You’ve just wrapped up a magical day in New York City, visiting iconic spots like Rockefeller Center and Times Square. Now, you’re hungry, but you don’t want to fall into an overpriced tourist trap. The good news is, New York City is a global food capital, ranked among the best in the world. This guide is your solution. I’ve put together a list of the best places to eat near NYC’s most famous attractions, so you can easily find a fantastic meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a special sit-down dinner.
Each attraction has places to eat separated by your budget: Budget-Friendly Bites, Mid-Range Marvels, and Splurge-Worthy Spots.
Central Park
Remember that Central Park is huge, so checking a restaurant’s distance from the specific part of the park you’re visiting is always a good idea! Here are some places to eat in Midtown, the Upper West Side, and the Upper East Side surrounding the park.
In the Southern End (Midtown)
Budget Friendly Bites
The Halal Guys: For a classic, cheap, and delicious NYC street food experience, head to their original cart on 53rd Street and 6th Avenue. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly option!
Joe Coffee Company: Perfect for a quick, quality coffee and a pastry or sandwich before or after your park visit!
Wondee Siam: This compact Thai restaurant is popular with locals, praised for its authentic food and bold flavors.
Mid-Range Marvels
Carnegie Diner and Cafe: This modern American diner serves all‑day breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. People praise its friendly staff, generous portions, quick service, and clean, fun environment.
PizzArte: This restaurant specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza crafted by professional pizza makers from Naples using premium imported ingredients.
Chalong Southern Thai: The design of this Michelin Guide-featured restaurant resembles a serene, upscale Thai resort, serving authentic cuisine from its Southern Thai chef.
Splurge-Worthy Spots
The Smith: An American brasserie with a lively atmosphere and a menu of crowd-pleasers like mac and cheese, burgers, and steak frites. It’s a great all-around choice.
Gabriel’s Bar & Restaurant: This upscale restaurant focuses on Northern Italian flavors with an emphasis on fresh, handmade ingredients. People love the attentive staff, and the owner often greets guests.
Tuscany Steakhouse: This elegant Italian‑American steakhouse offers a warm and cozy environment that specializes in prime dry-aged steaks, aged in-house.
In the Upper West Side
Budget-Friendly Bites
Senn Thai Comfort Food: This restaurant serves a balanced mix of snacks, salads, noodles, curries, rice bowls, and vegan-friendly options.
Tiki Chick: This tiki-inspired bar is known for their fried chicken sandwiches, cocktails, and Tikilafel, its vegan food option.
Jacob’s Pickles: Known for its southern comfort food and, of course, delicious pickles. The portions are huge, making it a great value for money.
Mid-Range Marvels
Cafe Fiorello: Serves rustic Italian cuisine that has a patio and is known for its thin-crust pizzas.
The Consulate UWS: A great spot for a nicer, mid-range meal, with a menu that blends French and American cuisine.
Sushi Yasaka: This sushi restaurant earns high praise from both locals and visitors for its top-quality fish and excellent lunch specials.
Splurge-Worthy Spots
Jean-Georges: This Haute French restaurant has two Michelin stars and serves New French cuisine with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park.
The Leopard at des Artistes: This Southern Italian restaurant is decorated with historic murals that also has live jazz brunch on the weekends.
Cafe Luxembourg: This upscale restaurant features a selection of French-American dishes and is praised for its attentive service and elegant setting.
In the Upper East Side
Budget-Friendly Bites
Sashimi Express II: This is a cash-only sushi place that has great reviews and offers excellent value: around $12 for three rolls and around 26 for seven.
7th Street Burger Upper East Side: This go-to smashburger place that focuses on flavor efficiency has been featured in both Condé Nast Traveler and Business Insider.
El Tepeyac Taqueria: This spot serves up hearty, flavorful, and affordable Mexican food with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Service is consistently praised for being friendly and attentive.
