Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies near Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies near Times Square
1. John's of Times Square
Set in a soaring former church, this coal-fired pizzeria turns out blistered, foldable New York pies to share before or after a Broadway show, with cathedral vibes and bustling energy.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a quintessential NYC pizza experience in a dramatic space right in the Theater District, perfect for groups craving classic cheese, pepperoni, or a white pie.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch or early dinner (3–5 pm) to avoid peak pre-theater rush; post-show slices after 9:30 pm are steadier.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pies only—no slices. Order a half-and-half pie to sample more flavors, and ask for a table on the mezzanine for the best view of the stained-glass windows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise the crispy-chewy crust and lively atmosphere; some note waits at prime hours but call it worth it.
2. Junior's Restaurant & Bakery
Brooklyn’s legendary cheesecake maker anchors a sprawling Times Square diner serving towering sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and the city’s creamiest slices.
✓ Why Go:
For a true NYC dessert icon—plain cheesecake or strawberry—and hearty comfort food in the heart of the neon.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for a relaxed breakfast; late night for dessert after curtain when tables turn quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split a slice—the portions are massive. If the main room is slammed, check the bar counter for faster seating.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about rich cheesecake and friendly service; some mention noise but enjoy the Times Square buzz.
3. Los Tacos No.
A standing-room taqueria slinging Tijuana-style adobada and carne asada on fresh-pressed tortillas, hidden inside the old Times Building arcade.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of NYC’s most beloved tacos—quick, authentic, and unforgettable—with salsas that pack bright, balanced heat.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon (2–4 pm) for shorter lines; evenings are busiest but move quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order your tacos “con todo,” add a nopal (cactus) taco, and grab a spot along the ledge for hot-off-the-plancha bites.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowds universally praise the handmade tortillas and juicy fillings; expect a line and fast turnover.
4. Le Bernardin
Eric Ripert’s serene temple to seafood delivers ethereal tasting menus and laser-precise service just a short walk from Times Square.
✓ Why Go:
To experience world-class, seafood-forward fine dining—from pristine crudo to masterfully sauced mains—near the theater.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch for a value-minded tasting and easier reservations; book dinner months ahead.
✓ Insider Tip:
If reservations are scarce, try Le Bernardin Lounge for à la carte signatures without the formality of the main dining room.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners highlight flawless technique and calm elegance; premium pricing is expected for the experience.
5. Carmine's Italian Restaurant
Family-style red-sauce Italian where platters of penne alla vodka, chicken parm, and Caesar salad feed the whole table before a show.
✓ Why Go:
It’s group-friendly, festive, and reliably filling—classic Italian-American comfort with Broadway proximity.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Aim for early dinner (5 pm) to beat pre-theater crowds; late-night seating opens up after 9:30 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Two or three dishes can feed four; order a half-portion when available and save room for the Titanic sundae.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the convivial vibe and huge portions; some find it loud but perfect for celebrations.
6. Sardi's
Broadway’s storied clubhouse lines its walls with caricatures of stage legends, serving classic cocktails and continental fare since 1927.
✓ Why Go:
Come for the theater history and people-watching as much as the shrimp cocktail and chicken Milanese.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-theater (5–7 pm) for star-spotting; lunchtime is quieter and great for photos of the caricatures.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a second-floor table near the railing for the best wall-to-wall caricature views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors cherish the old-New-York charm; food gets solid marks, with atmosphere stealing the show.
7. Urban Hawker
A vibrant Singaporean hawker hall curated by KF Seetoh bringing laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, satay, and kopi under one Midtown roof.
✓ Why Go:
Taste a spectrum of authentic Southeast Asian flavors without leaving the Times Square radius—ideal for groups with varied cravings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays for easier seating; evenings and rainy days are busiest but lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Scope the stalls first, then order from multiple vendors and share at a communal table; don’t skip the kaya toast and kopi.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Food lovers applaud the authenticity and variety; seating can be competitive at peak hours.
8. The View Restaurant & Lounge
New York’s revolving rooftop restaurant slowly rotates above Times Square, pairing skyline panoramas with cocktails and American fare.
✓ Why Go:
For a one-of-a-kind 360-degree dining experience—ideal for first-time visitors and celebratory toasts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Blue hour around sunset for the most dramatic cityscape; reserve well ahead on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Time your seating to complete at least one full rotation (about an hour) and snag a window table by arriving early.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the views and novelty; food gets good marks while the vista is the clear headliner.
9. Ippudo Westside
Beloved ramen house ladling silky tonkotsu with flame-charred chashu and perfectly springy noodles in a sleek, upbeat Midtown setting.
✓ Why Go:
When the craving hits for world-class ramen steps from the theaters—plus standout buns and small plates.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive right at opening for minimal waits; add your name to the list and explore nearby blocks if there’s a queue.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Akamaru Modern for bolder umami and ask for kaedama (extra noodles) if you want more.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans highlight rich broths and consistent execution; peak-hour waits are common but move steadily.
10. Gallagher's Steakhouse
A Prohibition-era chophouse famed for its glass-walled meat locker, charcoal-grilled steaks, and old-school New York swagger.
✓ Why Go:
For a classic Midtown steak experience with prime dry-aged cuts just a short stroll from the marquee lights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Lunch for calmer vibes and better value; dinner for the full vintage club feel.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a table near the open kitchen to watch the grill in action and consider the bone-in ribeye for sharing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Steak lovers applaud the char and aging; service is polished, with pricing reflecting the legacy.
