Le Bernardin on West 51st remains untouchable in the world of seafood fine dining. With three Michelin stars and a legacy that spans decades, the dining room is as iconic as the dishes. Expect white tablecloth formality and a showcase of French culinary technique at its absolute finest. Be warned – you’ll need to book in advance as reservations fill up months ahead. 

For something with a more modern edge, Atomix on East 30th Street is where even the city’s culinary elite celebrate special occasions. Ranked among the top 20 restaurants globally, the Korean tasting menu offers a progression of meticulously plated courses in a minimalist space that feels more like a private art gallery than a dining room.

For diners who prefer intimate dining environments, Sushi Nakazawa, downtown in the West Village, serves an exclusive nigiri-sushi omakase menu built on international acclaim – and firmly deserves a spot on your bucket list. Opened by Daisuke Nakazawa, apprentice to Japan’s legendary sushi master Jiro Ono (Jiro Dreams of Sushi), this elegant, stripped-back counter serves a 21-course nigiri tasting that’s a masterclass in subtlety and craft. 

Tucked beneath Midtown is Nōksu, a Korean tasting counter experience. With just 12 seats, the restaurant offers a personal experience rooted in Korean tradition but reimagined through a modern, New York lens.

Then there’s Kono, a 14-seat omakase restaurant in the Bowery that focuses entirely on yakitori - executed with near-surgical precision. Helmed by renowned chef Atsushi Kono, a James Beard Award finalist, the restaurant pairs an understated setting with flavours that are anything but.

Not every memorable meal in New York requires white tablecloths or several courses. For those seeking atmosphere without formality, Soothr on 13th Street is a popular Thai noodle bar which has been awarded a Michelin Plate for good reason. The energy here is pure Bangkok: neon lights, vintage décor and a cosy garden for outdoor seating. Signature dishes such as crab fried rice and the house-famous Koong Karee keep regulars returning and ensure the atmosphere is bustling.

Via Carota, in the West Village, is a truly authentic trattoria that doesn’t take reservations, but the wait (often spent at the nearby bar) is part of the ritual. Once inside, diners are rewarded with perfectly executed pastas and vegetable-driven antipasti that have made it a mainstay on every New Yorker’s shortlist.

For small plates, Estela on the edge of SoHo blends Mediterranean and American influences in a space that manages to feel both sophisticated and unpretentious. 

Whether you’re seeking a Michelin-starred dining experience or a hidden neighbourhood gem, The World’s Finest Clubs, an ASMALLWORLD brand, curates access to the city’s most exceptional venues.

To complement your New York dining pursuits, stay at The Greenwich Hotel, a cosy boutique hotel in the Tribeca neighbourhood with a gorgeous Japanese spa and its own popular Italian restaurant. Or if you'd prefer to be in the cultural hub, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel is located on Museum Mile alongside some of the world’s most famous bars, with luxurious guest rooms and suites overlooking Central Park.

Explore these and other handpicked stays through ASMALLWORLD Collection, where you can enjoy exclusive VIP rates and extraordinary benefits along the way.