The Hottest No-tipping Restaurants in NYC
A spate of NYC restaurants are challenging an American tradition and going tip-free.
Most Australian travellers to the US wrestle with two questions: When – and how much – should they tip? Fortunately, a growing number of New York City restaurants – including David Chang's recently opened Momofuku Nishi and Danny Meyer’s two-Michelin-starred The Modern – have instituted a no-tipping policy. Sadly, not having to tip won’t save you money; the restaurants are simply absorbing the service charge into the bill. But it definitely takes the hassle out of doing your sums at the end of the meal. Our tip? Check these places out.
The Modern
Housed in the Museum of Modern Art building, the contemporary-American restaurant offers both a prix fixe and, in The Bar Room, an à la carte menu, with dishes such as pistachio-marinated blue shrimp, black-truffle tortellini and juniper-cured hamachi.
Entrées with a distinct Asian feel are all the rage at this intimate restaurant in the heart of Greenwich Village, but do try Malaysian-American chef Anita Lo’s sherry-infused roast chicken, too.
Another Michelin-starred eatery that’s recently gone tip-free is Meadowsweet in Brooklyn’s quirky Williamsburg neighbourhood. The menu is quite reasonably priced and dishes range from smoked sturgeon to Long Island duck breast.
This Basque-inspired Spanish eatery in East Village is open for dinner every day and for lunch on the weekends, but you can also drop in for a drink, complemented with its fantastic selection of raciones.
Ranked fifth on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, this bright high-ceilinged restaurant only offers an eight-to-10-course menu, with an always-changing line-up of fresh, delicious food.
SEE ALSO: Our guide to the best places to eat, shop, stay and play in New York
