The sheer number of New York restaurants at the disposal of corporate travellers is something of a double-edged sword. Yes you have loyalty to your favourite pizza joint – but is that really sending the right message to your client, colleague or investor?
Being trusted with the responsibility of selecting a culinary option for the evening may seem an innocuous duty upon first glance, but your choice of New York restaurant portrays a clear message; whether this be relaxed, tasteful or unintentionally unprofessional.
Fear not – we’re on hand to help.
Our industry-topping portfolio of New York serviced apartments has been carefully constructed over years of business visits to the Empire State, and our expertise in corporate dining is unrivalled (some would say to a gluttonous extent). Here are some of our personal favourite spots for corporate dinner in New York, guaranteed to impress any number of guests.
Daniel
The French have been notorious for a few things throughout history; brilliant sports teams, a trailblazing fashion sense, and unparalleled expertise in the art of fine dining. The latter has never been more apparent than within the walls of Daniel, the Michelin star standard establishment situated in the upper-eastern area of Manhattan. Guests are swept off their feet by the quality of service, richness of flavor and beauty of design in this magnificent New York restaurant, with a star-studded chef lineup of globally renowned experts in their craft. Daniel will certainly prove to be an expensive night out, but there aren’t many better places to impress your guests with a corporate dinner in New York, as one of the most tasteful establishments in the entire state.
Daniel’s menu has been overseen by executive chef Jean François Bruel since 2004, and includes subtle changes through the season to keep the Daniel experience fresh and exciting for guests. There are rarely drastic changes to the menu however, with plenty of signature staple dishes remaining year round, including the famous Daniel Boulud’s black truffle and scallops in puff pastry - debuting over thirty years ago in 1987.
Daniel is the perfect dining choice to impress. Suitably formal and impeccably tasteful, a meal here is guaranteed to win favour with your guests, putting you on the front foot in your business relationship.
Rainbow Room
Offering a altogether different perspective, Rainbow Room boasts sumptuous views of the New York City skyline. Bound to impress the most seasoned diner, the restaurant offers an unrivalled sunset backdrop of the Empire State, as well as a truly special food and cocktail menu. Having hosted plenty of weddings amongst countless other events, the interior layout is beautiful in design, with attentive and friendly staff endeavoring to make the dining experience as comfortable and enjoyable as can be.
Expect high prices, but part of the payment is for the experience as a whole, which Rainbow Room markets as ‘once in a lifetime’ – and we don’t disagree. The private dining room is also an option if a more intimate meeting experience is necessary, for an additional charge. We see this venue as an ideal setting for a relaxing post-meeting evening, allowing you and your group to relax and take in the city from the best viewpoint possible.
Rainbow Room’s menu has consisted of various appetisers, entrees, and desserts since Rainbow Room’s re-opening in 2014. Generally centred on modern American cuisine, guests can expect to receive anything from bay scallops saute and lobster potpie, to baked Alaska and French toast. Again it’s worth mentioning that food prices have increased in recent times, but for an establishment as fine as this, it’s worth implementing the classic New York business trip motto – ‘go big or go home’.
TBar
Last of our favourite restaurants for a corporate dinner in New York is TBar. This fine establishment is guaranteed to give guests an authentic flavour of what New York and American life is really all about – big, juicy steaks. To put it quite simply, no place in the ex-capital city serves succulent meat quite like TBar, the perfect venue for a more relaxed, friendly affair with your guests.
Located near 73rd Street, the menu includes a host of high quality burgers of all shapes and sizes, as well as some truly special salads if the meat on offer doesn’t capture your imagination. The atmosphere is unrivalled, offering a true portrayal of the old school American diner that few New York restaurants can match in contemporary times. The large scale bar is an attractive area of the venue, providing guests with a plethora of exotic drinks for the evening, as well as the usual favourites.
Tony Fortuna is the owner of TBar and can be spotted most nights cruising around the restaurant floor making amicable chat with customers, his friendly tone reflected in the warm and welcoming attitude of the restaurant staff. For a traditional taste of America, there are few finer establishments than TBar for a memorable corporate dinner in New York.
That’s it! You’re now fully equipped to tackle your New York restaurant experience, no matter the occasion. Our Empire State guides don’t stop there though, be sure to check out our blog on the best 5 outdoor spaces for further guidance on how to get the most out of your New York business trip.
