Best Midtown Restaurants?

[macbeth]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 9:56am

I'm planning my next NYC theatre trip for the Spring and would love your suggestions on the newest and best restaurants in the theatre district that are not tourist traps... Suggestions? 

[Det95]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 10:00am

I really like Becco on 46th between 8th and 9th. They have a great $25 pasta deal. I go every time I'm in the city. 

[hork]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 10:45am

I love the West End Grill. I've been there a couple times and had a great meal both times.

[Will3700]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 11:11am

Try Glass House Tavern on 47th  and the Hourglass Tavern on 46th are very good We are trying Becco for the first time in May. 

[carolinaguy]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 11:11am

Sen Sakana on 44th between 5th and 6th. $49 four-course prix-fixe dinner, tip included. Japanese-Pervian fusion, yum.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 11:14am

Churrascaria Plataforma on W 49 and 10th ave.

[amaklo]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 11:24am

We love Taboon on the corner at 10th and  W52nd.  Go there every time we're in NYC.

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 12:19pm

Will3700 said: "Try Glass House Tavern on 47th and the Hourglass Tavern on 46th are very good We are trying Becco for the first time in May."

I have not eaten in the main room of The Hourglass but have eaten upstairs at Bettibar. The food was good and a very cool atmosphere.

West Bank cafe on 42nd is nice and the Laurie Beechman is downstairs so you may be able to catch Broadway Sessions after dinner. They serve food down there also. Love their food.

For less formal dining, my go to is TURCO on 9th and 43rd. I am addicted to their lamb gyro sandwich and falafel sandwich with the spicy salad spread on it. Another quick place is across the street at Fresh to Go. I love their Mexican Steak sandwich. Cheese steak with avocado, pepperjack cheese, jalapenos and onions.

Also, the very popular Mother Burger restaurant in World Wide Plaza (above New World Stages) closed and reopened as Mother. It is vegan now if you are looking for vegan food. I know a lot of people who go over there to eat. I ate there once and it was good. And I am not a vegan.

 

 

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 12:25pm

I really like the pizza at Nizza — they have a pretty comprehensive gluten-free menu, too.

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 12:33pm

Not sure about your preferred vibe or price point. But to avoid tourist trap places, one generally should venture over to the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.

I will second the mention of Bettibar (2nd floor above Hourglass Tavern) if you can get a spot. It's very very tiny so can fill up quickly. But its hidden away so provides a nice escape.

West Bank Cafe is great too. The bartenders make a mean martini, and make sure to gorge yourself on risotto balls.

Marseille has delicious french food and great cocktails. Next door to that is Nizza, a nice little Italian place. Both provide great food without completely breaking the bank. 

Empanada Mama reopened in a huge space with actually places to sit now and a bar. It is not fancy, but they have the best empanadas you will ever have. 

For Mexican food, I always love Arriba Arriba. Very casual, great margs, love their enchiladas. They unfortunately dont take reservations, so weekends can be a little crazy with waits. If you want Mexican that's not as casual and takes reservations I'd go with Hell's Kitchen or El Centro.

Qi moved over to 9th avenue in a nice new space. Affordable and tasty Thai food.

Heading over to 10th ave and 44th, The Marshal is a cozy little farm to table spot. Everything is to die for. It's a couple doors down from 44 & X, which is another great spot (good for brunch) with fun Broadway diva themed cocktails.

Updated On: 1/3/20 at 12:33 PM

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 12:40pm

I second Churrascaria Plataforma (although it's a huge meal that will take a while to get through).  Cafe Un Deux Trois next door to the Belasco is outstanding.  Trattoria Tecolori on 47th street or Don Giovanni on 44th and 9th are good for Italian.  Even though it's a bit tourist trappy, I also always love John's Pizza next door to the St. James.  Long lines, but good food.

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 12:41pm

MayAudraBlessYou2 said: "I always love Arriba Arriba. Very casual, great margs, love their enchiladas. They unfortunately dont take reservations"

We booked a res at Arriba Arriba during our November visit.

 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 12:48pm

Gallaghers Steakhouse on W. 52nd Street a few feet from the Neil Simon Theatre. 

[Patty3]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 1:00pm

Becco
Patron
Dos Caminos
Havana Central
Hurleys
Lillies
Glass House Tavern
West End Grill
Sangria 46

And don't forget Schmackary's for desert!

Updated On: 1/3/20 at 01:00 PM

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 1:05pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "GallaghersSteakhouse on W. 52nd Street a few feet from the Neil Simon Theatre.

"

Sorry -- that's a tourist trap that hasn't been good in many years.  For a great steak on the west side, try West Side Steakhouse on 10th @ 44th.

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 1:11pm

An aside....If you are a coffee drinker, you must try Empire Coffee & Tea on 9th between 41st and 42nd. The Colombian Continental blend is to die for good. And they are cheaper than Starbucks. Kind of a hidden treasure but popular.

[amaklo]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 1:27pm

Esca has excellent seafood, but it's expensive.  W43rd between 9th and 10th.

[C4b2a3b]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 1:31pm

Im not sure of your budget, but since you asked for the best food, I’m a big fan of the Modern at MoMA. It’s a two star Michelin restaurant, but the bar room is more casual and has the same food that can be ordered a la carte. There are always many reservations in my experience (the bar room and the main restaurant have different reservations on Resy FYI).

Updated On: 1/3/20 at 01:31 PM

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 2:25pm

That reminds me! Robert at the Museum of Art & Design (in Columbus Circle) is also excellent.

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 3:55pm

Lot666 said: "MayAudraBlessYou2 said: "I always love Arriba Arriba. Very casual, great margs, love their enchiladas. They unfortunately dont take reservations"

We booked a res at Arriba Arriba during our November visit.

"

WHAT! Seriously? Were you a very large party? The policy was always no reservations, so I had refrained from taking folks there if we needed to really plan out an evening. But if they have changed that, or at least take reservations over a certain number, that is wonderful to know! More enchilada suizas for me!

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 4:06pm

As far as midtown restaurants, I love:

Butter Midtown

Chez Josephine

[Will3700]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 5:44pm

We are trying Butter on our May trip but i certainly second Chez Josephine. If for nothing but the bathroom door  lol

[LovesBway!]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 7:01pm

Marseille

 

44th & 9th

[Dionysus3]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 7:13pm

JSquared2 said: "BrodyFosse123 said: "GallaghersSteakhouse on W. 52nd Street a few feet from the Neil Simon Theatre.

"

Sorry -- that's a tourist trap that hasn't been good in many years. For a great steak on the west side, try West Side Steakhouse on 10th @ 44th.

"

I have been wondering about West Side Steakhouse, as I’ve been trying to decide on Gallagher’s vs. WSS for a trip I’m taking in a few months . The prices seemed out of whack with the other steakhouses in the area, so I was skeptical. 

[220Basswood]

Posted: 1/3/20 at 10:25pm

Becco has a great pasta combo where three types of pasta are provided.

Nizza  has good gluten free foods.  Not as upscale as Becco but if you are gluten free it is a safe option.