New York City is a culinary mecca, with thousands of restaurants offering world-class cuisine for every palette. And once a year, the vibrant food scene becomes even more mouthwatering with NYC Restaurant Week. This annual dining event showcases special deals and menus from some of the best restaurants in the city, and offers diners the chance to try new culinary experiences for less. And now that NYC Restaurant Week is upon us, we’ve compiled a list of the best deals that we’re booking ASAP.
What is NYC Restaurant Week?
NYC Restaurant Week takes place each summer and winter, allowing patrons to experience some of New York’s finest restaurants at a fraction of the cost. During the seven-day event, participating restaurants offer pre-fixe lunch and dinner menus, with prices set at $26 for lunch and $42 for dinner, excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity. While menu items vary by restaurant, all are certain to provide a gourmet culinary experience.
What Deals Should I Book Now?
Here are some of the top NYC Restaurant Week deals we’re booking now:
The Spotted Pig – This lively gastropub offers a variety of classic British and Italian dishes. The Restaurant Week menu offers a three-course meal with dishes such as steak tartare, roasted swordfish, and sticky toffee pudding.
Matsuri – For an unforgettable Japanese cuisine experience, book a reservation at Matsuri. The dinner menu includes a selection of sushi, sashimi, and tempura dishes as well as bento boxes and ramen.
Gotham Bar and Grill – Enjoy a sophisticated NYC dine-in experience at the Gotham Bar and Grill. Their menu features classic American dishes, like the grilled salmon with butternut squash and the roasted beef tenderloin with Yukon gold potato.
Daniel – If you’re seeking a meal fit for royalty, grab your chopsticks and head to Daniel. The renowned French restaurant, owned by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud, offers both lunch and dinner menus featuring dishes such as cheddar beignets, wild caught Dover sole, and Macaroni Gratiné.
TickTock Diner – Put a retro-spin on your NYC dining experience with the TickTock Diner. The dinner menu includes crowd favorites like mac n’ cheese, burgers, and chicken parmesan, while the lunch menu offers savory sandwiches and salads.
Cafe China – For an eclectic Chinese fare, look no further than Café China. Specializing in sophisticated Szechuan cuisine, their dinner menu features dishes like braised pork and spinach dumplings, roasted duck, and scallion pancakes.
Five Bistro & Grill – Five Bistro & Grill is the ideal spot to indulge in classic French-inspired fare. The lunch menu includes bouillabaisse, mussels, ratatouille and capellini, while the dinner menu features dishes like ​escargots, filet mignon and crab risotto.
Adour – If you’re looking for a fine dining experience with a burst of flavor, stop by Adour. Their dinner menu brings together flavors from around the world, from New Zealand Rack of Lamb with mint and caramelized beets to Miso-Marinated Chilean Sea Bass with soy glaze.
The Top Tips for Making the Most of NYC Restaurant Week
Now that we’ve shared some of the best NYC Restaurant Week deals, here are our tips for making the most of the culinary extravaganza:
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Book Early – To avoid long wait-lists or unavailability, it’s recommended to book reservations as early as possible, as popular restaurants tend to book up quickly.
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Arrive Early – Many restaurants have seating limitations, so it’s important to show up early to ensure your dining experience isn’t cut short.
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Split Orders – To ensure you get a taste of the dishes offered on the Restaurant Week menu, it’s a good idea to split orders with your tablemates.
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Ask for Substitutions – Not a fan of a certain dish featured on the Restaurant Week menu? Ask your server if they can make a substitution. Most restaurants are happy to accommodate specific dietary needs or preferences.
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Offer a Gratuity – While gratuities aren’t included in the NYC Restaurant Week price, it’s customary to offer your server a 20-25% tip at the end of your meal.
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Leave Room for Dessert – Don’t forget to leave a little bit of room in your stomach for dessert! Many restaurants offer a variety of sweet treats to end your meal, such as cheesecake, creme brulee, and mousse.
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Make Time for Drinks – Now that alcoholic beverages are part of the NYC Restaurant Week experience, take the time to treat yourself to a flavorful cocktail, wine, or beer.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
From inventive gastropubs to French bistros, NYC Restaurant Week is the perfect time to explore the city’s vibrant dining scene. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine or a fancy French dining experience, there is something for everyone. So book your reservations now and set out on your NYC culinary adventure. Bon Appétit!
