As a content creator steeped in the worlds of travel, culture, history, and, of course, the transformative power of food, few events in a global city capture the imagination quite like Restaurant Week. It’s a period where the culinary landscape becomes more accessible, inviting exploration and discovery. Looking back at nyc restaurant week 2023, it presented a fantastic opportunity to experience some of the city’s most celebrated dining establishments, including those recognized by the esteemed MICHELIN Guide, at exceptional fixed prices. This event truly embodies the spirit of New York City – vibrant, diverse, and constantly offering new experiences for residents and visitors alike. Let’s revisit some of the highlights and hidden gems that made nyc restaurant week 2023 a memorable culinary event.
What Was NYC Restaurant Week 2023?
NYC Restaurant Week is a biannual event (typically held in winter and summer) that sees hundreds of New York City’s top restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. During nyc restaurant week 2023, diners could enjoy multi-course meals at reduced prices, a welcome chance to savor the creations of acclaimed chefs without the usual cost commitment. It’s a testament to the city’s commitment to showcasing its vast gastronomic talent and making fine dining experiences available to a wider audience.
MICHELIN Guide Restaurants Featured During NYC Restaurant Week 2023
The participation of MICHELIN Guide-recommended restaurants adds a layer of prestige and excitement to Restaurant Week. These establishments, recognized for their quality cooking, often feature prominently. During nyc restaurant week 2023, several MICHELIN-listed spots across the city’s diverse boroughs offered compelling fixed-price menus, providing a pathway to experience world-class cuisine. From Bib Gourmands (recognizing great food at reasonable prices) to starred restaurants (though fewer stars typically participate), the event was a prime time for culinary exploration.
Exploring Culinary Hotspots: Noteworthy MICHELIN Picks from NYC Restaurant Week 2023
The list of participating MICHELIN Guide restaurants during nyc restaurant week 2023 spanned various neighborhoods and cuisines, reflecting the city’s global character. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from that event, categorized by borough and area, based on available information about participating MICHELIN venues in recent Restaurant Weeks.
Brooklyn’s Diverse Flavors
Brooklyn’s dining scene continued its ascent, with several MICHELIN Guide restaurants offering Restaurant Week deals. This borough offers a vibrant mix of established names and exciting newcomers.
- LORE (Park Slope): Known for its creative Indian-infused and American fare. During nyc restaurant week 2023, diners could likely explore Chef Jay Kumar’s enjoyable dishes through lunch and dinner menus. Inspector notes highlighted the unique flavors and poetic cocktail list, making it a great spot for an inventive meal.
- Gage & Tollner (Downtown Brooklyn): A historic steakhouse where the team ensures substance matches the stunning setting. nyc restaurant week 2023 possibly featured a lunch menu offering a taste of their classic seafood towers, steaks, and inspired dishes, paying homage to culinary legends.
- Alta Calidad: This stylish, modern Mexican restaurant with its bright ambiance offered a chance to enjoy creative Mexican cuisine during nyc restaurant week 2023. Inspector notes praised innovative dishes like crispy tempura shrimp tacos and paper-thin carne asada.
Lizzie Munro / Gage & Tollner
- Tong (Bushwick): A bold Thai kitchen known for its authentic spice levels and welcoming atmosphere. nyc restaurant week 2023 guests might have sampled fiery chilies and a host of small plates, including highlights like fried banana blossoms and crispy rice with fermented pork sausage.
- KRU (Greenpoint): Offering traditional Thai dishes with a contemporary twist. Chef couple Ohm Suansilphong and Kiki Supap provided a lesson in Thai “guru” cooking. The 2023 event likely featured invigorating salads and comforting dishes like the fluffy rice omelette.
- Francie (Williamsburg): A spot showcasing Mediterranean-style plates from Chef Chris Cipollone in a lively setting. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu could have included their highly recommended pasta dishes, like the conchiglie with clam sauce.
- Meadowsweet (Williamsburg): Tucked near the Williamsburg Bridge, this stylish spot offers well-priced and expertly executed Mediterranean food. The 2023 event possibly offered both lunch and dinner menus featuring dishes from crispy artichokes to spiced duck breast.
- Mesiba (Williamsburg): Located at the Moxy Williamsburg, this Levantine restaurant offers a lively, party-like atmosphere (“Mesiba” means party in Hebrew) alongside captivating Middle Eastern food from Chef Eli Buliskeria. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu would have been an opportunity to sample dishes honoring this melting pot cuisine.
Exploring these Brooklyn spots during nyc restaurant week 2023 would have provided a true taste of the borough’s dynamic culinary identity.
Adam Friedlander / Tong
Manhattan: A Borough of Gastronomic Heights (Featuring Selections from NYC Restaurant Week 2023)
Manhattan is the heart of NYC’s dining scene, and nyc restaurant week 2023 highlighted this with a vast array of participating restaurants across its many distinct neighborhoods.
