10 New York Dinner Spots That Actually Live Up To Their Hype

“You have to try La Esquina. It’s the best taco you’ll ever try.”

“You need to go to L’Artusi for the best pasta you’ve ever had.”

“Did you see that Netflix special on Cosme? We have got to try it!”

I don’t know about you, but for me, it feels like everywhere I go there’s someone telling be about a different New York dinner spot with a bouncer and a five month wait list that I absolutely HAVE to try asap.

But which ones are actually living up their hype? Frankly, the way I see it, there are too many awesome restaurants in this city to waste time at anything subpar.

And, unfortunately, I’ve spent more than a little bit of time that restaurants that were less than awesome. But, by that same token, I’ve also gone to some restaurants that absolutely rocked my word.

Check out these hyped up New York dinner spots that actually live up to their reputation.

Buddakan

A post shared by Buddakan Restaurant NYC (@buddakannyc) on Aug 4, 2017 at 1:32pm PDT

The chefs at Buddakan masterfully transform the Asian takeout you order as comfort food into beautifully presented fine dining unlike anything you’ve ever had before. Must orders: Foie Gras & Chicken Dumplings, Glazed Alaskan Black Cod, Dungeness Crab Sticky Rice

Cosme

A post shared by Cosme (@cosmenyc) on Mar 24, 2017 at 10:00am PDT

Enrique Olvera’s Cosme treats every magnificent dish like its own unique experience for your taste buds complete with flavors and textures you’ve never experienced before.

Must orders: Cobia Al Pastor, Duck Carnitas, Husk Meringue

Gotham Bar and Grill

A post shared by gothambarandgrill (@gothambarandgrill) on Jul 26, 2017 at 11:13am PDT

Enter Gotham’s open and airy atmosphere to enjoy one perfectly executed all American dish after another. Must orders: Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Roasted Red And Yellow Beet Salad, Miso Marinated Black Cod

L’Artusi

A post shared by L’Artusi (@lartusi) on Mar 26, 2017 at 5:40am PDT

L’Artusi knows how to take a classic Italian dish and, not just do it right, but do it better.

Must orders: Roasted mushrooms, Spaghetti, Bucatini

La Esquina (downstairs)

A post shared by La Esquina (@esquinanyc) on Aug 20, 2017 at 10:25am PDT

If you manage to get into La Esquina’s downstairs ultra-chic speakeasy style restaurant, prepare your tastebuds for some of the most incredibly well done Mexican dishes you’ve ever had. Must orders: Oysters, Queso Dip, Carne Asada Tacos

Lincoln Square Steak

A post shared by Lincoln Square Steak (@lincolnsquaresteak) on Jul 24, 2017 at 12:37pm PDT

From its old-timey red and black aesthetic to the actual melt-in your mouth meats on the menu, Lincoln Square Steak is exactly what you want out of a high end steak house. And then some.

Must orders: Classic Caesar Salad, Onion Soup, Prime Dry Aged Porterhouse Steak for 2, 3 or 4

Loring Place

A post shared by Loring Place (@loringplacenyc) on Jul 4, 2017 at 3:10pm PDT

Even with a rich dish like a pizza or a roasted short rib, the fresh ingredients the chefs at Loring Place masterfully put together still manage to leave you feeling nice and healthy. Must orders: Baked Ricotta, Fluke Crudo, Roasted Short Rib

Minetta Tavern

A post shared by Minetta Tavern (@minettatavernny) on Jul 31, 2017 at 6:42pm PDT

From the mouth-watering food to the plush red leather booths you sit in while you enjoy it, everything about Minetta Tavern is just absolutely classic.

Must order: Little Gem Caesar, Roasted Bone Marrow, Black Label Burger

Rubirosa

A post shared by Rubirosa Pizza & Ristorante (@rubirosa_nyc) on Mar 1, 2017 at 3:37pm PST

Behind Rubirosa’s ruby red curtains, you’ll find the best thin crust pizza you’ve ever had. Must order: Grandma’s Braciole, Cavatelli, Vodka Pizza   

Sugar Fish

A post shared by SUGARFISH | LA • NYC (@sugarfishbynozawa) on May 26, 2017 at 1:15pm PDT

The day Sugar Fish opened its NYC location, they had to cap off the five hour wait list because they were afraid of running out of fish and, trust me, they live up to the hype.

Must order: Trust Me