Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Upper West Side

We felt instantly transported by the whimsical pawn shop storefront that conceals the exquisite restaurant hidden behind a door at the back. The eclectic items in the shop are all for sale, adding a playful and unique element to the dining experience. Upon entering the restaurant, we were welcomed by vaulted ceilings, brass accents, and a moody, stylish bar that set the tone for the space. We were seated near the front and warmly greeted by an attentive waiter. For brunch, our party ordered a variety of dishes: my son enjoyed the decadent velvet waffles, my mother-in-law savored the Shakshuka eggs, my wife relished the ribs, and I indulged in the skirt steak and eggs. Each dish was perfectly seasoned and eagerly devoured. The ambiance added to the experience—a lively yet relaxed Sunday crowd created a pleasant hum of conversation that filled the spacious room without being overpowering. We had no trouble hearing one another and appreciated the balance of energy and comfort. Overall, the experience was delightful from start to finish, and we left already planning our next visit to this hidden gem.

I keep coming back to Essex because it's close to me on the train and the staff never disappoints. I don't remember the name of my server but she is a Black woman with a trucker cap. She has been my server the last two times I was there and she is a phenomenal individual. From her attention to her professionalism to her patience, she has made the experience that much better every time. She da bomb diggity!

The non-alcoholic pairing with the seasonal tasting menu was unexpectedly amazing. There were a couple of hits and misses, but overall, it was pretty decent. The seasonal dishes were well-balanced, low carb, delicious, and aligned seemingly with the restaurant’s garden theme. It’s evident that the chef put a lot of thought into designing these dishes. Wonderful job!

We loved the food. Pistachio guac was amazing, as was the salsas, ceviche, enchiladas and tampqueña. We will be back for sure!

It was good quality sushi, but it was too salty and spicy even when we requested less spice. Also, the restaurant is in a former diner, which makes the ambience attractive because it’s been remodeled, but it’s stuck in that configuration.