Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in New York City

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in New York City? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sushi Noz

4.9

4.9 (9)

$50 and over

Sushi

Upper East Side

About the restaurant

Craftsmanship at its finest is displayed at Sushi Noz, where guests experience our seasonal omakase menu curated nightly by Chef Nozomu Abe. Known as "Noz" to his friends, Abe-san is part of a movement from Japan advancing Edomae-style sushi, incorporating aging and preparation techniques that date back to Japan's Edo period. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are transported by the Sukiya-style wooden interior, which was assembled using more than a dozen types of cedar. The centerpiece of our first dining room is our 8-seat, 200-year-old hinoki wood sushi bar and traditional ice chest, where Chef Noz refrigerates the evening's neta selections. Our second dining room features a sushi bar made from tamo ash wood, which accommodates an additional 6 guests. We welcome our guests in true Japanese hospitality, offering two nightly seatings at each counter.

Top review

Kenneth

Dined on 10 Dec 2024

Exceptional experience in every way. A must visit in NYC.

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Experience

Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve

Experience

Omakase ($550/Person)

The Parlour, Brooklyn High Low

4.8

4.8 (123)

$50 and over

Afternoon Tea

Park Slope

About the restaurant

After three successful years, we’re excited to announce our second location! Immerse yourself in a moody, luxurious Speak'Teasy vibe, perfect for afternoon tea lovers seeking another vintage escape in Brooklyn. Enjoy our signature guest service, cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a delightful twist on traditional afternoon tea.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 1 day ago

Such a great way to spend a little time on a rainy cold day! This could not be a cozier spot. The decor and adorable mismatched china are so great. Staff is very nice and attentive. Tea was delicious with lots of choices.

Kawachiya NYC

5.0

5 (14)

$50 and over

Kaiseki

Murray Hill

About the restaurant

The Kawachiya room by Kawabun NYC is a premium dining experience featuring seasonal menus offered in a lunch format and a full tasting menu for dinner at our Chef's counter. We feature techniques and recipes spanning four hundred years with an eye towards innovating for New York. Located near Bryant Park and the Chrysler building in Murray Hill, Kawachiya is a hidden gem conveniently located close to Grand Central Terminal.

Chef Ito Yoshitaka has been practicing his craft at the legendary Kawabun Ryotei in Nagoya, Japan since his youth. Hailing from a family of Washoku chefs, he applies his dedication and skills to bring a highly selective seasonal offering to New York to launch the first expansion of Kawabun since its founding in the early 1600s.

For A La Carte service in Kawabun NYC, please visit: www.opentable.com/r/kawabun-nyc-new-york

Top review

Michael

Dined on 8 Dec 2024

What a wonderful place. My spouse and I had the omakase experience and it was a feast for all the senses. From the moment we walked in, the service was impeccable. The preparation and plating in front of us was truly a one of a kind event. Every plate was excellent and unique.

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Experience

Dinner Omakase

Experience

Lunch Counter Omakase

Fresco's Grand Cantina

4.9

4.9 (123)

$30 and under

Mexican

Astoria

About the restaurant

**** Please note this page is for our 28-50 31st St, Queens, New York location.****

Beautiful Mexican-Fusion establishment with old-world accents and very Instagram-able throughout the restaurant. We pride ourselves with fresh locally sourced ingredients for our Authentic & Modern Mexican fare.

Best Happy Hour around from 3pm to 8pm from Tuesday to Friday. The strong & delicious cocktails and amazing service will keep you coming back week after week for any of our numerous events. Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop.

If you'd like to make a reservation at our other location ( Fresco's Cantina ) located at 12-14 31st Ave Astoria, NY 11106 - Please call (347) 808-7338.

Thank you!

Top review

Lizzette

Dined 6 days ago

I LOVE the drag show at Fresco’s! It’s the best!! I have also had dinner and lunch there on separate occasions and the food was delicious, great tacos. The sangria was ON POINT, and def delivers a great buzz! lol! My only disappointment this time around was that I ordered the churro French toast and despite letting my server know that I wanted my eggs cooked well with crispy bacon, my order did not come out that way, my friend had the same issue with her order and when she asked if the eggs could be cooked more,the waiter was visibly annoyed and told her it would take 20 minutes. I did not eat the eggs or the bacon on my plate. I don’t usually complain about things like this but if I ask for my food a certain way it’s because I like it that way, and I always let the server know when I order so I won’t have to send things back, as I know it adds work to an already busy kitchen.Everyone else at my table received their food the way they ordered it and were pleased with their meals, guess I won’t order that dish again. I will def return because I love this establishment and will always support, but I was underwhelmed with my meal this time around. Next time I’ll have the tacos!

Sushi on Me - Williamsburg

4.9

4.9 (116)

$50 and over

Sushi

Williamsburg

About the restaurant

Sushi On Me is a secret hideout where customers can enjoy premium omakase in a speakeasy vibe. Our chefs and staffs are committed to delivering not only the best omakase sushi but also the best omakase experience to all the guests!

