Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in Turtle Bay | Upscale Soul Food Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in Turtle Bay | Upscale Soul Food Food

• Muna — Middle Eastern · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Midtown East, Muna offers a delightful Indian dining experience with a Himalayan twist. Enjoy familiar comfort foods like samosas, chicken tikka masala, and lamb biryani, alongside hearty vegetarian and vegan options. Guests praise the welcoming atmosphere, spacious dining area, and exceptional service. With $20-30 per meal, you can indulge in delicious desserts and a fine selection of wines. Family-friendly and perfect for solo dining, Muna ensures a memorable visit. Curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery are available.
• Benny John's Bar and Grill — Steakhouse · rated 4.8/5: Located in Midtown East, Benny John's Bar and Grill offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all occasions. This casual bar and grill delights guests with American comfort food, happy hour specials, live entertainment, and both indoor and outdoor seating. With popular dishes like lobster bisque and filet mignon, plus a diverse drinks menu, there's something for everyone. Ideal for groups and children, Benny John's ensures a pleasant dining experience from start to finish.
• Nom Nam — Vietnamese · rated 4.7/5: Nom Nam transports diners to the vibrant heart of Vietnam, where the intoxicating aroma of charred lemongrass and slow-simmered broths fills a space alive with energy and warmth. Each dish is a masterclass in balance, pairing the crunch of garden-fresh herbs and pickled vegetables with the deep, savory soul of traditional street food. This lively sanctuary celebrates the bright, bold spirit of Southeast Asian cuisine, inviting guests to savor the delicate harmony of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in every bite.
• Fasano Restaurant New York — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the heart of New York, Fasano Restaurant offers an exquisite blend of Italian comfort food and an impressive wine list. Located at 60 E 49th St, this modern eatery provides a casual yet sophisticated ambiance, perfect for a business lunch or a romantic dinner. Guests can indulge in delectable desserts, savor a fine selection of wines, and enjoy private dining with a touch of jazz. Reservations are recommended.
• Il Monello — Italian · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in Midtown East, Il Monello offers a cozy Italian dining experience featuring authentic comfort food for lunch and dinner. The menu highlights fresh pasta dishes, juicy steaks, and delectable seafood, with favorites like cacio e pepe, tiramisu, and porterhouse steak. Enjoy the inviting ambiance, attentive service, and a selection of desserts, coffee, and cocktails, all at 337 E 49th St, New York.
• OBAO Midtown — Thai · rated 4.7/5: OBAO Midtown is your go-to spot in Midtown East for delicious Thai and Vietnamese comfort foods with a twist. Known for its cozy and elegant ambiance, this Asian fusion restaurant serves popular dishes like pad thai, pho, and drunken noodles. With options great for kids, a fantastic tea selection, and prompt, attentive service, OBAO ensures a delightful dining experience for everyone. Enjoy a meal for $20-30 at this sleek destination, where the service shines just as brightly as the food.
• Lan Larb Esan — Thai · rated 4.6/5: The air hums with the vibrant energy of a bustling night market, thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted rice and charred chilies that signals the arrival of authentic Northeastern Thai soul food. Vibrant plates burst with the sharp tang of lime and the deep, savory funk of fermented fish sauce, while smoky, flame-kissed meats find their perfect companion in baskets of warm, hand-pressed sticky rice. Every bite is a sensory explosion of heat and herb-forward freshness, creating a communal dining experience that transports guests straight to the sun-drenched landscapes of the Esan region.
• Sam's Place — American · rated 4.6/5: Sam's Place is a quintessential neighborhood cornerstone where the comforting clinking of silverware and the aroma of sizzling griddles invite guests to settle into cozy, leather-clad booths. The kitchen transforms simple ingredients into soulful American staples, serving up everything from golden-crisp comfort foods to succulent, hand-pressed burgers that celebrate the bold, honest flavors of the American table.
• La Bellezza Pizza — Italian · rated 4.6/5: Located on 145 E 49th St in Midtown East, La Bellezza Pizza offers quick bites and comfort food with a focus on delicious pizza by the slice. The menu features crowd favorites like cheese and pepperoni pizza, stromboli, and garlic knots. Family-friendly and highly rated, this laid-back spot is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. Enjoy the flavors that have earned it a 4.6-star rating from over 200 satisfied patrons!
