Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in Chinatown | Upscale & Paleo

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in Chinatown | Upscale & Paleo

• Orchard Grocer — American · rated 5/5: This vibrant neighborhood gem reimagines the classic deli experience, where the nostalgic aroma of toasted bagels and savory schmear mingles with the sun-drenched energy of a bustling morning. Towering, inventive sandwiches like the Miles and the Bowery offer a satisfying harmony of textures and bold flavors, while the signature breakfast burrito provides a warm, hearty embrace for the soul. Whether you’re grabbing a crisp Orchard Cobb to go or lingering over a perfectly pressed roll, it’s a charming corner where modern culinary creativity meets the timeless spirit of the city.
• Raf's — Italian · rated 5/5: Sunlight dances across a counter laden with golden, shatteringly crisp pastries, where the buttery aroma of fresh-baked croissants and caramelized sugar fills the air. This chic neighborhood haunt elevates the morning ritual with an array of artisanal treasures, from savory parcels of prosciutto and taleggio to decadent harissa chocolate cake and jewel-like seasonal tarts.
• Pecking House — Chinese · rated 5/5: Pecking House reimagines the classic fried chicken joint as a vibrant crossroads of Southern comfort and bold Sichuan heat, where the air hums with the aromatic scent of toasted chilies and sizzling poultry. Diners dive into shatteringly crisp chili chicken and spice-dusted wings that pair perfectly with smoky turkey bacon fried rice and the refreshing, charred crunch of wok-fried lettuce. From the fiery kick of handmade wontons to the savory depth of their signature sandwiches, every bite offers a masterclass in texture and a soulful celebration of cross-cultural flavors.
• Sōrate — Japanese · rated 5/5: Sōrate invites guests into a tranquil, minimalist sanctuary where the ancient ritual of Japanese tea is performed with modern elegance and quiet precision. Vibrant clouds of emerald matcha are whisked to a delicate froth in ceramic bowls, while the nutty aroma of roasted hojicha and the deep, oceanic notes of superior gyokuro fill the air. Whether exploring a flight of rare shade-grown powders or savoring a steaming pot of sencha, the experience is a sensory immersion into the refined soul of traditional tea culture.
• 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.
• Yondu Culinary Studio — Korean · rated 4.8/5: Bathed in natural light, this sleek, interactive space invites guests to step behind the counter and explore the vibrant soul of Korean cuisine through a hands-on, immersive lens. The air hums with the sizzle of seasonal vegetables and the deep, savory aroma of slow-fermented umami, transforming fresh ingredients into a communal feast of bold, plant-forward flavors. It is a sensory journey where the boundaries between chef and diner dissolve, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance of heat and heart that defines the modern Korean table.
• Jerrell's BETR BRGR — American · rated 4.7/5: Bathed in the glow of vibrant neon and retro-cool aesthetics, this high-energy haunt reimagines the classic American burger joint with a bold, plant-based soul. Sizzling patties are layered with gooey cheese and zesty signature sauce, paired perfectly with golden waffle fries and thick, velvety shakes that deliver a nostalgic punch of flavor for the modern diner.
• Kalye — Filipino · rated 4.7/5: Kalye transports diners to the heart of a bustling Manila night market, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of garlic-infused rice and the smoky char of street-style skewers. The vibrant, urban space hums with a communal energy, offering a soulful exploration of Filipino heritage through bold plates that masterfully balance punchy citrus brightness with rich, slow-simmered depths.
• Batsu — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Batsu transports guests to a world of refined simplicity, where the clean lines of a minimalist interior set the stage for the vibrant artistry of Japanese culinary tradition. From the delicate precision of hand-carved sashimi to the smoky allure of charcoal-fired skewers, every dish celebrates the harmony of seasonal ingredients and time-honored techniques in an atmosphere of quiet, sophisticated elegance.
• 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.
• 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.
• Set L.E.S — American · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the glow of neon lights and framed by exposed brick, Set L.E.S. captures the restless, electric spirit of the Lower East Side. The kitchen elevates the American gastropub experience, sending out a parade of smoky, glazed skewers and inventive small plates that burst with bold, savory flavors designed for sharing. It is a high-energy sanctuary where craft cocktails and communal dining create a sensory backdrop for an evening that feels both effortlessly cool and vibrantly social.