- Noreetuh (East Village): A unique spot offering sophisticated, contemporary interpretations of Hawaiian cuisine. The 2023 event likely featured both lunch and dinner menus allowing diners to experience dishes using imported Hawaiian ingredients, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
- Nudibranch (East Village): Chefs Matthew Lee and Jeff Kim’s beloved spot offering contemporary food with strong Asian influences. During nyc restaurant week 2023, diners might have shared dainty, flavorful plates like fried frogs legs or their signature mushroom dish.
- Carne Mare (The Seaport): Andrew Carmellini’s impressive Italian chophouse at Pier 17. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu offered a chance to sample their high-quality, expertly cooked steaks, perhaps even the unique gorgonzola-cured Wagyu.
Cassandra Wang / Noreetuh
- 8282 (Lower East Side): A rambunctious Korean restaurant known for creative, bold, shareable dishes. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu was likely an adventure in uncharted Korean flavors, featuring items like pan-fried scallion-parsley pancake or tender Iberico pork galbi.
- Crown Shy (Lower Manhattan): Set in the stunning Art Deco 70 Pine Street tower, Crown Shy offers a feast for the senses. Its nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu would have showcased their enticing contemporary cooking, including dishes like ricotta gnocchi or roasted Japanese sweet potato.
- Wayan (NoLita): Chef Cédric Vongerichten’s enticing Indonesian restaurant with a modern French flair. The 2023 event likely offered both lunch and dinner menus, allowing exploration of their seasonal offerings in a lush, exotic setting.
- Ma•dé (NoLita): A tribute to the Indonesian archipelago from the Vongerichtens, offering sunny and pleasant Southeast Asian cuisine. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus probably featured delightful dishes like crispy-fried artichoke hearts and unique chirashi preparations.
- Lupa: This Thompson Street Italian treasure is known for its amicable service and otherworldly pasta. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu was likely a popular choice for regulars seeking perfectly seared octopus or marinated sardines alongside their famous pasta.
- Acru: With impressive pedigree from the Atomix team, Acru offered a prix fixe menu providing rare value and inspired contemporary cuisine. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu would have included innovative dishes like sea trout tartare or roasted carrot soup.
- Nami Nori: Famous for its temaki (hand rolls), this Japanese spot in the West Village offered a focused menu. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu probably featured temaki sets and other items like vegetable miso soup, perfect for a quick yet high-quality meal.
Dan Ahn / 8282
Manhattan’s diverse neighborhoods provided a rich tapestry of dining experiences during nyc restaurant week 2023, highlighting everything from Italian classics to innovative Asian fusion.
Chelsea, Flatiron, Gramercy, NoMad, Koreatown, Union Square
This central swath of Manhattan boasts a high concentration of acclaimed restaurants.
- Ci Siamo (Chelsea): Danny Meyer’s effortlessly likable Italian eatery, known for its efficient service and inviting food. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu offered a chance to try Chef Hillary Sterling’s inviting dishes, like the caramelized onion torta.
- Hav & Mar (Chelsea): Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s modern spot paying homage to his Ethiopian and Swedish roots. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu likely featured dishes representing this cultural collision, such as the unique Swediopian salmon.
- Carlotto (Gramercy): A chic and elegant newcomer offering a mix of Southern Italian-American cuisine and impeccable hospitality. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu probably showcased dishes like beef carpaccio and risotto with Alaskan king crab.
- Oceans (Gramercy): This stunning seafood restaurant on Park Avenue South is known for its striking looks and enticing cooking. During nyc restaurant week 2023, the dinner menu would have focused on seafood, ranging from ceviche to elaborate entrées.
- abcV: Located inside ABC Carpet & Home, this restaurant provides elevated vegetarian food in a beautiful, minimalist space. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus offered vibrant, clever dishes, including their must-try sourdough focaccia.
- The Dining Room at Gramercy Tavern (Gramercy): A fabled NYC icon known for its impeccable products and seasonal American cuisine. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu provided a taste of this legendary dining room’s offerings.
Clay Williams / Hav & Mar
- Kyma (Flatiron): Making “waves” with its Greek cuisine and Ionian Sea-inspired decor. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus likely started with a panoply of Greek spreads and featured fresh-caught fish.
- Junoon (Flatiron): Offering bold Indian flavors and elegant platings in a beautifully reprized space. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus included signature goat dishes and other flavorful preparations.
Masala Ribs / Junoon
- Kanyakumari (Union Square): Spotlighting the regional fare of South India with a focus on seafood. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu would have featured bold, deep flavors, including dishes like slow-cooked Black Gold beef and nuanced fish curry.
