DINING IN THE UPPER EAST SIDE
Contributor - Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant • 3/20/25
In the last six months, the UES has welcomed some of the most attractive new restaurants in the city. We are not the only ones judging here. Eater, NYTimes and other well-respected publishers have agreed.
CAFÉ COMMERCE
Within the new year came the quaint Café Commerce. Located on the corner of 70th and Lexington, the space opened on January 7th, and so far, it has been described as “the Uptown revival of a Downtown staple” by Florence Fabricant, food writer for The New York Times. Previously known for its location in the West Village (which has been closed for almost 10 years) has now shown its light in the Upper East Side. Some of Chef Harold's most requested dishes (besides their daily Plat du Jour), are the “Rigatoni with Commerce Carobara”, “Harold’s Famous Chicken with Foie Gras Bread Stuffing” followed by their classic “Coconut Cake”.
CHEZ FIFI
San Sebastian in Spain is known to be one of the cities with the most Michelin Stars. This is not a coincidence, as Basque cuisine is nothing less than extraordinary. In NYC, not many restaurants have taken the risk to showcase this region between the west coast of France and Spain, however, Chef Zack Zeidman has really outdone himself. His menu offers dishes such as Frogs’ Legs Persillade, Omelette á Plat, Mushrooms and Périgord Truffles, Txangurro (Basque deviled crab) and more. At Chez Fifi you will find a sexy, yet elevated New York scene in a beautiful UES townhouse. We suggest visiting if you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or as an excuse to spend a fine-dining evening.
LA VEAU D’OR
On 60th street between Lenox and Park Avenue, La Veau d’Or reopened last July by chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, best known for Frenchette and Le Rock. The location remained the same, however, the dining room has been improved without losing its timeless charm. Some of the items in the menu like their Tripes à la Mode, drenched in Calvados and Cider Sauce, or Tête de Veau Ravigote, Poached Calf’s Head with a Tart, Mustardy Sauce have also remained part of the restaurant’s identity.
NIGHTLY’S
Last, but not least, Nightly’s. They make themselves known for being a “trusted neighborhood local bar and bistro”. Some items in their menu that have been crowd-pleasers are the Butterfly Prawns, Short Rib over Mashed Potatoes, and of course, a Black-Tie Burger as a homage to Minutia Tavern. The ambiance falls into a more casual and upbeat category than the spots mentioned above. However, places like this have brought a fun and lively scene to the neighborhood. If you are looking to have a dose of downtown cool energy, this is the place to check out.
Contributor — Ximena Lascurain | Lifestyle Consultant
From Mexico City, Ximena Lascurain brings to the Four Hundred Team a Latin flair. Growing up and attending Culinary School there, she has always been interested in the culture and gastronomy of her country. When she moved to NYC she attended the International Culinary Center where she certified as a Sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers. Prior to Four Hundred she worked in the kitchens of several Michelin star restaurants throughout Mexico, Spain and NY. What she enjoys the most when it comes to travel, is doing a lot of research. Specially when it comes to the "hidden gems" for local food and specialty coffee.