Best Restaurants Near Gershwin Theater

Vanguard Wine Bar is located at 252 W. 51st Street and is open from 5pm – 2am on Monday – Saturday, and 3pm – 12am on Sundays. Vanguard is known for their small plates – think hummus, meats, cheeses, and tartines – and of course for their wine. No reservation required. 

“Loved this quiet location right around the corner from Wicked. Great wine selection, nice bar staff, and delicious small plates.” – Rachel Salinas

Azalea is an Italian restaurant located on 224 W. 51st Street and is open from 12pm – 9pm Monday – Saturday. The restaurant describes itself as “an urban ristorante inspired by Italian luxe” and the menu includes dishes like Spaghetti Bolognese, gnocchi, risotto, branzino, steak, and burrata. Reservations are recommended. 

“We were originally referred to eat there prior to a show, have since ate there numerous times. Amazing food, service and location. We have recommended to friends and will continue to recommend. Awesome!” – Ed Nelson

Saar is an Indian restaurant located across the street from the theater at 241 W. 51st Street and is open from 12pm – 10:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from 12pm – 9:30pm Sunday - Thursday. The Executive Chef, Chef Hemant Mathur, was the first Indian chef in the U.S. to be awarded a Michelin star. The New York Times called the restaurant, “a welcome addition to theater district dining, an intimate restaurant that features a combination of Indian street food and home cooking with a contemporary twist.” Reservations accepted for parties of 2 or more. 

“Had Lunch with my family. Even my kids loved it. Authentic Indian dishes. Loved every dish. Beautiful presentation & Great Service.” – Anil Verma

Toloache is a Mexican restaurant located on 251 W. 50th Street near Eighth Avenue and is open from 11:30am – 10pm on Sundays and Mondays, 11:30am – 11pm Tuesday – Thursday, and 11:30am – 11:30pm Fridays and Saturdays. The New York Times said, “One of the great pleasures of the summer season in New York is to sit at [Toloache’s] comfortable tiled bar, drinking a fine house margarita or a tequila off the restaurant’s long and luxurious list, while eating a bowl of guacamole with the assistance of some tortilla chips, fresh, warm and salty. Follow this with a few tacos or quesadillas, cold beers and ceviche.” Reservations are recommended. 

“The staff was so kind to squeeze eight of us in before our Broadway show. We had a wonderful experience thanks to our server’s perfect timing & service and amazing tacos & drinks!” – Alexis DeVicentis

Ippudo Westside is a Japanese restaurant located in Midtown West on 321 W. 51st Street and is open from 11:30am – 3:30pm and from 5pm – 10:15pm Monday - Thursday, 11:30am – 3pm and 5pm – 10:45pm on Fridays, and from 11:30am – 10:45pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Known for its ramen, Fodor’s says, “Loyal patrons say it’s all about the rich pork-based broth…but those in the know order sleeper-hit appetizers like the peppery chicken wings or pork buns.” Ippudo does not take reservations. 

“Simply unbelievable food and quality consistently delivered. We have visited this place once every time we visit NYC and it’s one of our happiest moments of the trip.” – Kaustubh Mahajan

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is located at 1650 Broadway (that’s Broadway and 51st Street) and is open every day from 7am to midnight. This restaurant is great for kids and families and features a singing wait staff who use their performing arts background to sing Broadway theater favorites. Fodor’s says, “The menu focuses on all-American classics like meatloaf and chicken pot pie, and the waiters and waitresses serenading you on roller skates possess fittingly Broadway-caliber talent. It's the kind of over-the-top family fun you'd expect from the Times Square location.” This restaurant doesn’t take reservations, and expect a wait. 

“WHAT. A. PLACE.This place is by far the best most entertaining restaurant I have ever been in. From dancing and singing on the tables to the friendliest service I have ever encountered.” – B W

Victor’s is a Cuban restaurant located at 236 W. 52nd Street and is open Tuesday - Friday 4:30pm – 10pm, Saturdays from 12pm – 10pm, and Sundays from 12pm – 4pm. New York Magazine says “Victor’s is a breezy tropical space…expect things like the house-special roast suckling pig marinated in fresh lime juice and garlic.” Reservations are recommended. 

“This was our first time in a Cuban restaurant. The food was excellent, perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious. The beautiful decor and great music added to a wonderful experience here dining with friends. Definitely a great restaurant to visit before a Broadway show.” – E S

Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery is located at 1621 Broadway at 49th Street and is open from 7am – 11pm Sundays and Mondays, 7am – 12am Tuesdays – Fridays, and 7am – 1am Fridays and Saturdays. New York Magazine said, “it’s a New York icon and it is almost impossible to sit down for a meal without leaving happy…Junior’s is like a Disney version of ‘classic New York,’ and it would be an actual tragedy if anything happened to change that.”

Don’t leave without trying their famous cheesecake! Junior’s does not take reservations. 

“You know you have to get dessert after a Broadway show and Juniors hit the spot. Great location in Times Square and great vibe.” – Bonnie Kelly

Joe Allen is located at 326 W. 46th Street and is favored by locals, tourists, and Broadway insiders. Its walls are lined with Broadway posters of shows that have flopped on Broadway, and its menu features American dishes like meatloaf and burgers and desserts like pie and ice cream. Reservations recommended, closed on Mondays. 

