12 Unique Restaurants on the Upper East Side: Hidden Speakeasies to Authentic Schnitzels

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The Upper East Side isn’t just about museums and brownstones—it’s a foodie haven packed with unique dining spots. Known for its blend of old-world charm and modern flair, this neighborhood’s culinary scene is as diverse as its history.

Imagine stepping into a hidden speakeasy like The Auction House for handcrafted cocktails or savoring authentic schnitzels at Heidelberg, one of NYC’s oldest German restaurants. Got a sweet tooth? Indulge in the iconic mille crêpes at Lady M Cake Boutique. And for a classic New York vibe, grab a bagel with lox from Eli’s Essentials.

Pair these incredible eats with the best things to do on the Upper East Side for the ultimate experience. This guide dives into 12 must-visit restaurants that make this neighborhood unforgettable!

👉 Pro Tip: The Upper East Side Walking Food Tour is such a vibe! You’ll try awesome bites from local gems and learn cool stories about the neighborhood. Come hungry—it’s the best way to explore the Upper East Side!

Cool places to eat on the UES

Ready to discover what the Upper East Side has on its menu? From hidden Japanese speakeasies to cozy Persian living rooms, we’re set to explore the neighborhood’s most extraordinary eateries. Join me as we uncover the quirkiest places to eat on the Upper East Side.

Craving warm Babaganoush in an intimate setting? Or perhaps you’d prefer crispy duck in a Thai haven? The Upper East Side has all of that and more. Let’s dive right into the best eateries on the UES.

1. Persepolis

• 📍 Location: 2nd Avenue
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Persian / Iranian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Home-style Persian cuisine, richly spiced dishes, family-run setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fans of Iranian food, kebab lovers, cozy and cultural dinners.

Get ready for a magic carpet ride of flavor at Persepolis on the Upper East Side! This charming, family-run spot serves up authentic Persian cuisine that’s bursting with aromatic spices and generations of culinary tradition. The air is fragrant with saffron, sumac, and grilling meats.

For a true taste of Persia, trying their incredible Chelo Kebab Koobideh (seasoned ground meat kebabs) is a great idea. Also popular are the classic Fesenjan (a rich pomegranate and walnut stew with chicken) or the tender Lamb Shank slow-cooked in a savory broth.

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2. NR

• 📍 Location: East 75th Street
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per cocktail/small plate (Primarily a bar)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Cocktail Bar / Ramen / Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Japanese-inspired cocktails, late-night ramen, speakeasy vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cocktail enthusiasts, night owls, stylish neighborhood hangouts.

Descend into a world of exquisite sips at NR, an intimate Japanese cocktail bar and ramen haven on the Upper East Side. This dimly lit gem exudes a sophisticated, hidden speakeasy vibe. The focus here is on expertly crafted cocktails featuring Japanese whiskies, sake, and shochu.

Exploring their inventive cocktail list, like the “Smoked Old Fashioned,” is a wise choice. Pair your drink with a comforting bowl of their rich Tonkotsu Ramen or delicate Tuna Tataki small plates. It’s the perfect spot for a clandestine rendezvous.

3. Pil Pil

• 📍 Location: East 78th Street
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Spanish Tapas / Wine Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Spanish tapas, energetic atmosphere, strong wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tapas lovers, Spanish wine fans, group dinners.

¡Olé! Get ready for a fiesta of flavor at Pil Pil, a vibrant Spanish tapas bar on the Upper East Side! This lively spot is all about the joy of sharing, with an extensive menu of authentic tapas that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Barcelona or Madrid.

Ordering a spread of their fantastic tapas is highly recommended. Consider the classic gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), crispy patatas bravas with spicy aioli, or the savory albóndigas (meatballs in tomato sauce). Their selection of Spanish wines is the perfect accompaniment

4. Heidi’s House

• 📍 Location: East 78th Street
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Wine/Small Plates)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Wine Bar / American Small Plates / Cozy
• 🔥 Standout Features: Tiny, cozy wine bar, comfort food small plates, relaxed vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Intimate date nights, wine lovers, low-key evenings.