• Souvlaki GR Kouzina — Greek · rated 4.6/5: Souvlaki GR Kouzina in Midtown East is a trendy Greek restaurant that transports you straight to Santorini with its cozy, next-level ambiance. Specializing in comfort food and small plates, the menu features authentic Greek dishes such as souvlaki, pita, and baklava. With vegetarian and healthy options, as well as happy hour drinks, it's perfect for both solo diners and families. Don't miss their saganaki appetizer and chicken souvlaki. Rated 4.6 stars with fast, attentive service, it’s a must-try for Greek cuisine enthusiasts.
• Fogo de Chão — Steakhouse · rated 4.5/5: The air hums with the energy of a traditional Southern Brazilian churrascaria, where gaucho chefs navigate the dining room in a continuous, rhythmic parade of fire-roasted meats carved expertly at your table. This immersive experience centers on the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco, pairing succulent, salt-crusted cuts of beef and lamb with a vibrant market table overflowing with fresh seasonal harvests and authentic Brazilian sides.
• NAYA Express — Middle Eastern · rated 4.5/5: The air hums with the vibrant energy of the Levant, thick with the enticing aroma of slow-roasted shawarma and the earthy fragrance of toasted za'atar. Here, the bright crunch of pickled vegetables and zesty salads meets the velvety richness of house-made hummus, offering a customizable feast that captures the soulful, sun-soaked essence of Middle Eastern street food in every bite.
• Milk N Honey — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Milk N Honey, conveniently situated near Maimonides Hospital in Borough Park, is a delightful Kosher dairy restaurant offering a variety of comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Highly rated with a 4.5-star average and praised for its fast service, this eatery serves everything from pizza and falafel to vegan options and soft serve ice cream. Ideal for families and solo diners alike, Milk N Honey also provides takeout and delivery services, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all.
• Frida Midtown — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in Midtown East, Frida Midtown is a chic restaurant and cocktail bar merging Mexican and Peruvian flavors. With favorites like ceviche, birria tacos, and lomo saltado, the menu spans comfort food, vegetarian options, and late-night bites. Enjoy brunch or happy hour in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that suits both family outings and group celebrations. Known for its remarkable service, Frida Midtown promises a delightful dining experience.
• Urban Space — American · rated 4.4/5: Urban Space captures the pulse of the city within a sun-drenched, industrial-chic setting where the aroma of charred oak and sizzling prime beef fills the air. This vibrant hub reimagines American classics through a contemporary lens, pairing artisanal comfort food with inventive craft cocktails that invite guests to linger long after the last bite.
• Foxy John's Bar & Kitchen — American · rated 4.4/5: Foxy John’s Bar & Kitchen invites guests into a spirited, rustic haven where the warm glow of the bar and the irresistible aroma of sizzling comfort food set the stage for a quintessential American feast. Elevated classics take center stage, featuring juice-dripping burgers and savory, hearth-fired plates that pair perfectly with a cold pint and the lively hum of neighborhood conversation. This vibrant social anchor blends soulful flavors with a convivial energy, transforming every meal into a spirited celebration of good company and honest cooking.
• Pio Pio 7 — Spanish · rated 4.4/5: Nestled in Kips Bay, Pio Pio 7 offers a cozy ambiance and tantalizing Peruvian comfort food. Known for its rotisserie chicken, ceviche, and sangria, this laid-back spot is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. With a menu featuring healthy choices and quick bites, you can also savor South American and Latin American flavors. Popular among families, Pio Pio 7 provides quick service and a dining experience that visitors love to return to.
• Bloom's Tavern — American · rated 4.4/5: Bloom's Tavern, located at 208 E 58th St, New York, is a cozy Irish pub perfect for enjoying laid-back comfort food, hearty brunches, and a lively happy hour scene. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu featuring burgers, shepherd's pie, and other pub favorites, it's a great spot for groups and sports enthusiasts alike. Don't miss their extensive selection of draft beers, wines, and cocktails!
• Maggie's Place — American · rated 4.4/5: Nestled in Midtown East since 1974, Maggie's Place is a classic Irish pub offering comfort food and a full bar. This cozy spot is a favorite for its fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and vibrant happy hour. With a welcoming atmosphere, it's great for watching sports and socializing. Known for attentive staff and hearty fare, Maggie's Place ensures a delightful experience, making it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
• Bill's Bar & Burger — American · rated 4.3/5: The air hums with the savory aroma of searing beef and the cheerful clink of frosted beer mugs in this high-energy tavern, where the sizzle of the griddle sets a rhythmic tempo for a lively night out. Towering, juice-dripping burgers take center stage alongside golden piles of fries and decadent, hand-spun milkshakes that offer a nostalgic nod to the quintessential American diner. It is a soulful celebration of comfort food that captures the unpretentious joy of a classic backyard cookout elevated by a vibrant, urban pulse.
