5 Affordable Restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY
Updated 27 September 2026 · 17 restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five affordable restaurants in the Upper East Side of New York, helping diners find high-quality meals without overspending. The selection was determined by Google price ranges of $60 or less per person, followed by customer ratings. From Thai cuisine to French bistro fare and Italian pasta, these spots offer diverse options for solo diners and groups. Each entry includes specific hours, price details, and review highlights to help you choose the perfect spot for your next meal in the neighborhood.
#1
Up Thai
★ 4.8 (8,562 Google reviews)Thai restaurant$20–60 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Up Thai serves Thai food with a 4.8-star rating from over 8,500 reviews. Diners praise the delicious dishes, including Crispy Spring Rolls and Thai Iced Coffee, noting the vibrant ambiance and attentive service. This LGBTQ+ and women-owned spot offers lunch and dinner daily, with hours extending to 11 pm on Fridays. Guests highlight the great beer, cocktails, and wine lists alongside fast service and wheelchair accessibility. The price range sits between $20 and $60 per person.
Best for: Authentic Thai with outdoor seating
- Address
- 1411 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11:30 am–11 pm; Mon 11:30 am–10 pm; Sat 12–11 pm; Sun 12–10 pm; Thu 11:30 am–10 pm; Tue 11:30 am–10 pm; Wed 11:30 am–10 pm
#2
Cafe d’Alsace
★ 4.7 (3,121 Google reviews)French restaurant$30–90 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Cafe d'Alsace offers French dining with a 4.7-star rating from over 3,100 reviews. Reviewers highlight excellent steak, Norwegian salmon tartare, and coq au Riesling, describing the food as high quality and flavorful. A $30 lunch prix fixe is available, featuring rotating mains like petit moules frites provençal. The restaurant operates lunch and dinner with outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere. Prices range from $30 to $90, and the staff is noted for being friendly and attentive.
Best for: French lunch specials and steak
- Address
- 1703 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–10:30 pm; Mon 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–9 pm; Sat 10 am–3:45 pm, 5–10:30 pm; Sun 10 am–3:45 pm, 5–9 pm; Thu 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–10 pm; Tue 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–10 pm; Wed 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–10 pm
#3
Water & Wheat Upper East
★ 4.7 (450 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Water & Wheat Upper East is an Italian restaurant with a 4.7-star rating, serving homemade pasta and pizza. Diners rave about the carbonara, bacon and onion pizza, and crab cakes, describing the flavors as amazing and the service as helpful. The venue is casual and cozy, offering lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm. Reviewers appreciate the ability to choose pasta flavors and the quick service. The price range is $20 to $50, with vegetarian options and small plates available.
Best for: Homemade pasta and casual Italian
- Address
- 1379 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10075, United States
- Hours
- daily 11:30 am–9:30 pm
#4
Masseria East
★ 4.7 (332 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$50–100 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Masseria East serves authentic Italian food with a 4.7-star rating from over 330 reviews. Patrons enjoy homemade pasta, meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, and tiramisu, noting the fresh ingredients and refined atmosphere. The restaurant is ideal for lunch before or after visiting the MET museum, offering lunch and dinner with organic and vegan options. Hours run daily with outdoor seating available. Prices fall between $50 and $100, and the venue features a great wine list and wheelchair accessibility.
Best for: Authentic Italian near the MET
- Address
- 1404 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10075, United States
- Hours
- Fri 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Mon 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Sat 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Sun 12–9:30 pm; Thu 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Tue 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm; Wed 12–3 pm, 5–9:30 pm
#5
Sandro's
★ 4.7 (327 Google reviews)Italian restaurant$40–100 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Sandro's is an Italian restaurant with a 4.7-star rating, serving dishes like rice balls, chicken parm, and lemon pasta. Reviewers describe the food as incredible and impressive, with perfect pasta and delicious desserts. The spot offers lunch and dinner, featuring great cocktails, coffee, and a wine list. Hours vary by day, closing earlier on Mondays and Fridays. The price range is $40 to $100, and the menu includes small plates and catering options. Staff are described as very attentive and friendly.
Best for: Italian dishes and great desserts
- Address
- 322 East 86th St, New York, NY 10028, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon 5–9 pm; Sat 12–2:30 pm, 4:30–10 pm; Sun 12–2:30 pm, 4:30–9 pm; Thu 5–9 pm; Tue 5–9 pm; Wed 5–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 17 restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then Google price range of ₹600 or less per person, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 27 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Up Thai, Cafe d’Alsace, Water & Wheat Upper East, Masseria East and Sandro's take reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
Up Thai ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 8,562 reviews. Cafe d’Alsace is second at 4.7 from 3,121 reviews.
Which restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Up Thai, at 11 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Up Thai $20–60; Cafe d’Alsace $30–90; Water & Wheat Upper East $20–50; Masseria East $50–100; Sandro's $40–100.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Up Thai, Cafe d’Alsace and Masseria East.
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