Midtown is the heart of Manhattan – home to the most iconic spots in New York City and the hub for all tourism. While real New Yorkers might try to avoid Time Square and the surrounding area at all costs – there are some real restaurant gems in Midtown that are certainly worth visiting. Whether you’re in Midtown for a Broadway show, a drink after work, or just a typical weekend date night – there is an endless selection of delicious eateries. We’ve wrapped up our favorite spots in the Midtown neighborhoods for both beauty and taste. We’re including both Midtown East & West in this selection as well – so this includes everything from the Hudson River to the East River between 34th st & 59th st.
For even more options, take a look at our Midtown Guides:
The Palm Court Restaurant at The Plaza Hotel is a legendary destination located on Central Park South. Stepping into the restaurant, guests are transported back to the grandeur and sophistication of a bygone era. With its stunning stained glass ceiling, classic furnishings, and live music, The Palm Court offers a truly elegant dining experience. The menu features a selection of classic American dishes, including the famous afternoon tea, which has been a tradition at The Plaza since 1907.
Located in Midtown, a couple blocks south of Central Park, Souvlaki GR is the perfect place to experience Green cuisine in an atmosphere that transports you to the Greek Islands. The restaurant specializes in souvlaki, a Greek dish consisting of grilled meat skewers served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and vegetables. The décor includes white and blue accents, evoking the feel of a traditional Greek taverna on the island of Mykonos.
Haven Rooftop, located in the Theater District, offers a serene escape from the bustling streets below. Guests are welcomed by a private elevator and treated to breathtaking city views and verdant greenery, accompanied by handcrafted cedar wood furnishings. The 2,500 square-foot space is adorned with a variety of trees and floral arrangements, while plush earth-tone seating areas create a warm and inviting ambiance. Enclosed by glass walls, the rooftop allows for uninterrupted views of the city lights and Midtown skyline while providing an intimate and chic setting. During colder months, the entire rooftop is heated and enclosed, ensuring guests can enjoy the space year-round.
Lillie’s Victorian Restaurant, located just off Time Square, is a perfect escape from the streets that takes diners on a journey back in time to the Victorian era. The restaurant is known for their ornate décor that features stained glass windows, plush velvet seating, and antique fixtures. The menu offers an array of classic American and British dishes, including fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and prime rib, as well as a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
The Whitby Hotel NYC Restaurant, known as The Whitby Bar & Restaurant, offers delicious eats in a vibrant and airy space. With its high ceilings, beautifully upholstered banquettes, and a 30-foot pewter bar, the room exudes elegance and sophistication. The restaurant’s large windows and doors lead to a sunny orangery with vaulted ceilings and skylights, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features modern cuisine, ranging from classic dishes to contemporary creations, complemented by a selection of coffee, cocktails, and afternoon tea.
La Grande Boucherie is a French brasserie with a stunning dining gallery and 40-foot glass ceiling. Inspired by the Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau style, this one-of-a-kind restaurant serves classic French bistro fare with a focus on prime cuts and an in-house meat program. La Grande Boucherie offers a truly remarkable dining experience that embodies the essence of the Belle Epoque.
Sushi Lab rooftop restaurant offers a distinctive take on traditional sushi. The rooftop is located atop the Sanctuary Hotel and takes the Omakase experience to new heights. Diners can savor the unique omakase creations in a serene floral garden setting. The rooftop is fully covered, ensuring that guests can enjoy their meal in any weather. Garden tables and a chef’s counter are available to enjoy the Omakase experience.
The Skylark is an all-seasons cocktail bar situated in the Times Square area, offering a blend of classic cocktails, modern interiors, and stunning vistas. Positioned on the thirtieth floor, the lounge provides sweeping views of the iconic landmarks of Manhattan through floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious rooftop terrace. The multi-level indoor areas offer a mixture of private nooks and shared seating sections, perfect for after-work meetings, date nights, and semi-private events. On warmer days, the outdoor rooftop will be open for 360 views of the city skyline.
The Campbell is an iconic New York institution located in Grand Central Terminal. The interior design maintains the property’s historic architecture while introducing contemporary design elements to create a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. The Campbell pays tribute to the legacy of Jazz Age financier John W. Campbell, who converted the space into his private office and reception hall in 1923. Guests can marvel at the space’s many intricate design features, including soaring, 25-foot hand-painted ceilings, a grand stone fireplace, Campbell’s personal steel safe, a century-old leaded glass window, and original millwork.