• Hill and Bay — American · rated 4.3/5: Hill and Bay serves as a polished yet soulful neighborhood anchor, where warm wood tones and floor-to-ceiling windows create an inviting stage for elevated American comfort food. The air hums with the conviviality of a local favorite as guests tuck into succulent burgers and vibrant seasonal fare, all complemented by a creative bar program that captures the effortless charm of modern city dining.
• The Grill — Steakhouse · rated 4.3/5: Located at 706 W Elizabeth Ave, Linden, NJ, The Grill is a charming diner offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying omelettes, burgers, and other comfort foods. Known for its cleanliness and friendly service, this diner is a hit among families with its kid-friendly menu. With options for free parking and wheelchair accessibility, The Grill ensures a convenient dining experience for all. Enjoy their highly rated breakfast wraps and freshly squeezed orange juice any day of the week except Tuesday.
• Parnell's — American · rated 4.3/5: Located in Midtown East, Parnell's is a cozy Irish pub that offers a warm atmosphere perfect for watching sports or enjoying live entertainment. The menu showcases comfort food like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and an English breakfast, with popular dishes including tacos and duck a l'orange. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Parnell's is known for its great service and welcoming environment.
• Inside Park — American · rated 4.3/5: Inside Park, located in Midtown East's historic General Electric Building, offers a trendy and casual dining experience with great views and outdoor seating. Specializing in comfort food with an organic twist, the menu features steak frites, fried chicken sandwiches, shrimp toast, and delightful desserts. This New American restaurant is perfect for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, serving a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails.
• Park Avenue Tavern — American · rated 4.3/5: Located at 99 Park Ave, New York, Park Avenue Tavern is an inviting American restaurant known for its hearty comfort foods including burgers and steaks. Open daily, it offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with happy hour specials. The cozy space features outdoor seating and is perfect for catching a game. With a 4.3-star rating from over 1,600 reviews, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
• Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner — American · rated 4.3/5: Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan's Murray Hill, Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner serves up classic Jewish comfort food in a cozy, historically rich atmosphere. This old-school deli is famous for its generous portions and a wide-ranging menu, featuring popular items like pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and delectable cheesecake. Known for its friendly staff and warm ambiance, Sarge's offers a delightful dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more. Whether you're there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, prepare to be welcomed like family and leave satisfied.
• Jimbo's Hamburger Place — American · rated 4.3/5: Jimbo's Hamburger Place, located at 991 1st Ave., New York, offers a delightful mix of burgers, sandwiches, and American comfort food in a laid-back setting. Rated 4.3 stars from 187 reviews, it's a favorite for both breakfast and lunch. Friendly staff and a cozy, old-school atmosphere make it a welcoming spot for families. Open daily with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, it's a must-visit for any comfort food enthusiast.
• Garlic New York Pizza Bar — Italian · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in Midtown Manhattan's Murray Hill, Garlic New York Pizza Bar offers a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for families and groups. Savor an array of Italian comfort foods, from grandma slices and cheese pizza to vegetarian options like eggplant and penne. Enjoy your meal with a selection of beer, wine, or cocktails, and don't miss the outdoor patio for a tranquil escape. Open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM.
• J.R — American · rated 4.2/5: Located in the heart of Crown Heights, J.R is a cozy Jamaican restaurant known for its laid-back vibe and delicious comfort food. Popular dishes include jerk chicken, curry chicken, oxtail, and ackee and saltfish. Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night cravings, it's a perfect spot for families and solo diners alike. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, J.R ensures a delightful dining experience at an affordable price range of $10-$20.
• Gai Chicken & Rice — Thai · rated 4.2/5: Located in the Financial District, Gai Chicken & Rice offers a taste of Thailand with its delectable Hainanese chicken and rice bowls, plus savory fried chicken wings. Popular for both lunch and dinner, this casual eatery is kid-friendly and perfect for takeout. With prices ranging from $10-20, the restaurant delights customers with comfort food classics and quick, friendly service. Visit for a delicious, budget-friendly meal at 118 Fulton St, New York.