5 Best Restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY
Updated 27 September 2026 · 39 restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide highlights the top five dining spots on New York's Upper East Side, helping locals and visitors find reliable places to eat. The list was ranked by Google rating, weighted by the volume of reviews, from a pool of 39 qualifying businesses. Whether you need quick late-night pizza, authentic Thai cuisine, or a cozy French lunch, these selections offer distinct atmospheres and menu styles based on consistent customer feedback.
#1
Up Thai
★ 4.8 (8,562 Google reviews)Thai restaurant$20–60 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Up Thai offers a vibrant space with hanging lanterns and greenery, described by reviewers as cozy and beautifully designed. Guests praise the fast service and friendly staff who ensure a great time. The menu features standout dishes like Crispy Spring Rolls, Basil Fried Rice, and Khao Soi, alongside excellent Thai Iced Coffee. The restaurant holds an LGBTQ+ and women-owned designation and provides extensive drink options including beer, wine, and cocktails. It serves lunch and dinner with outdoor seating and delivery available.
Best for: Authentic Thai with great cocktails
- 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
THEP Thai Restaurant
★ 4.8 (7,788 Google reviews)Thai restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
THEP Thai Restaurant features a warm, inviting interior with unique design elements that reviewers appreciate. Patrons note the generous portions and flavorful curries, recommending the red curry with chicken and shrimp. The space is small but cozy, and reservations are strongly suggested with a cancellation fee policy in place. Guests have enjoyed specialty mocktails and dinner specials, finding the food perfectly spiced and the staff friendly and patient. It is located conveniently near The Met Cloisters.
Best for: Generous portions and warm decor
- Address
- 1439 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–11:30 pm; Mon 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–10:30 pm; Sat 12–11:30 pm; Sun 12–10:30 pm; Thu 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–10:30 pm; Tue 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–10:30 pm; Wed 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–10:30 pm
#3
La Pecora Bianca UES
★ 4.8 (2,999 Google reviews)Italian restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
La Pecora Bianca UES offers a chic setting with 60s mod chandeliers and a chill UES atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the good value of the set lunch and the attentive staff who greet guests with smiles. The menu includes appetizers like meatballs and pasta dishes, with suggestions to add burrata. While some found the chicken slightly dry, the lobster pasta and overall hot, flavorful food received praise. The location features outdoor seating options for nice weather days.
Best for: Italian lunch with 60s mod decor
- Address
- 1562 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11:30 am–10:30 pm; Mon 11:30 am–10 pm; Sat 10 am–10:30 pm; Sun 10 am–9:30 pm; Thu 11:30 am–10:30 pm; Tue 11:30 am–10 pm; Wed 11:30 am–10 pm
#4
Cafe d’Alsace
★ 4.7 (3,121 Google reviews)French restaurant$30–90 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Cafe d'Alsace provides a comfortable, authentic French atmosphere with a cozy vibe. The restaurant offers a $30 lunch prefixe featuring a rotating main course, soup or salad, and dessert, such as the Friday petit moules frites provençal. Diners praise the high-quality steak and superb cooking of dishes like coq au Riesling and Norwegian salmon tartare. Service is described as friendly and attentive, with the staff making guests feel welcome from arrival.
Best for: French classics with lunch prefixe
- 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
#5
Mimi's Pizza (3rd Ave & 86th)
★ 4.7 (788 Google reviews)Pizza restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mimi's Pizza is a tight but efficient spot open until 4 am on weekends, serving as a popular late-night option. Reviewers rave about the crispy, non-soggy crust and the perfect ratio of sauce and cheese. The menu includes both rectangular and normal slices, with square slices highly recommended for their nice crisp texture. Flavors like sausage, pepperoni, and deep dish options are popular. The counter-style seating allows for quick, straightforward service.
Best for: Crispy square slices and late hours
- Address
- 217 East 86th St, New York, NY 10028, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10 am–4 am; Mon 10 am–11 pm; Sat 10 am–4 am; Sun 10 am–2 am; Thu 10 am–2 am; Tue 10 am–2 am; Wed 10 am–2 am
How we made this list
We looked at 39 restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many people left one. 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 and Cafe d’Alsace 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. THEP Thai Restaurant is second at 4.8 from 7,788 reviews.
Which restaurants in Upper East Side, New York NY are open late?
Mimi's Pizza (3rd Ave & 86th) stays open until 4 am.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Up Thai $20–60; Cafe d’Alsace $30–90. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Up Thai and Cafe d’Alsace.
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