Best Upscale Carnivore Restaurants in Civic Center | Upscale & Carnivore

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Carnivore Restaurants in Civic Center | Upscale & Carnivore

• Lei — Chinese · rated 4.8/5: Lei invites guests into a sanctuary of refined elegance, where the soft glow of silk lanterns illuminates a space filled with the fragrant steam of jasmine tea and the rhythmic, soulful sizzle of the wok. The kitchen masterfully balances the bold, numbing heat of traditional spices with the delicate sweetness of fresh ingredients, creating a vibrant tapestry of regional flavors that transforms every shared plate into an evocative celebration of Chinese culinary artistry.
• Bento Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: A bright and bustling haven where the art of the bento box is celebrated through vibrant colors and the meticulous assembly of hand-pressed nigiri and creative rolls. Each tray arrives as a curated landscape of flavor, balancing the buttery silkiness of premium sashimi with the crisp, golden textures of tempura and the bright pop of house-made sauces. This lively spot transforms the daily meal into a sensory escape, offering a refreshing retreat defined by the perfect harmony of Japanese tradition and modern convenience.
• Piacere — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Piacere captures the soul of Italy in a sun-drenched space where the aroma of toasted garlic and slow-simmered ragù drifts through an atmosphere of effortless elegance. Guests linger over silken ribbons of hand-rolled pasta and vibrant, seasonal antipasti, savoring a dining experience that elevates simple ingredients into a celebration of flavor. It is a sanctuary of warmth and light, where every pour of robust wine and every shared plate feels like a heartfelt toast to the joy of living.
• Pep's on Grand — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights, Pep's on Grand invites guests into a spirited sanctuary where the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses harmonizes with the intoxicating aroma of garlic-infused olive oil. Silken, hand-rolled pastas and slow-simmered sauces celebrate the soulful simplicity of Italian tradition, creating a dining experience that feels both timelessly elegant and vibrantly alive.
• The Odeon — French · rated 4.5/5: A timeless Tribeca icon where the warm glow of neon and the hum of a spirited crowd evoke the quintessential New York brasserie experience. Beneath high ceilings and amber lights, the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling steak frites and the clink of martini glasses against the legendary zinc bar. It remains a storied sanctuary of French-inspired elegance, where white-clothed tables and red leather banquettes invite soulful conversations that stretch late into the night.
• Le Coucou — French · rated 4.5/5: Le Coucou transports diners to a realm of cinematic Parisian elegance, where soaring ceilings and flickering candlelight illuminate a dining room draped in crisp linens and timeless sophistication. The air hums with the theater of an open kitchen as classic French techniques are reimagined with breathtaking finesse, delivering velvet-smooth quenelles and golden-crusted duck bathed in rich, soulful sauces. It is a place where old-world glamour meets modern New York energy, inviting guests to lose themselves in a decadent, multi-sensory celebration of Gallic tradition.
• Stage Door Deli — American · rated 4.5/5: This iconic American deli hums with the vibrant energy of the theater district, surrounding diners with a nostalgic gallery of Broadway legends and the comforting scent of slow-cured meats. From the satisfying crunch of a house-made pickle to the warmth of a rich, golden broth, every dish celebrates the timeless tradition of the overstuffed sandwich in a space that feels both legendary and lived-in.
• Crown Shy — American · rated 4.5/5: Set within the soaring Art Deco grandeur of a Financial District landmark, Crown Shy pulses with a sophisticated energy that balances architectural scale with an intimate, welcoming warmth. The open kitchen serves as a theatrical heart, turning out elevated American plates where bold, globally-inspired flavors meet meticulous technique in a room bathed in the soft glow of floor-to-ceiling windows. It is a masterclass in modern urban dining
• Pasquale Jones — Italian · rated 4.5/5: The rhythmic crackle of twin wood-burning ovens anchors this high-energy Nolita corner, where the intoxicating aroma of charred dough and sea salt beckons from a bustling open kitchen. Guests indulge in the artistry of fire-kissed cooking, savoring legendary blistered clam pizzas and succulent roasted meats that celebrate the bold, rustic simplicity of the Italian coast. Against a backdrop of curated vinyl beats, the space hums with a sophisticated yet soulful energy, transforming a simple dinner into a vibrant urban celebration.
