2025 NYC Restaurant Week Guide: Best Restaurants, Reviews, and Dining Tips

2025 NYC Restaurant Week: Dining Through New York’s Best

Every summer and winter, food lovers across the five boroughs eagerly anticipate one thing, NYC Restaurant Week. In 2025, the event returns bigger and better than ever, featuring 594 participating restaurants throughout New York City. From classic steakhouses to innovative Asian fusion, from riverside dining to cozy rooftops, this is the ultimate celebration of what makes NYC the food capital of the world.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• The background and evolution of NYC Restaurant Week
• What’s new in 2025
• The types of restaurants participating
• And detailed restaurant reviews from places my boyfriend and I actually visited

What is NYC Restaurant Week?

NYC Restaurant Week started in 1992, originally intended as a promotion to welcome visitors attending the Democratic National Convention. But thanks to its popularity, offering incredible prix-fixe deals at some of the city’s finest dining establishments, it became a permanent, beloved tradition. Held twice a year, in winter and summer, the event now represents the heart of New York’s culinary spirit.

In 2025, NYC Restaurant Week runs from July 21 through August 17, spanning nearly a month of specially curated menus at affordable prices. With three pricing tiers. $30, $45, and $60 pre-pix menu. Diners can explore high-end cuisine without draining their wallets.

What Kinds of Restaurants Participate?

There’s no one-size-fits-all during Restaurant Week. Some categories include:

• Michelin-starred restaurants
• Cozy neighborhood bistros
• Trendy Japanese izakayas
• Elegant steakhouses
• Inventive plant-based eateries
• Scenic rooftop and riverside venues

The selection covers all five boroughs, which means whether you’re in Williamsburg or the Upper West Side, there’s something nearby.

Restaurants We Visited (With Honest Reviews)

My boyfriend and I are avid diners, and this year we will take full advantage of NYC Restaurant Week. Here’s our personal, honest take on the restaurants we visited, including some non-Restaurant Week favorites.

1. Boucherie (West Village)

This gorgeous French restaurant is always lively and picturesque. The lobster pasta had a delicious sauce, though the lobster was slightly overcooked. The burger, however, was solid. Juicy and perfectly seasoned. A great date-night spot if you care about atmosphere as much as food.

2. Fish Cheeks (Bond Street)

Fish Cheeks deserves a shoutout. Their Tom Yum Goong was one of the most flavorful soups I’ve had in the city. Bright, sour, and spicy with a bold broth. If you’re into authentic Thai cuisine, this should be high on your list.

3. Ophelia Lounge NYC (Midtown East)

This rooftop lounge was all about ambiance. It has Incredible Manhattan and LIC views,Elegant and dressy vibe, perfect for special occasions. But, there’s some cons. Drinks were decent but pricey, mandatory coat check only cash, and music was too loud for a real conversation. We enjoyed the views more than the drinks. Definitely worth visiting for the aesthetic alone.

4. So & So’s Piano Bar (East Village)

We love this cozy piano bar!
It’s laid-back, charming, and perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or a casual date. The music sets the tone, not overpowering but engaging. Great service and a real neighborhood vibe. Highly recommend if you’re tired of the mainstream bar scene.

5. Central Park Boathouse (Central Park)

One word: scenery. The food itself was good (not mind-blowing), but the experience of dining by the lake in Central Park is unmatched. It felt like a small escape from the city’s chaos. If you’re visiting NYC or just want a break from downtown, this is a peaceful and romantic choice.

6. Ootoya (Times Square Branch)

We’ve loved Ootoya for a while, but this time we visited the Times Square location. This Restaurant Week, Union Square and Chelsea Ootoya will participate!. It’s authentic Japanese home food, served in a peaceful, almost zen-like setting, a nice contrast to the busy neighborhood. I appreciated the presentation and the fresh ingredients. It wasn’t showy but felt intentional and wholesome.

7. Fogo de Chão (Midtown)

The endless grilled meats, salads, and attentive service were impressive. The grilled pineapple was unexpectedly our favorite item. If you’re a meat lover or have a good appetite, this Brazilian steakhouse is a must-visit.

8. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (East Village)

You cook your own food, which adds a layer of fun. Everything was well-seasoned, and they offer a good variety of meats and sauces. It’s interactive and tasty, great for double dates or group hangouts.

9. Barbetta (Theater District)

We had high hopes since we booked for Valentine’s Day. The garden was beautiful, and the place had an old-world charm. Unfortunately, they had a special Valentine’s day fixed course menu, so we couldn’t experience the usual menu. For the Valentine’s fixed course menu, it didn’t match the ambiance. They had advertised a performance, but there was none during our 2-hour visit(we visited between 7pm to 9pm, which is the peak hour for dinner). For the price, we expected more. A little disappointing, to be honest.

10. DomoDomo NYC (SoHo)

Their domo sushi and soft serve sundae were the highlights of our visit. The interior was minimal but chic, and the quality of the fish was excellent. If you’re in SoHo and craving well-crafted sushi with a twist, definitely try it out.

Lowkey, I love DomoDomo Jersey City because of stunning NYC skyline view!

11. Nami Nori (Williamsburg)

The rolls are open-style, beautifully presented, and full of fresh ingredients. We didn’t take photos this time, but everything from the spicy tuna to the crispy tempura roll was satisfying. Great casual lunch or early dinner spot.

Why NYC Restaurant Week Is Worth It

• Affordable access to NYC’s finest restaurants
• Great opportunity for trying new cuisines
• Discover new neighborhoods while dining out
• Perfect excuse for a date night or outing with friends
• Support for local restaurants and chefs

Tips for a Great NYC Restaurant Week Experience

• Reserve early: Spots fill up quickly, especially for popular restaurants
• Preview menus online and make sure they suit your taste
• Opt for weekday lunch deals if you want the best value
• Don’t be afraid to try new places. Some lesser-known names will surprise you
• Be flexible with timing to get the best seatings

Final Thoughts

NYC Restaurant Week 2025 is more than just a marketing event. It’s a culinary celebration of the city’s diversity, creativity, and resilience. With nearly 600 restaurants participating, there’s something for every taste, budget, and mood. So whether you’re a local foodie, a curious tourist, or just someone looking for a special night out, this is the perfect excuse to explore NYC’s dining scene.

You can see more detail informations at https://www.nyctourism.com/restaurant-week/