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In a city where dining out is essentially a competitive sport, New York’s hotel restaurants have quietly become destinations in their own right. Gone are the days of the bland lobby cafés and grab-and-go bites that don’t satisfy; today’s hotel dining rooms are where some of the city’s most buzzed-about meals are being served. From glitzy, uptown favorites to secluded, downtown hideaways, the options are as unique as they are delicious: think inventive tasting menus in design-forward spaces, oysters and martinis flowing in glossy, celebrity-filled lounges, and signature dishes displayed at in-the-know spots that feel effortlessly cool. With acclaimed chefs at the helm and experiences worth remembering well after check-out, these restaurants are redefining what it means to “eat in.”
Whether it’s a long lunch that turns into an afternoon affair or a late-night bite after checking in (or just dropping by), New York’s best hotel restaurants deliver a mix of excitement, polish, and plenty of flavor. They’re where locals and travelers intertwine, where the energy is unmistakably so New York, and where the food (thankfully) lives up to the hype, even if some of the tourist traps don’t. Ahead, pull up a chair at one of the best hotel restaurants that prove the real luxury isn’t just in the room.
Café Carmellini at The Fifth Avenue Hotel
James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini knows how to make every meal feel like a New York moment, and Café Carmellini is proof. The Fifth Avenue Hotel’s signature restaurant menu takes Italian and French flavors and flips them into something unmistakably NYC: think crab & Meyer lemon mille-feuille, duck-duck-duck tortellini, and the famous chicken ‘Gran Sasso.’ Add a glass from the expertly curated wine list, and even a weeknight dinner starts feeling like a full-on occasion.
The space is just as much of a draw. Dark wood, glowing chandeliers, and warm lighting make it intimate at night, while sunlight floods in by day. Peek into the open kitchen to watch the chefs work their magic, grab a cocktail at the bar, or settle into a banquette or balcony nook. No matter where you end up, it’s an ideal spot for celebrations, special date nights, or impressing out-of-town guests.Â
(212) 231-9200
250 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Ai Fiori at Langham New York, Fifth Avenue
The moment you step into Ai Fiori at the Langham New York, Fifth Avenue, it almost feels as if you’ve been transported straight to Europe — even though you’re right in the heart of Midtown. It’s one of those spots where even the bread basket looks like a masterpiece, and every bite gets better. The menu flirts with perfection, complete with pastas that somehow taste both light and indulgent, seafood so fresh it practically still has sea spray on it, and sauces that hit just right.
The vibe is also chef’s kiss. The staff are knowledgeable and effortlessly warm, like friends who always knows exactly what wine pairs with your mood. By the time dessert rolls around, you’ll be planning your next visit, and maybe even canceling other dinner plans so you can come here instead.
(212) 613-8660
400 5th Ave #2, New York, NY 10018
Barbuto Brooklyn at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Barbuto Brooklyn opened this September at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, and it’s already staking its claim as a waterfront favorite. In a space of custom-crafted tables that could belong in an RH showroom, James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman has brought his signature California-Italian cuisine to the neighborhood. The menu features some big hits, including fresh, colorful salads and house-made pastas. Every plate feels and looks like a love letter to the regions that have inspired him.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame waterfront views. Fresh greenery and cozy seating are Brooklyn-chic and bring the outdoor seating area (perfect for drinks) inside. Speaking of drinks, the martini with a twist is a hands-down must. Crisp, sharp, and expertly balanced, it’s the kind of drink you’ll want to sip slowly while watching the sun set over the East River.
1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge/taste/barbuto
(347) 807-0239
60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Clocktower at the New York EDITION
Just one step inside The Clocktower at the New York EDITION, and it’s immediately clear that this isn’t typical hotel dining room. Sleek, moody vibes, with a dash of historic charm define the place, while cool, gold-framed photographs perfectly clutter the walls. The lobby bar is perfect for a pre-night-out drink; upstairs, a half-circle bar beside the room with the purple pool table makes unwinding after a long day almost too easy. Tables scattered throughout create cozy spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or really, whatever your taste buds call for.
The food at The Clocktower is both simple and fun: comfort classics with an edge. British-inspired pies, fish and chips, massive steaks, and surprising flavor combos (think a pork chop with Zante currants) are as delightful to the palate as they are to the ‘Gram. The cocktails are another highlight, but whether martinis or a seasonal concoctions, the lobby fireplace is reason enough to claim a spot. Even within a chain property, The Clocktower proves a hotel restaurant can be a destination, a scene, and a meal all at once. Pro tip: be sure to take a photo by — or on — the iconic swirling staircase.
