Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Sunnyside, New York City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

BrooklynManhattanQueens

Neighborhoods

AstoriaDitmars SteinwayGreenpointLong Island CityMidtownMidtown East

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

135 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Smith - Midtown restaurant

1. The Smith - Midtown

4.7

Exceptional(8512)

$$$$

• American • Midtown East

Booked 128 times today

The Smith in Midtown is a gem of the neighborhood! Reviewers rave about its relaxed yet upbeat vibe, excellent food, and friendly service. It's the go-to spot for everything from date nights to quick drinks and catching up with friends. With its unique menu and cool ambiance, it's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

2. Hoexters

4.7

Exceptional(543)

$$$$

• American • Upper East Side

Booked 68 times today

Cozy, warm and inviting, Hoexter’s revival pays homage to its origins as a vibrant Upper East Side destination. Come in for a perfectly chilled martini and shrimp cocktail at our bar or indulge in our decadent gorgonzola garlic bread and a steak au poivre in one of our elegant dining room banquettes. Our menu has a little something for everyone, life's simple pleasures perfected! Book online or by calling us at 212-288-1777

3. Cafe d'Alsace

4.8

Exceptional(4017)

$$$$

• French • Upper East Side

Booked 103 times today

Cafe d'Alsace is a neighborhood gem, serving authentic French cuisine in a cozy, inviting environment. Customers frequently laud it as a 'great neighborhood bistro', 'neighborhood gem', and 'favorite neighborhood restaurant'. The restaurant consistently receives high ratings for food, service, and ambiance. Its unique decor, excellent service, and delicious food make it a beloved spot in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan.

4. Marlow East

4.6

Exceptional(506)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Upper East Side

Booked 60 times today

"Marlow East is a sophisticated New American restaurant and cocktail lounge where nature inspired elegance meets culinary innovation. With interiors evoking the tranquility and charm of Central Park, wood accents, curated art, lush greenery, and sculptural lighting, our space invites guests into a serene yet vibrant dining experience. Executive Chef Braxton Decker presents a refined New American menu that reimagines seasonal ingredients through an elevated, modern lens. Dishes celebrate local flavors while incorporating global technique, delivering plates that are as thoughtful as they are flavorful. The bar program, led by Beverage Director Kat Foster, offers a meticulously crafted cocktail list highlighting inventive riffs on classic"

5. Up Thai

4.8

Exceptional(199)

$$$$

• Thai • Upper East Side

Booked 101 times today

Up Thai — Elevated Thai Street Food on the Upper East SideUp Thai brings the bold, vibrant spirit of Thailand’s street food to the Upper East Side — reimagined with elevated ingredients, warm, stylish ambiance. Signature dishes like Kang Kua Soft Shell, Braised Beef Short ribs, and Duck Roti Roll, celebrate the depth of Thai flavors with a modern twist. Whether you’re craving wok-fired noodles, house-made curry, or creative Thai-inspired cocktails, Up Thai offers an immersive culinary experience where street food meets sophistication.

6. Maiella - LIC

4.8

Exceptional(2649)

$$$$

• Italian • Long Island City

Booked 41 times today

Maiella is an elegant Italian restaurant set on the Long Island City waterfront, directly beneath the iconic Pepsi sign in Gantry Plaza State Park. With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, it’s one of New York’s most scenic dining experiences.Chef Giuseppe Agostino, formerly of Del Posto, highlights authentic Italian cuisine with a modern touch—housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and signature dishes crafted with premium ingredients. Whether you're joining us for a relaxed dinner, a special occasion, or our popular weekly experiences like Sunday Sauce and Tomahawk Tuesday, Maiella delivers both quality and value.The warm, rustic space—designed by Bluarch—features indoor dining and a stunning outdoor terrace overlooking the city. Private dining options are available for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.