Mid-Range Marvels
Mission Ceviche: This restaurant serves Peruvian and Nikkei ceviche, along with inventive cocktails and traditional Peruvian beverages, and has been recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill: This restaurant serves Thai comfort classics, vibrant ramen bowls, and robata-style grilled food and is famously known for its aesthetic; It’s described as a “secret garden” with floral decor and elegant ambiance.
Cafe d’Alsace: Known for its Alsatian cuisine (a blend of German and French culinary influences), this French restaurant is known as a “neighborhood favorite” and serves popular dishes like Tarte Flambée, Choucroute Garnie, and Steak Frites.
Splurge-Worthy Spots
Daniel: Daniel is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Daniel Boulud. It’s one of the most famous fine dining establishments in the city that offers exquisite French cuisine.
Sushi Noz: This high-end seasonal and nigiri restaurant serves omakase only and has two Michelin stars.
Caravaggio: Caravaggio is an elegant Italian restaurant that has a smart casual/business casual dress code and is praised for its refined service.
Avra Madison Estiatorio: This Mediterranean‑Greek seafood restaurant has a luminous, villa-inspired setting and even has a reflective pool and real eight-foot lemon trees at the entrance.
Empire State Building
Budget-Friendly Bites
Slate Cafe NoMad: Formerly known as Blank Slate, Slate Cafe sells specialty coffee and tea, breakfast and lunch options, plus beer and wine. The menu is focused on fresh, flavorful, and healthy options, with a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan choices.
Woorijip: This is a great grab-and-go Korean cafeteria in Koreatown! Koreatown is located just south of the Empire State Building, with plenty of Korean restaurants to choose from. Woorihip has a wide variety of prepared dishes, from bibimbap and fried rice to soups and stews, all for very affordable prices. You can mix and match to build your perfect meal.
Joe’s Pizza: Their location on Broadway is a short walk away. This is a classic New York “dollar slice” shop that has been serving great pizza for decades. A slice will cost you just a few dollars, and it’s a quintessential New York City experience!
Mid-Range Marvels
The Landing: Located inside PENN 1 Tower at 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, adjacent to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. It’s just up the “Social Stairs” from the station lobby. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They serve American casual dining, such as hearty sandwiches, burgers, gourmet salads, entrées, and craft cocktails.
Eataly NYC Flatiron: A short walk south of the Empire State Building, this massive Italian marketplace offers multiple dining options, from a casual pizza and pasta counter to more formal restaurants. It’s an excellent place to wander and find something for everyone.
Friedman’s: This is a great, reliable American restaurant with a variety of comfort food options. They are known for their delicious food and are very accommodating to dietary restrictions (they have a lot of gluten-free options).
Splurge-Worthy Spots
Brooklyn Chop House: Known for its distinctive fusion of Asian and classic American steakhouse cuisine. Serving steakhouse classics, such as dry-aged prime cuts of steak, along with seafood, their signature dumplings, and Asian fusion options.
Jongro BBQ: Located in Koreatown, this is one of the most famous and highly-rated Korean BBQ spots in New York City! The atmosphere is bustling and authentic, and the quality of the meat is excellent. It’s a great experience, especially for a group. Korean BBQ in general can be expensive, so that’s why I put this restaurant in this category.
Scarpetta: Located in the Nomad neighborhood, a short walk from the Empire State Building, Scarpetta is known for its elegant Italian cuisine and is famous for its signature spaghetti. It’s a stylish spot perfect for a high-end pasta dinner.
Times Square
Budget-Worthy Bites
Los Tacos No. 1: Get authentic, flavorful Mexican street tacos and quick service! This is a staple place to eat in the Theater District. Most tacos cost around $3.50 each.
Xi’an Famous Foods: This counter-serve chain offers Xi’an-style Chinese food, including noodles, soups & sandwiches.
Empanada Mama: This restaurant has over 40 empanada varieties—traditional and inventive—priced around $3–$4 each! They also sell Venezuelan arepas and plantain chips.
All’Antico Vinaio: This highly-rated restaurant that I included for lunch in my Florence 1-day itinerary also has a New York City location! Their La Caprese sandwich is $12.
