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New Yorkers don’t always think of hotel restaurants as go-to dining destinations, but that’s changing fast. According to a new list from OpenTable and Kayak, hotel dining is having a moment, and two NYC spots just made the cut on the Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America: The Whitby Bar & Restaurant and Zou Zou’s.
The announcement comes amid a broader cultural shift: travelers—and locals—are seeking out hotels not just for a place to crash, but for what’s on the menu. OpenTable and Kayak’s joint data shows a 51% year-over-year spike in the use of KAYAK’s “restaurant” hotel filter, while nearly half of Americans (47%) admit to booking a trip specifically to visit a restaurant. Forget room service; it’s all about the food.
Representing New York on the list, The Whitby Bar & Restaurant, tucked inside Firmdale’s Whitby Hotel in Midtown, blends British flair with downtown energy—its colorful interiors and refined comfort food have long drawn a fashion-meets-finance crowd. Meanwhile, Zou Zou’s, the lively Eastern Mediterranean restaurant at the Pendry Manhattan West, is a scene-stealer with wood-fired meats, smoky spreads and one of the city’s prettiest dining rooms.
“Hotel restaurants have become formidable players over the years,” said OpenTable’s Scott Hudson. “Many are equally as popular among locals too.” The numbers back it up—38% of survey respondents said they’ve booked a hotel stay specifically for the restaurant, and 73% said they’d return because of a great dining experience.
The full Top 100 includes Michelin-starred legends (like Addison in San Diego), scene-y rooftops (hello, The Roof at Esmé in Miami Beach) and quiet countryside gems (looking at you, Castle Hill in Newport). But the common thread? These spots make the hotel the destination, not just a backdrop.
As for the NYC food scene, don’t sleep on hotel dining. You might just find your next favorite meal hidden behind a concierge desk. And if you're booking a stay? Maybe check the dinner menu before you check in.