Business dining in New York: FT readers’ top tips

Looking to combine discreet discussion with fantastic food in NYC? Here are some top-rated spots

Casa Lever, New York
Credit: Teddy Wolff — © Teddy Wolff

FT Readers

New York has more than its share of glamorous eateries. But where do you go to savour good food and seal the deal? Following Robert Armstrong’s guide to New York’s best business re staurants, FT Globetrotter asked readers for their own favourites.

Here are some of their recommendations for eating in NYC, from sushi on the Upper East Side to modernist Milanese on Park Avenue.

Seafood downtown

Oceans [on Park Ave] has great food from a [celebrated] chef and, unusually for NYC, it has wide enough space between the tables that you are not forced to share your conversation with your neighbour . . . Classy, and you can hear yourself think. Great seafood. Who could want more in downtown Manhattan? — Russell Shepherd, retired entrepreneur, Edinburgh, UK

For Midtown meetings

Quality Meats in Midtown. Nicely lit, where you can watch people and also enjoy some privacy. The interior is fantastic, with a great staircase. Get the rib-eye steak and bacon with peanut butter. — Kush Davé, advertising, New York NY, USA

People-watching on Park Avenue

Casa Lever on Park Avenue. Excellent food, excellent people-watching — M, investment banking, New York NY, US

Greek classic

Milos on West 55th St is the quintessential “power lunch” spot. I have never seen the place without it being full of politicians, billionaires etc. — Nicholas Logothetis, chairman, Concordia, Washington DC, US

Understated style

JW Marriott Essex House., 160 Central Park South. It’s perfect for having a serious conversation/meeting without standing out. — Gregory Odum, private equity, Washington DC, US

The world on a plate

NYC ranks top of my list for both the sheer variety and volume of great destinations. Here are my go-tos. Sushi: Sushi of Gari, Poke Sushi. Indian: Junoon, Tamarind Tribeca, Adda, Indian Accent. Italian: Sistina, Carbone, Lillia. — Abi Subramanian, banker, New York NY, US

SoHo sanctuary

The Dominick, NYC where you will find The Mezzanine restaurant

The Mezzanine in the Dominick hotel. A surprising oasis in the chaos of west SoHo. Generous spacing between tables and low-key venue make it an ideal place for focused conversations. Service is attentive without being overbearing and the food is as good as anywhere in the city. — Jessica Lee, communications, Ivan, US

King of clubs

21 Club, West 52nd St. My polo helmet is on permanent display above table three. As warm and interesting as the dining room is, and as conducive to dealmaking as it is, even more interesting are the underground tunnels and secret meeting places of this former speakeasy. — Adam Brecht, senior adviser, N6A, New York, NY, US

Follow @FTGlobetrotter on Instagram for insider tips from our global network of correspondents to help you make the most of your work travel. Let us be your locals

Get alerts on FT readers respond when a new story is published

Reuse this content Comments