Best Upper East Side Restaurants with High Protein Options | Top Rated

30 restaurants in Best Upper East Side Restaurants with High Protein Options | Top Rated

• Horn's Hook Tavern — American · rated 5/5: This spirited neighborhood haunt captures the essence of a classic tavern, where warm lighting and the convivial clinking of glasses create an inviting backdrop for shared stories and hearty fare. Guests gather over generous platters of golden, brie-stuffed pretzels and crispy house-made potato skins, while the aroma of bubbling tavern pizzas and signature wings fills the air with a sense of rustic comfort.
• LENOXTHAI — Thai · rated 4.9/5: LENOXTHAI invites diners into a vibrant, aromatic sanctuary where the rhythmic sizzle of the kitchen sets the stage for a symphony of bold, authentic flavors. From the zesty snap of fresh herbs to the deep, comforting warmth of coconut-infused curries, the experience celebrates the delicate dance between heat and harmony in a space that feels both modern and soulfully inviting.
• Donna Margherita — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Stepping into Donna Margherita feels like a warm embrace from a Neapolitan kitchen, where the intoxicating scent of blistered crusts and simmering San Marzano tomatoes fills the air. Beneath the glow of soft lighting, diners gather over rustic tables to share hand-stretched pizzas and silken pastas that celebrate the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of the Italian soul.
• Thai Hot Box — Thai · rated 4.7/5: The air at Thai Hot Box crackles with the rhythmic clang of woks and the pungent, inviting aroma of toasted chilies and fresh galangal. Each dish is a vibrant collision of bold spices and cooling herbs, delivering the high-octane heat and soulful complexity of Thai street food in every steaming, flavor-packed bite.
• L'Osteria — Italian · rated 4.7/5: L'Osteria transports diners to a rustic Italian escape where the golden glow of candlelight dances across weathered wood tables and the air hums with the convivial spirit of a neighborhood gathering. Here, the kitchen honors tradition through the slow simmer of aromatic sauces and the artistry of hand-rolled pasta, creating a soulful experience that pairs robust regional wines with the comforting, sun-ripened flavors of the Mediterranean.
• Tinos — Greek · rated 4.7/5: Tinos transports diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean, where the air is thick with the aroma of charred octopus and fragrant wild oregano. Guests gather around rustic wooden tables to share vibrant mezze and salt-crusted fish, all set within a breezy, whitewashed space that captures the effortless warmth of a Mediterranean summer evening.
• Joju — Vietnamese · rated 4.7/5: Joju reimagines the soul of Vietnamese street food within a sleek, modern space where the aroma of lemongrass-scented meats and the satisfying crackle of warm baguettes fill the air. A vibrant fusion of textures and tastes awaits, from the sharp tang of pickled daikon to the rich, spicy kick of signature aiolis, crafting an urban dining experience that is as bold as it is refreshing.
• Oda House — Mediterranean · rated 4.6/5: Oda House invites guests into a rustic, soulful sanctuary where the comforting aroma of freshly baked, cheese-laden breads and aromatic spices drifts from a glowing kitchen. Vibrant platters of sun-ripened vegetables and succulent grilled meats offer a sensory journey through the rich, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean, perfect for long, communal feasts. It is a place of genuine warmth, where the flicker of candlelight and the spirit of hospitality transform every meal into a storied celebration.
• Two Boots Pizza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Vibrant folk art and a kaleidoscope of colors set the stage for this eclectic haunt, where the soulful heat of the Bayou meets the heart of Little Italy. Crispy cornmeal-crusted pies emerge from the oven topped with zesty, unconventional ingredients that dance on the palate, offering a bold fusion of spicy Cajun flair and classic New York soul. This high-energy retreat invites diners into a whimsical world where every slice is a creative celebration of flavor and texture.
• Heidelberg Restaurant — German · rated 4.5/5: Step into a slice of Old World Bavaria where dark wood paneling and rows of ornate beer steins create a warm, convivial sanctuary that feels worlds away from the modern city. The air carries the comforting aroma of golden-fried schnitzel and tangy sauerkraut, while heavy glass boots of frothy lager clink over tables laden with hearty, soul-warming classics. This rustic gasthaus invites guests to linger over rich gravies and house-baked pretzels, offering a timeless experience rooted in the spirit of traditional German hospitality.
