What is the Most Expensive Restaurant in NYC? 5 Top Eateries

What is the Most Expensive Restaurant in NYC? 5 Top Eateries

Move over, Paris — New York City is coming for your crown as the new culinary capital of the world. From the twinkle of chandeliers to the swift splash of sauce to complete an edible masterpiece, expensive restaurants are a journey for the senses.

Unsure how to distinguish the cream from the crop of the seemingly endless eateries in New York City? Whether you’re a New Yorker or staying at one of the most expensive hotels in the world situated in the Big Apple, this city can offer you the best in opulent gastronomic adventures.

Tasting in the Lap of Luxury at Expensive Restaurants in NYC

Are you looking for the perfect pairing after a helicopter tour of New York or simply craving a taste of the good life for an evening? Take a look at these fanciest restaurants in New York to indulge in a night filled with dishes to swoon over.

Per Se (French & American Fusion)

A top contender for the most expensive restaurant in NYC, Per Se is the place to be. In a classy, decorated space with a dining room boasting a fantastic view of Central Park, this restaurant is a slice of upscale heaven.

From oysters topped with pearl tapioca to the poached meringue, this menu serves decadence on a platter. The chef with the most Michelin stars to his name in the United States, Chef Thomas Keller, has a restaurant that goes above and beyond to ensure a luxurious experience.

With a nine-course tasting menu that does not repeat a single ingredient in the construction of the dishes, this restaurant will have you sampling a kaleidoscope of flavors.

Are you feeling thirsty? The wine menu of this enticing establishment features around 2,000 bottles curated to complement the specific palette of the menu.

Jean-Georges (Thai-French Fusion)

If you’re looking for expensive restaurants in Manhattan, this might be the pick for you. Jean-Georges, another eatery with a stellar view of Central Park, is the perfect place to have a lovely afternoon with a chic twist.

This restaurant is located in the renowned Trump Tower and is run by the famous restaurateur, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. While the type of cuisine might seem like an unlikely pairing, this Manhattan marvel provides the goods for serving innovation in a dish.

The finishing touches of your chosen creation are done at your table, which adds an insightful glance into the kitchen's inner workings. Whether you are ordering from the prix fixe menu or looking to nibble on some of the chef’s signature dishes on the tasting menu, you’re in for a treat.

If you’re after a dive into the world of food excellence, try the Wagyu beef tenderloin embellished with black truffles, caramelized onions, and potatoes. Simply divine!

Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare (Japanese & French Techniques)

Located within the gourmet flair of the Brooklyn Fare Kitchen & Market, this Michelin-starred eatery is a tucked-away foodie gem.

The menu is ever-changing to incorporate items that are in season, which makes every trip to this restaurant a unique visit. With only 18 seats in the vicinity, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare offers a deliciously intimate experience. Known as one of the most exclusive restaurants in NYC, you’ll be lucky if you can get your hands on a reservation.

The tasting menu comes in at a whopping $395 (tax not included) per person and requires a $200 non-refundable deposit to secure your booking.

Tip: The restaurant does not substitute meals that include seafood and non-vegan ingredients, which is a large majority of the prepared courses.

Eleven Madison Park (Contemporary Cuisine)

With stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and art deco trimmings, Eleven Madison Park is a tough act to beat when it comes to providing the epitome of class. Situated with a perfect view of the iconic Madison Square Park, this eatery is the ideal destination for a drink after a full day of exploring.

Various everyday ingredients inspire the cocktail menu’s names. Whether you try the tequila-laden creation of a Parsnip or the coconut, coffee, and bourbon concoction of a Rice, don’t let these simply named cocktails fool you.

Eleven Madison Park is owned by Chef Daniel Humm and makes great strides to eradicate food insecurity in various areas through the Eleven Madison Truck. This initiative provides meals to communities in need. Who doesn’t love a fine dining restaurant that cares?

Ai Fiori (Italian & French Rivieras Inspired Cuisine)

Situated on the second floor of the prestigious The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, a culinary paradise awaits. The restaurant's name means ‘among the flowers’ in Italian, which is fitting as an evening at this place will be sure to bloom into an unforgettable experience.

This Michelin-starred establishment can be found on Fifth Avenue decorated in a simple yet elegant style. From the sinfully delicious pleasures of caviar to hand-crafted pasta creations, Ai Fiori is a master of tickling your tastebuds.

Honorable Mentions

While not every restaurant is an haute cuisine establishment, some restaurants offer dishes accompanied by a hefty price tag. Here are a few high-end restaurants that offer a sense of extravagance in a dish:

  • Baccarat Hotel New York - Served in an exquisite Tsar glass keepsake, this establishment has a $5,000 cocktail on the menu that is sure to be the priciest drink you’ve ever purchased. This expensive elixir uses costly spices and the elite liquor of Chartreuse as some of its main ingredients. Patrons that wish to taste this lavish libation without the glass souvenir can obtain this drink for $1,400.
  • Serendipity 3 - While french fries might be part of your daily life, why not treat yourself to the most expensive potato dish in the world? This restaurant has a $200 french fries that offers an angelic experience. Topped with gold flakes and truffles, this eatery takes comfort food to another level.

Final Thoughts on the Most Expensive Restaurant in New York

The most expensive NYC restaurants specialize in the art of exceptional service, finely-crafted dishes, and a sense of refinement. Whether you’re after a classic fine dining experience or prefer the wonderment of experimental cuisine, this city has it all.

Get your knives and forks ready; it’s time to take a bite out of the juicy Big Apple in all of its glamorous glory.

Image credit: ThomasKeller.com