Best Restaurants Near Lincoln Center

Lincoln Ristorante, located at 142 West 65th Street, is part of Lincoln Center and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine while taking in a panoramic view of Lincoln Center’s reflecting pool. The star of this restaurant is the central open kitchen, where they prepare classic dishes made with fresh pasta and locally sourced ingredients.

“This elegant, upscale restaurant at Lincoln Center is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. The food is excellent, the ambiance, pleasant, the noise level low—even when full—and the service gracious.” – Julia V. 

The Grand Tier Restaurant, located at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, is part of Lincoln Center. Reservations can be made two hours before curtain time and intermission dining can be reserved by email. Inside the Metropolitan Opera House, this restaurant is the epitome of elegance with its breathtaking chandeliers and contemporary American cuisine. 

“The floor to ceiling windows make for a lovely view while eating…You can enjoy your appetizer and entrée before your show and when you come back during intermission, your dessert is waiting for you at your table.” – Yvonne C.

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi, located at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, is a new restaurant open Monday-Wednesday from 5 pm to 10 pm and Thursday-Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm. Enjoy a mouthwatering array of exotic flavors with dishes like Egusi Dumplings, Curried Snow Crab, and Short Rib Pastrami Suya. 

“A terrific dining experience at Tatiana…Expect lively atmosphere in an amazing setting and warm and friendly service from everyone on board. If you’ve never tried oxtails but are intrigued, go for their take and be prepared for heavenly bites.” – Lisa M.

P.J. Clarke’s Lincoln Square, located at 44 West 63rd Street, is open Monday from 11:30 am to 11 pm, Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 am to midnight, Saturday from 10:30 am to midnight, and Sunday from 10:30 am to 11 pm. Established in 1884, this restaurant has staying power for a reason. They feature classic American cuisine like Chicken Pot Pie and a range of Clarke burgers. 

“The service is incredibly friendly and fast and the food was pretty delicious. This Lincoln Center location has a direct view to the center itself so would be great for anyone who’s planning on catching a show there later in the night.” – Elaine C.

Rosa Mexicano at Lincoln Center, located at 61 Columbus Ave at 62nd Street, is open Sunday-Wednesday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, Thursday from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm, and Friday-Saturday from 11:30 am to 11 pm. Have a drink at their lively bar or choose from one of their two dining levels or outdoor patio. Their menu features signature margaritas and classic Mexican snacks and dishes. 

“Lots of tables available at this location steps away from Lincoln Center…Service is personable and reasonably fast. We got our food in less than 15 minutes. I got the friend shrimp tacos and they were very good.” – Giacomo C.

Atlantic Grill, located at 50 West 65th Street, is open Tuesday-Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm as well as Saturday-Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm. Guests love the fresh seafood and the Mediterranean influence along with the extensive selection of wines. Fresh fish are displayed on a bed of ice and there’s an aquarium.

“The ambiance of the restaurant was gorgeous. The hostess offered us a table right away and the server was on top of us all the time trying to make our experience pleasant.” – Faidon K.

The Smith, located in the heart of the Upper West Side at 1900 Broadway at 63rd Street, is open Monday from 8 am to 11 pm, Tuesday-Friday from 8 am to midnight, Saturday from 9 am to midnight, and Sunday from 9 am to 11 pm. They offer private dining rooms and a sidewalk café when the weather is nice. Visitors will enjoy a range of raw food, snack items, sandwiches, and vegetarian options.

“If you’re looking for a great spot to grab brunch in NYC, look no further than The Smith on Broadway. This trendy restaurant offers a menu filled with delicious options.” – Dan S.

Café Fiorello, located at 1900 Broadway, is open Monday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Tuesday-Thursday from 12 pm to 11 pm, Friday from 12 pm to 11:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. This Italian restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (plus brunch on the weekends) and offers the perfect pre- or post-show dining experience.

“The server at the bar is very attentive and fast. The interior has an old school cozy ambiance and it’s packed every time I’ve come for brunch.” – Mallie G.

Boulud Sud, located at 20 West 64th Street between Broadway and Central Park West, is open Tuesday-Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Friday-Saturday from 5 pm to 10:30 pm, and Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Enjoy their Mediterranean-inspired cuisine while sipping on a glass of wine from their extensive list. They offer a dining room, bar, and lounge. 

“A bit pricey, but [well] worth it! A culinary experience with an old world/classy atmosphere/setting.” – Carmine B.

Il Violino, located at 180 Columbus Avenue, is open Monday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Tuesday-Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday-Saturday from 11 am to 10:30 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm. Established by the Mariani family, who moved from Italy, this restaurant offers a fresh take on Italian classics in a location that’s convenient to several Upper West Side attractions. 

“A fantastic Italian experience with great food and service! Highly recommend.” – Franco C.

The Empire Rooftop, located at 44 West 63rd Street (12th floor), is open Monday-Tuesday from 2 pm to midnight, Wednesday-Friday from 2 pm to 1 am, Saturday from 12 pm to 1 am, and Sunday from 12 pm to midnight. Part of The Empire Hotel, this bar provides a scenic overlook of Lincoln Center. With more than 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, there is a terrace, sun deck, or table for everyone.

“Love this rooftop! If [you’re] looking for really great apps and amazing drinks come to Empire! The service is always attentive and friendly.” – Candace C.

Ascent Lounge, located at 10 Columbus Circle (4th floor), is open Monday-Tuesday from 4 pm to midnight, Wednesday from 4 pm to 1 am, Thursday from 4 pm to 2 am, Friday from 4 pm to 3 am, Saturday from 2 pm to 3 am, and Sunday from 2 pm to 10 pm. Enjoy a combination of luxury and comfort in a beautiful setting that’s equally suited to pre-show cocktails and the late-night crowd.

“If you are looking for great views and good cocktails on UWS, look no further. The service was great, with multiple waitresses checking in several times. The cocktails were not cheap…but the views were completely worth it.” – Megan P.