Dining with Clients: The 16 Best Restaurants in Chelsea

When it comes to doing business, the setting can be just as crucial as the agenda. 

Chelsea, with its eclectic mix of art galleries, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife, also boasts some of the best dining options in Manhattan. 

Whether you’re looking to impress a client or simply have a casual meeting, Chelsea has a spot that suits every occasion. 

Our team has curated a list of our favorite places for client dining in Chelsea, all within walking distance of Work Better, so you can make the most of your business meals.

3 Outstanding Coffee Shops in Chelsea

Coffee shops are ideal for less formal meetups or quick discussions. These spots in Chelsea provide a relaxed atmosphere with great coffee and snacks, making them perfect for morning meetings or a mid-afternoon break.

1. Cafe Grumpy

224 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011

Just a short walk from Work Better, Cafe Grumpy offers a tranquil setting that’s perfect for business discussions. With a secluded patio and an excellent selection of coffee, it’s a great spot for those looking to escape the office buzz.

• Best for: Quick, quiet catch-ups over top-quality coffee.
• Hero item: Don’t miss their signature cortado, which is a local favorite for its strong, smooth flavor.

2. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

286 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Known for its outstanding bagels and robust coffee options, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company serves as a fantastic venue for a breakfast meeting or a casual discussion.

• Best for: Early morning discussions with a fresh, hand-rolled bagel.
• Hero item: Try the classic lox bagel, which is always a hit for its fresh, quality ingredients.

3. La Bonbonniere

28 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014

With its nostalgic charm and classic diner menu, La Bonbonniere offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch in a quirky setting.

• Best for: Informal meetings with a side of nostalgia.
• Hero item: The pancakes are a must-try, known for their fluffy texture and hearty servings.

4. Blue Bottle Cafe Chelsea

450 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011

Blue Bottle Coffee is known for its meticulous approach to coffee and modern, airy spaces, making it ideal for relaxed business meetings.

• Best for: Informal business discussions where high-quality coffee and a minimalist environment are appreciated.
• Hero item: The New Orleans-style iced coffee, uniquely sweetened with chicory and cane sugar, offers a refreshing and invigorating choice for any meeting.

3 Great Local Client Lunch Spots 

These lunch spots are perfect for midday meetings. They offer delicious food in a comfortable setting conducive to business discussions.

1. Cookshop

156 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Cookshop is the go-to for a farm-to-table dining experience. Located near the High Line, it’s perfect for impressing clients who value sustainability and fresh ingredients.

• Best for: Business lunches that require a touch of sophistication.
• Hero item: The kale salad with anchovies and pecorino is both refreshing and flavorful.

2. Los Tacos No. 1

75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Inside Chelsea Market, Los Tacos No. 1 offers a vibrant atmosphere paired with some of the best tacos in New York City. It’s an ideal spot for a quick, informal lunch.

• Best for: Casual yet energetic midday breaks.
• Hero item: The adobada taco is renowned for its authentic flavor and fresh ingredients.

3. Friedman’s

75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Another Chelsea Market staple boasting a menu that caters to various dietary needs, Friedman’s is a dependable choice for business lunches, especially for groups with specific dietary preferences.

• Best for: Accommodating diverse dietary needs without compromising on taste.
• Hero item: The gluten-free chicken and waffles are both delicious and accommodating.

3 Casual Dining Restaurants for Relaxed Meals with Clients

These restaurants provide a casual yet inviting atmosphere perfect for evening business dinners that require a more relaxed setting.

1. Motel Morris

132 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011

A cozy spot with an American menu, Motel Morris offers a laid-back but stylish dining experience.

• Best for: Nice-yet-casual client dinners.
• Hero item: The grilled trout is a standout for its simplicity and fresh flavors.

2. Pepe Giallo

253 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Pepe Giallo is a homely Italian restaurant that serves up classic dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Best for: Dinner meetings in a quaint and intimate setting.
• Hero item: The fettuccine al ragù is a beloved choice for its rich flavors and homemade pasta.

3. Empire Diner

210 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Set in a remodeled dining car, Empire Diner offers a unique dining experience with a diverse menu that caters to all tastes.

• Best for: Meetings in a unique and spacious setting.
• Hero item: The roasted chicken is a classic, known for its juicy flavor and perfect seasoning.

4 Elevated Dining Establishments for Wowing Your Clients 

When you need to pull out all the stops, these restaurants offer a more sophisticated dining experience that’s sure to impress.

1. Buddakan

75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Buddakan combines dramatic décor with exquisite Asian fusion cuisine, making it a top choice for important business dinners.

• Best for: Major celebrations and high-profile client dinners.
• Hero item: The Edamame Dumplings are both innovative and delicious, making for a memorable start to any meal.

2. Txikito

240 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Txikito offers a taste of Basque cuisine with its minimalist yet warm setting. It’s a refined choice for clients who appreciate unique, gourmet dishes.

• Best for: Sophisticated palates and intimate dining experiences.
• Hero item: The Txipiron “Encebollado” (squid ribbons in caramelized onions) is a must-try for its depth of flavor and authenticity.

3. Le Rock

 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

Located near Rockefeller Center, Le Rock is all about French flair in an elegant setting, perfect for dinners that aim to impress and inspire.

• Best for: Formal meals where fine dining and impressive ambiance are key.
• Hero item: The roast chicken is a classic choice, celebrated for its perfect execution and French culinary techniques.

4. Morimoto

88 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Morimoto combines sleek, modern décor with world-class Japanese cuisine, making it a standout choice for high-stakes business dinners.

• Best for: Major celebrations and impressing high-profile clients with a taste for culinary artistry.
• Hero item: The Omakase menu is a chef-curated selection of dishes that showcase the best of contemporary Japanese flavors, providing an unforgettable dining experience.

3 Incredible Cocktail Lounges for After-Hours Client Engagements 

When it’s time to celebrate or connect with clients while parking in a few libations, these cocktail lounges provide the perfect atmosphere with great drinks and a lively setting.

1. Johnny’s Bar

226 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019

A quintessential New York dive bar, Johnny’s Bar is the ideal spot for informal celebrations or to unwind after a long day.

• Best for: Casual post-deal celebrations where the atmosphere is relaxed but spirited.
• Hero item: The house special whiskey sour is renowned for its perfect balance and kick.

2. The Tippler

425 W 15th St, New York, NY 10011

Below the Chelsea Market, The Tippler offers inventive cocktails in an industrial-chic space that’s both inviting and exciting.

• Best for: Celebrating big wins in a bustling, energetic setting.
• Hero item: The ‘Tippler’s Punch’ is a crowd favorite, known for its unique blend of spirits and freshness.

3. Bar Veloce

176 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Bar Veloce brings Italian elegance to Chelsea with its extensive wine list and sophisticated vibes, making it perfect for a celebratory toast or a refined nightcap.

• Best for: A toast to success in a setting that’s both stylish and subdued.
• Hero item: The selection of Italian wines is impeccable, particularly the Barolo, which pairs beautifully with many of their small plates.

Wining and dining with your clients is a key element of successful business relationships, but so is having an impressive workspace. 

If you’re looking for a Chelsea headquarters for your business, we invite you to book a tour of Work Better and visit our six stories of flexible, all-inclusive office space.