Mid-Range Marvels
Le Rivage: This cozy French bistro serves classic dishes like mussels and steak frites, offering a charming dining experience in bustling Times Square.
La Masseria NY: This restaurant serves Southern Italian cuisine, especially Puglian-inspired dishes with ingredients like beans and legumes, with fresh homemade pasta.
Dos Caminos: A modern Mexican restaurant spot with tacos, margaritas, and a festive atmosphere.
Splurge-Worthy Spots
Le Bernardin: This is a three-Michelin-star seafood dining restaurant by Chef Eric Ripert and one of New York City’s most celebrated fine-dining landmarks.
Gui Steakhouse: A modern twist on the steakhouse led by Michelin-starred chef Sungchul Shim. Gui Steakhouse combines an upscale American steakhouse menu with refined Korean flavors.
Sushi by Bou: This restaurant is a speakeasy-style sushi bar beneath the Sanctuary Hotel in Times Square. It offers an intimate omakase experience in a laid-back, graffiti-inspired setting.
Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
Since food options on the islands are limited, these are places to eat in the nearby Financial District.
Budget-Friendly Bites
Luke’s Lobster: Luke’s Lobster is a casual and efficient place to eat, popular for lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls, with sides like mac and cheese and clam chowder.
Sam’s Falafel Stand: This is a popular spot among locals for budget-friendly Middle Eastern food. Expect falafel platters to cost around $6–7, a great value for a filling meal.
Stage One Deli: Located near One World Trade Center, this deli serves breakfast platters starting at $7.75, as well as sandwiches, bagels, and smoothies.
Mid-Range Marvels
Schilling Restaurant & Bar: This is a cozy, rustic-chic bistro that serves Austrian-Mediterranean cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Eduard “Edi” Frauneder.
Industry Kitchen: This New American restaurant is located near South Street Seaport and offers views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and the city skyline.
Kesté: Kesté is known for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, with around 40–50 traditional and creative pizzas. Their menu also offers vegetarian and vegan options, as well as appetizers.
Splurge-Worthy Spots
Delmonico’s: This steakhouse is known as America’s first fine-dining restaurant and remains an iconic institution in the Financial District. Enjoy a luxe dining experience here!
Manhatta: This restaurant is on the 60th floor at 28 Liberty Street and combines Lower Manhattan views with refined American cuisine in both à la carte and tasting menus.
Temple Court: This fine-dining restaurant in the Beekman Hotel by Tom Colicchio serves refined American cuisine in a chic environment that has stained glass and chandeliers.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Budget Friendly Bites
J.G. Melon: A classic New York institution known for its delicious, no-frills burgers, cottage fries, and a lively bar scene. It’s a bit of a walk from The Met (around 10 blocks), but it’s a quintessential NYC experience and a great value for the quality. It is cash only.
Emmy Squared Pizza: Upper East Side: This restaurant serves Detroit-style pizzas that have thick, rectangular crusts with crispy, cheesy “frico” edges and sauce either under or on top of the cheese..
Halal Carts: You can often find a halal food cart along Fifth Avenue. These are perfect for a quick, cheap, and surprisingly delicious lunch on the go in New York City!
Museum Cafes: While not always the cheapest, the cafes inside The Met itself, such as the American Wing Cafe and the Great Hall Balcony Cafe, offer quick sandwiches, salads, and snacks that are convenient and can be a good value, especially if you’re already in the museum.
Mid-Range Marvels
Orsay: A classic French brasserie that’s a short walk from the museum. It’s a bit of an upscale feel, but the lunch menu offers a solid value with options like French onion soup, croque monsieur, and other bistro favorites.
Serafina: For a reliable and delicious Italian meal, Serafina is a great choice. It’s known for its pizzas, pastas, and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Up Thai: Up Thai is a local favorite, serving upscale takes on classic Thai street food in a beautiful setting with a full bar.
Splurge-Worthy Spots
The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges: The Mark in The Mark Hotel is a fantastic choice for a luxe dining experience, offering a menu by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in an elegant setting.
