Each year, Tripadvisor sifts through reviews and ratings collected over the prior 12 months and awards travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the world. And while many awards, such as World’s 50 Best, are granted by food critics and a panel of judges, Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best are awarded by us; real travelers from all over the world sharing our opinions and stories!
And of the many, many restaurants from all over the world that made the restaurant portion of the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2024, nine are New York City’s very own restaurants! The nine NYC restaurants that made the cut are as follows:
Fine Dining
For when you’re feeling bougie, like white tablecloths, best-in-class chefs, and unforgettable bites bougie, try heading to one of these fine dining restaurants. This category focused on restaurants from all over the world and included a total of 25 restaurants.
Daniel, Upper East Side – #23
Since first opening in the former Mayfair Hotel on Park Avenue in 1993, Daniel has earned its place among the pillars of New York City’s bustling dining scene, receiving numerous accolades for its refined European cuisine. Here, Executive Chef Eddy Leroux and Executive Pastry Shaun Velez present a modern, seasonal menu inspired by the finest meats, wild game, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and foraged flavors from all over the world. There’s a reason why the restaurant has two Michelin Stars!
The Tripadvisor guide writes:
Daniel in New York offers a delightful dining experience with its creative menu and elegant decor. The warm ambience and impeccable service make every visit special. Don’t miss the tasting menu paired with wines suggested by their knowledgeable sommelier. For a memorable night out, Daniel is a great choice.
📍 60 E 65th St.
🍽 French
⭐️ 2 Michelin Stars
Gramercy Tavern, Flatiron – #24
Opened in 1994 by restaurateur Danny Meyer in a historic landmark building near Union Square, Gramercy Tavern has become one of America’s most beloved restaurants. Besides its one Michelin Star, Gramercy Tavern has also earned nine James Beard Awards, including “Outstanding Restaurant” and “Outstanding Chef in America.”
The Tripadvisor restaurants guide writes:
Gramercy Tavern stands out with its cozy dining room and beautiful decor. The tasting menu is a must-try, showcasing innovative dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The friendly staff and warm service make the experience even better. Don’t miss the wine list that pairs perfectly with the flavorful dishes. It’s a great spot for special occasions or just a memorable night out.
📍 42 E 20th St.
🍽 American
⭐️ 1 Michelin Star
Hidden Gems
Though hidden gems normally require traveling a bit off the beaten path, the NYC restaurant that secured a spot in this category only requires you to journey to SoHo! And, if you do, your tastebuds will certainly be awarded. This category focused on restaurants from all over the world and included a total of 25 restaurants.
Piccola Cucina Estiatorio, SoHo – #23
Piccola Cucina Estiatorio takes a modern approach to Sicilian fare. Seafood is the primary focus here with Chef Philip Guardione, who was born on the southeast coast of Sicily, cooking up dishes including Paccheri ai Tre Crostacei, paccheri with scampi langoustine, lobster, and shrimp, and Gnocchi con Vongole, gnocchi with clams, zucchini, and their flowers.
The Tripadvisor guide writes:
In a city filled with Italian restaurants, Piccola Cucina Estiatorio stands out for its authentic Sicilian fare. The menu reflects Sicily’s global influences, with dishes like grilled octopus and moussaka. The knowledgeable staff will happily provide recommendations, including which of the delightful desserts they think are best (even though it’s hard to play favorites).
📍 75 Thompson St.
🍽 Italian
Vegan & Vegetarian
The menus at these winning spots are plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian friendly, but, to be honest, even meat eaters would love the dishes being served at these spots. This category focused on restaurants from all over the world and included a total of 30 restaurants.
P.S. Kitchen, Times Square – #26
P.S. Kitchen offers delicious dishes such as Crab Cakes, Western BBQ Chicken Salad, and Maitake Wings, all with a vegetarian twist. Beyond the food this restaurant sets itself apart from other vegetarian restaurants in NYC by promoting three goals: creating jobs for marginalized populations, donating 100% of earnings to non-profit organizations, and providing good-tasting and sustainably sourced meals to its customers.
