6 best Scandinavian restaurants in Upper West Side New York City
Discover the unique culinary world of "Scandinavian restaurants in Upper West Side NYC." These hidden gems bring a touch of Northern Europe to the heart of NYC, offering authentic dishes like smørrebrød, pickled herring, and meatballs. Don't miss out on the cozy, hygge atmosphere that makes these Scandinavian restaurants a must-visit in Upper West Side NYC.
1. Gazala’s
A slice of Israeli Druze culture in NYC.

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Gazala's (Upper West Side) offers a festive and delicious dining experience that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. The menu is filled with delightful Druze, Israeli, and Middle Eastern dishes, all with a unique Gazala twist. Be prepared to arrive hungry, as the appetizers and entrees are generously portioned and packed with flavor. The borakas, in particular, are massive and unmatched in quality. The desserts at Gazala's are outstanding and not to be missed.
The atmosphere at Gazala's is consistently great, making it a go-to spot for multiple visits. The food is delicious and affordable, ensuring that guests never leave feeling unsatisfied. Service is usually excellent, with staff giving diners ample time to savor their meals without being overly intrusive. For a well-rounded taste of Gazala's offerings, try their hummus dishes or the appetizer platter if dining with a group. Overall, Gazala's provides a highly enjoyable and memorable dining experience.
Gazala's (Upper West Side) offers a festive and delicious dining experience that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. The menu is filled with delightful Druze, Israeli, and Middle Eastern dishes, all with a unique Gazala twist. Be prepared to arrive hungry, as the appetizers and entrees are generously portioned and packed with flavor. The borakas, in particular, are massive and unmatched in quality. The desserts at Gazala's are outstanding and not to be missed.
The atmosphere at Gazala's is consistently great, making it a go-to spot for multiple visits. The food is delicious and affordable, ensuring that guests never leave feeling unsatisfied. Service is usually excellent, with staff giving diners ample time to savor their meals without being overly intrusive. For a well-rounded taste of Gazala's offerings, try their hummus dishes or the appetizer platter if dining with a group. Overall, Gazala's provides a highly enjoyable and memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
2. Leyla
A Mediterranean retreat in the heart of NYC.

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Leyla provides a unique dining experience by fusing traditional Turkish cuisine with sophisticated Mediterranean recipes. The result is a menu that offers a range of flavors and ingredients that are both familiar and exotic. The brunch menu, in particular, is a standout, featuring an array of cheeses, carbs, and spices that are sure to delight the palate.
Pricing at Leyla is reasonable, with brunch cocktails and coffee or orange juice available for just $4. For those looking to try something new, the Botanist cocktail is highly recommended. This refreshing drink is the perfect way to start any meal at Leyla. Overall, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and an exceptional menu, making it a must-visit destination for fans of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.
Leyla provides a unique dining experience by fusing traditional Turkish cuisine with sophisticated Mediterranean recipes. The result is a menu that offers a range of flavors and ingredients that are both familiar and exotic. The brunch menu, in particular, is a standout, featuring an array of cheeses, carbs, and spices that are sure to delight the palate.
Pricing at Leyla is reasonable, with brunch cocktails and coffee or orange juice available for just $4. For those looking to try something new, the Botanist cocktail is highly recommended. This refreshing drink is the perfect way to start any meal at Leyla. Overall, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and an exceptional menu, making it a must-visit destination for fans of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
3. Dagon
Best New NYC Restaurant of the Pandemic

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Dagon, located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, has received significant praise for being the best new restaurant to open in NYC during the pandemic. This acclaim comes from the NYC Post, among other reputable sources. The establishment specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, although it's not confined to one specific country. Instead, it offers a diverse selection of dishes that span the region.
Modern Israeli cuisine is emphasized at Dagon, with influences from Levantine cultures. Among the most popular choices on the menu, Flash Fried Cauliflower and Israeli Salad stand out as customer favorites. The restaurant is known for blending traditional cooking techniques with contemporary flavors to create a unique dining experience that is both authentic and avant-garde.
Dagon, located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, has received significant praise for being the best new restaurant to open in NYC during the pandemic. This acclaim comes from the NYC Post, among other reputable sources. The establishment specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, although it's not confined to one specific country. Instead, it offers a diverse selection of dishes that span the region.
Modern Israeli cuisine is emphasized at Dagon, with influences from Levantine cultures. Among the most popular choices on the menu, Flash Fried Cauliflower and Israeli Salad stand out as customer favorites. The restaurant is known for blending traditional cooking techniques with contemporary flavors to create a unique dining experience that is both authentic and avant-garde.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
4. Bustan NYC
Contemporary pan-Mediterranean vibe in the heart of NYC.

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This establishment offers an exceptional dining experience with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of options, and everything tried during the visit was outstanding. The cocktails were skillfully made, and the back garden area provided a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city of Manhattan.
Standout dishes included the hummus bowl, eggplant dip, and 700-degree cabbage, all of which were exceptionally flavorful. The smoked trout special and mushroom main course were also delightful. The breads served were equally impressive, complementing the dishes well. The customer service was top-notch, further enhancing the overall positive experience. A return visit is highly anticipated to explore more of the menu offerings.
This establishment offers an exceptional dining experience with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of options, and everything tried during the visit was outstanding. The cocktails were skillfully made, and the back garden area provided a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city of Manhattan.
Standout dishes included the hummus bowl, eggplant dip, and 700-degree cabbage, all of which were exceptionally flavorful. The smoked trout special and mushroom main course were also delightful. The breads served were equally impressive, complementing the dishes well. The customer service was top-notch, further enhancing the overall positive experience. A return visit is highly anticipated to explore more of the menu offerings.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
5. Celeste
Satisfying Neapolitan Italian fare plus brick-oven pizza

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Nestled in the community, this quaint restaurant has earned a reputation for its excellent pizza, although the crust could be slightly thicker to some. A party of four might consider sharing a bottle of wine and several small plates such as rolls stuffed with prosciutto and eggplant, mussels sautéed with garlic and white wine, tuna with tomatoes, red onions, and bread cubes soaked in an olive oil marinade, or thinly sliced artichokes with a tangy lemon dressing.
The quality of the food offered is superb, and the service is described as very friendly. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the caliber of the dishes. Among their offerings, the pasta dishes are highly recommended.
Nestled in the community, this quaint restaurant has earned a reputation for its excellent pizza, although the crust could be slightly thicker to some. A party of four might consider sharing a bottle of wine and several small plates such as rolls stuffed with prosciutto and eggplant, mussels sautéed with garlic and white wine, tuna with tomatoes, red onions, and bread cubes soaked in an olive oil marinade, or thinly sliced artichokes with a tangy lemon dressing.
The quality of the food offered is superb, and the service is described as very friendly. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the caliber of the dishes. Among their offerings, the pasta dishes are highly recommended.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
6. 5 Napkin Burger
Premium burgers with a full-service experience.

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Dining at 5 Napkin Burger on the Upper West Side is a delightful experience, particularly during early evenings. The atmosphere is ideal for a relaxing meal, and the outdoor seating adds to the ambiance.
The service is commendable, with Chris, our waiter, providing excellent and efficient assistance throughout the evening. He ensured that our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. Moreover, the burgers are a must-try, with their juicy and flavorful patties making for a satisfying meal.
Dining at 5 Napkin Burger on the Upper West Side is a delightful experience, particularly during early evenings. The atmosphere is ideal for a relaxing meal, and the outdoor seating adds to the ambiance.
The service is commendable, with Chris, our waiter, providing excellent and efficient assistance throughout the evening. He ensured that our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. Moreover, the burgers are a must-try, with their juicy and flavorful patties making for a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range