Shhh… want to know a secret? Heidi’s House is an incredibly tiny, unbelievably cozy, and utterly charming wine bar tucked away on the Upper East Side. This place is the definition of a hidden gem, with just a handful of seats and an atmosphere that feels like a friend’s stylish living room.

Unwinding with a glass of perfectly chosen wine and sharing some of their delicious, comforting small plates is the way to go. Their famous mac and cheese with truffle oil, a gourmet grilled cheese with tomato soup, or their charcuterie board are all excellent choices.

5. Toloache

• 📍 Location: Multiple locations (East 82nd Street, West 50th Street)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Mexican / Modern Mexican
• 🔥 Standout Features: Modern Mexican cuisine, tequila/mezcal list, bold flavors.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Upscale Mexican dining, adventurous eaters, lively nights out.

Get ready for a Mexican flavor fiesta at Toloache on the Upper East Side! This stylish spot serves sophisticated and creative modern Mexican cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. The vibrant decor and lively atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for their inventive dishes.

Exploring their amazing guacamole (made tableside!) is a great start. Also popular are fresh ceviches, unique tacos like the de Pato (duck carnitas), or their legendary suckling pig carnitas. Don’t forget to try their extensive tequila and mezcal list.

6. Jones Wood Foundry

• 📍 Location: East 76th Street
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: British Pub Fare / Gastropub
• 🔥 Standout Features: Traditional British fare, pub-style warmth, historic charm.
• 🎯 Perfect For: British food fans, cozy dinners, comfort meals with beer.

Cheerio, old chap! Get transported to a charming English countryside pub at Jones Wood Foundry. This place is an authentic British gastropub, with a wonderfully cozy and historic-feeling ambiance, complete with crackling fireplaces and dark wood accents. The air smells of savory pies.

You’ll be pleased with their classic fish and chips, made with flaky cod and crispy batter. Other excellent choices include a hearty Sunday roast with all the trimmings, or their savory sausage rolls. Their sticky toffee pudding is also a must.

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7. Kaia Wine Bar

• 📍 Location: 3rd Avenue
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Wine/Small Plates)
• 🔥 Standout Features: South African wines, global small plates, local hidden gem.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Wine lovers, adventurous diners, quiet neighborhood nights.

Embark on a delicious journey to South Africa at Kaia Wine Bar on the Upper East Side! This cozy and intimate spot is a true hidden gem, specializing in the incredible wines and unique flavors of South Africa. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for exploring something new.

Letting their knowledgeable staff guide you through their selection of South African wines is a wise choice. Pair them with flavorful small plates like biltong (cured meat), savory sosaties (lamb skewers), or their famous bunny chow (a curry served in a hollowed-out bread loaf).

8. Uva

• 📍 Location: 2nd Avenue
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian Wine Bar / Rustic Italian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Cozy, rustic wine bar atmosphere, extensive Italian wine list, delicious pasta and small plates.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic date nights, wine lovers, intimate Italian meals, and sharing small plates.

Escape to a cozy Italian hideaway at Uva on the Upper East Side. This charming wine bar and restaurant exudes rustic warmth, with exposed brick, dim lighting, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening or catching up with friends over a good bottle of wine.

Their extensive Italian wine list is a major draw. Pair your selection with delicious, shareable antipasti like creamy burrata or crispy fried artichokes. For mains, their house-made pasta dishes, such as a rich pappardelle with wild boar ragu or a classic cacio e pepe, are always fantastic.

9. Oda House

• 📍 Location: Multiple locations (East 73rd Street, East Village)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Georgian (Country, not US State)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic Georgian food, khachapuri and dumplings, hearty dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Bread and cheese lovers, Eastern European cuisine, unique food experiences.

Gaumarjos! Prepare for a delicious journey to the country of Georgia at Oda House on the Upper East Side! This unique spot serves authentic Georgian cuisine, famous for its incredible hospitality and hearty, flavorful dishes. The aroma of baking bread and rich stews is irresistible.

