Best Restaurants for People Watching in New York

80 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tavern on the Green restaurant

1. Tavern on the Green

4.7

Exceptional(18693)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 154 times today

Tavern On The Green will be offering our Holiday Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from November 30th-December 29th. This is priced at $95 per adult, $65 per child and does not include beverages or tax. A 20% gratuity will be added to all checks. Dress Code: Smart Casual. Jacket and Tie are Not Required. * We do not permit sleeveless shirts for gentlemen nor athletic/running/jogging attire for any patrons in the main restaurant. Reservations as early as 60 days out through our Reservations Department at 212-877-8684 or reservations@tavernonthegreen.com

2. TAO Uptown

4.4

Awesome(14439)

Price: Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 100 times today

A 16-foot Buddha, which floats above a reflecting pool filled with Japanese carp, presides over the scene at Tao. A favorite destination for celebrities and athletes, this Pan Asian restaurant specializes in authentic Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines. Tao has three levels of dining including the prized "Skybox" which offers views of this former movie theater unparalleled in New York. In addition to its 300 seats, Tao includes a sushi bar, lounge and two bars at which to enjoy the food and the show. Appetizers range from $8 - $18; Entrees: $16 -$39. Offering $31.50 Prix Fixe Lunch Menu year round.

3. Joe Allen

4.8

Exceptional(4666)

Price: Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 55 times today

Please note; we only take reservations up to one week in advance.With Broadway's staggered start times, things get tricky, so if you're desired time is unavailable online, please give us a call, as we hold a certain number of tables for phone reservations only. For parties of six or more, please call the restaurant directly.Since 1965, Joe Allen has been a quintessential New York restaurant serving a classic American menu in the heart of the Theater District. Just two blocks from Times Square, it has been a favorite of Broadway performers, locals, and tourists for almost 50 years.We begin taking reservations seven days in advance starting at midnight online and at 11 a.m. over the phone. Because of staggered theatre times we can only guarantee reservations made online for one-and-a-half hours for parties of two, and two hours for parties of three or more.For reservations after theatre, please check your show's running time at http://joeallenrestaurant.com/show_info

A photo of Central Park Boathouse restaurant

4. Central Park Boathouse

4.6

Exceptional(884)

Price: Very Expensive

• Continental • Upper East Side

Booked 79 times today

Dine with us in the beautifully updated restaurant that reimagines the Boathouse's iconic history and charm. Reviving old traditions and making new ones – we’ve got something for everybody.Monday - FridayLUNCH: 12pm -5pmSaturday & SundayBRUNCH: 11am - 5pmIn addition, our outdoor Express Cafe, is open daily from 8am to 5pm. *For parties of 10 or more: please contact us at info@centralparkboathouse.com **Please Note** Our restaurant is located inside of Central Park, which means all guests must arrive on foot, there is no parking at our property. The closest entrance and cross streets are 72nd street and 5th Ave.

5. The Smith - Nomad

4.7

Exceptional(5773)

Price: Moderate

• American • Gramercy Park

Booked 159 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with four upbeat locations in New York City: The Smith East Village, The Smith Midtown, The Smith Lincoln Square, and The Smith NoMad, as well as locations in DC and Chicago. We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

6. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.5

Awesome(5206)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • DUMBO

Booked 210 times today

In support of the regulations issued by the city of New York, Cecconi’s Dumbo is now open for outdoor seating until 11pm. Cecconi’s Dumbo is a modern day classic Italian restaurant near Brooklyn Bridge park, specializing in hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and other Italian staples. Originating in Venice and with outposts in London and West Hollywood, Cecconi’s has become a critically acclaimed dining destination featuring simply prepared Venetian inspired food. With waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline, join us in our main dining room, bar or patio dinner and weekend brunch seven days a week. Cecconi’s offers an elegant and relaxed dining experience for all guests.

