Best Restaurants for People Watching in New York

77 restaurants available nearby

1. Bad Roman

4.5

Awesome(2236)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 211 times today

A new lively, modern Italian restaurant from Quality Branded.

2. Joe Allen

4.8

Exceptional(4711)

Price: Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 87 times today

Please note; we only take reservations up to one week in advance.With Broadway's staggered start times, things get tricky, so if you're desired time is unavailable online, please give us a call, as we hold a certain number of tables for phone reservations only. For parties of six or more, please call the restaurant directly.Since 1965, Joe Allen has been a quintessential New York restaurant serving a classic American menu in the heart of the Theater District. Just two blocks from Times Square, it has been a favorite of Broadway performers, locals, and tourists for almost 50 years.We begin taking reservations seven days in advance starting at midnight online and at 11 a.m. over the phone. Because of staggered theatre times we can only guarantee reservations made online for one-and-a-half hours for parties of two, and two hours for parties of three or more.For reservations after theatre, please check your show's running time at http://joeallenrestaurant.com/show_info

3. TAO Uptown

4.4

Awesome(14540)

Price: Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 126 times today

A 16-foot Buddha, which floats above a reflecting pool filled with Japanese carp, presides over the scene at Tao. A favorite destination for celebrities and athletes, this Pan Asian restaurant specializes in authentic Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines. Tao has three levels of dining including the prized "Skybox" which offers views of this former movie theater unparalleled in New York. In addition to its 300 seats, Tao includes a sushi bar, lounge and two bars at which to enjoy the food and the show. Appetizers range from $8 - $18; Entrees: $16 -$39. Offering $31.50 Prix Fixe Lunch Menu year round.

4. Quality Meats

4.7

Exceptional(10564)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 153 times today

Quality Meats is the best steakhouse in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Meats features modern interpretations of familiar dishes and flavor combinations, resulting in unique tastes, innovative presentations, and a distinctive Quality Meats style. The warm, industrial décor by award-winning designers AvroKO draws on cues from traditional New York City family-owned butcher shops, in the use of warm wood, stainless steel, and white marble.

A photo of The Champagne Bar at The Plaza restaurant

5. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

4.3

Awesome(83)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain, The Champagne Bar at The Plaza, is reminiscent of the Champagne Porch that was in the same location when the hotel opened its doors in 1907. The most exclusive of The Plaza’s dining venues, which has welcomed legendary figures, celebrities, athletes and government officials, The Champagne Bar has become a favorite destination of today’s social set. The Champagne Bar specializes in delicious food featuring fresh ingredients and masterful preparation by The Plaza's culinary team. Known for its finest champagne, caviar and wine, whether you’re ordering a multi-course meal or grabbing a specialty cocktail at the bar, The Champagne Bar's lively, casual yet upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for dining with friends, family, clients and business associates.

6. Sicily

4.4

Awesome(549)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 55 times today

Located on Restaurant Row in the heart of Manhattan in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood and Theater District, Sicily Osteria is a dining destination that appeals to local residents and office workers, as well as Broadway theatergoers. The restaurant offers several dining experiences, from its more formal main dining room that exudes a rustic elegance enhanced by vintage green walls, exposed brick, custom tiled floor and white tablecloths. It's front dining room features an expansive bar, perfect for casual dining; plus, several bistro-style tables; and in the far back, a spacious, naturally lit, enclosed patio garden and atrium transports guests to a lush garden oasis.

A photo of RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room restaurant

7. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

4.8

Exceptional(892)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Meatpacking District

Booked 64 times today

A grand yet intimately scaled space, The Dining Room at The Guesthouse offers a live-fire dining experience in a setting defined by floor-to-ceiling travertine, a monolithic hearth, and embedded Molteni rotisseries. The menu features fresh ingredients from select sources, simply and elegantly prepared, along with a selection of Champagnes and wines from around the world.For group dining inquiries, please email: GHNYDR@rh.com

8. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.6

Exceptional(5267)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • DUMBO

Booked 182 times today

In support of the regulations issued by the city of New York, Cecconi’s Dumbo is now open for outdoor seating until 11pm. Cecconi’s Dumbo is a modern day classic Italian restaurant near Brooklyn Bridge park, specializing in hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and other Italian staples. Originating in Venice and with outposts in London and West Hollywood, Cecconi’s has become a critically acclaimed dining destination featuring simply prepared Venetian inspired food. With waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline, join us in our main dining room, bar or patio dinner and weekend brunch seven days a week. Cecconi’s offers an elegant and relaxed dining experience for all guests.

9. Sea Fire Grill

4.8

Exceptional(3903)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Midtown East

Booked 29 times today

Offering seasonally focused, contemporary American seafood, where only the finest and freshest seafood is highlighted. Guests will be enchanted by the superb selection of raw bar favorites and delicious appetizers which include East & West Coast Oysters, Chilled Lobster, and expertly seasoned Yellowfin Tuna Tartare. Entrée selections are sure to delight, with succulent Alaskan King Crab Legs, elegant Herb Basted Black Bass and the menu wouldn't be complete without the addition of Sea Fire Grill's Surf & Turf - tender filet mignon and buttery steamed lobster and grilled shrimp.

10. Il Forno

4.2

Awesome(867)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Midtown West

Booked 37 times today

iL Forno Italian Kitchen is a Hell"s Kitchen gem. Bringing modern Italian to a whole new level. Everything that comes from our kitchen is prepared from scratch with the utmost care by Executive Chef Sarah Pouzar. So whether you stop in for a glass of wine and one of our artisan pizzas, or a full and rich Italian supper, iL Forno will take care of you.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JamieVIP
New York City •236 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our waiter AUSTIN was exceptionally helpful. One guest was having a diabetic episode and we had to get food to him immediately. He was most helpful.
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Joe AllenPrice: Expensive• American• Theater District
•
4.8
D
David
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing Atmosphere, gorgeous Food delicious Took longer than expected, and they basically comped our whole meal !! They were so kind . It was Christmas Day and they were short staffed apparently. Could not have been happier. Would definitely go back. Great place for groups Had a beautiful round table
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Bad RomanPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.5
N
Nick
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Visited Quality Meats for a family Christmas Eve dinner. Food was impressive and exceptional in taste. Felt that the dining experience exceeded the dollar value of the meal. We were very well attended to and the service added additional satisfaction to our visit. Will certainly dine again at Quality Meats.
More info
Quality MeatsPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7
A
Anna
Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing! Truly everything we ordered was delicious. We had a great table and the service was great. We will definitely go back the next time we are in the city! We keep talking about how wonderful our experience was!
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TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
•
4.4
PG
PhilipG
Yorkshire •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2024
Superb evening. Staff fantastic, food and drinks too drawer. Best part of our trip was the evening here. Thanks so much to all the staff there.
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The Champagne Bar at The PlazaPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.3

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Best Restaurants for People Watching in New York

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77 restaurants available nearby

1. Bad Roman

2. Joe Allen

3. TAO Uptown

4. Quality Meats

5. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

6. Sicily

7. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

8. Cecconi's Dumbo

9. Sea Fire Grill

10. Il Forno

See what locals rave about

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