The question “where should I eat?” is one of the hardest to answer, whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or a first-time visitor. The answer depends on a myriad of factors, including price range, neighborhood and occasion. But there’s one thing that all New Yorkers have in common: they love to eat! That’s why restaurants that are frequented by locals are always the best bet.

Despite being on the pricier end of the spectrum, these restaurants offer ample room for diners to spread out and enjoy their meals in peace. From a Nigerian restaurant that serves a nearly $100 prix fixe menu to a family-style seafood spot on a cozy Queens corner, these spots allow you to eat without feeling like you’re sitting 14 inches from the person next to you.

A shaker-inspired Early American tavern in the West Village, Commerce Inn offers an impressive menu of oysters, pot pies and rarebits alongside crafted cocktails and milk punches. You can also find dishes like braised pork belly and grilled lamb chops on the menu, which is why it’s a favorite of the likes of Harrison Ford, who has dined at the spot.

Another option from the Blue Ribbon empire, this new Upper East Side restaurant is a great place to meet up with friends for anything from a cocktail after work to catching the latest sports game on TV. Featuring a mix of booths and tables, The Ribbon has plenty of space for everyone to sit comfortably. Plus, the food is delicious (bone marrow, anyone?) and the atmosphere is lively.

A swanky Midtown spot with a menu that will make you feel like royalty, this restaurant is a perfect choice for a date night or a special occasion. With booths that have tall dividers, you can be guaranteed of some privacy from your fellow diners, making this the perfect spot to bring a date or catch up with old friends. Plus, the ambiance is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or two and some spicy pork spare ribs with mapo tofu.

You’ll pay a pretty penny to dine at this MoMA-based restaurant, but it will be worth the splurge. From the a la carte dinner menu to the extensive list of wines by the glass, there’s a lot to enjoy at this sophisticated eatery that overlooks the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. If you get here early enough, you can even score a table in the front room where there’s no one within 15 feet of you.online food order near me