The 10 Best Restaurants in Chelsea NYC

Miznon comes straight from Tel Aviv to the thriving Chelsea, bringing Middle Eastern flavors to New York. It’s the brainchild of Chef Eyal Shani, who specializes in preparing haute cuisine. Through his determination, this eatery has gone international, with multiple locations sprouting across the globe.

If you like Pita, then you’re in for a treat. Miznon is all about bringing new flavors to Pita. One great thing about Miznon is how the team there prepares food; even with the blandest ingredients, they can prepare some top-of-the-line delicacies, and you’ll be surprised that they taste great.

While the food is tasty, the décor isn’t all that fancy. Most dishes they serve are bite-sized, so it’s ideal for lunch. Some dishes that are a must-try at this eatery include:

The Cookshop is worth your visit if you’re looking for an all-American restaurant with a simple menu. The Cookshop was established to promote dishes that use ingredients from the Northeastern region, be it farm animals, agricultural products, or artisanal cheese. There is no such thing as processed food here. 

You can opt for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. It’s a great place to have a meal; you’re guaranteed a good time. However, the only downside is the long wait. You must make your reservation online to avoid a rush.

If you do find yourself at a table for lunch in Cookshop, here are some recommendations to consider:

Ahh Steak! The meat lovers’ go-to dining choice. If you’re one of them and are near Madison Square, Skirt Steak should be on your radar. This Chelsea eatery found fame on TikTok, where food bloggers praised their simple yet sumptuous menu and ambiance.

One of the best things about Skirt Steak is the no-nonsense menu. You can choose whether you want it rare, medium, or well-done, but their main entrée is chunks of meat perfectly grilled to maximize flavor and texture. If you’re unsatisfied with the $45 deal that includes Bibb Lettuce Salad, Sliced Skirt Steak, and unlimited French fries, you can also check out their sides and drinks.

While Skirt Steak does sound like a haven for meat lovers, the only downside is a long waiting line. They don’t accept reservations; you can’t put your name and wait elsewhere. As they say, good things happen to those who wait, and you’ll eventually get your reward after standing 45 minutes in line.

Entrée, sides, and desserts you should try include:

You can find fine dining eateries everywhere in N.Y.C. Whether it’s restaurants in Rochester or Midtown eateries, there is a restaurant that serves haute cuisine that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Chelsea restaurants aren’t any different. Several eateries are ready to provide the experience you’re looking for.

Hav & Mar should be on your go-to restaurant list if you want a taste underwater. Established by chef Marcus Samuelsson, this restaurant features dishes inspired by his own background.

They serve primarily Scandinavian and Ethiopian dishes, but you can also find dishes from other countries, such as Thai Basil, salsa verde, and Andouille Sausage.

The food isn’t the only highlight; the whole eatery has a party-like ambiance, with high-bpm music booming in the room and conversations swirling. But the odd thing about this restaurant in Chelsea is that it closes at 10 p.m. While it might sound unusual to some, it’s great for those looking for a place to party without tipping their work-life balance. 

Here’s what you should order:

While it’s true that N.Y.C. doesn’t precisely scream Mexican food, it’s untrue that there are only some good Mexican restaurants. You should check out restaurants in Hudson, N.Y.C.

However, if you’re close to Chelsea, you’re in for a treat. Who says New York can’t do Mexican food when you have Los Tacos No. 1 serving quality tacos and quesadillas?

This little indoor stall lets you get your hands on the best Mexican Tacos in N.Y.C. You can verify this by looking at the long queues of people waiting to be served. While it is famous for its authentic-tasting Tacos, it also prepares other Tapas items that are a must-try:

If you’re wandering through Chelsea and craving a flavorful vegetarian meal, Dil-e-Punjab Deli is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss. This small, no-frills spot is perfect for a quick, satisfying bite that won’t break the bank. It’s all about comfort food here, with dishes served straight from a steam table into your to-go box. And the best part? It’s all vegetarian, with plenty of options. For just $10, you can get a trio of hearty dishes that will leave you feeling satiated.

Dil-e-Punjab is famous for its simplicity. Don’t expect fancy décor or elaborate presentation; this is a place where the focus is purely on the food. Most of the flavors are mild but rich and comforting. Whether grabbing a quick takeout or standing at the counter to eat, this spot is one of the best takeaway spots in Chelsea.