Bryant Park Grill is a popular American restaurant located within Bryant Park. The restaurant offers a picturesque view of the park whether you dine inside or out. The menu features classic American cuisine with a modern twist, and the restaurant’s atmosphere is elegant and upscale, making it a popular destination for business lunches, romantic dinners, and special occasions.
Located at the stylish and luxurious Edition Hotel, The Terrace Restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor seating with stunning city views. The restaurant’s interior is modern and chic, with large windows allowing natural light to flood the space. The Terrace also features a cocktail bar, making it a perfect spot for a post-work drink or a Sunday brunch.
Located a couple blocks south of Central park, Vida Verde restaurant offers Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. The tri-level space is adorned with colorful murals and boasts an impressive selection of margaritas, including a ‘Margarita Market’ on the rooftop patio. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, such as tacos, ceviche, and grilled meats, as well as vegetarian options. Vida Verde hits its peak times for after-work drinks, but is also a great option for a weekend brunch.
Angelina Paris NYC is a French café located just off Bryant Park that offers a taste of Paris in the heart of New York City. Founded by Parisian pastry chef Philippe Baranes and his wife, the café boasts an elegant and sophisticated ambiance that transports customers to the streets of Paris. The café offers a variety of traditional French pastries, such as croissants, pain au chocolat, and macarons, as well as savory dishes like quiches and sandwiches. Additionally, Angelina Paris NYC is known for its signature hot chocolate, which is made with melted chocolate and rich, creamy milk.
Armani Ristorante offers stunning dining views overlooking Fifth Avenue from inside the Armani Flagship Manhattan store. Designed by Fuksas, the restaurant’s interior is elegant with glittering lights and floor to ceiling windows. The menu features a combination of traditional Italian dishes and innovative culinary creations that are expertly crafted to tantalize the taste buds of diners.
Avra Estiatorio Rockefeller Center, located across from Radio City Music Hall, offers an elegant interpretation of traditional Greek tavernas, featuring a spectacular selection of fresh seafood flown in daily from the Mediterranean, as well as locally sourced produce. The spacious environment of the restaurant, located in the historic Time/Life building, provides a perfect setting for a luxurious dining experience.
The Russian Tea Room has been a defining cultural landmark for over 85 years. Founded in 1927 by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet, the restaurant has been a hub of social and intellectual activity, attracting actors, writers, politicians, and business leaders. Throughout the years, the Russian Tea Room has been the site of numerous important events and has become a second home for many of the city’s most prominent figures.
Ipanema is a Brazilian restaurant located in Midtown that serves authentic, hearty, and flavorful cuisine inspired by the diverse regions of Brazil. The menu features traditional dishes such as churrasco, a variety of grilled meats, as well as regional specialties and seasonal items. Diners can enjoy a lively and festive atmosphere with live music, a full bar serving signature cocktails, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Sei Less is an Asian fusion restaurant located in Midtown behind an enigmatic mural and a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it door. It has quickly become a hot spot for foodies and revelers with its close proximity to Madison Square Garden and the Garment District. The restaurant is designed for memorable evenings, featuring seating for 350 guests, a meticulously curated collection of modern art, clean lines, and traditional Asian design elements. The menu offers a unique Pan-Asian culinary experience, with a focus on one-of-a-kind cocktails and mocktails.
Astor Court is an elegant restaurant located inside the St. Regis NYC Hotel on 5th avenue. The restaurant features a grand, ornate dining room with high ceilings and intricate chandeliers, providing an opulent setting for diners to indulge in a culinary journey. The menu focuses on modern American cuisine, with a particular emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors. Diners can enjoy a variety of dishes, including seafood, salads, sandwiches, and entrées. The restaurant also offers a popular Afternoon Tea service, which includes a selection of teas, sandwiches, pastries, and scones.
Le Jardinier offers a contemporary and elegant dining experience in a serene and plant focused atmosphere, designed by the renowned architect Joseph Dirand. The restaurant’s philosophy centers around sustainability, seasonality, and the celebration of nature’s bounty. With its imaginative and visually stunning plates, Le Jardinier has quickly become a favorite among New York’s culinary scene.
Tan restaurant is a new addition to the vibrant dining scene in NYC, offering a unique coastal Latin dining experience. With its inspiration drawn from the energy and vibe of Tulum and the Yucatán peninsula, Tan offers a raw yet elevated atmosphere throughout the restaurant, with lush flora and bespoke seafood displays. The menu features hyper-modern Mexican fare with a focus on ingredients sourced directly from the Yucatán, such as recados, corn, Oaxacan chiles, and grasshoppers. The restaurant also boasts a separate lounge area, lúm, which offers a more intimate and moody ambiance.