7. Sicily

4.4

Awesome(518)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 49 times today

Located on Restaurant Row in the heart of Manhattan in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood and Theater District, Sicily Osteria is a dining destination that appeals to local residents and office workers, as well as Broadway theatergoers. The restaurant offers several dining experiences, from its more formal main dining room that exudes a rustic elegance enhanced by vintage green walls, exposed brick, custom tiled floor and white tablecloths. It's front dining room features an expansive bar, perfect for casual dining; plus, several bistro-style tables; and in the far back, a spacious, naturally lit, enclosed patio garden and atrium transports guests to a lush garden oasis.

A photo of RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room restaurant

8. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

4.8

Exceptional(851)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Meatpacking District

Booked 63 times today

A grand yet intimately scaled space, The Dining Room at The Guesthouse offers a live-fire dining experience in a setting defined by floor-to-ceiling travertine, a monolithic hearth, and embedded Molteni rotisseries. The menu features fresh ingredients from select sources, simply and elegantly prepared, along with a selection of Champagnes and wines from around the world.For group dining inquiries, please email: GHNYDR@rh.com

A photo of Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Broadway (37th St.) restaurant

9. Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Broadway (37th St.)

4.7

Exceptional(618)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Midtown West

Booked 80 times today

After 4 decades of experience, it is fair to say that Wolfgang Zwiener learned his craft well. Taking the core principles from his years as Peter Luger’s head waiter, Wolfgang didn’t just duplicate an exceptional steakhouse; he improved upon it making Wolfgang’s Steakhouse extraordinary. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is serving lunch and dinner seven days a week including all major holidays.

A photo of La Pecora Bianca - Midtown restaurant

10. La Pecora Bianca - Midtown

4.7

Exceptional(1101)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Midtown East

Booked 35 times today

La Pecora Bianca ("the white sheep") offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience in NYC, ideal for private dining, brunch, and takeout. Our menu showcases authentic Italian flavors with house-made pastas, like our signature rigatoni vodka and tagliatelle bolognese, alongside delicious pizzas-all crafted daily with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Join us for brunch, where Italian favorites meet modern tastes, or unwind with spritzes, negronis, and La Pecora Rosa organic rosé during aperitivo hour. Whether you're dining in our stylish space or enjoying our dishes at home, we bring the best of Italian cuisine to every meal.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
kimberlyvip
New York City •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
always a wonderful meal with incredible ambiance and service
More info
TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
•
4.4
B
Brooksley
Oklahoma City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a wonderful time, celebrating and catching up with friends. It was festive and fun. Service was excellent. Food was delicious. Drinks were fantastic. It’s a special occasion place and you can’t beat the atmosphere and ambiance. Enjoyed views of Central Park carriage horses all throughout our time there.
More info
Tavern on the GreenPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7
M
Monika
Greater Boston •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a reservation for 4pm since we were bringing our baby, but as 4pm drew closer, we realized we weren’t going to be able to make it. I called the restaurant and they were able to change my reservation last minute to 4:30! Super helpful. They sat us quickly in a perfect corner booth seat. Service and food were great! Our waitress was attentive and so kind to our little baby. Made for a lovely dining experience!
More info
The Smith - NomadPrice: Moderate• American• Gramercy Park
•
4.7
B
Bob
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We went following a Saturday matinee. Perfect atmosphere for us. Felt low key, comfortable and like a genuine neighborhood place. Food and service were both excellent. Menu is well rounded and offers choices for everyone. Don’t think twice.
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Joe AllenPrice: Expensive• American• Theater District
•
4.8
S
Sarahvip
New York City •125 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 18, 2024
Burger was delicious. Crab cake is full of fresh crab, but could use a little more of the sauce. The slaw served with it is very good too. However, I think the crab cake the boathouse used to have was better. Appreciated the complimentary plate of veggies to start. Offering some bread would be nice too.
More info
Central Park BoathousePrice: Very Expensive• Continental• Upper East Side
•
4.6

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Best Restaurants for People Watching in New York

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80 restaurants available nearby

1. Tavern on the Green

2. TAO Uptown

3. Joe Allen

4. Central Park Boathouse

5. The Smith - Nomad

6. Cecconi's Dumbo

7. Sicily

8. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

9. Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Broadway (37th St.)

10. La Pecora Bianca - Midtown

See what locals rave about

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