(212) 413-4300
5 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
L’Amico at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi
Amid Chelsea’s nonstop energy, L’Amico at the Kimpton Hotel Eventi, feels like a local favorite, even if it’s your first time walking in.Warm wood, copper pizza ovens, and an open kitchen set the tone of relaxed, cozy, and casually stylish. The food is classic Italian comfort with a modern twist. Pizzas come out perfectly blistered and chewy, pastas are rolled by hand, and chef Laurent Tourondel leans into his European countryside upbringing, transforming classic flavors into dishes that feel both familiar and unexpected. Burrata drizzled with hazelnut pesto, Peekytoe crab crostini with green apple, and charred cauliflower dotted with capers.Â
Whether you grab a seat at the 10-person bar or settle into a booth for the night, it’s all good vibes. Stop in for a cocktail after check-in or make a night of it — either way, L’Amico will satisfy in every way.
hoteleventi.com/midtown-lamico-restaurants
(866) 993-8396
851 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Temple Court at The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel
Steps away from The Beekman’s gorgeous atrium, Temple Court is like a little downtown escape. Stained-glass windows, soaring ceilings, and Victorian details set the stage well before the first bite. Chef and owner Tom Colicchio teams up with executive chef Travis Sowards to give classic flavors a fresh downtown spin. Caviar, bisques, and salads make up the first course selection, while entrées include hearty meat and light fish dishes. For dessert, fresh sorbets, caramel panna cotta, and an artisanal cheese plate add the perfect finishing touch.
Afterward, The Bar Room is a natural next stop. Same dramatic atrium, same historic vibes, but with a more relaxed energy. Locals and visitors come here to enjoy handcrafted cocktails or even bites from a full menu ranging from breakfast to late-night bites. Plus, weekend brunch pairs French toast with live jazz, meaning all the more reason to extend a stay.
(917) 728-4685t
5 Beekman St, New York, NY 10038
El Quijote at Hotel Chelsea
Hotel Chelsea is basically a New York institution, El Quijote having something to do with that. Tucked under its iconic red-and-white awning, the hotel restaurant has served Spanish comfort food since 1930, and it maintains that charmingly gritty Chelsea vibe. Inspired by the Basque Country, the menu does a great job of mixing traditional Spanish dishes with creative touches.Â
And, since this spot is inside Hotel Chelsea, the space is most definitely part of the experience. Plush booths, vintage murals, and warm, moody lighting give it that signature Chelsea edge, while the bar buzzes with energy as guests guzzle Spanish wines and funky cocktails. It’s a neighborhood spot that feels both old-school and exciting.
(212) 518-1843
226 W 23 St, New York, NY 10011
The Palm Court at The Plaza
Going to The Palm Court at The Plaza is like entering a glamorous slice of New York history, with a side of pastries and champagne, of course. Opened in 1907, it’s hosted everyone from royalty to movie stars, and afternoon tea still remains one of the city’s best (and most elegant) rituals. Chandeliers sparkle overhead, the polished wood floors gleam, and even the small details (like the gold-rimmed tea cups) make The Palm Court feel like stepping into a movie set.
Tiered trays arrive stacked with finger sandwiches, buttery scones, and pastries that need photographing. At The Palm Court, afternoon tea menus are seasonal and playful, with some even inspired by the latest movies and Broadway hits. It’s perfect for locals who want to check something off their bucket list and visitors in need of a true New York moment.
theplazany.com/dining/the-palm-court
(212) 546-5300
768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
The Bazaar at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
The Bazaar at the Ritz-Carlton New York’s NoMad outpost feels less like sitting down for dinner and more like arriving at a playground for people who love bold flavors. Michelin-starred chef José Andrés’ menu is full of surprises, including bites like jamón ibérico tacos, cotton candy–topped foie gras, and small plates that have bits of Spanish tradition with fresh twists. The tasting menus? Basically a front-row seat to a culinary performance.
Amber-lit bars, brass bottle displays, and design nods to samurai visiting Spain make for a dining room that’s stylish, sultry, and utterly photo-worthy. Every corner of the room is a little scene in itself, perfect for sipping on cocktails or diving into an adventurous tasting menu. At The Bazaar, locals pop when they’re craving a taste of innovation, visitors get an unforgettable NYC experience, and everyone leaves remembering that food here isn’t just eaten, it’s fully experienced.
(212) 404-8400
25 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
Lele’s Roman at the Ace Hotel Brooklyn
For a slice of Rome in Boerum Hill, look no further than Lele’s Roman. Chef Francesco Battisti keeps the menu rooted in Roman classics, with drool-worthy dishes including cacio e pepe and amatriciana that are simple perfection, along with maritozzi (sweet, cream-filled buns), making breakfast feel like dessert. Shareable flatbreads are ideal for grazing with friends, and the pastas are rich, comforting, and just the right kind of indulgent.
The space is art-forward and well curated, with funky décor, colorful booths, and vintage Italian touches that give it some personality. Aperitivo Hour runs daily from 5 to 7  PM, featuring rotating chef-selected Roman bites paired with spritzes, martinis, wines, or the signature Baby Negroni. Need we say more?
