The Whitby Bar and Restaurant on 56th Street delivers that rarest of Manhattan experiences – a hotel restaurant that doesn’t feel like one. Tucked inside the stylish Whitby Hotel, just steps from Fifth Avenue’s luxury corridor, this space manages to feel both distinctly British and perfectly at home in Midtown. Designer Kit Kemp’s signature whimsical-yet-sophisticated aesthetic creates an environment that’s visually stunning without being distracting.

What makes this place worth visiting is its perfect balance of playfulness and refinement. The afternoon tea service rivals the city’s more famous offerings but with a creative edge that keeps it from feeling stuffy. Their cocktail program cleverly incorporates British spirits and influences without becoming gimmicky, and the bar itself – with its impressive 30-foot pewter counter – serves as the perfect stage for these creations.

The all-day menu deserves special mention for how seamlessly it transitions from power breakfast to business lunch to evening dining. Their English-inspired dishes shine particularly bright – the fish and chips with mushy peas delivers proper London flavor, while their Sunday roast draws a devoted following of both homesick Brits and curious locals.

What ultimately sets The Whitby apart is how it manages to feel like a genuine discovery despite its prime location. The service strikes that perfect note of attentiveness without hovering, and there’s a warmth to the entire experience that makes you want to linger. In an area dominated by expense-account dining, The Whitby offers something more personal and distinctive.