- HanGawi (Koreatown): A serene, shoes-off vegetarian-only restaurant caring deeply about health and well-being. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu offered soothing dishes and fun DIY experiences like the ssam bap.
- Koloman (NoMad): Chef Markus Glocker’s spot where French and Viennese classics meet modern sophistication. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu provided rare value through its prix fixe, featuring intriguing dishes like tagliatelle with confit fennel and smoked trout, and standout apple strudel.
- Il Fiorista (NoMad): A bright, airy dining room doubling as a flower shop, with edible flowers incorporated into cocktails and dishes. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu would have offered a unique culinary experience with floral-infused creations.
Evan Sung / Koloman
This central Manhattan area provided a fantastic cross-section of global cuisines during nyc restaurant week 2023, from elevated Italian and French to vibrant Indian and Korean.
Greenwich Village, West Village, SoHo, TriBeCa
These downtown neighborhoods are known for their charming streets and cutting-edge culinary scenes.
- Kubeh (Greenwich Village): Chef Melanie Shurka’s lovely Bib Gourmand showcasing fresh, wholesome Middle Eastern food, especially its namesake dumplings. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus featured different Kubeh variations, like the Syrian lamb in hamusta broth.
- Loring Place (Greenwich Village): Chef Dan Kluger serves stylish, locally sourced American cuisine in a chic, spacious room. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus included highlights like caramelized cauliflower and wood-oven pizzas.
Food Story Media / Gotham
- Mel’s: A popular spot for shareable, casual fare, particularly known for its pizzas. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu offered starters like grilled gem lettuce with burrata and perfectly crafted pies with paper-thin crusts.
- Le B: Chef Angie Mar’s luxurious Greenwich Village location celebrating haute French cuisine with Chinese heritage touches. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu would have featured unique dishes like terrine of pork, duck, and kumquat confit, or the rich “rabbit drowned in wine” pasta.
- Vestry (SoHo): A foolproof destination for a quiet evening with contemporary cuisine blending Australian roots and Japanese technique. Chef Shaun Hergatt’s seasonal, seafood-based menu was available during the nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner, potentially including dishes like risotto with eel or slow-cooked lamb neck.
Vestry
- Tamarind (Tribeca): Known for its exceptional Mughlai Indian food, featuring a sleek display kitchen and gleaming tandoor. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu offered a taste of their standout dishes like malai halibut in coconut-ginger sauce.
Tamarind
These downtown areas, explored during nyc restaurant week 2023, underscored NYC’s ability to blend classic techniques with innovative approaches across various global cuisines.
Times Square, Midtown
Midtown Manhattan, including the bustling Times Square area, is home to a mix of classic establishments and modern dining destinations.
- Gallaghers (Times Square): A classic steakhouse with a nod to Prohibition days, still dry-aging USDA Prime beef. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu likely featured both classic cuts and contemporary fare like hamachi crudo.
- Le Rock (Midtown): From the team behind Frenchette, this refined French brasserie in Rockefeller Center quickly became a favorite. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus offered familiar brasserie trappings like seafood platters and classic sauces.
- Soba Totto (Midtown): Celebrated for its tasty homemade soba noodles and yakitori. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus provided the chance to sample their signature noodles in fragrant dashi or various dons topped with delicious tidbits.
- Ai Fiori (Midtown): Nestled in the Langham Hotel, offering Italian favorites with contemporary flair. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu, often a multi-course prix fixe, was a great way to experience dishes like spaghetti with blue crabmeat.
David Oludele / Ai Fiori
- Tonchin: A Tokyo-based ramen chain offering some of the city’s best bowls. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu would have featured their refined tonkotsu or smoked dashi ramen, alongside well-crafted starters.
- Naro (Midtown): From the Atomix/Atoboy group, offering a more traditional view of Korean cuisine. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus featured reimagined and refined familiar dishes like mandu and bibimbap through tasting menus.
- The Bar Room at The Modern (Midtown): Located in the MoMA, offering appealingly nuanced contemporary dishes in an art-filled setting. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus showcased their detailed cooking and use of impeccable products.
- Benoit: An Alain Ducasse bistro in the former La Côte Basque space, retaining an Old World feel. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus were stacked with comfortable, familiar French bistro dishes.
- Veerays: Exuding a classic 1920s speakeasy vibe while spotlighting contemporary Indian cuisine. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus featured dishes like fluffy basmati rice with yellow lentils and creamy daal makhani.
- Le Pavillon: Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant featuring a contemporary, globally inflected menu focused on seafood and vegetables. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu likely included refined dishes like torchetti pasta with crabmeat or rotisserie chicken breast.
- Four Twenty Five: From Jonathan Benno and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this elegant restaurant pulls influences from across Italy, France, and Asia. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu would have offered dishes with a grand flair and earnest cooking.
