Best Restaurants Near the Winter Garden Theater

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is located at 1650 Broadway at the corner of 51st Street and is open daily from 7am – 12am. Known for its singing wait staff, this restaurant is a hit with kids who can enjoy diner fare while listening to their waiters belt Broadway show tunes. Ellen’s does not take reservations and gets very busy at peak times.

“I visited the Stardust Diner before a Broadway show and absolutely loved the atmosphere of great music and beautiful voices. I will recommend everyone to visit it.” – Ella Vas

Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery is located at 1626 Broadway at 49th Street and opens daily from 7am to late. Known for their famous cheesecake and diner classics, Junior’s is a New York institution. New York Magazine says, “there is a 100 percent chance that the sprawling menu will include anything in the world that you might want to eat.” 

“Great place, great food and great service. Big portions so make sure you are really hungry and don't leave without having tried one of their amazing cheesecakes!” – Mary Dimoliapis

https://www.juniorscheesecake.com

Serafina is an Italian restaurant located at 224 W. 49th Street in the Time Hotel and open from 12pm – 10pm Tuesday to Sunday, and from 4pm – 10pm on Mondays. In addition to its popular pasta, pizza, fish dishes, this restaurant also includes vegetarian options.

“Amazing food and great atmosphere. Wife and I stopped in here before a Broadway show one night and were not disappointed. The food was awesome.” – Michael Hall

https://www.opentable.com/serafina-at-the-time-hotel

Toloache is a Mexican restaurant located at 251 W. 50th Street near 8th Avenue next door to the Gershwin Theatre. Fodor’s said, “Foodies flock here for three types of guacamole (traditional, fruited, and spicy), well-executed ceviches, Mexico City–style tacos with Negra Modelo–braised brisket, and quesadillas with black truffle and huitlacoche (a corn fungus known as ‘the Mexican truffle’).”

“Our favorite restaurant in midtown! Whenever we’re in NYC we do our best to plan a stop here. Out of this world tacos - don’t miss out on the bone marrow taco, it’s divine! And it never hurts that the margaritas are good and strong.” – Corinne Newhart

Le Bernardin is a 3-Michelin-star French restaurant specializing in seafood and located at 155 W. 51st Street. The New York Times said, “No other restaurant in the city makes the simple cooking of fish (and the fish at Le Bernardin is cooked simply, when it is cooked at all) seem so ripe with opportunities for excitement.”

“I had one of the best culinary and services experiences in my life at Le Bernardin. The chef-chosen 8 course menu was exquisite in flavor and presentation, and the service by all staff exceeded all expectations. My thanks go to all who helped make this dining experience extraordinary.” – Cari O’Brien

Ippudo is a Japanese restaurant located at 321 W. 51st Street and open daily from 11:30am to 10:30pm. Ramen, pork buns, and sake make the perfect pre or post theater meal, and The Infatuation says, “having an Ippudo at your disposal for after work drinks and dinner or Pre-Theater Eats is a game changer.”

“This is the best ramen I've ever had in my life.” - Nancy

Gallaghers Steakhouse is located in the theatre district at 228 W. 52nd Street very near the August Wilson Theatre, Neil Simon Theatre, and Broadway Theatre – and just a 3-minute walk from the Winter Garden. Known for, as the name suggests, its steak, Eater NY said “this old-school steakhouse serves one of NYC’s best, most elusive prime ribs.”

“My favourite restaurant in the whole world!!!...Back here in four weeks with the family this time when we are all coming over from the UK and I cannot wait to bring them here." - Chris Longmuir

Famous Original Ray’s Pizza

Ray’s is located at 736 Seventh Avenue, sells pizza by the slice and pie, and is open daily from 10am to 2am. 

“Very fast service, huge selection and outrageously delicious.” – Mark Larocque

Urbanspace at West 52nd is open from 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday. This food hall has fifteen vendors serving everything from sandwiches and pasta to tamales and lobster. Great for big groups and with enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, The Gothamist said, “it features a bounteous total of 15 new and familiar restaurants, plus a full bar in a lounge-y mezzanine. There's seating for about 250 across the 12,000-square-feet…pretty ideal for a pre-theater/post MoMA meal.” 

Urban Hawker is located at 135 W. 50th Street and open from 10am – 10pm Mondays – Saturdays and 10am – 9pm on Sundays. This food hall features Singapore flavors from 17 vendors. The New York Times said, “Bouncing around the stalls like a pinball, you get an overview of Singaporean food unlike any you’ll find in a restaurant.”

“Take it from a Singaporean, the food is legit. If you want to sample an array of food from Singapore and its neighbors, the good news is you can now satisfy your cravings right in Midtown.” – XY Lim

The Halal Guys at 53rd Street and 6th Avenue is a famous franchise that began as street carts in this location. Open until 4am Sunday – Thursday, and until 5:30am on Fridays and Saturdays, The Infatuation says, “The original carts in Midtown have been around since 1990, and to this day it’s somewhat required that all meat-eating New Yorkers order the cart’s halal chicken or lamb over rice platters every so often. Not just because it’s famous, but because it’s delicious, filling, and costs $6.”

“Oh my god. This was excellent. We got the beef gyro and the combination platter. Loved every bite. The white sauce was SPECIAL. Guys were great at the cart. Loved it.” – Steve M

Nothing Really Matters is hidden inside a subway stop at 210 W. 50th Street and open from 4pm – 2am Monday – Saturday. Look for the downtown 1 train, and the bar entrance is between the stairs and subway turnstile. Secret NYCcalls it “an exciting new spot that should be on every NYers radar.” 

“Nothing Really Matters is an amazing spot - great music, incredibly friendly and talented staff, groovy ambiance. The drinks are made with love and care. This is such an awesome hidden gem for New Yorkers to take guests for an unforgettable experience.” – Mary Albus

Lillie’s is an Irish-Victorian bar and restaurant located at 249 W. 49th Street and is known for its upscale pub food, cocktails, and over the top decor. Fun all year round, but be sure to visit over the holidays to see the decorations.

“Such a cool vibe here. We stayed here for a couples hours just soaking it in with drinks. We can't wait to come back.” – Chris Fryrear

Haswell Green’s is located at 240 W. 52nd Street and open until 4am Wednesday – Sunday and until 2am on Mondays and Tuesdays. Cocktails, elevated pub food and live music make this bar popular with locals and tourists alike. The Infatuation says, “If you leave a Broadway show wanting more, it’s probably a sign that the show was either really good or really bad. Either way, you can keep the night going at Haswell Greens.”

“Fun cocktails and live music with a relaxed atmosphere. We stopped for the pub & a cocktail and stayed for the atmosphere.” – W. Ryan Ziegler

Restaurant Row on West 46th Street includes popular pre-theater restaurants like Joe Allen (cocktails, comfort food, and pie), Orso (upscale Italian), and Le Rivage (French).

New Yorkers often flock to 9th Avenue in Midtown West before and after the theater, and popular restaurants include Empanada Mama, Lilly’s Craft and Kitchen, OBAO, and Bocca di Bacco.