• $1.50 Fresh Pizza — Italian · rated 4.5/5: The irresistible aroma of toasted dough and bubbling mozzarella spills onto the bustling sidewalk, inviting a steady stream of locals into this high-energy urban hub. Oversized slices are pulled piping hot from the oven, boasting a satisfyingly crisp crust and a molten layer of savory sauce that delivers a quintessential taste of the city in every bite. It is a vibrant, fast-paced sanctuary where the simple pleasure of a fresh, steaming slice provides a comforting anchor amidst the rush of the day.
• Pepolino — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Tucked away like a well-kept secret, this intimate Italian gem envelops guests in the earthy fragrance of wild thyme and the comforting glow of a rustic Tuscan farmhouse. Every bite of tender, hand-rolled pasta and slow-simmered ragu tells a story of tradition, inviting diners to slow down and lose themselves in the timeless charm of a soulful Florentine feast.
• Mikaku — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Mikaku unfolds as a serene sanctuary of Japanese craft, where the minimalist glow of warm wood and the focused precision of the open kitchen create an atmosphere of quiet elegance. Diners are treated to a sensory dance of textures, from the buttery silk of hand-pressed nigiri to the deep, complex layers of umami found in every steaming, aromatic bowl. It is a destination that honors the seasons, transforming the finest ingredients into edible art that lingers on the palate long after the final course.
• Giardino D'Oro — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Bathed in a warm, golden glow, this refined sanctuary transports diners to the heart of Italy with its polished mahogany accents and an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. The air carries the enticing perfume of slow-simmered ragus and toasted garlic, while each plate arrives as a celebration of tradition, featuring velvety house-made pastas and succulent coastal flavors that linger long after the final sip of Chianti.
• Bayard Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Bayard Sushi invites diners into a serene, wood-accented sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade transforms the day’s freshest catch into vibrant, edible art. Each bite offers a masterclass in balance, from the delicate tang of perfectly seasoned rice to the buttery richness of marbled tuna that dissolves effortlessly on the palate. The intimate atmosphere hums with a quiet sophistication, making every meal feel like a private celebration of Japan’s most storied culinary traditions.
• Paesano's — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Paesano’s captures the heart of a spirited Italian kitchen, where the air is heavy with the comforting aroma of roasted garlic and the vibrant zing of hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Guests settle into a warm, inviting space to savor velvety handmade pastas and crusty, herb-dusted loaves that celebrate the simple beauty of old-world craftsmanship. It is a soulful retreat where every pour of Chianti and every shared plate feels like an invitation into a lively, timeless family tradition.
• Black Burger — American · rated 4.4/5: Black Burger pulses with a modern, industrial energy where the rhythmic sizzle of the grill and the aroma of charred oak set the stage for a bold American feast. Succulent, hand-formed patties are seared to perfection and nestled within pillowy buns, creating a symphony of savory textures that pairs perfectly with the vibrant, social buzz of the dining room.
• The Grotto — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Descend into a subterranean sanctuary of exposed brick and flickering shadows, where the timeless allure of Old World Italy comes alive in every candlelit corner. The kitchen transforms sun-drenched ingredients into velvety handmade pastas and aromatic braises, creating an intimate retreat where the clink of wine glasses and the scent of fresh oregano transport diners to a rustic village kitchen.
• Shinka ramen & sake bar — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Shinka Ramen & Sake Bar invites guests into a sleek, soulful space where the air is perpetually perfumed with the deep, savory scent of slow-simmered broths and toasted sesame. Here, velvety bowls of ramen are elevated by an artful selection of premium sakes, creating a harmonious balance of rich umami flavors and refined, crisp finishes. It is a contemporary sanctuary that honors Japanese tradition through every steaming ladle and poured glass, offering a warm, immersive escape from the city’s bustle.
• George's New York — American · rated 4.3/5: George's New York captures the high-octane energy of a classic Manhattan eatery, where the hum of conversation mingles with the sizzle of a busy grill and the gleam of polished chrome. Guests slide into deep leather booths to enjoy soul-warming American staples, from towering, juice-dripping burgers to thick, hand-spun shakes that evoke a sense of timeless nostalgia. It’s a vibrant urban sanctuary where the bold flavors of the city come alive, offering a comforting yet spirited escape in every bite.
• Leo's Bagels — American · rated 4.3/5: Step into this bustling neighborhood cornerstone where the comforting aroma of toasted sesame and yeast-risen dough signals the start of a perfect morning. Skilled hands craft traditional, hand-rolled bagels that boast a satisfyingly crisp exterior and a dense, chewy heart, ready to be piled high with silky ribbons of smoked salmon and velvety schmears.
