Catching a Broadway show is a perfect way to spend your afternoon or night in New York City, and if you’re looking to pair it with a great meal, look no further. Whether you have time for a sit-down meal with the whole family or want a classic slice of New York pizza on the way to the theater, we have a list of the best restaurants in the theater district:
These Times Square restaurants are located near attractions like Bryant Park and the New York Public Library, Madame Tussauds on 42nd Street, and many Broadway theaters including the Nederlander, New Amsterdam, Stephen Sondheim, Lyric, American Airlines, Helen Hayes, St. James, Hudson, Belasco, Majestic, Broadhurst, Shubert, Minskoff, Booth, Schoenfeld, Music Box, Jacobs, Imperial, Golden, and Al Hirschfeld Theater. The Empire State Building, Penn Station, and Herald Square are just a short walk south.
Tony’s Di Napoli is an Italian restaurant located at 147 W. 43rd Street next door to the Casablanca Hotel and is open from 11:30am-10pm Sunday – Thursday, and from 11:30am – 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Lunch and post theatre specials are available. Tony’s Di Napoli has been voted in the “Top Ten in NYC” by OpenTable and “Top Ten Italian in NYC” by TripAdvisor. Reservations recommended.
“Tony’s is the reason I go to NYC. The best pasta I’ve eaten.” – HMS
Carmine’s is an Italian restaurant located at 200 W. 44th Street and is open 11:30am – 11pm Sunday – Thursday and from 11:30am – 12am on Fridays and Saturdays. New York Magazine calls it “a roaring success…this place reminds you that red sauce, garlic, and good times will never go out of style.” Reservations recommended.
“We were settled within 5 mins of our reservation time. That was great since we had tickets for a show. The servers were great! The quantity and quality of food has not changed in years…delicious!” – OpenTable Diner
Sardi’s is located at 234 W. 44th Street and is open from 12pm – 8pm Tuesday – Saturday. A Broadway institution for over 100 years, the walls are lined with caricatures of theater greats. Reservations recommended.
“Pre-theater bliss. This time-honored venue has possessed the winning formula for years…[and] there always seems to be something new to look at.” - DrLiz
Bryant Park Grill is an American Restaurant located at 25 W. 40th Street and open daily from 11:30am – 9pm. Enjoy Parisian-style dining behind the New York Public Library.
“On every visit to NYC we have dinner at Bryant Park Grill. It is such a beautiful setting with the view of the park. Great ambiance and the food is delicious. Great service too. So romantic!” – KathrynL, OpenTable Diner
Junior’s is an American restaurant located at 1515 Broadway at 45th Street and is open from 7am – 11pm Sundays and Mondays, 7am – 12am Tuesday – Thursday, and 7am – 1am Fridays and Saturdays. Known for its cheesecake, this is a popular pre and post theater spot. Does not take reservations.
“This is our third time here. The food is always great. Love the cheesecake! And great service!” – Brenda Finkle
Does not take reservations.
Bea is a tapas restaurant located at 403 W. 43rd Street and open 5pm – 2am Monday – Friday and from 11am – 2am on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu includes small plates, craft cocktails, and the atmosphere is cozy, with old movies being projected onto brick walls.
“This is our favorite pre/post theatre spot near Broadway. Great cocktails, food and staff, and the ambiance of the silent films projected on the walls is perfect. The tasteful low light is great for intimate meals and drinks.” – Matt Trainer
Pio Pio is a Peruvian restaurant located at 604 10th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen and is open from 11am – 11pm Sunday – Thursday and from 11am – 12am Fridays and Saturdays. Featuring a full ceviche bar and specialty Pisco bar.
“The food here is great. All the dishes from ceviche, empanada, lomo saltado, and arroz con marisco were phenomenal. Everything was just perfect and service was great.” – Marbo Cheng
Does not take reservations.
Mémé Mediterranean is a Mediterranean restaurant located at 607 10th Avenue at 44th street and is open from 12pm – 10pm Monday – Friday and from 11am – 10pm Saturdays and Sundays. The menu includes tapas and entrees like lemon chicken, kebabs, shawarma, and branzino.
“Loved the ambiance, service and food…would come back again in a heartbeat.” – May C
Located on 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, the aptly named Restaurant Row is chock full of delicious restaurants.
Joe Allen is a theater institution and Broadway hangout. Located at 326 W. 46th Street, it is open from 12pm – 11:30pm daily and from 11:30am – 10pm on Sunday. In addition to its American comfort food and cocktails, Joe Allen is known for its wall of show posters that showcases Broadway flops. Reservations recommended.
