In New York City, the hottest dining area isn’t Soho or Chinatown; it’s actually Midtown South, where office workers are on the lookout for varied dining choices.
Lee Block from RTL leasing company notes, “There’s a fantastic mix of different concepts and levels of hospitality. Plus, the location is super easy to get to.” RTL helped match a restaurant to a spot on the busy East 20th Street, right in the Flatiron District between Broadway and Park Avenue South.
On this block, it seems nearly every address has turned into a restaurant, and the demand is so high that restaurateurs are paying more than $200 per square foot. That’s pretty much on par with prime commercial real estate prices.
Adelaide Polsinelli from Compass adds, “There really is something for everyone’s palate on this block. You could say it feels like dining around the world.”
902 Broadway: aqua
Aqua features an upscale ambiance, providing a seasonal menu that infuses Italian and Japanese cuisines. They also have a great bar menu; if you’re into cocktails, the Kyoto After Dark event on Thursdays, from 8 PM to 2 AM, features drinks and a DJ.
25th place: Devotion
This café, adorned with brick walls and greenery, creates a warm atmosphere. They roast their Colombian beans in Brooklyn for ten days, claiming to offer some of the freshest coffee around.
27th place: Lesbian Dragon
At Rezdôra, Michelin-starred chef Stefano Secchi celebrates cuisine from Emilia-Romagna. His partner, David Switzer, describes the menu in a charming way, referring to it as “What Grandma would make.” A notable dish is the Cappelletti Verdi served with sautéed green onions and black mushroom purée.
No.29: Recently leased
The last open spot on the block, measuring 1,800 square feet, has been leased to a healthy café concept offering both dine-in and take-out. Block mentioned, “It’s a really interesting restaurant.”
30th place: antidote
Previously known as Nemesis, Antidote has rebranded itself as an Asian concept, and the owners are making some exciting changes.
31st place: “Ino”
RTL helped lease this location to Bottino, the owner in Chelsea, who is offering Italian cuisine inspired by chef James Kenyon’s English upbringing.
33rd place: sugar fish
Sushi Nozawa Group has made its first foray into New York here, promoting their offerings with the tagline, “Just delicious sushi.”
34th place: naar restaurant
Nar offers modern flavors and halal options, including dishes like kebabs, eggplant, zucchini flowers, and delightful desserts like Turkish delight lava cake.
35th place: Opt
Chef Alex Tubero emphasizes that this isn’t your typical Mediterranean fare, with standout dishes featuring whipped sheep’s milk ricotta and suckling pig shoulder.
36th place: passerine
Here, Michelin-starred chef Chetan Shetty blends his mother’s Pune spices with local ingredients, offering seasonal Indian fare. The atmosphere is well-crafted, but be aware: children under ten and strollers aren’t allowed.
40th place: Renlen
This retro Thai restaurant is set in a 3,541-square-foot space recently purchased for $3.1 million. Block expressed excitement about their innovative concept, where diners can enjoy noodles and cocktails.
No.41: mari vanna
With a cozy vintage ambiance, this restaurant offers Eastern European dishes. Founded in St. Petersburg, it boasts a menu rich in Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, and Uzbek flavors, all steeped in what they call their “secret ingredient,” love.
42nd place: Gramercy Tavern
This beloved spot features a casual tavern-style ambiance alongside an upscale dining room, serving seasonal dishes like roasted oysters and fresh vegetarian pastas.
43rd place: Saint Urban
Here, chef Jared Ian Stafford-Hill presents fine seasonal cuisine with a French touch. They offer prix fixe menus with several courses, and you can choose one that pairs well with wine.
45th place: Five Element Gramercy
Set to open later this year, this partnership between Ippudo and other Manhattan locations features renowned Hakata tonkotsu ramen and delicious Wagyu sukiyaki.
250 Park Avenue S.: Balbunia
A staple in Gramercy, this Mediterranean family-style eatery serves hearty dishes like shakshuka and roasted meats, along with tempting desserts.
