Best Upscale Low Carb Restaurants in Civic Center | Upscale & Low Carb

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Low Carb Restaurants in Civic Center | Upscale & Low Carb

• 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.
• Café Habana — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: This vibrant urban retreat pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the intoxicating scent of charred corn, zesty lime, and slow-simmered spices. Inside, neon lights and retro accents create a lively backdrop for savoring bold Mexican flavors, from smoky, cheese-dusted elote to tender meats infused with the heat of sun-drenched chilis. It is a sensory celebration of street-food soul, where every plate captures the spirited warmth and festive rhythm of a bustling neighborhood cantina.
• 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.
• Barbalu — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Tucked into the cobblestone charm of the Seaport, Barbalu welcomes guests with a rustic embrace of exposed brick and warm candlelight, creating an intimate haven that feels like a well-kept secret. The kitchen breathes life into traditional Italian soul food, where the steam from bowls of perfectly al dente pasta mingles with the bright, herbaceous notes of house-pressed olive oils and sun-ripened tomatoes. Every meal unfolds with a rhythmic ease, pairing robust regional wines with artisanal plates that honor the simplicity and deep, comforting flavors of a classic trattoria.
• 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
• 19 Cleveland — Mediterranean · rated 4.5/5: Sun-drenched and draped in lush greenery, this airy Nolita escape captures the spirited energy of a Tel Aviv afternoon through its vibrant, herb-forward flavors and chic, open-air feel. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into a tapestry of shared plates, where the warmth of fresh-baked pita meets the smoky char of the grill and the bright tang of citrus-infused cocktails, creating a communal celebration of Mediterranean soul.
• 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.
• Prince Street Pizza — Italian · rated 4.4/5: This legendary Soho corner pulses with energy as the intoxicating scent of spicy pepperoni and toasted dough wafts onto the sidewalk. Inside, thick Sicilian squares are transformed into golden masterpieces topped with curls of crisp, oil-filled pepperoni and a vibrant, zesty sauce that balances heat with sweetness. Each bite offers a symphony of textures, from the airy, pillowy center to the satisfying crunch of the charred crust, capturing the very soul of New York’s vibrant street-food culture.
• 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.
• Il Brigante — Italian · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into this rustic enclave feels like discovering a hidden corner of Southern Italy, where the warm glow of candlelight flickers against exposed brick and the air carries the savory perfume of garlic and slow-simmered ragu. The kitchen honors tradition with hand-rolled pastas that capture the sun-drenched essence of the Mediterranean, creating a soulful dining experience that hums with spirited conversation and old-world charm.
• 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.
• 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.
• Binondo — Chinese · rated 4.4/5: Binondo captures the vibrant energy of a bustling heritage district, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of five-spice and the rhythmic clatter of woks over high flames. Bamboo steamers release clouds of fragrant vapor over tables laden with delicate, hand-pleated dumplings and succulent roasted meats that glisten under warm, inviting lights. This culinary sanctuary invites diners into a soulful celebration of tradition, offering a rich tapestry of textures and deep, authentic flavors that transport the senses to the heart of the world’s oldest Chinatown.
• 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.