“Joe Allen's is the perfect before or after dining spot for your theater experience. We'll be back.” – Charles Griswold

Orso is an Italian restaurant opened by Joe Allen, whose namesake restaurant is next door. Located at 322 W. 46th Street, Orso is open from 5pm – 11:30pm Tuesdays – Saturdays and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. New York Magazine says “the intimate dining room is one of the coziest in New York…and it feels authentically Italian, not just because of how straightforward and delicious the food is…but also because it doesn’t take itself too seriously.” Reservations are recommended.

“Truly great meal, wonderful service, on their third day back after a long time away... they don't appear to have missed a beat -- Joe Allen for a drink, and Orso for pre-theater dinner is a recipe for a great night...” – Jonas Paterno

Hold Fast Kitchen & Spirits is located on 364 W. 46th Street and is open Monday to Friday 12pm – 2am and Saturdays and Sundays 11am – 2am. Serving elevated pub food and cocktails, Hold Fast has dishes like wings, ceviche, burgers, and salads, and a brunch that includes chicken and waffles and a crème brulee French toast. Reservations are recommended. 

“My wife and I visited this restaurant after seeing Come From Away on Broadway and it was one of the highlights of our trip! The food was fresh and tasty, the drinks were refreshing and strong, and the staff and management were incredible! Highly recommend if you are looking for the perfect post Broadway show meal!!” – Josh Sanders

La Rivage is a French bistro located on 340 W. 46th Street and is open Tuesday to Thursday 11:30am – 11pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am – 12am, and Sunday 11:30am – 11pm. Closed on Mondays.  The restaurant describes itself as “a cozy, romantic French country atmosphere where traditional French cuisine is expertly prepared for your pleasure.” Reservations are recommended. 

“Stopped in today pre theater for lunch. I’ve eaten here many times. Never disappointed. Had frogs legs, beef bourguignon and cream brûlée for dessert…Truly, a gem in the ‘restaurant row.’” – Suzette Stravino’s

The Rum House is a piano bar located at 228 W. 47th in the Hotel Edison. It is open from 4pm – 1am Sunday – Thursday, 4pm – 2am Friday and Saturday, and has happy hour from 4pm – 6pm. New York Magazine says, “the red-walled and wood-paneled drinking den is accented with nightly piano playing, while the space has been elevated…to a classic cocktail lounge swathed in leather banquettes and lit by glowing candles, soothing away the knowledge that Times Square is just around the corner.” The Rum House does not take reservations. 

“Small intimate bar with great vibes, dim lights, smooth jazz and fab drinks.” – Julie Mutch

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment on 249 W. 49th Street is described by Fodor’s as a “flamboyantly decorated bar, with nearly every square inch covered in old English art and sculpture. Don’t be thrown off – the cocktails here are inventive and expertly made, as is the tasty, filling pub fare.” Open Monday – Thursday 4pm – 1am, Friday 4pm – 2am, Saturday 10:30am – 2am, and Sunday 10:30am – 1am. Reservations recommended if you’re eating before a show.

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

Lantern’s Keep is located on 49 W. 44th Street in The Iroquois Hotel. Open Monday to Saturday, 5pm – 10pm. Step back into the prohibition in this cozy lounge, and enjoy cocktails that Fodor’s calls “works of art.” Lantern’s Keep does not take reservations.

“Super cool cocktail bar. The drinks are fantastic and the bartenders and waiters are amazing. Great small plates too.” – Rebecca Cesa

Patzeria Perfect Pizza is located on 231 W. 46th Street and serves traditional New York City pizza by the pie or the slice. 

“The best pizza in NYC. I make a special trip there whenever I am in the city to have a couple slices.” – Bobby Reiff

Shake Shack is located at 691 8th Avenue (at 44th Street), and is known for their burgers, fries, and ice cream. 

“Delicious burgers. Great shakes. Fast service.” – Darcy Sage

Melt Shop is located on 877 8th Avenue between 52nd and 53rd Streets and is a sandwich place known for its melts and grilled cheeses. 

“This place has some fantastic grilled cheese! I got the turkey melt, and boy was it filling. Really good coleslaw with a cheesy, turkey delight!” – Heitor Tremora

Empanada Mama Hell’s Kitchen is a Latin American restaurant known for, you guessed it, empanadas. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, Empanada Mama’s is located on 763 Ninth Avenue at 51st Street.

“Hands down, my favorite "to-go" place in all of NYC. There's a sit-down restaurant inside as well, but Empanada Mama is great for when you're in a rush or in the early/late hours. It stays open around the clock and there's endless options for empanadas. Just look at their menu. It's amazing.” – Charlie Mango

The View Restaurant & Lounge in the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Enter through the main lobby at 1535 Broadway and take the elevator to the top floor. Don’t worry about where you sit – this restaurant revolves, giving you panoramic, 360 views of Manhattan, including iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler building.

“Restaurant deserves 10 stars. Absolutely amazing. The restaurant rotates so you have a complete 360 view of the city.” - Samara

Haven Rooftop is located at 132 W. 47th Street at the top of the Sanctuary Hotel. Small bites and cocktails, the rooftop is open until 11pm Thursday – Tuesday and until 8:30pm on Wednesdays. 

“Came here after a Broadway show. Loved this rooftop. Great vibes, Great views, decor, ambience and atmosphere. Great food & drinks quality.” - Zarina

St. Cloud Rooftop Bar is located at 6 Times Square on the top of The Knickerbocker Hotel. Open from 4pm – 11pm every day, drink cocktails while overlooking that hustle and bustle of Times Square. 

“The outdoor/patio tables are great! Especially at night with everything lit up. It's a fun location looking right over Times Square (you can see the new year "ball" right across the way). The indoor tables/rooms look really nice as well. Great service and great vibe :)” - Madison