Michelin has announced the winners of its annual Bib Gourmand awards, highlighting the best of affordable eating. New York City saw a total of 118 restaurants on the list, with three on the UES.
Michelin inspectors who create this list look for restaurants offering full menus with starter, main courses and desserts, “making it possible to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for around $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included).”
Here are the Upper East Side restaurants which made Michelin’s list in 2021:
San Matteo Pizza Espresso Bar
1739 Second Avenue (corner of East 90th Street)
“This tiny pizzeria has made a big splash with its panuozzo, a regional specialty hailing from Campania that’s a cross between a calzone and panino. The puffy plank of tender, salted dough emerges from San Matteo’s hand-built, wood-fired oven crusty and smoke-infused before being sliced and stuffed with first-rate ingredients (highlights include the ortolano’s fresh, house-made mozzarella, grilled eggplant, roasted sweet peppers and baby arugula).” Read Michelin’s full review here.
sanmatteopanuozzo.com | (212) 426 6943
J.G. Melon
1291 Third Avenue (at 74th Street)
“Posterity will remember J.G. Melon as a classic and coveted New York institution. Make your way into this cave set upon a cozy Upper East corner, where the timeless vibe and cheery staff make up most of its allure. Drinks are steadily churned out at a dark wood bar, so arrive early to avoid the hordes.” Read Michelin’s full review here.
jgmelon-nyc.com | (212) 744-0585
Bohemian Spirit
321 East 73rd Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues
“It’s old-world Bohemia, not hippie-chic, at this Czech beer hall located on the first floor of the National Bohemian Hall building. It exudes a classic European bar vibe with wood paneling, simple wood tables and vintage knick knacks. Naturally, beers and pilsners are the drink of choice, but for grape lovers, there is a nice European-focused wine list sprinkled with Czech and Austrian wines.” Read Michelin’s full review here.
bohemianspiritrestaurant.com | (212) 861-1038