• La Contenta — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: La Contenta unfolds as a vibrant, candlelit sanctuary where the rhythmic shake of artisanal cocktails harmonizes with the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies and slow-simmered moles. This intimate escape captures the soul of Mexico through a kaleidoscope of bold flavors and hand-pressed textures, fostering a spirited atmosphere where every meal feels like a festive celebration of heritage.
• 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.
• 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.
• Torrisi — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Torrisi pulses with the vibrant, high-octane energy of a modern New York landmark, where the historic charm of the Puck Building meets a glamorous dining room anchored by the theatrical hum of an open kitchen. The experience serves as a sophisticated love letter to Italian-American heritage, weaving together the nostalgic aromas of a traditional deli with masterfully refined plates that elevate soul-warming flavors into something truly cinematic.
• Momofuku Ko — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Diners are drawn into a moody, minimalist theater where a sleek wrap-around counter provides a front-row seat to the meticulous choreography of the open kitchen. The experience celebrates the art of the unexpected, blending disciplined Japanese techniques with bold, imaginative influences to create a multi-course journey that is as intellectually stimulating as it is delicious. Each dish arrives as a miniature masterpiece, balancing refined elegance with a vibrant, modern energy that redefines the traditional omakase.
• Divya’s Kitchen — Indian · rated 4.6/5: Step into a serene sanctuary where the air is perfumed with the gentle warmth of toasted spices and the calming essence of an Ayurvedic kitchen. Each dish is a vibrant tapestry of healing ingredients, from golden kitchari to herb-flecked vegetable bowls, meticulously crafted to nourish both the body and the spirit. This sun-drenched space invites a mindful approach to Indian cuisine, where ancient wisdom meets modern elegance in every balanced, flavorful bite.
• Mictlān — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Mictlān transports guests to a shadowy, candlelit realm where the ancient spirit of Mexico is channeled through the intoxicating fragrance of wood-smoke and hand-ground spices. The experience unfolds across a landscape of velvety moles and heirloom corn, where every bite of tender, slow-cooked protein and sip of artisanal mezcal pays homage to the vibrant, soulful traditions of the Oaxacan highlands.
• V-Nam Cafe — Vietnamese · rated 4.6/5: V-Nam Cafe invites diners into a world of vibrant aromatics, where the steam from slow-simmered phở broths carries notes of star anise and charred ginger through the cozy, bustling space. The experience centers on a masterful balance of textures and temperatures, from the shatteringly crisp crust of a savory banh mi to the cooling crunch of fresh herbs and zesty citrus that brighten every soul-warming bowl.
• 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.
• Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel is a sun-drenched sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and the irresistible fragrance of chickpeas crisping in the fryer. Golden, herb-flecked falafel offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a tender, steaming center, served alongside velvety hummus and zesty pickles that capture the soulful, sun-kissed essence of Levantine
• May Kaidee — Thai · rated 4.6/5: May Kaidee serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the bold, aromatic flavors of Thailand are reimagined through a soulful plant-based lens. Guests are greeted by the intoxicating scent of fresh galangal and kaffir lime as they settle into an unpretentious space that celebrates the art of healthy, traditional cooking. Each plate arrives as a colorful mosaic of garden-fresh vegetables and hand-ground spices, offering a nourishing journey that proves meatless dining can be both deeply satisfying and explosively flavorful.
• 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.
• Dhamaka — Indian · rated 4.5/5: Dhamaka pulses with the raw, electric energy of a bustling Indian bazaar, where the air is thick with the scent of toasted cumin and the roar of high-heat cooking. This vibrant destination celebrates the bold, rustic soul of regional cuisine, delivering an explosion of unapologetic flavors and fire-kissed textures that transport diners to the heart of the subcontinent’s most spirited kitchens.
• 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.
• Spicy Village — Chinese · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into this bustling Chinatown gem, guests are greeted by the rhythmic slap of hand-pulled noodles and the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and fiery chili oil. The humble, steam-filled space hums with energy as communal tables overflow with vibrant platters of Big Tray Chicken and silken noodles, capturing the bold, soul-warming essence of Henan-style home cooking.
• Dirt Candy — American · rated 4.5/5: This vibrant, neon-accented haven reimagines the garden as a playground of bold flavors, where the humble vegetable is elevated to a dazzling centerpiece through whimsical and boundary-pushing techniques. The open kitchen pulses with energy, turning seasonal harvests into sophisticated, multi-layered compositions that surprise the palate and ignite the senses. It is a spirited celebration of the earth’s bounty, offering a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is profoundly inventive.
• 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.
• 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.