Two of the Best Hotel Restaurants In The Country Are In NYC — One Even Sets Cheese Ablaze Tableside

Hotel restaurants are no longer an afterthought—and OpenTable and KAYAK just proved it. The two brands teamed up to release their first-ever list of the Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America , and two NYC spots made the cut . The best part? They’re not just for out-of-towners—they’re serving high-concept menus, vintage cocktails, and tableside theatrics worth a reservation even if you live down the block. It’s further proof that NYC hotel dining is having a major moment—and it goes hand in hand with the city’s booming hotel bar scene (see our favorite ones here). Here’s everything to know about NYC’s two standout hotel restaurants making waves nationally : Zou Zou’s at the Pendry Manhattan West -------------------------------------- Helmed by Executive Chef Juliana Latif , this vibrant Eastern Mediterranean restaurant takes tableside drama to a whole new level—including cheese flambéed in front of you . Inspired by Levantine flavors and set in a moody, high-design space inside the Pendry hotel, Zou Zou’s is known for bold spices, hearth-fired meats, and shareable mezze. Signature dishes include: * Dip Tower — Tower with chickpea, ember-roasted eggplant, whipped ricotta, green tahini, smoked carrot dips, served with cruditè & bazlama * Zou Zou’s Duck Borek — a sausage made with duck formed in a spiral covered in flaky pastry dough * Hot Kassari Cheese — Tableside melted cheese served with Lebanese focaccia * Moroccan Fried Chicken for Two —Juicy fried chicken served for two The restaurant’s buzzy open kitchen and clay oven add both flavor and flair, and their cocktail program leans into bright, herbaceous notes that pair perfectly with the menu’s complexity. 📍 Pendry Manhattan West — 33rd St between 9th & 10th Ave 🍽️ Make a reservation here The Whitby Bar & Restaurant at The Whitby Hotel ----------------------------------------------- Tucked inside a boutique hotel by Firmdale Hotels, this Midtown gem is where classic elegance meets retro indulgence. The Whitby Bar was recognized for its polished service, seasonal menus, and a drinks list that includes rare vintage cocktails—like $65 pours from the 1970s , straight from the bottle. Expect plush banquettes, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an eclectic art collection that turns dining into a gallery experience. Highlights on the menu include: * Afternoon tea with whimsical, English-inspired treats * Lemon-lavender roasted Amish chicken, fennel and polenta * Crab and avocado toast It’s a luxe but approachable spot perfect for everything from a quiet breakfast to a full-on celebration. 📍 The Whitby Hotel — 18 W 56th St, Midtown 🍽️ Make a reservation here NYC isn’t just about what to see—it’s about what to eat ------------------------------------------------------- OpenTable and KAYAK’s list comes amid a shift in how people travel. According to their research: * 73% of travelers would return to a hotel just for its restaurant. * 38% have booked a hotel specifically for the food. * And nearly half say they post more about meals than monuments. So whether you’re booking a staycation or just chasing your next unforgettable dinner, these hotel restaurants deliver more than just convenience—they’re destinations in their own right. 🗺️ Explore the full list of 100 Top Hotel Restaurants here. Source: https://secretnyc.co/two-best-hotel-restaurants-in-the-country-are-in-nyc-2025-opentable-study/