Guests can enjoy the premium 15-course omakase and the relaxing, speakeasy vibe in the 1-hour seating for the price of $99/person (Not including tax and Gratuity). For parties of 5+guest there is a 20% service charge. Please mention any food allergies or Food restrictions when making the reservation. [No vegetarian and celiac options, Can’t accommodate pregnant guests]

We have 4 dine-in slots as follows:
5.00pm - 6.00pm
6.30pm - 7.30pm
8.00pm - 9.00pm
9.30pm - 10.30pm

Private party and at-home omakase are also available, all inquiries can be made via sushionmenyc@gmail.com For parties of 6+ guest 50% deposit is required as booking confirmation. Please contact the restaurant regarding the deposit and more details.

Top review

Sam

Dined 7 days ago

Fun, fast, friendly, with a nice bit of creativity!

Blue Pearl

4.9

4.9 (86)

$50 and over

Seafood

Stapleton

About the restaurant

Blue Pearl offers a vibrant and well rounded menu focusing on fresh seafood with Asian flare and selections that will delight guests with all varieties of dietary restrictions and preferences. Our Cocktail Program highlights innovative mixology and a curated wine and sake list. The impeccable service and attention to detail is only surpassed by the extraordinary ambience and seductive vibe.

Top review

kimVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great food, outstanding view, beautiful place and exceptional service. Loved the octopus and sushi

Gaia Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (38)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Midtown

About the restaurant

Gaia is an upscale Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in the heart of Herald Square. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and artfully crafted dishes, Gaia offers a dining experience that blends elegance and flavor in a vibrant, modern atmosphere. Perfect for intimate dinners, celebrations, and private events, our menu showcases Mediterranean classics reimagined with a contemporary twist.

Top review

Christina

Dined 1 day ago

I was recently at Gaia for a business dinner and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The ambiance is truly unmatched—elegant, refined, and unlike any other restaurant in New York. The food was exceptional, with every dish crafted to perfection using the freshest ingredients and delivering incredible flavor. What truly set the experience apart was the team. They were warm, welcoming, and went above and beyond to accommodate our needs, ensuring everything ran smoothly. It’s rare to find such a perfect combination of atmosphere, cuisine, and service. We’ll definitely be returning for more.

Grand Salon & Bar at Baccarat Hotel New York

4.7

4.7 (141)

$31 to $50

French

Midtown East

About the restaurant

Kindly call 212-790-8867 to speak with our reservations team or for parties larger than 7+
Book Afternoon Tea here: https://www.baccarathotels.com/dining/afternoon-tea
• Reservations for Dining requires a $75 Minimum spend per person for non-hotel guests (Not Afternoon Tea)
• Afternoon Tea in the Grand Salon Requires $140 Minimum spend per person (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian & Vegan available)
*Kindly note in special requests if children are attending and or if there are any allergies or dietary restrictions.

A spirit of style, rhythm and whimsy keeps the plush, platinum and champagne-hued Grand Salon humming throughout the day and evening. Glowing inside and out, a corrugated crystal-like curtain reveals cascading chandeliers framing lush lounge-style seating clad in rich velvets and Jouffre silk.

Top review

Christopher

Dined on 11 Dec 2024

The hostess was really accommodating to me and my guest despite a very busy evening dealing with customers. I appreciate her caring attitude to enhance our experience.

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Experience

Ring in 2025 with Baccarat Hotel New York

Experience

Ring in 2025 with Baccarat Hotel New York

Jadis

4.7

4.7 (174)

$30 and under

French

Lower East Side

About the restaurant

Jadis is a cozy wine bar offering Euro- centric organic wines, small plates like escargot, mushroom risotto puff, decadent cheese and charcuterie platters, French classics like Cassoulet and Beef Bourguignon. Jadis is perfect for a date night and get together with friends.
Jadis is located in the heart of Lower East Side since 2006. Nearest train is F at 2nd Avenue.
Visit out website for up to date menus!
www.jadisnyc.com

Top review

GingerVIP

Dined 6 days ago

It was a lovely evening with lots of wine and great food. The service was impeccable and the spot adorable.

Rise Bar - Drag Brunch

4.8

4.8 (110)

$30 and under

American

Hell's Kitchen

About the restaurant

SUN DEC 15TH-- If you are having difficulty booking for 12:15, we may be sold out. Try booking a reservation at our sister bar's Drag Brunch, The Red Stache, for an equally as fabulous show!
Rise Bar is an LGBTQ+ bar located in Hells Kitchen Manhattan serving the gay community with entertainment and cocktails. Providing a safe place for LGBTQ+ and their allies.

PLEASE NOTE: Rise Bar is a 21+ establishment

Top review

Luis

Dined on 24 Nov 2024

If you’re looking for non stop drag show and drinking, this is your spot to go. Be ready to go on stage if it’s your bday!! The food was actually better than I excepted.

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