When it comes to exploring the best food on the Upper West Side, there's no need to book a plane ticket, your passport to international flavors is just a few blocks wide. This historic Manhattan neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures, with restaurants that offer a true taste of the globe. 

From classic French brasseries to Ethiopian injera and Japanese ramen, the Upper West Side is a culinary journey worth taking. Whether you're a local or a traveler wondering what to eat in NYC, this guide maps out a delicious world tour, no metro card required.

Start in France: Nice Matin

Begin your international adventure at Nice Matin, the acclaimed French-Mediterranean restaurant located within the elegant Lucerne Hotel. Known for its Provençal charm and stylish sidewalk café seating, Nice Matin transports diners to the South of France. 

The menu features elevated bistro classics like duck leg confit, bouillabaisse, and ratatouille tarte fine. Don’t skip the signature Nice Matin Burger, topped with roasted tomato, red onion confit, and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. The wine list, curated with an emphasis on French varietals, pairs effortlessly with the rich yet refined dishes. It’s a quintessential Parisian experience.

Go Japanese: Jin Ramen

Just a short 4-minute stroll north of the Lucerne Hotel is Jin Ramen, a beloved neighborhood spot for authentic Japanese noodle soups and small plates. The tonkotsu ramen, featuring slow-simmered pork bone broth, is rich, creamy, and layered with umami. 

If you're craving something lighter, try the shoyu or miso-based bowls, each with perfectly chewy noodles and tender chashu pork. For sides, the karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) and gyoza are must-haves. The vibe is cozy and casual, with counter seating that gives you a peek into the bustling kitchen.

Indulge in Italian: Celeste

No international food tour would be complete without a nod to Italy, and Celeste delivers a charming slice of Tuscany in the heart of the Upper West Side, just a short 7-minute walk from the Lucerne Hotel. This rustic trattoria is famed for its handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, served in an intimate, unpretentious setting. 

The tagliatelle al tartufo (fresh pasta with truffle oil) is rich and fragrant, while the margherita pizza is a textbook example of simplicity done right. The owner often greets guests personally, adding a warm, familial touch to every visit. Celeste captures the spirit of an Italian village eatery, where the food is heartfelt and the hospitality genuine.

Discover Turkish Flavors: Leyla

Rounding out your global eats journey is Leyla, a Mediterranean restaurant on West 74th Street that brings rustic elegance to the Upper West Side. Leyla’s menu draws from the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, including the Black Sea region of Turkey, offering dishes that trace the spirit of the Mediterranean.

Signature plates like fresh mezze, hearty entrées, and delicious cocktails highlight the expertise of the chefs and the quality of the ingredients. Each meal reflects Mediterranean and Turkish traditions of togetherness and sharing, making Leyla a perfect spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. Leyla delivers an experience full of delicious bites and is only a 10-minute walk from the Lucerne Hotel.

Savor Ethiopian: Awash

Venture about a 25-minute walk from the Lucerne Hotel, and you’ll find Awash, a cozy, family-run Ethiopian eatery that’s long been a local favorite. Traditional dishes like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and yemisir wot (spiced lentils) are served atop injera, the soft, spongy flatbread that doubles as both plate and utensil. 

The communal nature of the cuisine makes Awash a great pick for sharing and exploring multiple flavors at once. For vegetarians and vegans, the “Taste of Awash” platter offers a vibrant medley of lentils, greens, and vegetables, all richly spiced and deeply satisfying. 

Taste Thailand: Thai Market

Step into Thai Market, located about a 30-minute walk from the Lucerne Hotel, and you're greeted with a lively, bustling energy that mirrors the street food stalls of Bangkok. The menu is a treasure trove of Thai classics, from spicy green papaya salad (som tum) to wok-seared pad kee mao (drunken noodles). 

Their house specialty, kai yang, is a marinated grilled chicken served with sticky rice and tangy tamarind sauce. If you're a fan of bold, bright flavors like lemongrass, chili, and fresh herbs, this is your spot. The portions are generous, the spice level customizable, and the interior both colorful and inviting.

Plan Your Tour

From delicate French fare to the heat of Thai spices, the best food on the Upper West Side is an exploration of global traditions and authentic flavor. Each restaurant brings its own cultural story to the table, offering not just a meal, but an experience. If you're deciding what to eat in NYC and want a culinary adventure without leaving the neighborhood, the Upper West Side serves it up with style.

And when your appetite is satisfied and it's time to relax, there’s no better place to rest than the Lucerne Hotel, home to Nice Matin and just steps from this global dining tour. Book your stay in comfort, dine in elegance, and let the world come to you, one plate at a time.