From the archives: July 31, 2010
So. Much. Good. Food. Chelsea has loads of great restaurants, from the glamorous flagships of household-name chefs to the neighborhood favorites that give Chelsea its distinct flavor. Read on for a fail-proof guide to the best restaurants in Chelsea. (Photo: The sun-swaddled patio at La Bottega)
On this page: Sceney Chelsea Restaurants, Chelsea Neighborhood Favorites.
Report AbuseSceney Chelsea Restaurants
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Del Posto
Read Reviews85 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
Beloved ambassadors of Italian cuisine Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich are behind this 22,000-square-foot restaurant that attracts foodies and scenesters in equal parts.
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Elmo
Read Reviews156 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
A sexy crowd and vibe are the draw at this neighborhood favorite, although the chic comfort cuisine isn't too bad either.
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Cafeteria
Read Reviews119 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
Welcome to ground zero of the hot Chelsea party scene, open 24 hours a day. Oh, and it has food too.
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Morimoto New York
Read Reviews88 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
Like the mammoth Kitchen Stadium, "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto's 12,000-square-foot restaurant seems built for show--and his showy cuisine.
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Colicchio & Sons
Read Reviews85 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
The man you know from "Top Chef" runs this lauded restaurant by the High Line, which is split into a casual, craft beer-focused Tap Room and a formal dining room for his meticulous, award-winning tasting menu.
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La Bottega
Read Reviews363 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011 (map)
With its huge, greenery-lined patio and solid Italian fare, this restaurant at the Maritime Hotel is a great two-hour lunch spot and a classic Chelsea scene on warm evenings.
Chelsea Neighborhood Favorites
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Suenos
Read Reviews311 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011 (map)
This popular Mexican spot is regularly packed with diners due to its refined, artisanal Mexican fare and festive atmosphere.
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RUB BBQ
Read Reviews208 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011 (map)
One of the city's best barbecue joints, this no-frills neighborhood favorite is worth getting sauce all over your shirt.
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Cookshop Restaurant & Bar
Read Reviews156 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
Homey, yet often packed with celebs, this spot draws crowds with seasonally driven, conscientiously sourced ingredients.
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Red Cat
Read Reviews227 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
This long-time local fave sets the bar for neighborhood dining, from the flawless service to the always-inspired New American fare.
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Klee Brasserie
Read Reviews200 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
This spot's spare European-American cooking and decor appeals to Chelsea art lovers stopping in after a day of gallery hopping.
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Trestle On Tenth
Read Reviews242 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001 (map)
Swiss-born chef Ralf Kuettel's cuisine mixes European and American at his beloved neighborhood bistro.
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Tia Pol
Read Reviews205 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
A lively crowd fills this tiny brick-lined space for full-flavored tapas and Spanish wine.
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Viceroy Cafe
Read Reviews160 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10011 (map)
A killer happy hour and moderately priced American fare makes this a popular after-work spot.
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Gascogne Restaurant
Read Reviews158 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
Old-school elegance, a romantic back garden and rich French cooking keep locals coming back to this neighborhood staple.
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202
Read Reviews75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
Hidden away in a boutique in Chelsea Market, this semi-secret spot makes a lamb burger that's one of the best in the city, serves a killer brunch menu until 4pm every day, and has sidewalk seating.
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Blossom Vegan Restaurant
Read Reviews187 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
Everything on the menu at this cute Chelsea restaurant--from the meat- and dairy- free ingredients to the wine and beer--is 100 percent organic.
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Matsuri
Read Reviews369 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011 (map)
If you are: A) going on a date and B) in the mood for Japanese, this cool, inviting restaurant is exactly what you have in mind.
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Chelsea Market
Read Reviews75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 (map)
This mecca for foodies has something for every appetite. We like the pulled pork sandwich at Dickson's Farmstand Meats.