(718) 308-3608
252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Le Coucou at 11 Howard Hotel
Le Coucou is one of those places that never goes out of style. It’s a classic everyone should visit at least once, and somehow it still feels special every time you go. Tucked inside the 11 Howard Hotel in SoHo, it has a mix of Parisian charm and downtown New York energy. Chef Daniel Rose balances between fancy and mouthwatering, serving French dishes that are elegant yet comforting. The best part? The kitchen is able to accommodate most dietary requirements, meaning nothing needs to be off-limits.
Come for a cocktail, stay for a long dinner, or just pop in for dessert. Le Coucou is timeless, fun, and somehow still feels like a little secret.
(212) 271-4252
138 Lafayette St. New York, NY 10013
Le Crocodile at the Wythe Hotel
Brooklyn is world class dining destination, and Le Crocodile is among the many restaurants that make it so. Found inside the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, it has warm, Parisian brasserie vibes that can be hard to find outside of France. Chefs Rob Feenie and Marc Marayag put a modern spin on French classics, making it hard not to order the entire menu. Brunch is a scene, too, with jammy eggs on toast, decadent French toast with berries and crème, and a prix-fixe lunch that lets you sample a couple of most-ordered dishes without breaking the bank.
Add in the Wythe Hotel itself, a boutique, converted 19th-century factory with soaring ceilings, concrete floors, and sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan skyline, and the entire space feels cool and welcoming, no matter where you might be visiting from.
(718) 460-8004
80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Brasserie Fouquet’s at Fouquet’s New York
Ah, Brasserie Fouquet’s. Welcome to the place that makes any night out feel like a full-on celebration. Upon check-in, the lobby is a nice place to hang out and people watch (keep your eyes peeled for celebrities), while the speakeasy-style bar right off the lobby is perfect for a cocktail or two before or after dinner. Then there’s the dining room: red velvet seating, crystal chandeliers, mirrored accents, giving it that Parisian-meets-New-York vibe without feeling intimidating. The place is buzzing most nights, especially during big events like Fashion Week, when celebs and city tastemakers mingle from the lobby to the bars. Birthday dinner? Anniversary? Or just a reason to dress up? This is the spot.
Chef Pierre Gagnaire keeps things classic but fun, with French favorites and seasonal dishes. Whether for brunch or dinner, guests are sure to find something on the menu that will make them dream of coming back. Toss in a long drink menu as well as a fancy wine list, and it’s a recipe for a memorable meal. It’s fine, drinks, and staying in style, all in one place.
hotelsbarriere.com/brasserie-fouquets-new-york
(917) 965-2584
28 Desbrosses St, New York, NY 10013
Laser Wolf at The Hoxton, Williamsburg
Simply put, Laser Wolf at The Hoxton in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood isn’t just another rooftop restaurant — it’s the rooftop restaurant. Dreamed up by chef Michael Solomonov (of Zahav fame), this Israeli skewer house brings big flavor, fun energy, and skyline views that make running up the check feel entirely justified. The setup is simple but genius: start with a spread of signature hummus, warm pita, and a rainbow of salatim, followed by skewers fresh off the charcoal grill, with options ranging from lamb, chicken, and even a whole branzino kissed by smoke. As for the cherry on top, the famous brown sugar soft serve finishes off the meal, so be sure to save room.
Perched atop The Hoxton, it’s one of those places where the scene is just as good as the food. The crowd is casual and buzzy, the music hits all the right notes, and as the sun sets over Manhattan, it’s hard not to stay for another round of drinks. Between the skyline glow, the smell of the grill, and that perfect soft-serve finale, Laser Wolf hits the sweet spot between cool and casual. It’s proof that a hotel restaurant can be both a neighborhood favorite and a destination.
(718) 215-7150
97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Methodology
Cesare Ferrari/Getty Images
As a food and travel journalist, I’ve personally visited each of the hotel restaurants featured in this guide, trying their menus and experiencing the spaces and overall atmopsheres firsthand. This article is not a ranked list, rather, every restaurant brings something different to the table, whether it’s a signature dish, a lovely ambiance, or a city view that elevates the meal. My goal was to highlight spots that feel special and worth a trip.
When determining what to include, I placed equal importance on taste, presentation, and the overall dining experience. I considered the flavors and creativity of the dishes, while also noting how the food is presented. Beyond the food itself, I thought about the energy of each space, from buzzing bars to intimate dining rooms, making sure the vibe paired well the quality of the cuisine.
Price and accessibility were also part of the equation. Some of these restaurants lean toward the high end, making them better for guests who want something special (usually tourists), while others are more approachable (better for locals), but most take reservations and are welcoming to both hotel guests and walk-ins.