New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Eat · Restaurants by neighborhood

The best restaurants on the Upper West Side

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 PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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 of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

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

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/best-restaurants-upper-west-side/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

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