The top 10 NYC restaurants for business dinners in 2026

Ara Kharazian

Economist, Ramp

New York City is one of the world’s top culinary destinations, offering an almost overwhelming array of renowned options. But when it comes to closing deals, celebrating wins, or hosting clients, some restaurants are a cut above the rest.

Based on millions of data points from Ramp card transactions, we’re serving up the top 10 restaurants for work dinners (the ones that saw the most dollars spent between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the past 90 days). Check out business diners’ favorite New York City eateries:

1. Nobu

An iconic name in business dining, Nobu blends world-class Japanese flavors with celebrity cachet. Expect showstopping sushi, miso black cod, and an unforgettable atmosphere at this famed restaurant, which was No. 7 in 2025.

2. Benjamin Steakhouse Prime

A new addition to our list, this modern, upscale steakhouse is known for exceptional cuts and a refined Midtown atmosphere. A strong pick for high-end business dinners where quality and service matter most.

3. The Capital Grille

A polished, dependable corporate-dining classic known for dry-aged steaks, an extensive wine list, and private dining options that work well for client meetings.

4. COTE

This Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse climbed from No. 9 on last year’s list. Premium cuts of meat are grilled at your table, creating a client or team experience that’s memorable and interactive.

5. Estiatorio Milos

A sleek Midtown favorite known for pristine Mediterranean seafood and white-tablecloth service that was eighth on the 2025 list. Perfect for entertaining clients who appreciate a top-notch experience.

6. The Smith

Casual but polished, The Smith is a reliable choice for business dinners that call for comfort food, great cocktails, and a buzzy atmosphere. It ranked third on our list last year.

7. BONDST

A SoHo staple for modern Japanese cuisine that was the fifth-most popular spot last year. Sleek interiors and inventive sushi make it a great pick for client dinners that need a trendy edge.

8. Sparks Steak House

This historic New York steakhouse offers excellent service, classic cuts, and an old-school setting, making it a favorite for business conversations.

9. Hawksmoor

A British-style steakhouse offering expertly cooked beef and a lively, stylish dining room. Ideal for business dinners that strike the right balance between substance and a more social, modern vibe.

10. Jean-Georges

A Michelin-starred destination serving refined French cuisine with global influences. Impeccable service and an elegant setting make it a go-to for top-tier client entertaining.

Curious about dining hotspots in other cities? Check out our lists for San Francisco and Los Angeles.

For more analysis of Ramp spend data, follow me on X and LinkedIn, and subscribe to my newsletter. All data is available for download from Ramp Economics Lab.

Don't miss key shifts in business spend from Ramp Economics Lab.

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Ara Kharazian•Economist, Ramp

Ara Kharazian is an economist at Ramp and writes the weekly newsletter Econ Lab on Substack. His writing and analysis of AI, business spend, and the economy has been covered in the New York Times, NBC News, ABC News, NPR's Planet Money, Bloomberg, the Guardian, Vox, Axios, and more. Ara previously led economic research at Square and was an economic consultant at Cornerstone Research.

Ramp is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes make informed decisions. We adhere to strict editorial guidelines to ensure that our content meets and maintains our high standards.

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