Midtown’s participation in nyc restaurant week 2023 underscored its status as a major culinary hub, offering everything from classic steakhouses to modern French and Japanese creations.
Upper East Side, Harlem, Hamilton Heights
Exploring dining options further uptown during nyc restaurant week 2023 revealed gems with rich history and distinct neighborhood character.
- JoJo (Upper East Side): Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s first NYC restaurant, revitalized with a fresh, contemporary feel. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu offered well-executed, classic dishes like roast chicken and lobster.
Jojo
- Café Boulud: A beautifully reborn French restaurant highlighting classic cuisine, seasonal dishes, vegetarian options, and international flavors. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch menu provided a unique prix fixe experience with sharp execution.
- Melba’s (Harlem): A comfortable spot reflecting Harlem’s flavor, culture, and past with its lineup of Southern classics. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus featured beloved dishes like mini-burgers, fruit cobbler, and Southern fried chicken with eggnog waffles.
Melba’s is a prime example of how food connects to culture and history. Experiencing its Southern comfort food during nyc restaurant week 2023 offered not just a meal, but a taste of Harlem’s vibrant heritage.
The Lowell
Upper West Side
The Upper West Side also contributed to the culinary landscape of nyc restaurant week 2023.
- Dagon: Located on a prominent corner of Broadway, this restaurant offers a clear and nuanced expression of Middle Eastern flavors. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus featured well-dressed salads, fresh-baked breads, and creamy labneh.
- The Leopard at Des Artistes: A traditional Italian restaurant cherished for its well-executed favorites in a historic setting. The nyc restaurant week 2023 dinner menu covered Italy’s various regions with dishes like lasagna Ennese and braised coniglio.
Paula Sorrentino / The Leopard at Des Artistes
- Eléa: A polished Greek restaurant offering classic Greek fare with picture-perfect decor. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus showcased fresh ingredients in dishes like htipiti, taramasalata, and whole grilled tsipoura.
- Nougatine at Jean-Georges: The longevity of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s flagship is due to superior French cuisine with contemporary accents. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus offered appealingly versatile dishes featuring impeccable products.
- Tha Phraya: Transporting diners to the streets of Bangkok with its decor and unique variety of Thai dishes from different regions. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus offered more than typical green curry, featuring Northern Thai sausage rolls or Southern Phuket-style curry.
The Mark Hotel
Queens: Culinary Gems Beyond the Island
Queens, particularly Long Island City, has a burgeoning food scene recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.
- Hupo (Long Island City): Offering a small, focused menu of regional Chinese favorites. The nyc restaurant week 2023 lunch and dinner menus provided dishes like spicy mapo tofu and Chungking spicy chicken in a quaint setting.
Hupo
Hupo represents the kind of authentic, regional cuisine that makes Queens a fascinating borough for food lovers. Its participation in nyc restaurant week 2023 highlighted the quality and diversity available just across the East River.
Graduate New York
Maximizing Your Experience (Based on NYC Restaurant Week 2023 Insights)
While nyc restaurant week 2023 is in the past, looking back at the opportunities it presented offers valuable insights for future Restaurant Week events or simply navigating NYC’s dining scene:
- Book Ahead: Popular restaurants, especially MICHELIN-recognized ones, book up incredibly fast. Planning and reserving in advance is crucial.
- Explore New Neighborhoods: Restaurant Week encourages venturing beyond your usual haunts. nyc restaurant week 2023 featured restaurants across multiple boroughs, offering a chance to discover new areas.
- Review Menus Carefully: Prix-fixe menus can be limited. Check the specific Restaurant Week menu beforehand to ensure it aligns with your preferences and dietary needs.
- Consider Lunch: Lunch menus during Restaurant Week are often priced lower than dinner, offering an even more accessible way to experience a high-end restaurant.
The Lasting Impact of NYC Restaurant Week 2023
The nyc restaurant week 2023 event, like its predecessors, played a vital role in showcasing the incredible depth and breadth of New York City’s culinary talent. By offering fixed-price menus, it democratized access to some of the city’s finest dining establishments, allowing more people to experience the creativity, skill, and passion of its chefs. Events like this are crucial not just for the restaurants, but for fostering a vibrant food culture that connects people to different cuisines, histories, and the sheer joy of a shared meal. It reminds us that food is not just sustenance, but a profound expression of culture and a key part of the travel experience, whether you’re visiting from afar or exploring your own city.
In conclusion, nyc restaurant week 2023 was a significant event on the city’s culinary calendar, offering a window into the world of MICHELIN Guide dining at accessible price points. It highlighted the diversity of flavors and experiences available across New York City’s dynamic neighborhoods. Keep an eye out for future Restaurant Week events – they are your ticket to exploring the best of NYC’s food scene.