Exploring New York's Uptown Haven - Manhattan's Upper East Side
The Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City, is a vibrant neighbourhood that offers a unique blend of culinary delights and cultural attractions.
For food lovers, the area boasts an impressive array of dining options. Carmine's, located on 2150 Broadway, is a family-style Italian restaurant known for its generous portions and lively atmosphere. Aunt Jake's Pasta Experience, with its exceptional service and delicious pasta dishes, is another excellent choice for group dining. Gjelina, although primarily located in Venice Beach, California, has a New York outpost on the Upper East Side, offering a seasonal menu with a focus on wood-fired cooking and fresh ingredients.
Heidelberg Restaurant serves authentic German cuisine, including schnitzel and sausages, and is a favourite among locals. Anita La Mamma del Gelato offers some of the best ice cream in the area, making it a perfect spot for a sweet treat. Orwashers, a bakery established in 1916 by a Hungarian immigrant family, is another must-visit. Their potato pancakes with applesauce are a popular appetizer at Heidelberg Restaurant.
For those seeking a quick bite, Eighty-Sixth Street, reminiscent of Times Square on a smaller scale, offers a variety of fast food options and an AMC theater. La Esquina, a casual Mexican restaurant, is known for its platanos and quesadillas.
In addition to its culinary offerings, the Upper East Side is home to several cultural attractions. Central Park, spanning the entire length of the Upper East Side from Fifty-Seventh to Ninety-Sixth Street, is a popular destination. It offers various attractions such as the Central Park Boathouse, Zoo, and Alice in Wonderland statue. Carl Schurz Park is another popular destination, known for its peaceful atmosphere and connection to the East River Esplanade.
The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) is a large museum on the Upper East Side, filled with over 490,000 works of art spanning over 5,000 years. The Guggenheim and Cooper Hewitt museums are other museums worth visiting.
For a casual dining experience with delicious food and a simple but beautiful ambience, Maman is a recommended spot. The go-to order at Maman is the "Smashed Avocado Tartine".
The Q train is a favorite among Upper East Side residents due to its speed, with three stops on the UES: Seventy-Second Street, Eighty-Sixth Street, and Ninety-Sixth Street. If you're willing to venture a bit outside the Upper East Side, Marky’s Caviar, though partially replaced by Huso in Tribeca, remains a notable spot for a luxurious dining experience with a focus on caviar and fine dining.
Barnes & Noble has returned to the Upper East Side, located just a block and an avenue away from its original location. Xi'an Famous Foods, known for its hand-ripped noodles, received a visit from Anthony Bourdain in 2007.
Lastly, a stroll along 2nd Avenue offers an amazing selection of cuisines, making it a perfect way to explore the diverse food scene of the Upper East Side. Whether you're a food enthusiast, culture lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the Upper East Side has something for everyone.
The Upper East Side also features a range of cultural attractions, including the MET, Guggenheim, and Cooper Hewitt museums, providing a spotlight on art spanning over 5,000 years. For photography enthusiasts, a stroll along 2nd Avenue offers a lifestyle snapshot of the diverse food scene. If you appreciate good news and travel, bargaining your way through Xi'an Famous Foods, known for its hand-ripped noodles, is a must. Lastly, food-and-drink devotees won't want to miss Marky’s Caviar, a luxurious dining experience outside the Upper East Side, offering an exquisite selection of caviar and fine dining. Home-and-garden enthusiasts can also find solace in Central Park's peaceful atmosphere or a visit to Carl Schurz Park, connected to the East River Esplanade.