• Nyonya — Chinese · rated 4.3/5: Nyonya invites diners into a lively, aromatic sanctuary where the rhythmic hiss of the wok and the fragrance of toasted spices create an immediate sense of culinary theater. Golden-roasted meats and delicate, hand-folded dumplings arrive in a parade of vibrant colors, offering a masterclass in the balance of bold, savory glazes and the smoky depth of traditional high-heat cooking. The atmosphere hums with a convivial energy, making every meal a soulful celebration of heritage and the timeless art of the shared table.
• Antique Garage — Mediterranean · rated 4.3/5: Housed in a repurposed mechanic’s shop, this bohemian sanctuary invites guests to dine amidst a curated collection of gilded mirrors and velvet-clad antiques under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. The air hums with live jazz and the fragrant steam of Mediterranean mezze, creating a transportive experience where old-world charm meets the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of the Aegean.
• Rosella’s Pizza — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Rosella’s Pizza captures the heart of a classic Italian kitchen, where the rhythmic toss of dough and the golden glow of the oven create a backdrop for lively neighborhood gatherings. Each slice offers a symphony of textures, from the airy, blistered crust to the rich swirl of tangy tomato sauce and molten cheese that brings a taste of Old World tradition to every table.
• Vincent's — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Vincent’s invites guests into a sanctuary of old-world charm, where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough and the rich aroma of slow-simmered marinara create an atmosphere of effortless warmth. Here, golden candlelight flickers against exposed brick as plates of silken pasta and herb-crusted proteins arrive, turning a simple dinner into a soulful celebration of Italian heritage.
• El Toro — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: El Toro pulses with the vibrant energy of a sun-drenched cantina, where the air is thick with the smoky aroma of charred meats and the bright, zesty scent of freshly squeezed limes. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle bold, spice-kissed fillings that celebrate the soul of Mexican street food, perfectly complemented by the cool, citrusy sting of a salt-rimmed margarita. Every clinking glass
• T.J. Byrnes — American · rated 4.3/5: T.J. Byrnes captures the soulful spirit of a classic American tavern, where the rich scent of seared steaks and golden fries mingles with the friendly clink of glasses against a polished mahogany bar. This inviting neighborhood anchor wraps guests in a warm, timeless atmosphere, serving up generous portions of elevated comfort food that turn every meal into a celebratory gathering.
• Metropolis by Marcus Samuelsson — American · rated 4.3/5: Set within the soaring, light-filled curves of the Perelman Performing Arts Center, Metropolis pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern New York crossroads where global spices meet the soulful heart of American cooking. The air hums with the theater of an open kitchen, delivering plates that are as visually striking as they are flavorful, inviting guests to linger over a sophisticated tapestry of tastes that celebrate the city’s rich cultural mosaic.
• The Fulton — Seafood · rated 4.2/5: Perched at the water’s edge with the Brooklyn Bridge soaring overhead, this luminous sanctuary captures the romance of the harbor through floor-to-ceiling glass and breezy, maritime-inspired design. The kitchen honors the tides with artfully prepared seafood ranging from shimmering crudos to aromatic whole-roasted catches, creating a sensory journey where the rhythmic pulse of the river meets the sophisticated energy of the city. It is a destination where salt air and sunset views transform every meal into a poetic celebration of the sea.
• Dorlan's Tavern & Oyster Bar — Seafood · rated 4.2/5: Dorlan's Tavern & Oyster Bar transports guests to a coastal haven where the rhythmic shucking of chilled bivalves and the warm glow of polished wood create a lively, salt-kissed sanctuary. The air is thick with the aroma of buttery, golden-crusted catches and briny ocean treasures, inviting diners to settle into a space that perfectly balances nautical charm with the spirited energy of a classic neighborhood haunt.
• La Nonna — Italian · rated 4.1/5: La Nonna transports diners to the heart of a rustic Italian home, where the comforting scent of slow-simmered ragù and toasted garlic wafts through a space glowing with candlelight and old-world charm. Silken, hand-shaped pastas and vibrant seasonal plates celebrate the timeless art of the family table, inviting guests to linger over bottles of ruby-red wine and crusty, hearth-baked bread. The atmosphere hums with a soulful warmth, turning every meal into a heartfelt embrace that honors the rich, culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.