• Don Filippo — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Don Filippo transports guests to a bustling Roman trattoria, where the intoxicating aroma of garlic, basil, and bubbling mozzarella drifts through a warm, candlelit dining room. Velvety ribbons of house-made pasta and crisp, charred pizzas showcase a mastery of simple, soul-warming flavors, creating a vibrant sanctuary where every meal feels like a spirited family celebration.
• Bohemian Spirit Restaurant — Czech · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this warm, wood-paneled sanctuary feels like a journey to old-world Prague, where the golden glow of chandeliers illuminates a space filled with the comforting hum of conversation and the rhythmic clink of heavy beer steins. The air carries the savory perfume of slow-roasted duck and rich, paprika-spiced goulash, served alongside pillowy dumplings that invite guests to linger over
• Jacques Brasserie — French · rated 4.5/5: Jacques Brasserie transports guests to a sun-drenched corner of Paris, where the clink of crystal and the hum of lively conversation fill a space adorned with vintage mirrors and cozy leather banquettes. The air is thick with the irresistible scent of garlic-herb butter and slow-simmered red wine reductions, inviting diners to linger over golden-crusted baguettes and perfectly seared classics. This soulful retreat captures the essence of a timeless bistro, turning every meal into a celebratory escape into the heart of French culinary tradition.
• Sfoglia — Italian · rated 4.5/5: This intimate, rustic sanctuary transports diners to a sun-dappled Italian farmhouse, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of golden, pull-apart bread and slow-simmered ragu. Hand-rolled ribbons of pasta and seasonal treasures are served atop weathered wooden tables, creating a soulful experience that feels less like a restaurant and more like a lingering, candlelit dinner in a friend’s country kitchen.
• Il Carino — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this intimate sanctuary feels like a warm embrace, where soft candlelight flickers against rustic accents and the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-simmered ragù and fresh basil. Silken ribbons of hand-rolled pasta are tossed in vibrant, sun-ripened sauces, creating a soulful experience that invites guests to linger over the rhythmic pour of robust Italian wines. It is a place where the charm of the Old World meets modern elegance, turning every meal into a timeless celebration of authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• York Ave Pizza — Italian · rated 4.5/5: York Ave Pizza captures the soulful energy of a neighborhood haunt, where the scent of bubbling cheese and toasted garlic spills onto the sidewalk to welcome every passerby. Inside, the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough leads to golden, thin-crust pies and steaming bowls of pasta that celebrate the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of traditional Italian cooking. It is a convivial space where the warmth of the ovens and the lively hum of conversation create a dining experience that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
• Catch n' Chop — Seafood · rated 4.5/5: Catch n' Chop captures the rugged spirit of the coastline, where the briny scent of the sea meets the smoky aroma of a roaring grill. In this lively, light-filled space, the kitchen transforms the morning’s freshest catch into vibrant plates of succulent shellfish and herb-flecked fillets that celebrate the pure, untamed flavors of the deep.
• Naruto Ramen — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: This bustling ramen den hums with a welcoming energy, where the intoxicating scent of slow-simmered tonkotsu and toasted garlic invites guests to find comfort at the wooden counter. Deep ceramic bowls arrive steaming to the table, brimming with springy noodles and tender chashu pork that melt into a rich, velvety broth. It is a sanctuary of savory warmth, creating a vibrant atmosphere where every slurp
• Famous Famiglia Pizzeria — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Famous Famiglia Pizzeria captures the vibrant energy of a classic New York slice shop, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of garlic, oregano, and hand-tossed dough baking to a perfect golden crunch. Each slice offers a harmonious balance of tangy tomato sauce and bubbling, molten mozzarella, providing a nostalgic and soul-warming experience that brings the authentic spirit of an Italian kitchen to the heart of the city.
• Italian Village Pizzeria & Restaurant — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Italian Village Pizzeria & Restaurant captures the heart of a traditional trattoria, where the golden glow of the oven and the intoxicating aroma of bubbling mozzarella create an immediate sense of home. Hand-stretched dough is transformed into crisp, blistered pizzas alongside bowls of silk-smooth pasta tossed in vibrant, herb-flecked sauces that honor time-tested recipes. This lively neighborhood anchor brings together the warmth of genuine hospitality and the soulful flavors of the Old World for an experience that feels both nostalgic and essential.
• Tandoor Oven — Indian · rated 4.4/5: Step into a warm, aromatic sanctuary where the rhythmic slap of dough against glowing clay ovens and the sizzle of spiced meats create a vibrant symphony for the senses. Here, the deep, smoky char of the tandoor meets the silken richness of slow-simmered sauces, offering a soulful exploration of Indian flavors that linger long after the final bite of pillowy, butter-brushed naan.
