Okay, real talk – when I first moved to New York, I made the classic rookie mistake. I wandered into Times Square hungry with zero plan. Big neon lights, massive crowds, and about a hundred places screaming "EAT HERE!" I ended up grabbing some overpriced pizza that tasted like cardboard while standing next to a sweaty Spider-Man impersonator. Not exactly the dream dining experience.
But here's the thing: after years of working nearby and dragging visiting friends around, I've actually discovered some legitimately amazing spots tucked between the tourist traps. Seriously, great meals do exist right in the heart of the chaos. Forget those generic "top 10" lists written by folks who just Googled names. This is about the places where you'll actually want to eat, whether you're splurging or saving, craving steak or sushi, or just need a quick bite before a show. Let's cut through the noise.
Why Times Square Restaurants Are Tricky (and How to Win)
Times Square’s a beast. Rents are insane, foot traffic is non-stop, and honestly? Some places coast purely on location. They know tourists might only come once, so quality isn't always priority numero uno. You'll see menus with $30 burgers that taste like disappointment and pre-made salads sitting under heat lamps. Sad but true.
Here's how not to get scammed:
- Walk One Block Extra. Seriously, stepping just east towards 8th Ave or west towards 9th Ave often reveals better value and quality. Escape the literal center of the vortex.
- Reservations Aren't Optional. For sit-down spots worth visiting? Book *at least* a week ahead, especially for dinner or pre-theatre. Use Resy or OpenTable religiously. Turning up hoping for a table? Good luck with that.
- Lunch = Value. Many higher-end spots offer killer prix-fixe lunch menus at nearly half the dinner cost. Carmine's family-style portions? Way more manageable (and affordable) midday.
- Follow the Workers. See people in business attire hustling into a place? Usually a good sign it's decent and efficient.
Honestly, finding the best restaurants to eat in Times Square is less about luck and more about strategy. It’s possible. Promise.
The Essential Best Restaurants to Eat in Times Square: Ranked & Reviewed
Alright, let's get concrete. This isn't just a list; these are places I've personally eaten at multiple times, dragged friends to, and can vouch for based on actual forks-to-mouth experience. We're covering the vital details: what to order, what it costs, when to go, and the real vibe.
The Top Contenders: Your Main Event Dining Spots
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Address | Must-Try Dish | Price Range | Hours | The Real Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Becco | Italian | 355 W 46th St (Restaurant Row) | Sinfonia di Pasta (3 pastas + appetizer) | $$ $30-$50pp | Mon-Thu: 11:30am-11pm Fri-Sat: 11:30am-12am Sun: 11:30am-10pm |
My go-to for pre-theatre. Unlimited pasta refills sounds gimmicky, but it's legit delicious. Can get LOUD. |
| Sushi of Gari 46 | Japanese (Sushi) | 347 W 46th St | Omakase (Trust the chef) | $$$ $100-$200pp | Daily: 5pm-11pm | Authentic, high-end sushi in the Theater District? Unexpected gem. Tiny space, book MONTHS ahead. |
| Carmine's | Italian-American | 200 W 44th St | Chicken Parmigiana (Family-Style) | $$ $40-$60pp | Mon-Thu: 11:30am-11pm Fri-Sat: 11:30am-12am Sun: 11am-10pm |
Massive, shareable portions. Feeds a crowd. Pure chaos (bring earplugs), but fun for groups. Not subtle. |
| The Lambs Club | American (Upscale) | 132 W 44th St | Dry-Aged Duck | $$$ $75-$120pp | Mon-Fri: 7am-11am, 12pm-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm Sat-Sun: 8am-2pm, 5pm-10pm |
Gorgeous Art Deco room. Feels special occasion. Service is impeccable. Prices make you blink twice. |
Price Key: $ = Budget ($15pp or less), $$ = Moderate ($15-$50pp), $$$ = Expensive ($50-$100pp), $$$$ = Splurge ($100+pp)
The Quick Hit Heroes: Fast, Tasty & Won't Break the Bank
Sometimes you just need fuel. Fast. These spots deliver actual flavor without the sit-down hassle.
| Restaurant | What to Get | Address | Avg. Cost | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Tacos No.1 | Adobada Tacos (Spicy Marinated Pork) | 229 W 43rd St (Inside Gotham West Market) | $4.50/taco | Daily: 11am-10pm |
| Junior's Restaurant | Cheesecake Slice (Original) | 1515 Broadway (Basement Level) | $11/slice | Sun-Thu: 6:30am-11pm Fri-Sat: 6:30am-12:30am |
| Friedman's Herald Square | Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich | 132 W 31st St (Short walk south) | $16 | Mon-Fri: 8am-10pm Sat-Sun: 9am-10pm |
That Junior's cheesecake? Worth every calorie. Their main diner food is just okay, but the cheesecake is iconic for a reason. Los Tacos No.1 consistently has a line, but man, it moves fast and those tacos are the real deal – messy, juicy, perfect.
Best Bets By Vibe: What Are You Really Looking For?
Your perfect Times Square restaurant totally depends on the situation. Date night? Family reunion? Quick pitstop? Got you covered.
Impress a Date (Or Just Treat Yourself Right)
- Sushi of Gari 46: Intimate, sophisticated, top-tier sushi. Quiet(ish) oasis. Prepare to spend.
- The Lambs Club: Glamorous old NYC vibe. Feels fancy. Great cocktails. Ideal for a "wow" moment.
- Bar Moga: (123 W 44th St) Dark, moody, fantastic Japanese-inspired cocktails and small plates (Okonomiyaki!). Less traditional, more cool.