The Tripadvisor restaurants guide writes:
P.S. Kitchen is a cozy spot with a philanthropic mission, making it a feel-good choice in the city. Go for their delicious vegan options, like the truffle mac ‘n’ cheese, or one of their tasty cocktails. The presentation is impressive, and you’ll appreciate the fair prices for the quality and portions.
📍 246 W 48th St.
🍽 American
Eleven Madison Park, Flatiron – #30
After the pandemic forced many restaurants to shut down across NYC, fine-dining favorite Eleven Madison Park eventually reopened with a little twist–the menu is now entirely vegan! CEO and Chef Daniel Humm attributed his decision to trying to live with a more plant-based diet himself and believing that serving a vegan menu will continue to challenge the restaurants creativity and understanding of ingredients.
The Tripadvisor guide writes:
You’re in for a treat at Eleven Madison Park. Their tasting menu offers a dazzling combination of rich flavors and playful textures (psst…go for the wine pairings to elevate the experience). That’s not all—the restaurant’s sleek setting and friendly service make it the perfect spot for an outstanding meal.
📍 11 Madison Ave.
🍽 American/European
⭐️ 3 Michelin Stars
Quick Bites
For no frills but alllll the flavor, these spots are worth paying a visit (and best enjoyed on the go!) This category focused on restaurants just within the United States (there’s also a separate ranking based in the UK) and included a total of 15 restaurants.
Bleecker Street Pizza, West Village – #1
Bleecker Street Pizza is a basic pizza shop offering cheap slices and pies late into the night–but their flavors are anything but basic. Their consistently delicious pizza is made with the best dough, flavorful sauce, and authentic ingredients. Try their Nona Marie Pie, an old family recipe that’s a customer favorite.
The Tripadvisor guide writes:
You can’t come to New York City and not have a dollar slice. And Bleecker Street Pizza delivers in spades. The family-run pizzeria is an institution. Don’t miss the standout Nonna Maria pie. It’s so good, you’ll want to order seconds.
📍 69 7th Ave S
🍽 Italian/Pizza
Joe’s Pizza, Greenwich Village – #3
Let’s be real, this is NYC, aka we’re not surprised in the least that more than one pizza place made this list. Established in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, who is originally from Naples, Italy–the birthplace of pizza–Joe’s Pizza has become a “Greenwich Village institution” offering the classic New York slice for over 47 years.
The Tripadvisor guide writes:
Joe’s Pizza has been a local favorite since the 1970s, but don’t let the long line dissuade you. It’s worth the wait. Instead of ordering a whole pie, it’s best to get a few different slices. Start with the classic pepperoni pizza, then try a white slice or the Sicilian square. Wash it all down with a cold beer.
📍 7 Carmine St.
🍽 Italian/Pizza
NY Pizza Suprema, Midtown – #4
Established in 1964, NY Pizza Suprema has been in the area longer than Madison Square Garden! Opened by Salvatore Riggio, an Italian immigrant, he only served plain cheese slices from 1964 to 1988. Though customers were told no when asking for toppings on their slice they’d still come back because of how delicious that plain slice was.
The Tripadvisor guide writes:
NY Pizza Suprema is a great spot for a quick bite. The margarita pizza is a must-try, and the meat lovers pizza really stands out, too. The staff is friendly, the service is fast, and it’s a favorite among locals—so you know it must be good.
📍 413 8th Ave.
🍽 Italian/Pizza
Shake Shack, Theater District – #13
Of course Shake Shack made the list–specifically the one in the Theater District–though when their burgers with special sauce, crinkle cut fries, and milkshakes are as good as they are it’s easy to see why.
The Tripadvisor guide writes:
Shake Shack is one of New York’s top fast-food chains. You have to try it at least once (trust me, you’ll want to go back for more). Get the signature burger drizzled in an addicting special sauce, with a side of crinkle-cut cheese fries. The milkshakes and homemade lemonade are a must, too.
📍 691 8th Ave.
🍽 Italian/Pizza
The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. For context, the title is awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.