7 Dining Experiences in New York to Build a Day Around

1.City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,371 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $180Our pick

Spend about three hours aboard Bateaux New York, departing Chelsea Piers at 7 p.m. Enjoy a prepared dinner, live band, and views of One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Vessel. Semi-formal dress is required, and drinks cost extra.

“It was a wonderful experience the food the music the whole experience was great me and my birthday couple having a wonderful time”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.City Cruises New York: Signature Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,362 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of New York from Pier 61. You’ll enjoy a buffet dinner, open harbor views, Statue of Liberty photos, coffee and tea, and live DJ music. Expect assigned seating, a cash bar, indoor dining, and an outdoor deck for skyline viewing.

“What a great ending to our NYC trip. Our deck for dinner was only half full since it was still off-season (March). The boat has three decks. We were on the middle deck and even though the bottom and top deck were full with other events, the noise never spilled over into our deck. The dinner was very good and full of a nice selection of proteins. The highlight is, of course, the views of NYC at sunset and night. Lady Liberty is stunning at dusk plus they play music about NY over the speakers and it adds a nice touch. The service aboard was good too. The manager would…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,074 reviews · 3 hours · from $145

Spend three hours aboard the Louisa of the Seas, leaving Pier 36 for a plated dinner, live music, and close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, bridges, and Lower Manhattan. Choose regular or VIP seating, with VIP access to the second deck where the band performs.

“Classy, staff were very nice. Loved the live music, “The Barnacles” were lovely and did great crowd work. The dinner and experience were well worth the price. Would definitely come back for other occasions/date nights/family outing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.City Cruises Luxury Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 881 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $112

Board at Pier 61 for a 2 to 3 hour Bateaux dining cruise with a three-course meal, live music, narration, and wide city views through all-glass decks. Choose brunch, lunch, or semi-formal dinner. Sunday brunch includes unlimited mimosas, while drinks cost extra on other sailings.

“It was so great. No regrets. I will do it again in a heartbeat. Celebrated my 4th year anniversary and they were so sweet and generous. Loved the staff, view, the live music, and the food. 10/10.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.City Cruises Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 417 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $84Best value

Board the Spirit of New York at Chelsea Piers for a 2 to 3 hour buffet cruise past Manhattan’s biggest sights. Choose brunch with bottomless mimosas, lunch, or dinner, then step onto the outdoor decks for Statue of Liberty views, skyline photos, DJ music, and seasonal holiday décor.

“It was a great experience. The city look great and the Statue of Liberty was the great highlight. The food and service was excellent”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.New York City Dinner Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 377 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Set out from Pier 36 at 7:00 pm for a three-hour New York Harbor dinner cruise. You get a five-course plated meal, private main-deck table, live music, one beer or wine, unlimited soft drinks, and views of the bridges, skyline, Ellis Island, and Statue of Liberty.

“It was great and peaceful…I had a nice dinner with a family friend and we had a really nice time. I enjoyed the view, at first I was feeling a bit sick at first but after I felt fine, it almost felt like I wasn’t moving. At the end it turned out to be a blessed night, I totally would do that again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale in NYC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 142 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120Top rated

At Selfup NYC, you’ll join a chef-led, hands-on Italian cooking class at 325 W 37th St. Make fresh pasta, ravioli, mozzarella, salad, chicken Marsala, and tiramisu, then sit down to eat. Chefs such as Paige, Danny, and Tianna have led sessions, with wine and snacks sometimes provided.

“Enjoyed the time with my girlfriend but we were less than impressed with the overall experience. Most of the food was already made ahead of time- we essentially mixed dough and put it through a pasta strainer. Wouldn’t go to this one again.”

Check availability →Read our full review