Went to Bar Moga on a second date last fall. Low lighting, incredible whisky highballs... worked like a charm. Just saying.
Feeding the Family Horde
- Carmine's: Family-style portions are designed for sharing. Loud atmosphere means kid noise blends right in. Order the Caesar salad and meatballs.
- Ellen's Stardust Diner: (1650 Broadway) Okay, the food is standard diner fare (burgers, shakes). BUT. The singing waitstaff is pure Broadway camp. Kids LOVE it. Reservations essential.
- John's Pizzeria: (260 W 44th St) Brick-oven pizza in a converted church. Huge space, can handle big groups. Solid NY slices.
Took my nieces (7 and 9) to Ellen's. They were mesmerized by the singing servers. Food? Meh. Experience? Priceless for them. John's is reliable – never had a bad pie there.
Pre-Theatre Power Hour (You Have 90 Minutes Tops!)
- Becco: Their prix-fixe lunch/dinner special is FAST. Unlimited pasta tastes great and arrives quick. Tell them you have a show.
- Joe Allen: (326 W 46th St) Literally *the* Broadway industry standby. Reliable American bistro fare (great burgers). Efficient service.
- Toloache 50: (350 W 50th St) Upscale Mexican. *Much* better than generic chains. Vibrant atmosphere, they know the theater rush drill.
Joe Allen feels like stepping backstage. Signed posters from flops on the walls (fun tradition). Service is brisk but friendly. Had a 7pm show? They'll get you out by 6:45.
Local Tip Alert: Most Broadway shows start at 7pm or 8pm. Aim to finish eating by 6:45pm for 7pm shows, or 7:45pm for 8pm shows. That means booking reservations for 5:15pm - 5:45pm is the absolute sweet spot. Any later and you'll be sweating bullets. Tell the host about your show time when you arrive! They usually prioritize theatre-goers.
Times Square Restaurant FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
I hear these questions constantly – from visitors, friends, lost souls staring at menus...
Is there any cheap food in Times Square that's actually good?
Yes! It takes effort though. Avoid the massive chain counters right under the billboards. Head to Los Tacos No.1 inside Gotham West Market on 43rd for killer tacos ($4-$5 each). Mangia (939 8th Ave) does massive, delicious slices of grandma pizza for $4.50. Sophie's Cuban (Multiple locations, try 42 Broadway) has solid Cuban sandwiches around $11. Look for places slightly off the main drag.
What restaurants have the best views of Times Square?
Honestly? Most with "views" prioritize that over the food quality and charge crazy prices. The View Restaurant & Lounge at the Marriott Marquis (1535 Broadway, 48th floor) rotates (cool!) and has decent drinks/apps – go for cocktails, skip the full dinner. Bar Hugo (Hilton Garden Inn, 790 8th Ave, 23rd floor) has a smaller outdoor terrace with good views; drinks only. For food quality AND a view? It's tough. Compromise needed.
Can I walk into popular Times Square restaurants without a reservation?
For lunch at non-peak times (like 2pm), maybe. For dinner? Forget about Carmine's, Becco, Sushi of Gari, or any serious sit-down spot. You might get incredibly lucky at the bar at Joe Allen or John's Pizza, but expect a wait. Booking online is non-negotiable for any of the top best restaurants to eat in Times Square. Seriously. Do it.
Where can I find late-night eats in Times Square?
Times Square truly never sleeps food-wise. Junior's (1515 Broadway) is open until midnight or later, famous for cheesecake but also full diner menu. Dallas BBQ (multiple locations, like 241 W 42nd St) serves massive ribs and margaritas late (check specific location). Many Halal carts operate until 3am or 4am – look for lines of locals! K-Town (Koreatown) on 32nd St (short walk south) has 24-hour spots like Jongro BBQ.
Stuff I Personally Avoid (And Why)
Look, taste is subjective. But based on experience and watching countless tourists look sad while eating:
- The Huge Theme Chains: Think Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Prices are wild ($28 for frozen shrimp pasta?!), quality is low, and the noise level is assaultive. Kids might dig the gimmicks, but your wallet and taste buds won't.
- Generic "American Grill" Places with Massive Menus: If the menu has 15 pages listing everything from nachos to pad thai to salmon? Run. These places almost universally rely on pre-made, microwaved components. Quantity over quality.
- Street Vendors Selling "Designer" Bags & Pretzels: Stick to the Halal carts with the long lines (usually a good sign). Random pretzels? Often stale. Random hot dogs? Questionable. Stick to vendors grilling the meat in front of you.
I made the theme restaurant mistake *once* with out-of-town cousins. $150 later, we all felt vaguely ill and regretted not just going to John's for pizza. Lesson learned hard.
Making Your Best Restaurants to Eat in Times Square Choice
It boils down to this:
- Book Ahead. Did I mention this? Crucial for decent sit-down spots.
- Check the Map. Places on Restaurant Row (46th St between 8th & 9th Ave) or just slightly off Broadway tend to be better bets than those directly under the giant screens.
- Set a Budget. Times Square eats can range from $6 tacos to $200 omakase. Know your lane.
- Manage Expectations. You're in the busiest tourist spot on the planet. It will be bustling, potentially loud, and prices are higher than elsewhere in the city. That's the Times Square tax.
- Walk a Little. Escaping the pure center opens up way better options. Even crossing 8th Avenue makes a difference.
Finding the best restaurants to eat in Times Square isn't about finding hidden secret speakeasies – they don't really exist there. It's about knowing where the quality holds up amidst the madness. Use this guide, book that table, and you might just have a meal that makes you forget the crowds outside... for a minute, anyway.
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