Recent data shows that Restaurant Managers in New York City earn way more than their peers across the country. Here, the average base salary reaches $90,180 per year, towering above the national average of $69,580.
Not to mention, those working in certain types of dining establishments have a higher earning potential, thanks to performance bonuses. This goes to show the great potential for lucrative income if you’re a Restaurant Manager working in NYC.
That’s why we’ve rounded up eight NYC restaurants where Restaurant Managers can earn a lot of money through exceptional compensation packages.
Upscale NYC Restaurants Where Restaurant Managers Can Earn a Lot
Let’s explore some of NYC’s most prestigious dining establishments where Restaurant Managers receive top-tier compensation. These restaurants specifically seek experienced professionals and offer comprehensive benefits packages alongside competitive base salaries.
1. Pastis
The base pay for Restaurant Managers at Pastis typically ranges between $75,000 to $85,000 yearly, depending on experience and performance. Not to mention, there’s a quarterly bonus program that can significantly boost Restaurant Managers’ overall earnings.
This restaurant also provides a clear path for advancement where one could move up to a Senior Restaurant Manager role — and therefore receive higher pay.
Address: 52 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
2. Eleven Madison Park
[Source: Eleven Madison Park]
At Eleven Madison Park, Restaurant Managers earn an average yearly base pay of $60,591 — though sometimes, it can be as high as approximately $86,500.
They can also expect regular salary increases based on:
- Years of experience in fine dining
- Educational background
- Relevant certifications
- Leadership capabilities
Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
3. Masa NYC
Masa offers Restaurant Managers a competitive compensation package that aligns with NYC’s fine dining standards. In fact, the restaurant’s base salary for this role can reach up to about $105,000 yearly. And that’s not yet counting the potential performance bonuses and additional incentives.
Similarly to other Michelin-star venues, Masa primarily considers experience and expertise when determining compensation.
Restaurant Managers with one to three years of experience typically earn around $78,000 annually, while those with more than eight years of experience can command salaries in the six figures.
Address: 10 Columbus Circle Time Warner Center, 4th Floor New York, NY 1001
4. Le Bernardin
[Source: Le Bernardin]
Le Bernardin upholds its culinary excellence with attractive compensation structures for leadership staff. Here, the base pay for Restaurant Managers can go as high as $83,000 yearly.
The restaurant also rewards performance through targeted incentives, backing its commitment to building lasting management teams.
Address: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
5. The Modern
The Modern pays its Restaurant Managers well above the national average, with base salaries starting at around $78,500 per year. It also provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Performance-based monetary incentives
- Health insurance coverage
- Retirement planning options
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Address: 9 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
6. Peter Luger Steak House
[Source: Peter Luger Steak House]
It should come as no surprise that this iconic establishment is on our list of NYC restaurants where Restaurant Managers earn a lot. Its commitment to retaining top talent through competitive compensation is part of the reasons it has maintained its stellar reputation through the decades.
Here, the average salary for Restaurant Managers is an impressive $111,500 a year. As for benefits, here’s what they can expect:
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Performance-based annual bonuses
- Educational assistance
Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
7. Carmine’s
Restaurant Managers at Carmine’s earn around $79,844 annually. This base pay sits 44% above the national average, making it a great choice for Restaurant Managers in NYC looking to earn more.
Of course, this base salary comes with excellent benefits packages. Carmine’s values experience in high-volume operations and shows this through performance bonuses and clear paths to advancement.
Locations:
- Times Square store: 200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
- Upper West Side store: 2450 Broadway, New York, NY 10024, United States
8. The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel
[Source: The Plaza Hotel]
This restaurant inside The Plaza Hotel stands out for its generous compensation structure. Here, Restaurant Managers (mainly those with extensive experience) can earn around $105,000 per year, positioning them well above industry standards.
The Plaza’s compensation structure also includes performance incentives alongside the base salary. Restaurant Managers receive quarterly bonuses based on guest satisfaction scores and revenue targets.
Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
NYC Cost of Living Considerations
The cost of living in NYC stands 77% above the national average, which tends to affect Restaurant Managers’ purchasing power — highlighting the need for higher earnings.
NYC Restaurant Managers often receive monetary benefits beyond their base pay.
| Incentive Type | Range | Common Criteria |
| Performance-based bonuses | From $5,000 to $20,000 | Revenue target achievements |
| Cost control metrics | ||
| Guest satisfaction scores | ||
| Profit-sharing opportunities | 2–5% of annual restaurant profits | Quarterly performance reviews |
| Team achievement bonuses |
Restaurant Manager salaries also vary across boroughs, with those working in Manhattan often earning higher salaries. The borough’s concentration of high-end establishments essentially creates more opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.
As such, experienced Restaurant Managers primarily apply for positions in Manhattan.
Tips for Getting Restaurant Manager Jobs in NYC That Pay High
Here’s how you can land high-paying Restaurant Manager positions in NYC’s competitive dining scene.
Target High-End Establishments
Upscale dining establishments in NYC tend to offer some of the highest Restaurant Manager salaries in the industry. Fine dining restaurants and luxury hotel eateries lead the way in competitive compensation for top talent.
Search for jobs
Build a Strong Professional Network
In NYC’s restaurant industry, networking is essential. Some high-paying opportunities aren’t always advertised on job boards; instead, these are filled through industry connections and professional referrals.
Building a strong network can give you access to these coveted roles.
Ensure You Have the Right Skill Set
Having a strong skillset increases your chances of getting offered a high compensation package.
NYC restaurants where Restaurant Managers can earn a lot of money often prioritize candidates with strengths in:
- Financial performance analysis and budgeting
- Team leadership and development
- Cost management and revenue growth strategies
- Guest satisfaction tracking
- Driving operational efficiency
Showcase Results To Back Up Your Skills and Experience
Employers value tangible achievements. That said, make sure you highlight measurable results on your CV or resume, such as:
- Cost-control milestones
- Revenue growth achieved
- Years of expertise in high-volume operations
Concrete evidence of your achievements speaks louder than words in this competitive market.
Conclusion
So, in which NYC restaurants do Managers earn a lot of money? That would be mainly at upscale dining establishments and luxury hotels. There, some Restaurant Managers can earn an income exceeding $100,000 (from a combination of base pay and benefits).
Additionally, restaurants in Manhattan often offer the highest compensation, with Brooklyn coming in a close second.
Landing a high-paying restaurant management job in NYC’s competitive market requires a combination of expertise, leadership and results-driven performance.
Featured image source: Pastis Official Facebook Page
Written by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
Reviewed by Adnana Pidro
Adnana is an expert brand storyteller and innovator with over 10 years of marketing experience and a background in media. She has lived in five countries and has been continuously working with people from various cultures. Between exceeding business goals and crafting top-notch strategies for OysterLink, she enjoys reading and exploring new destinations during her free time.
