence is top of mind at this casual restaurant on the Upper West Side, nothing on the menu is an afterthought.
  7. EléaRestaurant · Upper West SideIf you’re on the lookout for a polished restaurant on the Upper West Side, Elea gets my vote.
  8. Jin RamenRestaurant · Upper West SideThe Upper West Side is a ramen desert, which is why Jin Ramen is on constant rotation in our household.
  9. MiriamRestaurant · Upper West SideI think this place serves a great brunch, but the dinner menu is nothing to scoff at either.
  10. Sala ThaiRestaurant · Upper West SideFor most locals, Sala Thai is the go-to neighborhood Thai restaurant on the Upper West Side.

On the map

Where they are.

All in Upper West Side.

Upper West Side

Best restaurants on the Upper West Side, 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.

Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/restaurants-on-the-upper-west-side/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/restaurants-on-the-upper-west-side/badge.svg"
       alt="Best restaurants on the Upper West Side, New York Dearest, 2026"
       width="240" height="240">
</a>

How it looks

Best restaurants on the Upper West Side, New York Dearest, 2026

On a light site

Best restaurants on the Upper West Side, New York Dearest, 2026

On a dark site

The files

SVG, lightSVG, darkPNG, lightPNG, dark

SVG for the web, the 1200 px PNG for print and social. Both carry the year.

Is one of these yours? and I confirm it's you and send the files.

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 11 Toothsome Upper West Side Restaurants (Local’s List).