Best Upscale Kosher Restaurants in Little Italy | Upscale & Kosher

21 restaurants in Best Upscale Kosher Restaurants in Little Italy | Upscale & Kosher

• The Wren — American · rated 5/5: Bathed in a warm, convivial glow, this spirited gathering spot invites guests to linger over a vibrant array of elevated snacks and shareable plates designed for social dining. The air hums with energy as tables fill with charred shishito peppers, smoky brisket croquettes, and velvety whipped ricotta, each bite celebrating bold textures and communal flavors. Whether diving into a golden-fried chicken sandwich or sampling colorful vegetable dips, diners find a welcoming retreat where sophisticated comfort food takes center stage.
• Boqueria Soho — Spanish · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into this vibrant corner of Soho feels like being transported to a bustling Barcelona market, where the air hums with the energy of shared conversations and the rhythmic clatter of small plates. Golden light spills over marble counters as the kitchen turns out a parade of smoky pimentón-dusted tapas and bubbling pans of paella, inviting guests to lose themselves in a communal celebration of bold Spanish flavors and flowing cava.
• Ramen Ishida — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: This intimate, minimalist sanctuary invites diners to settle into a narrow counter where the rhythmic clatter of noodle baskets and the gentle simmer of pots create a focused, soulful soundtrack. Crystalline chicken broths are elevated by the earthy perfume of truffle and the delicate snap of thin, artisanal noodles, resulting in a bowl that feels both profoundly traditional and strikingly modern. Each slurp reveals a masterclass in balance, providing a serene escape where the complex depth of umami meets the quiet elegance of Japanese craftsmanship.
• Katz's Delicatessen — American · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this legendary Lower East Side institution feels like a journey back in time, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-smoked brisket and the rhythmic thud of knives against wooden carving blocks. Towering piles of hand-sliced pastrami, glistening with spice and steam, are served on simple rye bread amidst a bustling sea of communal tables and neon-lit nostalgia. It is a sensory whirlwind of New York history, where every bite of tender, salt-cured meat captures a tradition that has remained unchanged for generations.
• Bowery Meat Company — Steakhouse · rated 4.5/5: This stylish Bowery haunt reimagines the classic steakhouse with mid-century panache, wrapping diners in a warm glow of wood paneling and plush leather banquettes. The kitchen transforms premium cuts into charred masterpieces, where the smoky aroma of the wood grill mingles with the rich decadence of dry-aged beef and inventive, soul-warming sides. It is a vibrant intersection of retro glamour and contemporary culinary craft, perfect for a night of spirited conversation and unparalleled indulgence.
• Marumi — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Marumi captures the quiet elegance of Japanese tradition, where minimalist decor provides a calm backdrop for the vibrant artistry unfolding at the sushi bar. From the delicate char of grilled skewers to the pristine freshness of hand-pressed nigiri, every dish is a sensory celebration of texture and balance that transports guests to the heart of a bustling Tokyo neighborhood.
• 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.
• Lure Fishbar — Seafood · rated 4.4/5: Descend into this sleek, subterranean sanctuary where the nautical elegance of a luxury yacht meets the high-energy pulse of the city. Polished mahogany and plush white leather banquettes frame a bustling raw bar, where the briny snap of chilled oysters and the delicate artistry of world-class sushi transport guests to the water's edge.
• Raoul's — French · rated 4.4/5: Tucked away in the heart of Soho, this legendary bistro pulses with a bohemian energy, where dim lighting and plush red leather booths create an intimate sanctuary of old-school New York glamour. The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of peppercorn-crusted steak and golden frites, as diners clink glasses of Bordeaux amidst a backdrop of eclectic art and the lively hum of a room that has seen decades of storied nights.
• 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.
• Figaro — French · rated 4.4/5: Figaro captures the soul of a bustling Parisian bistro, where the warm glow of amber lights illuminates white-clothed tables and the air is thick with the scent of simmering red wine and savory herbs. Guests lose themselves in a world of buttery escargot and perfectly seared steaks, enjoying a transportive experience that celebrates the timeless art of slow, indulgent French dining.
