Best Upscale Kosher Restaurants in Washington Square | Upscale & Kosher

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Kosher Restaurants in Washington Square | 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.
• Talea — Italian · rated 5/5: This sun-drenched social hub invites guests to linger over crisp, house-brewed drafts in an airy space that feels both modern and effortlessly communal. Warm, salt-dusted Bavarian pretzels and vibrant, loaded savory toasts anchor a menu of artisanal grazing boards, where tangy pickles and sharp cheeses provide the perfect, salty counterpoint to a cold glass of beer. It is a bright retreat designed for slow afternoons of shared plates and easy conversation, capturing the spirit of a contemporary neighborhood gathering spot.
• All'Antico Vinaio — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Stepping into this legendary Florentine institution, guests are greeted by the intoxicating aroma of warm, salt-dusted schiacciata bread and the lively energy of a bustling Tuscan marketplace. Each towering sandwich is a masterclass in texture and flavor, layering velvety stracciatella and artisanal cold cuts between golden, oil-kissed crusts for a sensory experience that captures the very soul of Italian street food.
• 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.
• 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.
• Craft — American · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this architectural sanctuary of warm wood and soft light, guests encounter a masterclass in culinary restraint where the natural beauty of American ingredients takes center stage. Each dish celebrates the purity of the harvest, from heritage meats roasted to succulent perfection to farm-fresh vegetables that burst with seasonal clarity, all served in an atmosphere of understated elegance that honors the honest connection between land and table.
• 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.
• Elephant and Castle — American · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this timeless American haunt feels like a warm embrace, where the glow of polished wood and the hum of lively conversation create an inviting backdrop for soulful comfort food. Golden-brown fries and succulent burgers take center stage, served alongside chilled pints in a space that balances the charm of a classic bistro with the vibrant energy of a beloved neighborhood gathering spot.
• 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.
• Swine — American · rated 4.5/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and the intoxicating aroma of hickory smoke, Swine offers a soulful tribute to the art of the American hearth. The air hums with the sizzle of cast-iron skillets and the clinking of bourbon glasses, creating a convivial sanctuary where rustic charm meets bold, unapologetic flavors. Every dish celebrates the rich, savory depth of slow-cooked meats and charred seasonal bounty, inviting guests to linger over a meal that feels both timeless and deeply satisfying.
• 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.
• Cafe Cluny — French · rated 4.4/5: Nestled on a sun-dappled corner in the West Village, this quintessential bistro transports diners to a charming Parisian neighborhood with its warm amber lighting, vintage botanical prints, and bustling marble-topped tables. The air hums with the convivial energy of a local favorite, where the scent of buttery pastries and perfectly seared steak frites mingles with the rhythmic clink of wine glasses. It is a timeless sanctuary of French soul, offering an intimate escape that feels both effortlessly chic and deeply welcoming from the first morning espresso to the final evening digestif.
• 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.
• Cosme — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Cosme is a sleek, dimly lit sanctuary where the earthy aroma of freshly nixtamalized corn meets the sophisticated energy of a modern Mexican atelier. Artfully plated dishes celebrate the soulful flavors of heritage ingredients through a contemporary lens, from the rich, communal ritual of slow-roasted duck carnitas to the delicate, smoky sweetness of charred corn husk meringue. Every vibrant bite pulses with a refined artistry that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of the modern palate.
• Ichibantei — Japanese · rated 4.3/5: Stepping into Ichibantei feels like discovering a hidden Tokyo gem, where the rhythmic sizzle of the grill and the aromatic steam of simmering broths wrap guests in a warm, inviting embrace. The space hums with energy as diners savor the delicate balance of umami-rich flavors, from the crisp snap of golden tempura to the comforting depth of hand-crafted bowls that celebrate the soul of Japanese comfort food.
• 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.
• Aldea — Spanish · rated 4.3/5: Aldea captures the soulful essence of a Spanish village, inviting guests into a warm, sun-drenched space where the aroma of smoked pimentón and sizzling garlic drifts from a lively open kitchen. The kitchen weaves a tapestry of bold Iberian flavors through vibrant plates of charred seafood and rich, saffron-infused rice, creating a communal sanctuary that celebrates the effortless elegance and timeless warmth of Mediterranean dining.
• 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.
• Hudson Bagels — American · rated 4/5: The air at Hudson Bagels is thick with the warm, yeasty perfume of freshly baked dough, drawing locals into a bright neighborhood hub where the morning ritual is elevated to an art form. Each golden, chewy ring serves as a canvas for an array of velvety, house-whipped spreads, ranging from the garden-fresh crunch of vegetable and scallion to the rich, briny depth of lox and sun-dried tomato.
• 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.
• Society Billiards + Bar — American · rated 4/5: The rhythmic click of billiard balls provides a lively soundtrack to this polished social hub, where low-slung lighting and a spirited atmosphere invite guests to linger over friendly competition. Between games, diners indulge in a vibrant array of elevated comfort fare, from the smoky warmth of Mexican street corn dip to zesty tarragon chicken sandwiches and crisp, garden-fresh salads that elevate the classic pool hall experience into a refined culinary retreat.
• 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.
• abcV — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: Bathed in ethereal light and minimalist elegance, this plant-forward sanctuary transforms the season’s bounty into vibrant, soul-nourishing works of art. The air carries the enticing aroma of whole roasted cauliflower and earthy koji-marinated tofu, inviting guests to linger over velvety squash dips and crisp avocado lettuce cups that burst with clean, global flavors. It is a sophisticated retreat where culinary innovation meets mindful dining, proving that vegetables can be both remarkably bold and deeply satisfying.
• Marie Blachère Bakery & Café — French · rated 2/5: The air at Marie Blachère Bakery & Café is thick with the comforting aroma of golden-crusted loaves and freshly brewed coffee, drawing guests into a bright, welcoming space that feels like a slice of a Parisian morning. Here, the art of the traditional bakery meets the modern brunch table, where crisp tartines piled high with smoked salmon or earthy mushrooms share the stage with velvety, farm-fresh omelets and vibrant, fruit-topped acai bowls.
• Yama — Japanese: Yama invites diners into a refined sanctuary where the art of Japanese precision meets a vibrant, modern energy. The kitchen transforms pristine seafood into elegant masterpieces, from the delicate, buttery layers of hotate mille-feuille to the satisfying crunch of spicy tuna perched atop golden crispy rice. Every plate, from the zesty hamachi carpaccio to the savory depth of Chilean seabass kasuzuke, balances traditional soul with contemporary flair to create a sophisticated celebration of texture and taste.