• AOC East — French · rated 4.4/5: AOC East evokes the timeless charm of a Parisian hideaway, where the warm glow of amber lighting spills across intimate bistro tables and the air carries the irresistible scent of garlic-infused butter and slow-braised meats. Every meal is a sensory journey through the French countryside, pairing velvety sauces and artisanal cheeses with a curated wine list that invites guests to linger long into the evening.
• Mezzaluna — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Bathed in the soft, amber glow of an intimate trattoria, Mezzaluna invites diners into a world where the aroma of slow-simmered ragù and toasted pine nuts lingers beautifully in the air. The kitchen transforms sun-drenched ingredients into elegant masterpieces, from silken strands of hand-rolled pasta to delicate seafood crudo that tastes of the salt-kissed Mediterranean coast. It is a sanctuary of rustic refinement, where the clink of wine glasses and the warmth of shared plates create a soulful tribute to the timeless art of the Italian table.
• Botte UES — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Botte UES transports guests to a rustic Roman enoteca, where the glow of candlelight against exposed brick creates an inviting haven for savoring the soul of Italy. The kitchen turns out plates of silky, hand-rolled pasta and crisp pinsa that pair beautifully with a deep cellar of Italian vintages, filling the air with the comforting aromas of toasted flour and slow-cooked sauces. It is a charming neighborhood escape that balances the lively spirit of a village wine bar with the sophisticated intimacy of the Upper East Side.
• Lashevet — Middle Eastern · rated 4.4/5: Lashevet invites guests into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of toasted za'atar and freshly baked pita fills the air, setting the stage for a soulful journey through the Levant. Vibrant mezze plates and succulent, spice-rubbed meats arrive at communal tables, encouraging a leisurely pace where every bite celebrates the rich, earthy flavors of Middle Eastern heritage. This rustic-chic retreat captures the essence of Mediterranean hospitality, transforming a simple meal into a warm, lingering celebration of shared connection.
• Le Viêt Thai — Vietnamese · rated 4.4/5: Le Viêt Thai invites diners into a fragrant sanctuary where the steam from aromatic, long-simmered broths carries the delicate scent of star anise and fresh ginger. Each dish is a masterclass in balance, pairing the bright, cooling crunch of garden-fresh herbs with the deep, savory soul of traditional Vietnamese recipes to create a transportive and vibrant dining experience.
• Maruzzella — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Maruzzella captures the spirited heart of a Neapolitan kitchen, where the warmth of a wood-fired oven meets the lively hum of a neighborhood gathering spot. Hand-stretched pizzas emerge from the flames with perfectly charred crusts, while bowls of silky, house-made pasta carry the vibrant flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil. Every meal feels like a spirited celebration of tradition, inviting guests to linger over glasses of crisp Italian wine and the simple, soulful joy of a shared feast.
• The Mansion Restaurant — American · rated 4.3/5: Housed within a grand historic estate, The Mansion Restaurant envelops diners in an atmosphere of timeless sophistication, where crystal chandeliers cast a soft glow over polished wood and intimate, white-linen tables. The kitchen masterfully reimagines American culinary traditions, weaving together seasonal harvests and premium proteins into elegant plates that celebrate the rich, diverse flavors of the heartland.
• Saba's Pizza — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Saba’s Pizza serves as a flour-dusted sanctuary where the air is perpetually perfumed with the intoxicating scent of toasted garlic and bubbling mozzarella. Golden, thin-crust pies emerge from the oven with a signature char, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to layers of vibrant tomato sauce and hand-stretched cheese. It is a lively, welcoming space where the rhythmic energy of the kitchen and the warmth of a shared slice create an atmosphere of pure, unpretentious comfort.
• Caffe Buon Gusto — Italian · rated 4.3/5: This charming Italian haunt captures the spirit of a bustling Roman bistro, where the clinking of wine glasses harmonizes with the aroma of garlic-infused olive oil and toasted focaccia. Hand-stretched pastas and tender, herb-roasted meats arrive at linen-topped tables, offering a masterclass in simple, soulful flavors that transport the palate straight to the heart of the Mediterranean. It is a place where time slows down, encouraging long, laughter-filled evenings fueled by robust red wines and the comforting embrace of authentic hospitality.