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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Upper West Side

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81 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tavern on the Green restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(18753)
Price: Expensive
• American • Midtown West
Booked 94 times today
Tavern On The Green will be offering our Holiday Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from November 30th-December 29th. This is priced at $95 per adult, $65 per child and does not include beverages or tax. A 20% gratuity will be added to all checks. Dress Code: Smart Casual. Jacket and Tie are Not Required. * We do not permit sleeveless shirts for gentlemen nor athletic/running/jogging attire for any patrons in the main restaurant. Reservations as early as 60 days out through our Reservations Department at 212-877-8684 or reservations@tavernonthegreen.com
A photo of Bad Roman restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2134)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Upper West Side
Booked 350 times today
A new lively, modern Italian restaurant from Quality Branded.
A photo of TAO Uptown restaurant
4.4
Awesome(14453)
Price: Expensive
• Pan-Asian • Midtown East
Booked 124 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.
A photo of Central Park Boathouse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(900)
Price: Very Expensive
• Continental • Upper East Side
Booked 136 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.
A photo of Joe Allen restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4679)
Price: Expensive
• American • Theater District
Booked 85 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
A photo of Pappardella restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2801)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Upper West Side
Booked 37 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.
A photo of Red Rooster Harlem restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(10559)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Harlem
Booked 62 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.
A photo of Friedman's - 72nd St restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(109)
Price: Moderate
• American • Upper West Side
Booked 20 times today
A little about us & the culture that has been created… Friedmans is a family run business, which operates locations throughout New York City. Friedmans was named after the famous economist Milton Friedman who popularized the phrase, “there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch”. This phrase has gone on to be used in science, economics, finance, statistics, technology, sports, & now food. However, to put it simply, “to get one thing we like, we usually have to give up another thing we like.” Our mantra is simple, “Eat good food” and this is what we strive to deliver to our guests. For us, it has two meanings. Firstly, eat food that tastes good. Secondly, be proud of the food you serve. We know where our food comes from. We communicate regularly with our farmers and are proud to serve antibiotic free meats & local vegetables. Our mission is for you to love, respect, & enjoy, not only the food you serve, but also the team you work with.
A photo of The Champagne Bar at The Plaza restaurant
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.
A photo of RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(855)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Meatpacking District
Booked 94 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Evelynvip
    New York City •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Never disappoints! Been going there for ears when we are in the City from Louisiana.
    More info
    Joe AllenPrice: Expensive• American• Theater District
    4.8
  • Rob
    Las Vegas •6 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We’ve been many times before (pre-Covid), on this occasion however, the bar experience was very poor and disappointing, the dining experience however was enjoyable. At the bar the server would not accept cash (unless I ordered two rounds!?)… he said if your paying cash it will cost you $34… basically he was ensuring a $6 tip… his manner was cold and not what you would expect from such a venue. The check in to the restaurant was also poor, not welcoming and very abrupt. However, once in the restaurant, our table host Christopher made a huge difference, he was welcoming and friendly, the type of hospitality person you would expect from such a place. We enjoyed our afternoon very much from this point forward.
    More info
    Central Park BoathousePrice: Very Expensive• Continental• Upper East Side
    4.6
  • Safana
    Washington, D.C. Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We got there about 45 minutes early for our wedding anniversary dinner and were seated within 15 minutes. Food was great, beautiful aesthetic, server helpful and friendly. Usually venues do provide some sort of celebratory dessert or plate with a wish on it and we did not receive such an item, so that was a bit disappointing even though we had put the occasion in the booking information on OpenTable. Other than that, it was a lovely but chilly evening! We did order the three course meal, which was a good value.
    More info
    TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
    4.4
  • Michael
    Las Vegas •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    What a beautiful restaurant at Christmas time. We had a wonderful lunch. The staff was very good. My daughter had the Waldorf salad which she said was good, not great. I had the lemon chicken under a brick. It was delicious but a little dry. Overall it was a very special lunch
    More info
    Tavern on the GreenPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
    4.7
  • danvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •63 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    (From Quality Italian owners) Heard great things about this place and it definitely lived up to the hype. Really happening and busy for a Monday, good people watching, food was amazing, staff was great. We ate at the bar and started with roasted garlic babka! (Don’t miss that) then had branzino. Amazing. Will be back.
    More info
    Bad RomanPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
    4.5
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