Tommy Bahama is a popular restaurant and bar located in Midtown Manhattan. It is a tropical-themed restaurant that takes inspiration from the laid-back lifestyle of the islands, with décor that features vibrant colors, palm trees, and beachy accents. The menu offers a wide range of American and tropical-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and island-style cocktails. The restaurant also has a lively bar area that serves a variety of handcrafted cocktails and fine wines, making it a popular destination for after-work drinks or weekend gatherings.
The Polo Bar is a renowned restaurant in Midtown known for its sophisticated atmosphere and classic American cuisine. The restaurant is owned by Ralph Lauren, and is decorated in his signature style, featuring equestrian-inspired décor and a cozy, club-like ambiance. The menu offers a range of dishes, including classic steaks, burgers, and seafood, all prepared with the highest quality ingredients. The Polo Bar is a popular destination for celebrities and business executives alike, with reservations often booked months in advance.
Monterey Restaurant in NYC is a bold American eatery with a glamourous atmosphere, owned by Simon Oren, Dudi Sasson, and Chef James Tracey. The restaurant features a raw bar, serving a variety of crustaceans, and servers prepare dishes tableside using custom gridiron carts. The menu offers a mix of seasonal cuisine from Chef Tracey and an extensive selection of prime dry-aged steaks and roast prime rib of beef. The two-floor dining space can seat up to 200 guests and is designed for large group dining and private events.
Hole in the Wall Murray Hill is a light and airy restaurant that brings a taste of Australia to New York City. The restaurant has tall floor to ceiling glass windows and also offers plenty of outdoor seating in the warmer months. Brunch is a popular cuisine here where diners can enjoy classic dishes like avocado toast with poached eggs. The restaurant also offers a variety of unique cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Fresco by Scotto is a family-owned and operated restaurant for over 30 years, known for their delicious and authentic Italian cuisine. The menu features a wide selection of classic Italian dishes, such as homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood. In addition to its outstanding food, Fresco by Scotto is also known for their lively atmosphere with sparkling birthday candles and waiters waving napkins.
L’Avenue at Saks brings the Parisian dining experience to Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York flagship store. Designed by renowned architect Philippe Starck, the restaurant spans two floors with a French art deco-inspired dining room and Le Chalet—a bar and lounge offering cozy, après-ski style interiors. During warmer months, there is also a peaceful outdoor patio to enjoy your meal.
Located within the landmarked Villard Mansion, The Gold Room at Lotte New York Palace celebrates New York City’s storied history. This magnificent space transports guests back in time to experience the glamour and opulence of the Gilded Age. While many of the Gilded Age mansions that once lined Fifth Avenue have disappeared, the Villard mansion has survived since 1884. Dine in utter opulence when you stop by the Gold Room.
Le Pavillon is a beautifully designed restaurant, created by renowned chef Daniel Boulud. The restaurant is named in homage to Henri Soulé’s iconic restaurant, which defined the culture of haute French dining in New York City back in the 1940s. Le Pavillon celebrates the tradition of the grand restaurant, with an elegant décor and refined atmosphere that is ideal for posh dining both day and night.
Bad Roman is a newly opened restaurant located inside the Time Warner Center of Columbus Circle. Created by the same team responsible for renowned establishments such as Don Angie, Zou Zou’s, and Quality Italian, the restaurant offers a playful interpretation of a Roman banquet with neon-collared animal statues and functioning fountains. Enjoy delectable favorites such as the Short Rib Pappardelle or Scallops Picatta.
Peachy Keen is serving up nostalgia with their ’70s-inspired all-day eatery located in Hell’s Kitchen. The menu, crafted by Chef Nicholas McCann, formerly of Salinas and The Milling Room, features a unique collection of comfort-food favorites with a modern twist, which perfectly reflects the upbeat and retro atmosphere of the restaurant. The restaurant utilizes bright color patterns with diner-style vibe in this welcoming atmosphere.
Barbetta restaurant is an iconic establishment located in the Theater District. With over a century of experience in the hospitality industry, this family-owned restaurant has become renowned for its delicious cuisine and stunning décor. The interior of Barbetta is adorned with a dazzling array of 18th century Italian antiques, creating a luxurious and romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic evening out. In the summer, guests can enjoy their meal in the enchanting garden.
