VIBE

A power scene with a West Coast edge, Michael’s is packed with media tycoons and corporate bigwigs wheeling and dealing over the seafood-focused, Cali-inflected cuisine of chef/owner Michael McCarty. In the spirit of schmooziness, diners often spot McCarty himself making the rounds in the brightly lit, contemporary art-filled dining room, which looks out upon (and, in the warmer months, opens out into) a private sculpture garden. Those not interested in the see-and-be-seen crowd can circle the wagons and make it a family-friendly affair.

CROWD

Clients or colleagues; significant other; a date; grown family members

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Go business casual with a silky top, pencil skirt, heels, and a sparkling necklace.

GO HERE WITH

A power scene at lunchtime; at dinner it fills up with media types, splurging couples, and special occasioners.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The great location. Dinner here works well as a classy prelude to a Broadway show, while lunch offers respite from Fifth Avenue shopping.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The breakfast prices are quite steep (USD 26 for fruit with yogurt?!).

GOOD TO KNOW

Don’t set your heart on any specific dish, as menus here change seasonally; you can check the website for the current offerings (as well as the rotating menus for cheeses and hors d’oeuvres). The space can accommodate private parties of up to 400. We’re also fans of Michael McCarty’s other eponymous venue, Michael R. McCarty's, in Palm Beach.

CLOSEST COMPS

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.