A photo of Piccola Cucina Uptown restaurant

7. Piccola Cucina Uptown

4.9

Exceptional(2720)

$$$$

• Italian • Upper East Side

Booked 76 times today

Escape to Italy without leaving New York City at Piccola Cucina Uptown. This charming restaurant offers an authentic Italian dining experience with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and traditional Sicilian specialties like the Pasta alla Norma. Enjoy a cozy meal with a view on the beautiful and intimate balcony on the second floor. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a lively gathering, Piccola Cucina Uptown delivers an unforgettable culinary journey.

A photo of Caffe Buon Gusto - UES restaurant

8. Caffe Buon Gusto - UES

4.7

Exceptional(1256)

$$$$

• Italian • Upper East Side

Booked 31 times today

This charming Upper East Side café exudes comfort and conviviality, with parchment shades that soften light from sconces that warm the room. Eager to please, the kitchen uses high-quality ingredients for its mix-and-match philosophy. Patrons can choose their meats, their pastas (dried or, for a slight surcharge, the restaurant's own homemade), and their sauces (from a simple marinara to a more complex carbonara) as they create their own dishes. For dessert, you can't go wrong with a cappuccino or a chocolate tartufo all served up with a smile. During this time, the Restaurant staff is taking temperature of diners and a phone number from one member of the party for contact tracing . Plexi-glass dividers are set up for both inside and outside dining areas.

A photo of ZOI MEDITERRANEAN UES restaurant

9. ZOI MEDITERRANEAN UES

4.2

Awesome(836)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Upper East Side

Booked 26 times today

Discover the Flavors of Mediterranean & Asian Fusion Cuisine at ZOI – On the Upper East Side, NYCLocated in the charming and upscale Upper East Side, ZOI MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE brings together the best of Greek, Italian, and Asian flavors in a modern and stylish setting. Our menu is crafted with the freshest seasonal ingredients, offering everything from light mezze plates to rich, flavorful entrées that capture the essence of coastal dining.Whether you're joining us for a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a special celebration, ZOI delivers an elevated dining experience with warm hospitality and exceptional service.Perfect for date nights, private events, or group gatherings.Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented Mediterranean & Asian Fusion Cuisine.Conveniently located in the Upper East Side — just moments away from Central Park and Museum Mile.Experience Zoi — where Mediterranean & Asian Fusion Cuisine elegance meets New York energy.

A photo of Smith & Wollensky - New York restaurant

10. Smith & Wollensky - New York

4.6

Exceptional(10005)

$$$$

• American • Midtown East

Booked 105 times today

Smith & Wollensky & Wollensky's Grill is open for indoor and outdoor dining.Since 1977, Smith & Wollensky has been New York City's best steakhouse serving USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, premium seafood and award-winning wines.Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Smith & Wollensky is the best steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan and New York City.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jackie
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This place is the best. I always love coming here! We went last night for dinner for my friend’s bachelorette and they were so lovely. They gave us champagne on the house and put a candle in our dessert to celebrate our friend. Great establishment!
More info
Hoexters$$$$• American• Upper East Side
•
4.7
R
RobertGold
New York City •45 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The Smith always delivers. Great food, great setting, great service. The menu has some new additions which is great. The oysters are always amazing. The bone in rib eye is worth it! Great for out of town visitors to try a NYC vibe and great food. One of our neighborhood favs.
More info
The Smith - Midtown$$$$• American• Midtown East
•
4.7
J
Javier
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food, the atmosphere, and the background jazz were excellent.
More info
Maiella - LIC$$$$• Italian• Long Island City
•
4.8
K
Kathleen
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
What a treat! Hostess was a delight. Service was great. And the food was the best Italian we have had in quite some time. Highly recommend.
More info
Piccola Cucina Uptown$$$$• Italian• Upper East Side
•
4.9
P
PattyGold
New York City •38 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
I had a great time at Café d’Alsace on the Upper East Side! The vibe was just right - cozy and lively without being overwhelming. The food was fantastic - my waffles were fluffy and delicious. Service was attentive and friendly, which made the whole experience even better. My only tiny gripe is that I wish they offered more fruit options with the waffles - only strawberries were available. Still, I left really happy and will definitely be back!
More info
Cafe d'Alsace$$$$• French• Upper East Side
•
4.8

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