The Met Dining Room: For a special experience without leaving the museum, the Met Dining Room offers fine dining with stunning views of Central Park. It’s a great option for those who want a memorable, upscale meal right at the attraction.
Café Sarbasky: This restaurant, located inside the Neue Galerie, serves authentic Viennese and Austrian specialties such as schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Bavarian sausages in an elegant and serene setting.
Museum of Modern Art
Budget Friendly Bites
Kin Ramen: This highly-rated izakaya-style ramen restaurant has signature ramen selections, appetizers, and cocktails. Note: it does have limited/tight seating that is noted as a downside.
Black Iron Burger Theater District: This burger restaurant features sports memorabilia, multiple TVs for game-watching, and a welcoming, energetic atmosphere. They offer gourmet-style burgers, house specialities, and plenty of options for sides.
Dos Toros Taqueria: This is a fast-casual Mexican spot known for tacos, burritos, guacamole, and veggie-friendly options. Prices range from $10–20, and their service is efficient.
Mid-Range Marvels
Mitr Thai: This popular Thai restaurant serves dishes from Thailand’s four main regions, plus street food-inspired dishes. Staff guide guests through the regional menu with helpful recommendations.
Mom’s Kitchen and Bar: This restaurant is popular for its quirky, indulgent twists on comfort food, such as their Bedrock Pancakes–pancakes with Fruity Pebbles cereal and berries. They also have vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options.
La Grande Boucherie: This polished French restaurant has grand Art Nouveau interiors and an expansive dining gallery. They have a focus on prime cuts and an in-house meat menu.
Splurge-Worthy Spots
Osteria La Baia: This restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine and cocktails in a spacious and elegant interior with chic, polished decor. They also offer a $65 pre-theater menu, making it convenient for theatergoers in the area.
Monkey Bar: This is a historic American restaurant within the Hotel Elysee, established in 1936. They have a diverse menu that blends traditional American comfort food with upscale twists.
Quality Bistro: This is a stylish French-American brasserie that opened in 2020. They offer a contemporary take on classic bistro fare in a vibrant, Parisian-inspired setting.
The Modern: This two-Michelin-starred restaurant at MoMA offers contemporary American cuisine with a view of the museum’s sculpture garden. The Bar Room offers a more à la carte menu, while the main dining room is for a full tasting menu experience.
Rockefeller Center
Budget-Friendly Bites
Food Hall at 30 Rock: The Concourse at Rockefeller Center has several affordable and quick options.
FIELDTRIP: This is a fast-casual rice‑bowl restaurant, offering ready-to-go bowls featuring savory proteins, vibrant sauces, and globally inspired toppings.
Ace’s Pizza: Popular for their Detroit-style and grandma-style pizzas, available by the slice or whole pie.
Urban Hawker: This is a food court near Rockefeller Center that offers a variety of affordable Asian dishes inspired by Singaporean hawker centers.
Mid-Range Marvels
Del Frisco’s Grille: This is a casual alternative to their Double Eagle Steakhouse and offers a lively atmosphere and American fare in the heart of Rockefeller Center.
The Elgin: This is an inviting gastropub blending casual warmth with upscale design, serving elevated comfort food.
Bill’s Bar & Burger: This is a classic choice for a great burger, fries, and a beer or a milkshake. It’s a casual, fun spot with two levels, so you can often find a table.
Splurge-Worthy Spots
Le Rock: This restaurant offers French brasserie classics in a beautiful, spacious setting. It’s considered one of the crown jewels of dining at Rockefeller Center.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse: For a quintessential New York steakhouse experience, this restaurant offers high-end dining with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Rockefeller Center.
NARO: Located at Rockefeller Center, NARO offers an innovative blend of Italian and Asian flavors. It’s a great choice for a unique and memorable meal.
Conclusions
In a city as big and culturally diverse as New York, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to eat after visiting the city’s famous attractions. Hopefully, this list has made deciding where to eat easier for you, with options that cater to every budget and palate. Now go out and explore—and enjoy a fantastic meal to cap off your New York City adventure!