Chelsea Neighborhood Restaurant Guide
Chelsea has never had a shortage of dining options. But in 2019, with plenty of activity in and around the neighborhood—from the rapidly changing Hudson Yards to flourishing NoMad—residents have more selections to take advantage of than ever before. The below restaurants, conveniently located near The Westminster, The Tate, The Sierra, The Caledonia, One Hudson Yards, and Abington House, are some of the most buzzed-about establishments to open in the past year. Run by exemplary talents and boasting beautiful decor, these six eateries should absolutely be on your dining hit list.
9 9th Avenue
Restoration Hardware Cafe
The top 10,000 square feet of design retailer RH’s massive new store in Meatpacking are dedicated to an impressive restaurant by Brendan Sodikoff. The restaurateur is responsible for Chicago favorite Au Cheval and New York’s much buzzed-about 4 Charles Prime Rib steakhouse. With a large menu of American fare (try the burger), the RH restaurant is suitable for a wide range of occasions. One of the top selling points is the striking decor, complete with crystal chandeliers, glass walls that offer skyline views, and a lush outdoor wine terrace modeled after European gardens. We can’t think of a better place to wow out-of-town visitors.
85 10th Avenue
L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon
For an über luxurious meal, head to the newest outpost of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. With locations in Paris, Tokyo, Las Vegas, and beyond, this two Michelin star recipient continues its glamorous legacy in Chelsea. “The kitchen, directed by Christophe Bellanca, shows impressive discipline,” writes Pete Wells of the New York Times. He recommends the king crab in avocado cannelloni, roasted bay-leaf flavored veal sweetbread, and duck and kumquat confit. Don’t forget about dessert; Wells calls pastry chef Salvatore Martone’s creations “some of the finest and airiest chocolate soufflés in the city.” For special occasions, the three tasting menus are sure to offer a particularly memorable experience.
517 W. 38th St.
Legacy Records
Near the Hudson Yards development, the team behind Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones opened Legacy Records in 2018. With swanky, midcentury-inspired environs crafted by celebrity designer Ken Fulk, the space practically exudes cool. Alongside the Mediterranean-influenced menu by Ryan Hardy, featuring dishes like honey-lacquered duck and sea-urchin spaghetti, it’s worth noting the largely French and Italian wine program, run by Arvid Rosengren (who won the title of world’s best sommelier in 2016). Cocktails, managed by Jeff Bell of PDT and Maialino, are also on-point, and make a strong case for lingering at the mahogany bar after your meal.
271 Fifth Avenue
Hortus
Venture over to NoMad for an elegant pan-Asian dining experience at the newly opened Hortus. Restaurant critic John Mariani describes the cuisine by Seungjoon Choi, formerly of Blanca and Marea, as “imaginative [and] beautifully presented.” His highest praise goes to dishes like the grilled eggplant with minced pork, mozzarella, pine nuts, and breadcrumbs, and the mushroom stew with Oregon matsutakes, golden enoki, shemeji, and king trumpets. All dishes pair with a premium sake and soju list. In addition to the comfortable main dining room, the first-floor kitchen offers an intimate chef’s table where guests can watch the culinary staff work their magic.
7 E 27th St
Benno
Chef Jonathan Benno, an alum of Per Se and Lincoln Ristorante, operates a trio of dining destinations in the renovated Evelyn hotel. The upscale Benno is the crown jewel. The brand-new restaurant offers a Mediterranean menu inspired by the cuisine of Liguria, Italy, and Provence, France. Three-, four-, or five-course tasting menus are the best way to experience the chef’s vision. The grand dining room features charming Art Nouveau touches, including a domed skylight and original tile and millwork from 1903, when the structure was designed. Parts and Labor Design renovated the space with a jewel-tone palette that contributes a festive spirit.
343 W 14th St
Hao Noodle
Chelsea outpost of popular West Village restaurant Hao Noodle and Tea has received rave reviews since opening in July 2018. Robert Sietsema of Eater writes: “Hao Noodle Chelsea ranks among Manhattan’s best Chinese restaurants, and certainly one of the most unusual in the scope of its offerings.” Serving up dishes like cumin lamb skewers, dandan noodles, and beef short ribs with pineapple in black pepper sauce, the restaurant “has outdone its predecessor in handsomeness,” Sietsema adds. The spacious dining room, illuminated by a large skylight and decorated with an abundance of plants and flowers, is a particularly pleasant place to enjoy a casual meal that explores the cooking of Shanghai.
Dining in Chelsea today is like taking a global tour of the finest kitchens around the world. Residents don't have to leave the neighborhood to sample upscale Mediterranean cuisine or flavorful Chinese food. Make it to any spots on the list? Tag us on Instagram at @related_rentals to share highlights from your meal and any other Chelsea dining destinations that we may have missed.
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