Flatiron

Note: Restaurants are categorized by cuisine and listed in alphabetical order and not in order of preference.

American

  • abcV – Plant-forward spot by Jean-Georges Vongerichten for seasonal plates, tonics, and cocktails, plus gluten-free fare
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Bright, modern, casual
    • Suggestions: Whole roasted cauliflower, avocado lettuce cups, wood roasted baby artichoke, potato dumplings
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with someone who is vegetarian or vegan, a last minute dinner, a casual but very good meal
    • Note: All of the food on the menu is vegetarian

Indian

  • SONA – Priyanka Chopra’s trendy restaurant spotlighting reimagined Indian dishes and desserts, plus cocktails, wine, and brunch
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Well decorated, nicely lit, welcoming 
    • Suggestions: Burrata butter chicken
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A nice dinner, a date, when the parents are in town
    • Note: SONA received Michelin recognition in 2023

Italian 

  • Obica – Spacious Italy-based mozzarella bar serving pizza, pasta & small plates plus cocktails, wine and more
    • Location: Flatiron, Midtown
    • Atmosphere: Modern, spacious 
    • Suggestions: Any of the charcuterie boards are worth ordering 
    • Reservations: Not required; you can typically walk in day or night of 
    • A Good Place For: A date, a last minute dinner with friends 
    • Note: In my option, Obica is subpar. The restaurant is convenient for a last minute dinner and the charcuterie boards are great for sharing. But the food won’t wow you. You won’t leave disappointed but you won’t leave with a memorable meal either. There are plenty of other Italian restaurants I would stop by before booking a table at Obica 

  • Portale – Warm neighborhood restaurant and bar presenting seasonally driven Italian dishes from an open kitchen
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Upscale, trendy
    • Suggestions: Polpette, risotto, lumache (this was amazing)
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get; you can usually secure a few days in advance 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner with the parents, a special occasion 

  • Rezdora – Italian eatery highlighting handmade pasta, traditional meat & fish dishes plus local vegetables
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Quaint, seclusive 
    • Suggestions: Any of the pastas made in house; I really enjoyed the Anolini di Parma
    • Reservations: Required; reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight via Resy. Walk ins are welcome at the bar
    • A Good Place For: A special occasion, a small group (2-4 people), an upscale Italian meal
    • Note: Rezdora has 1 Michlin star

  • Zero Otto Nove – Traditional Italian food & drink served in a warm setting with an old-world vibe
    • Location: Flatiron 
    • Atmosphere: Basic, loud, casual 
    • Suggestions: Radiatori in Cartoccio 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get. Reservations can be made on Open Table or by calling
    • A Good Place For: A large group dinner 
    • Note: The food was good but nothing special. It was easy to get a reservation for a large group, which was convenient 

Korean 

  • COQODAQ – An innovative fried chicken concept from Gracious Hospitality Management
    • Location: Flatiron 
    • Atmosphere: Trendy, upscale
    • Suggestions:  The Bucket List, Spicy Tteokbokki
    • Reservations: Reservations open 14 days in advance, including day of, at 10am ET. All of the dining tables at COQODAQ are sized for parties of 4 and up. They accept parties of 2-3 in their first seating (5:00pm – 5:30pm) or their last seating (10:30pm -11:00pm) only. COQODAQ offers bar seating to walk-in parties only
    • A Good Place For: A special celebration, a unique dining experience, dinner with friends
    • Note: COQODAQ is also known for their champagne menu and their “Golden Nugget” (chicken nugget with caviar). I heard the Golden Nugget is overrate and not worth the price
    • Sister Restaurant: COTE

  • COTE – Upscale Korean steakhouse featuring tables with smokeless grills, plus an extensive wine list
    • Location: Flatiron 
    • Atmosphere: Dark, moody, loud
    • Suggestions: Any of the meats 
    • Reservations: Reservations open 30 days in advance at 10am. All of the grill top dining tables at COTE are sized for parties of 4 and up, so parties of 2-3 are only accepted in their first seating (5:00pm – 5:30pm) or their last seating (10:30pm – 11:00pm)
    • A Good Place For: A special celebration 
    • Note: There is a speakeasy under the restaurant called Undercote. It’s small, the drinks are expensive but it’s worth stopping by 
    • Sister Restaurant: COQODAQ

Mexican 

  • Casa Carmen – Upscale Mexican spot and the new venture of a Mexican family led by renowned chef Carmen “Titita” Ramirez Degollado and her grandsons Sebastian and Santiago
    • Location: Flatiron, Tribeca 
    • Atmosphere: Elegant, upscale, cavernous
    • Suggestions: Guacamole, tacos 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Group dinner, dinner with the parents 

  • Cosme – Sleek Mexican spot with a big bar for locally sourced share plates, plus tequila & mezcal cocktails
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Upscale, dark, contemporary 
    • Suggestions: Duck carnitas, guacamole, margaritas 
    • Reservations: Required
    • A Good Place For: A special occasion, dinner with the parents, an anniversary 
    • Notes: Cosme was voted the 22nd best restaurant in the world in 2021. The duck carnitas are the best I’ve ever had. The menu is pricey  

  • Rosa Mexicano – Rosa Mexicano offers a fresh take on authentic Mexican cuisine, serving both beloved classic dishes in a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere
    • Location: Flatiron, Upper West Side, Midtown East 
    • Atmosphere: Vibrant, colorful
    • Suggestions: I don’t think there are any standouts on the menu
    • Reservations: Not required 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner before going out, a last minute big group dinner 
    • Note: I find the food here to be subpar at best. But, the drinks are decent and affordable so it’s a good last minute dinner spot before going out 

Brunch 

  • Isabelle’s Osteria – Italian dishes, wine & cocktails lie in store at this upbeat restaurant with an enclosed patio
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Festive, well decorated, vibrant 
    • Suggestions: Crispy potatoes 
    • Reservations: Not required, can get a same day reservation 
    • Bottomless: $19 per person includes mimosas, palomas, bloody marys