Consider checking out these dishes if you plan to visit this Chelsea eatery:

While the best dim sum in Manhattan might traditionally be found on Canal Street, Hey Yuet in Chelsea gives those spots a run for their money. This cozy Cantonese eatery offers a solid selection of dim sum without venturing far from the neighborhood.

The casual dining room is charming, with vintage trinkets and antique clocks adding a peculiar ambiance. It’s a welcoming place for a relaxed meal with friends. Whether you’re craving dumplings, buns, or shrimp, Hey Yuet delivers on flavor and quality, making it one of the best restaurants in Chelsea, N.Y.C.

What’s unique about Hey Yuet is that, while it lacks the traditional dim sum carts, the food more than makes up for it. You can indulge in their dim sum offerings until 5 p.m. before they switch over to a full dinner menu. The dishes here hit all the right notes, with crispy, savory, and rich flavors balanced perfectly. It’s an ideal spot for a dim sum fix, right in the heart of Chelsea.

Must-Try Dishes at Hey Yuet:

Tia Pol is the spot designed for a perfect first date or an early-in-the-game hangout. It’s cozy and intimate and offers enough wine and sangria to help you loosen up and get the conversation going.

The vibe is lively without being overwhelming, and once you’ve had a glass or two, sharing a spread of their top-notch tapas feels like the natural next step. Just be prepared for a short waiting time—it’s not uncommon to face a 30-minute delay for a table, but that gives you a chance to size up your company.

Tia Pol also shines as a spot for group dining, although reservations are essential if you come with more than three people. The tapas menu is made for sharing, and with so many tempting options, you’ll want to try a bit of everything. Whether you’re here for a date or with friends, you can enjoy your time at one of the best restaurants in Chelsea, N.Y.C.. It also offers some Spanish flavors paired with good wine.

Here are some recommendations you can try:

At Shukette, bread isn’t just a side dish—it’s a star. This Mediterranean gem in Chelsea, and the sister spot to Shuka, understands the powerful allure of perfectly baked, flavor-packed bread. Whether you’re tearing into their Garlic French Bread, savoring the za’atar-covered luffa, or enjoying the cheesy, stuffed gozleme, you can easily make a meal out of carbs alone. But while the bread is phenomenal, the rest of the menu is equally worth your attention.

Shukette’s menu is designed for communal eating, and it’s packed with dishes that will make you wish you had more room in your stomach. The “Fish In A Cage,” a whole grilled porgy topped with herb pistou, is a standout, as is the Joojeh Chicken—juicy, tender, and flavorful thanks to a side of toum and homemade hot sauce.

Don’t overlook the small plates, especially the shuk section, which includes everything from grilled Romanesco with Fresno Chili Sauce to golf-ball-sized Tuna Meatballs.

Whether you’re there for the bread, the shuk, or the entrees, Shukette is one of the best restaurants in Chelsea, N.Y.C., for group dining. It’s a place where sharing is not just encouraged but essential.

Here are some recommendations you should try:

In a setting buzzing with New York City energy, Café Chelsea is where history, art, and food combine. Housed in the iconic Hotel Chelsea, which has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to Janis Joplin, this Art Deco-inspired restaurant breathes new life into 23rd Street’s storied past.

A celebrity sighting here would hardly be surprising, but the atmosphere makes you feel part of a scene even without the star power. With mirrors lining the walls and abstract art from the hotel’s own collection, Café Chelsea is a people-watching paradise—and its booths are perfect for eavesdropping or even joining in on neighboring conversations.

The food plays a solid supporting role in the ambiance, with dishes that blend French brasserie staples with a modern flair. Whether grabbing oysters and steak frites with tourists or brunching on omelets with a side of gossip, Café Chelsea delivers a quintessential N.Y.C. dining experience. And while the food may not be the primary reason to visit, certain dishes like the maitake au poivre and steak frites shine. Moreover, the desserts are good enough to keep you lingering over coffee and conversations, maybe even long enough for that celeb sighting to happen.

If you do plan to visit this restaurant, here are some recommendations worth the money: