Affordable Michelin Restaurants: New York City’s Best Picks

New York is America’s fine dining capital, boasting 68 Michelin-starred restaurants, ranking the city first in the Americas and seventh worldwide, between Hong Kong and Singapore, for the highest number of Michelin restaurants.

However, New York is also notoriously expensive. From real estate to hotels and fine dining, everything costs substantially more than in most other places. According to a recent analysis conducted by our team, New York ranks sixth globally among the most expensive cities to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, with an average cost of $258 per person (excluding drinks and gratuity). This is significantly higher than in Paris, Tokyo, or Berlin.

The average cost to dine at one of New York’s Michelin-starred restaurants is $258 per person (excluding drinks and gratuity).

Nest of Chef Global Michelin Dining Report

Despite this, there are a few Michelin-starred restaurants in New York that offer more affordable lunch and dinner options. Lunch is generally more affordable than dinner, making it a great way to experience a fabulous Michelin meal. For those seeking to dine out at an affordable Michelin restaurant in New York, there are several good options available.

This list will also come in handy for those of you who are planning a trip to NYC this year, so make sure you bookmark it!

The Most Affordable Michelin Restaurants in NYC

Lunch is generally more affordable than dinner in the Michelin universe, so if you want to experience a Michelin-starred meal in the Big Apple without breaking the bank this is your best bet. Brunch is also a good option, but only a handful of Michelin restaurants in NYC offer this option.

So let’s review the most affordable Michelin lunch meals in New York for this summer.

1. Le Jardinier | $58 per person

Address: 610 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022

Le Jardinier offers the most affordable prix fixe Michelin lunch meal in New York. The Executive Lunch package, priced at $58 per person, includes a two-course meal.

The restaurant provides a refined dining experience focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients and contemporary French cuisine. For lunch, you can enjoy dishes such as heirloom tomato gazpacho or veggie and sumac lavash, grilled Montauk bass with summer squash and lemongrass emulsion, or the vegetarian-friendly Carolina gold risotto with charred corn and grilled broccoli.

2. Gramercy Tavern | $60 per person

Address: 42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003

Head off to the cherished 30-year old Gramercy Tavern in the Flatiron District for the second most affordable Michelin prix fixe lunch menu in NYC. Gramercy Tavern offers a three-course lunch menu priced at $60 per person where you can enjoy a starter, one main and one dessert from their rich à la carte menu.

For starters, choose from the delicate Hamachi, paired with snap peas, coconut, and lime, or the Chilled Cucumber Soup enriched with sungolds, yogurt, and dill. For those seeking a heartier option, the Beef Tartare with Bayley Hazen, Asian pear, and Dijon is a savory delight.

For the main course, savor the succulent Pan-Seared Arctic Char accompanied by asparagus, crab, and basil, or enjoy the robust flavors of the Smoked Wagyu Brisket with Carolina gold rice, caraflex cabbage, and crimson chili. Vegetarians will appreciate the wholesome Fava Beans with lentils, pine nuts, and apricot. And not to forget, three delicious sweet treats are offered for dessert.

3. Aquavit | $75

Address: 65 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

If you like to experience something unique, head out to Aquavit. It’s a Scandinavian restaurant known for its innovative Nordic cuisine and elegant ambiance. With two Michelin stars, it offers a refined dining experience that highlights the best of seasonal ingredients and traditional Scandinavian flavors, beautifully presented in both its a la carte and tasting menus.

Two-courses are priced at $75, while a three-course lunch menu is priced just a bit higher at $85. You can indulge in their famous Swedish meatballs with lingonberries, Spätzle, a European noodle dish, or enjoy a slice of the heavenly Swedish Princess Cake, one of the most popular Swedish desserts.

5. Family Meal at Blue Hill | $85 (Sunday Lunch only)

Address: 75 Washington Pl, New York, NY 10011

Blue Hill in NYC is a celebrated farm-to-table restaurant known for its innovative approach to seasonal and sustainable cuisine. Located in Greenwich Village, Blue Hill offers a unique dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, many of which come from the restaurant’s own farm. The elegant and intimate setting, combined with Chef Dan Barber’s creative and thoughtful dishes, makes Blue Hill a standout destination for those seeking a memorable and eco-conscious culinary adventure.

Lunch is served solely on Sundays, between 11:30am-2:30pm, at Blue Hill in NYC. It’s a three-course menu priced at $85.

Most Affordable Michelin Dining Options in New York

If you’re looking to dine out at a Michelin restaurant in New York, there are a few affordable yet still excellent options where the prix fixe or tasting menu is well below the city’s $258 per person average.

As expected, the more affordable prix fixe menus generally consist of fewer dishes compared to the premium tasting menus, but the quality of the food, ambiance, and service remains top-notch.

We’ve divided the affordable dining options into two categories: prix fixe and tasting menus, and affordable Michelin dining options based on a three-course selection from the à la carte menu.

1. Oxomoco | $65 per person

Address: 128 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Mexican restaurant Oxomoco, helmed by Chef Justin Bazdarich, instantly evokes the feel of a vacation resort. The menu combines traditional Mexican recipes with modern interpretations, offering a sensory delight that keeps you coming back for more.

The tacos at Oxomoco are to die for and you can choose between four different tacos recipe (grilled asparagus, soft shell crab, lamb barbacoa and swordfish) priced between $23 and $31. Be sure to sample their extensive selection of tequila and mezcal cocktails.

Affordable three-course meal suggestion: you can combine, for instance, shrimp ceviche tostada, lamb barbacoa tacos, and chips and salsa for $66 per person. 

2. Casa Mono NYC | $66 per person

Address: 52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

Tapas might be the best way to experience a Michelin-starred meal, as the small-plate format allows you to sample a variety of dishes. However, be mindful not to overorder, as the cost can quickly add up. Casa Mono serves some of the most refined tapas in New York, with many dishes inspired by Chef Andy Nusser’s childhood in Costa Brava.

Affordable three-course meal suggestion: Burrata with spring pea-pistachio pesto and preserved lemon, the pork belly with fava bean puree and rhubarb mostarda, and the braised oxtail with piquillo peppers.

3. Semma | $72 per person

Address: 60 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Semma, which translates to “fantastic” from Tamil, truly lives up to its name by bringing the home-cooking traditions of southern India to New York. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, head chef Vijay Kumar aims to showcase dishes that challenge diners’ traditional expectations of Indian cuisine.

Affordable three-course meal suggestion: rice & lentil dumpling with asafetida & paatti’s chutney; tiger prawn, green chili, fenugreek, curry leaves and goat meat with seeraga samba rice, garam masala and mint.

4. Tuome | $72 per person

Address: 536 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009

Tuome, located in New York City, offers a unique dining experience that blends contemporary American cuisine with Asian influences. Helmed by Chef Thomas Chen, Tuome is known for its creative and flavorful dishes, such as their signature “Pig Out” pork dish. The intimate and stylish setting makes it a perfect spot for a memorable meal.

Affordable three-course meal suggestion: quail with soy sauce and smoked potatoes; chicken with gem lettuce, basil and porridge served with a side of eggplant with anchovy and black sesame. Cost: $73.

5. Cote NYC | $74

Address: 16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010

Cote NYC, a Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse, combines the bold flavors of Korean barbecue with the refined techniques of an American steakhouse. Led by Chef David Shim, Cote offers a unique dining experience with its signature Butcher’s Feast, featuring an array of premium cuts and traditional Korean accompaniments.

For $74 you can enjoy four selected premium cuts with Korean accompaniments. If you’re a Korean steak fan this is the place to be!

6. Rezdôra | $75 per person

Address: 27 East 20th Street, Manhattan

This restaurant is all about the ethereal cuisine of Emilia-Romagna, featuring handmade pasta, traditional Italian seafood and meat dishes, and showcasing local vegetables. Chef Stefano Secchi and partner David Switzer welcome you in an exquisite location nestled in the heart of the Flatiron District. 

Affordable three-course meal suggestion: Cacio e Pepe In Emilia Salad (Little lettuces with pecorino dressing & cracked pepper); Anolini Di Parma (Pasta with traditional meat filling with a Parmesan based sauce) and Spigola Nera (Black bass, asparagus & chives)

7. Crown Shy | $76

Address: 70 Pine St Ground Floor, New York, NY 10005

Crown Shy, located in the iconic 70 Pine Street building in the hear of the Financial District, is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that offers an elevated dining experience. Helmed by Chef James Kent, it features a menu of inventive New American cuisine with global influences. Known for its exceptional service and striking interiors, Crown Shy is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

8. Estela | $87

Address: 47 E Houston St 1st floor, New York, NY 10012

Led by Chef Ignacio Mattos, Estela combines Mediterranean influences with contemporary American cuisine. It’s well known for the wide array of delicious, shareable plates that change regularly which are a must for large groups.

Affordable three-course meal suggestion: Beef tartare with elderberries and sunchoke; Fried arroz negro, squid, and romesco and Ricotta dumplings with mushrooms and pecorino Sardo. Price: $97.

9. Jeju Noodle Bar | $89

Address: 679 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10014

America’s first Michelin-starred noodle bar will both warm you up on a cold night with their famous ramyun and leave you sweating from the spice levels Korean food is well known for. Chef Douglas Kim aims to branch out from the classic Japanese ramen by creating uniquely Korean ramyun, which stems from Korean love and world-leading consumption of instant noodles. 

Affordable three-course meal suggestion: ceviche; family ramyun; grilled ocean trout. Price: $84.

10. Red Paper Clip | $110

Address: 120 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014

Despite a humble exterior and simple décor, Red Paper Clip serves up exemplary modern cuisine with roots in chef and owner Kevin Chen’s Taiwanese heritage. Tables are reserved for the full tasting menu, but you can order a la carte at the bar to get an affordable sampling of the restaurant’s best dishes.  

The tasting menu is priced at $110 making it one of the most affordable Michelin tasting menus in NYC.