Innovative New York City Restaurants Captivate with Striking Interiors

Each May, New York City attracts thousands of visitors drawn by its vibrant art and design scene, highlighted by major events such as Frieze New York, TEFAF New York, the NYCxDesign Festival, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, and the debut of the Shelter by Afternoon Light design fair.

Beyond galleries and fairs, the city’s dining establishments have emerged as noteworthy venues for design innovation. In the past year alone, numerous restaurants have opened featuring striking artistic elements, sophisticated lighting, upscale furnishings, and visually compelling spaces perfect for social media.

The following selection focuses not on culinary or beverage excellence but on restaurants distinguished by their captivating interiors. These spaces range from those crafted by professional designers to venues shaped by industry insiders and even a restaurant created by a notable film industry duo. While securing a reservation amid the influx of art and design enthusiasts may prove challenging, visitors might still be able to glimpse these unique environments.

One standout is an intimate bar perched above Eleven Madison Park, known for showcasing original artworks by Francesco Clemente, the bar’s namesake. The interior design was led by architect Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works—who also redesigned the acclaimed three-Michelin-starred restaurant in 2017—and his associate principal Rachel Massey, who directed the interior design.

When approached by Daniel Humm to design the bar for Clemente’s art, Cloepfil cited Zurich’s Kronenhalle as inspiration. This venerable establishment is famed for its wood-paneled walls adorned with masterpieces by artists such as Marc Chagall and Joan Miró, blending classic elegance with artistic richness.