If you’re headed to NYC with your girls, you might feel overwhelmed in trying to decide where to grab a bite. New York has over 6,000 restaurants, and some are simply better equipped for large groups than others. After dining at so many spots around New York, these are my top restaurant picks for a girl’s night out.
1. Taru
Taru is not only one of the best Japanese spots in NYC, but it’s conveniently located to major sites like the MoMa, Central Park, and Radio City Music Hall, making it a perfect stopping point to fuel up. The menu takes Japanese cooking, which is typically a “keep-it-simple” type of cuisine, to a maximalist approach. Think milk bread with nori butter (so good that you actually won’t want to share with anyone), Australian Wagyu Tomahawk with elephant garlic, uni udon carbonara (this is so good it should be illegal), and the ever so innovative apple tempura. Taru is a perfect spot for sharing with your closest group of gal pals so you can order as many of the over-the-top and perfectly executed dishes as possible.
- Address: 30 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: The Algonquin Hotel
2. Benjamin Steakhouse
Who doesn’t love a classic New York City steakhouse? Benjamin Steakhouse is conveniently located close to Grand Central Station, meaning, if your best gal pals are traveling in from out of town, this is a great (and delicious) meeting point. They serve all of the classic steakhouse dishes done right; a tableside wedge salad, martinis perfectly executed, a decadent lobster mac and cheese, and, of course, a porterhouse meant for sharing. Do not skip out on desserts, and make sure to ask for a big bowl of their homemade whipped cream.
- Address: 52 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: Dylan Hotel NYC
3. Rooftop at Royalton Park Ave
NYC is one stunning city, and its photo-worthy views are best seen from a rooftop. There’s no surprise that rooftop bars are extremely popular in NYC, and as someone who has a slight issue with them (I find they’re often overpriced with poor quality), there’s one rooftop bar I simply cannot stop returning to: The Rooftop at Royalton Park Ave. This spot is perfect for a day or night out with the girlies. The food is of such high quality without breaking the bank. I particularly love the crispy rice with tuna, and their super fresh hummus with colorful raw veggies. Their drinks are top-notch, with a menu rotating seasonally. It doesn’t hurt that they have a pool, and if you’re coming in from out of town, you might as well just book a room and stay in one of their comfortable chic rooms.
- Address: 420 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: Royalton Park Ave
4. Lore
Lore is an unsuspecting eatery in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood. So, what makes Lore perfect for a girl’s night specifically? Well, the menu is expansive with so many great options that it only makes sense to go with a group of your best gal pals so you can share several dishes. There’s really no going wrong with any of Chef Jay Kumar’s creations, which might seem as though they’re Indian, but are instead, Indian-inspired, and more of a blend of influences from all of his worldly travels. The stars of the show are the lamb chapli kebabs, the fermented dosa (a must), the sea bream ssam, and, not to be missed, are the desserts. I went with a group, and despite being totally full after sharing so many dishes, we knew we couldn’t pass up dessert. The semolina cake is required, and I highly recommend ordering one of their fun cocktails (my favorite was the Dove, with blanco tequila, peas, lime, and faccio brutta centerbe).
- Address: 441 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Le Bleu
5. Don Antonio
It’s a requirement to get pizza when in NYC, but narrowing down which spot to go to can be a tough task. New York is filled with pizzerias, and it can be a real gamble trying to find one of quality. Let me save you and your best gal pals the hassle: head straight to Don Antonio. The portions are plentiful and good for sharing, and you’ll want to try a few different pies since they have over 40 on the menu. They’re best known for their montanara classica, a deep-fried pizza dough topped with tangy red sauce, and smoked mozzarella. The best part about meeting your best girlfriends here is it’s woman-owned by master pizzaiola, Giorgia Caporuscio, an Italian native but a New Yorker for over ten years. She is often found in the kitchen there, making each pie with love and passion. Their cocktail program is also killer; try their Amalfi sour with gin, limoncello, pineapple, and lemon to be quickly transported from NYC to Positano.
- Address: 309 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: New York Marriott Marquis
6. Boqueria
There are fewer cuisines better for sharing than Spanish tapas, and that’s where Boqueria comes in to play the perfect role in your girl’s night out. Boqueria offers classic Spanish tapas, like albóndigas, paella di mariscos, pan con tomate, croquetas de jamon (or croquetas de setas), and more. You must order the sangria. It’s super boozy but so fresh that you’ll hardly notice (be warned; it’ll sneak up on you!). Boqueria also offers a brunch at all four of their locations around Manhattan.
- Address: Several locations, best viewed on their website (one in Flatiron, one in Soho, one in Upper East Side, one on W 40th)
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: W New York – Times Square
7. Dagon
Tickets to Tel Aviv are a bit pricey, but luckily, if you’re in NYC, you don’t need to drop over 1k to go to Israel; Dagon will take you there. Tucked in the corner of W91st and Broadway, Dagon offers shareable mezze dishes plus an exciting selection of Israeli wines which you are unlikely to find elsewhere else in the city. Dagon is also photo-worthy AF, with lush plants and fun artwork in a bohemian atmosphere.
- Address: 2454 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: Arthouse Hotel
8. Monterey
Monterey, the retro-chic American Brasserie is here to bring back the old glam! Conveniently located by MOMA, Radio City, and the best of Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue shops, Monterey is the ultimate midtown spot for happy hour extended into girls night out. There is no shortage of fun or photo-worthy moments. One of the most fun aspects of Monterey is you can build your own classic-stirred cocktails from a custom built Martini Cart. If you’re into prime rib, you get to choose your piece and watch while it gets carved tableside. Continuing with the interactive dining theme, try the Banana Foster and watch as it gets flambéed tableside. There is even a secret party room upstairs with its own private bar.
- Address: 37 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: Lotte New York Palace
9. Vestry
Want to grab your girls and hit the town for THE ultimate girls night out downtown? Start at Michelin-Starred Chef Shaun Hergatt’s SoHo hotspot, Vestry; offering a high-end dining experience in a sexy and chic yet relaxed environment. Vestry is perfect for cocktails and “Insta Worthy” bites before dancing the night away. Conveniently located on the border of Soho and Tribeca, Vestry represents a seasonally driven menu highlighting produce grown on nearby farms and seafood, meats and poultry carefully selected by the world’s top harvesters enhanced by Japanese ingredients and plated artfully, and playfully.
- Reservations can be made here.
- Address: 246 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: The Dominick Hotel
10. The Mary Lane
On the chic corner of Bank Street in the West Village is The Mary Lane, the perfect place to hang with your girls, only a few cobblestone steps away from the Meatpacking clubs in a sexy, floral-filled outdoor space on Hudson. The fashionable crowd is here for Chef Andrew Sutin’s veggie-forward spin on everything from sophisticated salads and even cocktails—is there a better way to drink your carrot juice than his Take Care with mezcal and tequila? The international wine list is also female-forward with exclusive offerings and bubbly choices. The service is extra attentive, and you don’t want to skip dessert.
- Address: 99 Bank St, New York, NY 10014
- Nearby Hotel Recommendation: The Jane
DISCLAIMER: Some of these meals have been hosted by the respective restaurants.
DISCLAIMER II: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!