Experiencing their legendary Adjaruli Khachapuri – a boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese and an egg yolk – is a must. Their Khinkali (savory soup dumplings) and the rich Chakapuli (lamb stew with tarragon) are also highly recommended. It’s a wonderfully unique culinary adventure.

10. Up Thai

• 📍 Location: 2nd Avenue (Yorkville)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Thai
• 🔥 Standout Features: Bold Thai flavors, modern decor, popular noodle and curry dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Thai food lovers, casual dinners, flavorful and fast meals.

Get your Thai food fix with a stylish twist at Up Thai on the Upper East Side! This spot serves authentic and incredibly flavorful Thai cuisine in a modern, chic setting that’s always buzzing with energy. The air is fragrant with lemongrass, galangal, chili, and coconut.

You’ll be delighted by their rich and creamy green curry with chicken or shrimp. The classic Pad Thai (done just right with tamarind sauce!), or their spicy and savory drunken noodles (Pad Kee Mao) are also fantastic choices. Their creative cocktails complement the bold flavors.

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11. Heidelberg Restaurant

• 📍 Location: 2nd Avenue (Yorkville)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: German / European
• 🔥 Standout Features: Classic German dishes, festive beer hall feel, long-standing Yorkville icon.
• 🎯 Perfect For: German beer and bratwurst fans, group dinners, nostalgic dining.

Prost! Step back in time at Heidelberg Restaurant, a true Upper East Side institution in historic Yorkville since 1936! This place is a wonderful throwback, with traditional Bavarian decor and hearty, authentic German food. The air is filled with the comforting aroma of sauerkraut.

For a truly German experience, you can’t go wrong with their massive pork shank (Schweinshaxe), crispy Wiener schnitzel, or a platter of assorted wursts (sausages) served with German mustard and potato salad. And of course, a giant stein of German beer is essential!

12. Bohemian Spirit Restaurant

• 📍 Location: East 73rd Street
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Czech / Slovak / Central European
• 🔥 Standout Features: Czech and Slovak classics, hearty Central European dishes, cultural setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Dumpling lovers, comfort food seekers, cultural culinary experiences.

Discover the hearty flavors of Central Europe at Bohemian Spirit Restaurant, often found in or near the historic Bohemian National Hall. These spots offer an authentic taste of Czech and Slovak cuisine, known for rich sauces, tender meats, and, of course, dumplings!

Trying their classic svíčková (marinated beef sirloin with cream sauce and dumplings) is a must. A hearty bowl of goulash with bread dumplings, or their crispy fried cheese (smažený sýr) with tartar sauce, are also excellent choices. Save room for apple strudel!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants on the Upper East Side

Are you searching for more information about where to eat on the Upper East Side? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked about the Upper East Side’s most unique restaurants.

What is the nicest part of the Upper East Side?

The nicest part of the Upper East Side? That’s a tough one because it’s filled with so many gems, but Museum Mile tops the list for me. It’s not just about the museums, though they’re incredible. The streets are lined with gorgeous trees, historic buildings, and there’s this undeniable air of sophistication, making it one of the top places to live and visit in New York.

What area is considered the Upper East Side?

When you talk about the Upper East Side, you’re looking at the area from 59th Street up to 96th Street, bounded by Fifth Avenue on the west and the East River on the east. This part of Manhattan is known for its affluence, beautiful old mansions, and, of course, the world-renowned museums along Fifth Avenue, making it a gem in Manhattan.

Is the Upper East Side good for food?

Absolutely, the UES is great for food! Whether you’re craving authentic Italian, cutting-edge Japanese, or classic New York bagels, the Upper East Side delivers with flair.

Why is the Upper East Side famous?

The Upper East Side is famous for a few reasons: its luxurious residential buildings, high-end shopping along Madison Avenue, cultural institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and its role in popular culture, featuring in movies and TV shows.