Best Restaurants for People Watching in Upper East Side

80 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Central Park Boathouse restaurant

1. Central Park Boathouse

4.6

Exceptional(941)

Price: Very Expensive

• Continental • Upper East Side

Booked 52 times today

Dine with us in the beautifully updated restaurant that reimagines the Boathouse's iconic history and charm. Reviving old traditions and making new ones – we’ve got something for everybody.Monday - FridayLUNCH: 12pm -5pmSaturday & SundayBRUNCH: 11am - 5pmIn addition, our outdoor Express Cafe, is open daily from 8am to 5pm. *For parties of 10 or more: please contact us at info@centralparkboathouse.com **Please Note** Our restaurant is located inside of Central Park, which means all guests must arrive on foot, there is no parking at our property. The closest entrance and cross streets are 72nd street and 5th Ave.

2. Bad Roman

4.5

Awesome(2214)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 198 times today

A new lively, modern Italian restaurant from Quality Branded.

3. TAO Uptown

4.4

Awesome(14506)

Price: Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 148 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(10533)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 118 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

Booked 1 time today

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. Joe Allen

4.8

Exceptional(4705)

Price: Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 15 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

7. MR CHOW - 57th

4.7

Exceptional(2916)

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Midtown East

Booked 23 times today

Opened in 1979 by world famous restaurateur Michael Chow. MR CHOW started in London in 1968 and continues to enjoy generations of devoted clients from art, fashion, music, and entertainment. Recently awarded the 5 Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences for its excellence, service, and cuisine this restaurant described by Givenchy as a "Precious Jewel Box" is one of the most beautiful restaurants in New York City serving high Chinese Cuisine with impeccable service. The menu at MR CHOW is a combination of old authentic Beijing, Original Recipes, and the signature dishes such as Chicken Satay, MR CHOW Noodles, and Ma Mignon. MR CHOW also serves one of the best Beijing Ducks in the world.The famous nightly handmade noodle show is presented in every location since the opening of London in 1968. "Elegant Midtown Chinese and its newer TriBeCa sibling offer “big-league” eats in “welcome-to-the-’80s” digs..." - ZAGAT

A photo of Red Rooster Harlem restaurant

8. Red Rooster Harlem

4.7

Exceptional(10581)

Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Harlem

Booked 43 times today

Located in the heart of Harlem, Red Rooster Harlem serves comfort food that celebrates the roots of American cuisine and the neighborhood's diverse culinary traditions. We seek to share the story of Harlem with our guests and offer a space that celebrates local artists, musicians and culinary talents alike. We embrace today's Harlem with a spirit of inclusiveness and community by hiring our family of staff from within the community, inspiring better eating through neighborhood cooking classes, and buying from local purveyors.

9. Sea Fire Grill

4.8

Exceptional(3889)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Midtown East

Booked 48 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. Pappardella

4.7

Exceptional(2824)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 35 times today

Welcome to PappardellaPappardella restaurant brings to you the flavors and food of Tuscany. Established in 1983, Pappardella offers a romantic setting of timeless charm with 20 foot ceilings, French doors; a stunning mural of Florence.Menu and service reflect the warmth and attention of the old world, as well as the diversity and techniques of today. we feature homemade pasta, artisanal pizza; other great Italian staples, like chicken parmagian, grilled branzino; scrumptious tiramisu.A beautiful outdoor terrace makes for great people watching in the warm months. Pappardella is conveniently located near the beacon theater, the museum of natural history &Central Park offering lunch; dinner pre fix, brunch.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KristinaVIP
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was our first experience and it did not disappoint. From the second we walked in we were blown away. The ambiance the food the service was top tier. We can’t wait to dine again next time we are in the city!
More info
Quality MeatsPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7
L
Lynn
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Absolutely outstanding! We can’t wait to come back!
More info
Bad RomanPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.5
D
Danielle
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food & excellent service! Just a little dark to read the menu in certain areas!
More info
TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
•
4.4
C
Crystal
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing service, food, & views. We will be back. Butternut squash soup was the best I ever had.
More info
Central Park BoathousePrice: Very Expensive• Continental• Upper East Side
•
4.6
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.
More info
The Champagne Bar at The PlazaPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.3

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Upper East Side

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Upper East Side

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80 restaurants available nearby

1. Central Park Boathouse

2. Bad Roman

3. TAO Uptown

4. Quality Meats

5. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

6. Joe Allen

7. MR CHOW - 57th

8. Red Rooster Harlem

9. Sea Fire Grill

10. Pappardella

See what locals rave about

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