• Neat — American · rated 4.4/5: Neat reimagines the classic American tavern as a polished sanctuary of amber light, dark wood, and the rhythmic clink of crystal against a marble bar. The kitchen transforms familiar comforts into art forms, balancing the smoky depth of charred oak with the vibrant brightness of seasonal harvests to create bold, honest flavors. It is a space designed for the art of lingering, where masterfully poured spirits and soul-warming dishes invite guests to savor a sophisticated take on the American spirit.
• Mishka Soho — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Mishka Soho unfolds as a sleek, dimly lit sanctuary where the precision of Japanese craft meets the vibrant, high-energy pulse of its iconic neighborhood. The experience centers on a refined harmony of flavors, from the melt-in-your-mouth delicacy of premium sashimi to the smoky, charred depth of skewers kissed by the robata grill. Every artfully plated dish is complemented by a curated sake selection, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimately traditional and undeniably modern.
• Taureau — French · rated 4.3/5: This intimate, candlelit bistro transports guests to the heart of a Parisian evening, where the air is heady with the rich, savory aroma of bubbling Gruyère and garlic-infused wine. Diners engage in a rhythmic, communal dance of long-handled forks, dipping crusty baguettes and prime meats into molten pots before finishing the night with a decadent, velvet-smooth chocolate indulgence.
• Russ & Daughters — Middle Eastern · rated 4/5: This legendary Lower East Side institution hums with timeless energy, where white-coated experts masterfully carve translucent ribbons of silk-smooth smoked salmon behind gleaming glass counters. From the delicate, herb-flecked notes of house-cured gravlax to the rich, buttery depth of smoked sablefish, every plate honors a century-old heritage of craftsmanship that turns a simple morning meal into a quintessential New York ritual.
• Chinatown Ice Cream Factory — Chinese · rated 4/5: This legendary neighborhood landmark pulses with a nostalgic charm, drawing crowds with the sweet, spicy aroma of fresh ginger and the promise of a cold, creamy reprieve from the bustling streets. The vibrant counter showcases a kaleidoscope of East Asian-inspired flavors, where velvety scoops of nutty black sesame, fragrant lychee, and buttery almond cookie celebrate a rich culinary heritage in every bite.
• Il Buco Alimentari — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a sun-drenched Italian marketplace where the scent of freshly baked bread and bubbling wood-fired pizzas fills the air, inviting guests to linger over rustic wooden tables. Hand-stretched dough meets vibrant toppings like spicy green olives and savory pepperoni, while crusty panini overflow with paper-thin prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and marinated eggplant for a true taste of old-world craftsmanship. It is a vibrant culinary sanctuary that celebrates the simplicity of high-quality ingredients, offering a soulful escape where every bite feels like a journey to the heart of Italy.
• Soho Diner — American · rated 3.8/5: Bathed in the nostalgic glow of pink neon and polished chrome, this modern reimagining of the classic American eatery captures the tireless energy of the city that never sleeps. Guests slide into plush vinyl booths to indulge in elevated comfort classics, where the sizzle of the griddle and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee create a soulful sanctuary of warmth amidst the urban bustle.
• Phebes — American · rated 3/5: Phebes captures the high-energy spirit of a classic neighborhood social hub, where the hum of conversation mingles with the enticing aroma of golden-fried wings and zesty spinach artichoke dip. Guests settle into the vibrant, unpretentious space to share overflowing plates of loaded nachos and savory mini burgers, creating a communal dining experience that celebrates the simple joy of comfort food and camaraderie.
• Kiki's — Greek: Bathed in an atmosphere of effortless Mediterranean charm, this vibrant taverna invites guests to linger over a kaleidoscope of silken dips and sun-ripened flavors. From the sharp tang of barrel-aged feta to the earthy richness of fava and smoky eggplant, every plate celebrates the rustic simplicity of the Greek islands through vibrant, soul-warming ingredients. Crisp, herb-flecked salads and briny olives round out a communal dining experience that feels like a sun-drenched afternoon on the Aegean coast.
• Smile To Go — American: This bright neighborhood gem radiates a cheerful energy, serving as a sun-drenched sanctuary where the aroma of savory rotisserie chicken and toasted grains fills the air. Artisanal sandwiches like melted ham and gruyere or tangy manouri cheese are layered with a chef’s attention to detail, offering a sophisticated upgrade to the daily lunch routine. From the comforting warmth of a perfectly folded egg sandwich to the vibrant crunch of housemade granola, every bite delivers a fresh, elevated take on classic comfort food designed for life on the move.