Where to Eat Near Popular Tourist Destinations in New York City
Planning a visit to New York City in the near future? The number of dining options can truly be overwhelming. To help, here is our guide on where to eat near popular tourist destinations in New York City. These restaurants are all sure bets!
Times Square
Times Square attracts over 330,000 people from around the world every day and when people make their list of things to do in New York City, Times Square is often on the top. There are a ton of great shops in the area and Broadway theaters are just a quick walk away. Plus on New Year’s Eve, it is where the ball drops and where all the festivities take place.
Where to Eat:
Carmine’s – 200 West 44th St
Our favorite restaurant in Times Square is Carmine’s. It offers Italian family style dining and it is known for its huge portions. We love their pastas and chicken marsala. Carmine’s can have a long wait so another good option is Buca de Beppo (1540 Broadway). If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, Shake Shack (691 8th Ave) should also be on your radar.
Rockefeller Center
During the holidays, Rockefeller Center is a favorite place to visit. It is famous for its Christmas tree lighting and ice skating rink. There is also an underground concourse with a bunch of shops and restaurants and Radio City Music Hall is close by.
Where to Eat:
The Sea Grill – 19 W 49th St, Rockefeller Center
The Sea Grill is a beautiful restaurant in Rockefeller Center with good views of the ice skating rink in the dining room. They have spectacular seafood and amazing desserts. Xi’an Famous Foods (24 W 45th St) and The Famous Halal Guys (53rd & 6th) are also nearby and they are both good spots for lunch.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a big part of the iconic New York City skyline. If you get the chance, the observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city.
Where to Eat:
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong – 1 E 32nd St
We actually like to dine in Koreatown whenever we are near the Empire State Building. One of our favorite restaurants in Koreatown is Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong. It is a Korean barbecue restaurant where marinated meats are grilled right in the middle of your table. It is a lot of fun and it is absolutely delicious.
Chinatown & Little Italy
Chinatown and Little Italy are two historic neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan and they are on our must visit list. If you are a foodie, there are so many excellent places to eat at here.
Where to Eat:
Nom Wah Tea Parlor – 13 Doyers St
It is hard to choose just one restaurant in the neighborhood but Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum parlor in Chinatown and after all these years, they are still the best. They just opened a new take out location in Nolita (10 Kenmare St). Check out our guides on where to eat in Chinatown and Little Italy for even more recommendations.
Battery Park City
Battery Park City is home to the National September 11 Memorial, One World Trade Center, Westfield World Trade Center and Brookfield Place. Also if you look out in Battery Park, you can get great views of the Statue of Liberty.
Where to Eat:
Parm – 250 Vesey St
If you love chicken parmigiana sandwiches, then Parm is an absolute must. It is full of flavor and it has us craving for more time after time. But make sure you save room for dessert. Their ice cream cakes are out of this world! For more suggestions, take a look at our guide to where to eat in Battery Park.
Grand Central Terminal
Finally Grand Central Terminal is one of the busiest train stations in the world and the building is just stunning. We are still finding amazing new things about this historic train station. It is truly one of the places that you have to see in person whenever you make your way to New York City.
Where to Eat:
Urbanspace Vanderbilt – 230 Park Ave
If you are in Grand Central we actually recommend going across the street to Urbanspace Vanderbilt. It is a new food hall with tons of options for food. From tacos to lobster rolls, there is something for everyone here.