“Favorite restaurant of the weekend! Great atmosphere with a Broadway feel. Fantastic food and excellent service.” – Gail Hicks
Orso is an Italian restaurant that was also opened by Joe Allen (whose namesake restaurant is next door). Located at 322 West 46th Street and open from 5pm – 11:30pm Tuesday – Saturday, Orso is known for its rustic Italian dishes. Nora Ephron, known for films like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail, once said in her book I Remember Nothing: and Other Reflections: “My idea of a perfect night is a good play and dinner at Orso.” Reservations recommended.
“Great food and great service! We were going to a show after and they got us in and out in the perfect amount of time!” – Eva Birk-Petri
Le Rivage is a French restaurant located at 340 W. 46th Street and open from 11:30am – 11pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and from 11:30am – 12am on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays. The menu includes a la carte and prix fixe options. Reservations recommended.
“Amazing staff, so friendly and happy. Great customer service rivaled only by their great food…I had their FAMOUS and AWARD-WINNING French Onion Soup Burger and seasoned fries. Oh man was it good.” – Rob Strotman
Becco is an Italian restaurant located at 355 W. 46th Street and is open until 9pm Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. A popular pre-theater restaurant, Becco is known for their pasta tasting menu and wine list. Reservations recommended.
“We had an excellent dinner here before seeing a show at Radio City…seated promptly, the service was excellent and attentive, food was delicious and came fast. I really enjoyed my dinner here, perfect for a meal before a show!” – Megan Holmes
These restaurants are located near Rockefeller Center, the TKTS booth, and many Broadway theaters including the Ambassador, Eugene O’Neill, Walter Kerr, Cort, Longacre, Barrymore, Samuel J. Friedman, Marquis, Lunt-Fontanne, Palace, Richard Rodgers, and Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
Havana Central is a Cuban restaurant located at 151 W. 46th Street and open from 11:30am – 9:30pm Monday – Thursday, and from 11:30am – 10pm on Friday – Sunday. The restaurant has live music and a popular happy hour. Accepts reservations.
“Hands down a new favorite. The vibe in this place was immaculate. The food was outstanding. Drinks were on point, music was great. The service was top notch.” – Ashley Gonzalez
Patzeria Perfect Pizza is located at 231 W. 46th Street and is open from 4:30pm – 12am Sunday-Tuesday and from 10:30am – 12apm Wednesday – Saturday. Known for, as the name suggests, their pizza, this casual eatery makes a great quick bite before or after a show.
“Went here based on reviews and was NOT disappointed!! Such great pizza, crunchy crust, filling sauce, delicious seasonings.” – Raquelle Harris
Does not take reservations
Dutch Fred’s is a bar specializing in craft cocktails located at 307 W. 47th Street and open from 4pm – 2am on Monday – Friday and from 11am – 2am on Saturdays and Sundays. Upscale bar food and creative drink choices.
“This place is phenomenal! I wish I could live here. Every little touch in the decor adds to the charm and comfort of the ambiance. The bartenders are attentive, fast, and TALENTED. Easily the most delicious and most creative cocktails we've had.” – Julia Heynen
Glass House Tavern is a New American restaurant located on 252 W. 47th Street and open from 3pm – 12am Tuesday and Wednesday, 3pm – 1am Thursday – Saturday, and 3pm – 11pm on Sundays. The menu includes chicken, pasta, fish, and steak options as well as a prix fixe dinner option.
“Delicious food. Attentive service. Cozy atmosphere. Great spot for dinner before a show. Highly recommend the desserts!” – Savitri Balram
OpenTable: https://www.opentable.com/glass-house-tavern
Friedman’s is a (mostly) gluten-free restaurant located at 228 W. 47th Street and is open from 7am – 9pm Sunday – Thursday and from 7am – 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to their comfort foods, Friedman’s also offers a selection of gluten-free beers and hard ciders.
“Loved this spot, great menu selection including gluten free comfort food.” – Jesse Locklear
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
Toloache is a Mexican restaurant located on 251 W. 50th Street and open from 11:30 – 10pm on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday, from 11:30am – 11pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 11:30am – 12am on Friday and Saturday. The Infatuation called the food “genuinely awesome.”
