A two-MICHELIN-Starred Nordic restaurant in Midtown East, Aquavit provides refined Scandinavian flavors under chef Emma Bengtsson. Dishes like hay-smoked gravlax garnished with roe, venison tartare, and Danish smørrebrød (buttered bread with unique toppings) may appear on the tasting menus, alongside a comprehensive beverage selection. The sleek dining room with warm wooden interiors is surprisingly inviting for a modern space that rates high among the best MICHELIN-star restaurants in NYC.

Brooklyn’s Williamsburg is home to ASKA, a two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant that showcases Nordic and Scandinavian cuisine through a 12 to 14-course tasting menu. Chef Fredrik Berselius often crafts dishes like live scallops in warm broth, venison with sunchoke, and preserved vegetables, using foraged ingredients from the borough and beyond. The private setting of around ten small tables spaced well apart brings luxurious exclusivity to dining at one of the best MICHELIN star restaurants in NYC.

A two-MICHELIN-Starred favorite in Midtown West, Gabriel Kreuther blends Alsatian tradition with modern finesse. Highlights of the contemporary French menu include the celebrated chef’s famed sturgeon and sauerkraut tart with kaluga caviar, bacon-smoked tarte flambée, and decadent seasonal dishes. The ambiance is sophisticated, with comforting wood tones and hand-blown glass fixtures.

A discreet Flatiron District kaiseki counter, two-MICHELIN-Starred odo prepares a tasting experience grounded deeply in the precision of Japanese tradition. Chef Hiroki Odo’s evolving omakase highlights dishes and ingredients like uni and caviar chawanmushi, A5 wagyu, and pristine sashimi. The small space is hidden behind a cocktail bar and dimly lit for an exclusive experience akin to fine dining in Kyoto without leaving one of the best MICHELIN star restaurants in NYC.

The Upper East Side’s two-MICHELIN-Starred Sushi Noz is an ode to Edomae sushi helmed by chef Nozomu Abe. Expertly crafted Japanese-inspired dishes like aged otoro, Hokkaido uni, and other precisely seasoned bites are served at a hinoki wood counter that’s over 200 years old. The meticulous aging techniques and chef Abe’s exacting standards for each detail from wasabi to rice make this one of New York’s most sought-after omakase destinations.

A sleek East Village omakase counter, Bar Miller serves adapted Japanese with North American ingredients. Inventive dishes might include a crispy fish cracker topped with tuna tartare or torched sea urchin in locally made soy sauce. With just a handful of seats, the experience is exclusive and personal.

MICHELIN-Starred Casa Mono is a Spanish restaurant near Union Square that channels the vibrant energy of the Barcelona tapas scene. The open kitchen sends out plates of razor clams a la plancha, duck egg with mojama, and bacalao croquetas, while warm lighting, Spanish tile, and the hum of conversation create a lively, convivial atmosphere. Pair your meal with a glass of sherry from the extensive collection.

MICHELIN-Starred Francie fuses European brasserie charm with seasonal American ingredients in Williamsburg. The menu includes dishes like bucatini amatriciana and oysters with persimmon mignonette, but duck preparations are the stars of the menu. The dining room presents an open kitchen, warm wood paneling, and soft lighting, creating a welcoming yet polished atmosphere. The a la carte menu also makes it one of the best MICHELIN Star restaurants in NYC.

MICHELIN-Starred Kochi serves a modern Korean tasting menu inspired by royal cuisine. Skewers ranging from scallops with leche de tigre to pork collar with pistachio ssamjang are the main event, but other standouts include kimchi shakshuka and charred short ribs with black garlic jus. The sleek Hell’s Kitchen interior with dark wood and an open kitchen encourages engagement. Bold yet balanced flavors paired with modern plating make Kochi one of the top fine dining destinations in NYC.

At l’abeille, chef Mitsunobu Nagae combines French cuisine with strong Japanese influence in a sophisticated yet approachable menu. Tasting menu dishes at the MICHELIN-Starred TriBeCa charmer could include black truffle Japanese risotto, kombu and beef gelée with uni, or Maine lobster with French lentils. The setting is glamorous, with plentiful touches of marble and velvet. Attentive service and wine pairings complete the refined dining experience.

A MICHELIN-Starred Korean concept in Hell’s Kitchen, Mari reinterprets classic flavors with a seasonal tasting menu of small plates and unique handrolls. Highlights include lobster kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) in gochujang bouillabaisse, smoked hwe with blood orange brulee, or uni and snow crab, among other delicate seafood preparations. The modern, chic, and elegant decor complements the restaurant’s approach of sophistication rooted in tradition.

MICHELIN-Starred The Musket Room brings contemporary American fare to NoLita in a chic, inviting space. Signature dishes range from cold smoked scallops with pear and black garlic to steak tartare with kumquat and Aleppo pepper. A rustic-chic aesthetic, including exposed brick, soft lighting, and a charming backyard adds warmth to the airy space. The Musket Room is also home to some of the city’s best desserts.

The Chelsea counterpart to Sushi Noz, MICHELIN-Starred omakase Noz 17 delivers an intimate, highly exclusive sushi experience. Aged bluefin tuna, silky Hokkaido uni, and delicate kohada showcase the chef’s mastery of Edomae techniques. Limited seating, a beautifully crafted hinoki counter, and a quiet, reverent atmosphere make this a destination for serious, traditional Japanese sushi.

Tempura Matsui focuses on the Japanese art of tempura in a warm space with a sloping wooden roof and paper screens for windows. With expert frying of an almost ethereal batter, the seasonal menu includes shrimp tempura, seasonal vegetables, and delicate seafood. Grab a seat at the counter for an up-close view of the chef’s mastery.

A MICHELIN-Starred kaiseki experience, Tsukimi presents a modern Japanese tasting menu in the East Village. Seasonal dishes might include sashimi with dainty garnishes, A5 Wagyu beef, and delicate broths. The sleekly minimalist setting with the focus on counter dining adds to the meal’s contemplative, almost ritualistic nature. Thoughtful details, from ceramics to plating, contribute to the refined ambiance at Tsukimi.

Yingtao gives regional Chinese flavors a modern twist in Hell’s Kitchen. Standout dishes include extra-crispy pipa duck with pumpkin-infused bao, red snapper with crispy tofu skins, and foie gras with Sichuan peppercorns. The dimly lit dining room of dark woods, black surfaces, and metallic finishes is decidedly modern without sacrificing traditional Chinese details, much like the menu. Don’t miss the creative cocktails, including zero-proof options.

Estela, a MICHELIN-Starred NoHo hotspot from chef Ignacio Mattos, is known for bold, ingredient-driven small plates. Tapas-style favorites include beef tartare with sunchoke and ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino. The wine list leans natural, and the deep beer list is also notable. The buzzy space, with its marble bar and close-set tables, makes it a go-to for late-night dining.

Located in the Flatiron District, Oiji Mi provides a contemporary Korean fine dining prix fixe menu with a MICHELIN Star. The five-course experience includes refined takes on classics, such as lobster ramyun with chili and cucumber or striped jack hwe with finger lime and pear. The bar program is known for its stellar soju-based cocktails. Plush seating, lantern-inspired lighting, and premium finishes add to the glam vibe, and plates from chef Brian Kim are even more elegant.

bōm is an ultra-exclusive MICHELIN-Starred counter tucked inside Oiji Mi, where chef Brian Kim presents a high-end omakase of contemporary Korean fare. The multi-course progression might include caviar-topped gimbap or king crab gyeran-jjim along with refined wagyu preparations. The experience is immersive and highly limited, with low lighting over a dramatic marble counter for heightened luxury.