“My favorite Mexican restaurant in NYC. My go-to spot, and everything is delicious here.” – Alma Rodriguez
These restaurants are conveniently located near the MOMA and Radio City Music Hall as well as many Broadway theaters including Studio 54, August Wilson Theatre, Broadway Theatre, Neil Simon Theatre, Gershwin Theatre, Circle in the Square, and Winter Garden Theatre.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is an American diner featuring singing waiters. Located on 1650 Broadway at 51st Street and open from 7am - 12am daily, Ellen’s does not take reservations. Expect a line for this popular tourist spot. Great for kids.
“The atmosphere is very fun and is quite interactive! One minute your waiter/waitress is taking your order and then singing on stage the next! While Ellen’s more known for their talented singing waitstaff, they also serve some delicious diner classics and alcohol! There’s usually a line to get in, but it’s worth it for the fun!” – Nghia Huynh
Does not take reservations
Saar is an Indian restaurant located at 241 W. 51st Street and open from 12pm – 10:30pm Sunday – Thursday and from 1pm – 11:30pm Fridays and Saturdays. With a menu by Michelin-star chef Hemant Mathur, The New York Times called the restaurant “inventive” and “a welcome addition to theater district dining.”
“It is the best Restaurant. Service is excellent, food is delicious, Chef is generous, atmosphere is lively.” – Mikhal Shetty
Pure Thai Cookhouse is a Thai restaurant located on 766 9th Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets. It is open from 12pm – 10pm on Monday – Thursday and from 12pm – 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Known for its homemade noodles and signature dishes.
“This is definitely the place to go for authentic Thai food and where you would very likely encounter flavor profiles that are entirely new to you.” – Jiahui Zhou
The Halal Guys is located at W. 53rd Street and 6th Avenue and is open from 11am – 4am on Sunday – Thursday and from 11am – 5:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. Known for their gyros and falafel, this famous food cart now has online ordering and lines that can stretch down the block.
“Was very curious after hearing about it on a documentary on NYC street food. It is indeed one of the best places to eat in NYC. Totally recommend. Very tasty, big portions” – T M
Does not take reservations
Le Bernardin is a French seafood restaurant located at 153 W. 51st Street. This restaurant has three Michelin stars, and Eater NY called it “New York’s top seafood splurge.” Reservations recommended.
“Excellent from start to finish. Service attentive without being intrusive. Every course was creative and original and most delicious.” – Sarah Tucker
Victor’s Café is a Cuban restaurant located at 236 W. 52nd Street. Open from 4:45pm – 10pm Tuesday – Friday, from 12pm – 10pm on Saturday, and from 12pm – 4pm on Sunday, Victor’s has a tropical feel and often features live music.
“The opulence of this venue is wonderful. The fans shuffling amid the plants hanging from the well-lit ceiling is so therapeutic. This cafe is situated in the heart of Times Square within walking distance of all the greatest theaters. “ – Zaire O’Neal
These restaurants are near Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and Columbus Circle and are just a short walk to Lincoln Center to the north and many other Broadway theaters to the south.
Quality Italian is a steakhouse located on 57 W 57th Street open until 11pm daily. Known for its steaks – there are seven on the menu – New York Magazine called the restaurant “a classy spot for dinner or business lunch.” Reservations recommended.
“Amazing food, service, ambiance and vibe.” – Dan Ferrara
Kashkaval Garden is a Mediterranean restaurant located on 852 Ninth Avenue near 56th Street and open from 12pm – 10:30pm on Sunday – Wednesday and from 12pm – 12am on Thursday – Saturday. Known for their fondue and wine list, and if you show them your theater ticket after a show, you will receive a 10% discount!
“Delicious food with a great atmosphere. Cocktails are super great!! Highly recommend!” – Irina Hansen
Trattoria Dell’Arte is an Italian restaurant located at 900 7th Avenue and open from 12pm – 10pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm – 9pm on Sunday. Trattoria Dell’Arte has an antipasto bar, and a large selection of seafood. Reservations recommended.
“100/10 would and have and will continue to recommend! This place was amazing! The food was the best I had on my first trip into the city. Since then I’ve been several times and each time is truly wonderful!” – Kayla Whelly
Guantanamera is a Cuban restaurant located at 939 8th Avenue between 55th and 56th Street and open from 12pm – 12am Sunday – Thursday and from 12pm – 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Eater NY said, “At Guantanamera, every night is a party…the live music is as good as the mojitos.”
“Came on a Friday night. There was an amazing live band. Great drinks. Better food!!” – Deidra Hardimon
Are you looking for a great place to stay in the theatre district? Check out our article about hotels near Broadway theaters to find the perfect accommodation on any budget.
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