Restaurants near Rockefeller Center: Best Places to Eat in 2023

The Restaurants Near the Rockefeller Center and its Christmas Tree often make the list of the most famous places to eat in Manhattan, NYC, in 2023. Indeed, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree represents one of the most fascinating symbols of the 2023 Christmas in New York. It’s no surprise that the Rockefeller Center Restaurants are some of the city’s top places to eat in New York City. Moreover, with the arrival of the 2023 Holiday Season, the highly anticipated Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the sparkling Saks Light Show on the 5th Avenue, the area surrounding the Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink offer a range of culinary options promising to make your visit even more unforgettable.

These food spots, among the Best Restaurants Near the Rockefeller Center, provide a truly unique culinary experience! In fact, they are ideal for warming up before or after admiring the towering lit tree! Get ready to discover the Restaurants Near the Rockefeller Center in our NYC Blog!

Among top places to eat are famous Italian Restaurants near the Rockefeller Center like Carmine’s in Times Square, the irresistible Neapolitan Pizza from Don Antonio or PizzArte next to Central Park. Also, you should try Joe’s Home of Soup Dumplings, the unique atmosphere of Ellen Stardust, Bubba Gump in Times Square, La Grande Boucherie, the authentic Brazilian churrasco from Fogo de Chao, the unmissable American steakhouse, Gallaghers, and lastly, Papillon Bistro & Bar. Let’s explore the 2023 best restaurants in the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree area together.

The best Italian Restaurants near the Rockefeller Center

In this section of my blog we cover what I think are the best Italian restaurants in the Rockefeller Center area. I will explain where to eat the best Neapolitan pizza or homemade pasta. So get ready to take a virtual leap from Midtown Manhattan to the Italian Peninsula!

Carmine’s is one of the best italian restaurant near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Located just a 10-minute walk from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is a Times Square classic and one of the best italian restaurants near Rockefeller Center in 2023. This restaurant in Midtown Manhattan is famous for its generous portions and authentic Italian cuisine. We really believe this Italian Restaurant it’s an ideal place to refuel after the 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. At Carmine’s, don’t miss the carbonara spaghetti or the homemade meatballs from the menu, both dishes loved by locals and tourists alike.

Location: 200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

Don Antonio: Neapolitan Pizza in the Heart of Midtown Manhattan

Known for the best Neapolitan pizza in Midtown Manhattan, Don Antonio is less than a 15-minute walk from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. This Italian restaurant offers one of the best 2023 Neapolitan pizza near the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. At Don Antonio you will find a true Italian culinary experience, with a selection of handmade pizzas. In their Times Square Restaurant, Don Antonio cooks all his pizzas in a wood-fired oven directly from Italy. The “Montanara” pizza is a must, as is the Neapolitan fritto, for an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience in Midtown Manhattan.

Location: 309 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019

PizzArte Cucina Napoletana: The Spirit of Napoli in Midtown Manhattan

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Rockefeller Center, PizzArte Cucina Napoletana transports diners from the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan to the heart of Napoli. As one of the best Italian restaurants near Rockefeller Center, it offers an authentic Neapolitan culinary experience, making it a perfect dining destination during the 2023 Holiday Season in NYC.

This hidden gem, situated only 10 minutes away from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, brings a piece of Napoli’s vibrant food scene to Manhattan. With a traditional wood-fired oven and recipes passed down through generations, PizzArte delivers the true essence of Neapolitan cuisine.

At PizzArte, the star of the menu is undoubtedly the pizza. Its Neapolitan Pizza makes this place of the best Rockefeller Restaurants! In fact, each pizza is handcrafted with high-quality ingredients and baked to perfection, resulting in a thin, soft crust topped with fresh and flavorful toppings. Among the many varieties, the classic Margherita and the rich Capricciosa are customer favorites.

However, the restaurant’s culinary delights extend beyond pizza. Other Neapolitan classics, like Pasta alla Genovese and Cozze alla Marinara, also feature on the menu. To complete your meal, PizzArte offers a selection of Italian wines that pair excellently with their dishes, making it a standout among Rockefeller Center restaurants.

The warm and inviting atmosphere at PizzArte adds to the overall dining experience. The friendly staff, cozy interior, and aroma of fresh dough and melting cheese create a truly Italian atmosphere right in the heart of New York City.

Visiting PizzArte Cucina Napoletana is not just about enjoying great food; it’s about experiencing a slice of Napoli in Manhattan. So if you’re planning a visit to Rockefeller Center in 2023, don’t miss the opportunity to dine at one of the best restaurants near Rockefeller Center, PizzArte Cucina Napoletana.

Location: 69 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

Tasty Italian Dishes at Fresco by Scotto, Near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Just a 5-minute walk from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Fresco by Scotto is a hidden gem in Midtown Manhattan. This is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants near the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This family-run restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, with a menu that changes seasonally to include the freshest products available. Don’t miss their famous sausage and broccoli rabe pizza: it’s delicious! Also, their homemade pasta dishes are simply mouthwatering. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a relaxing dinner after the 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Fresco by Scotto is a restaurant that offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Location: 34 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022

Norma Hell’s Kitchen – The Authentic Sicilian Experience in NYC

Among the myriad of dining options near Rockefeller Center, one cannot overlook Norma Hell’s Kitchen. This restaurant is indeed a hidden gem of Italian cuisine in New York. Located at the intersection of 53rd Street and 9th Avenue, this Sicilian restaurant stands out for its authenticity and passion for traditional cooking. If you are looking for one of the best Italian Restaurants near the Rockefeller Center, Norma is the right place to eat for you!

Just a 15-minute walk from Rockefeller Center, Norma offers a culinary escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. In fact, at Norma you will immerse in the warm and welcoming atmospheres of Sicily. The menu is as inviting as the atmosphere. In fact it features Panelle (fried chickpea & agli-oli’ sauce) for $9, Bruschetta Classica for $10, Pasta alla Norma (with Eggplant) for $20. Also, in this Italian Restaurant near the Rockefeller Center you should try the Arancine (Tomato rice ball stuffed with eggplant, mozzarella, basil and served with Ricotta Sauce) for $15. For pizza lovers, they offer a classic Pizza Margherita for $18 and a special Pizza Norma with Eggplant for $19. The pizzeria’s menu is varied, making it one of the best Pizzas in the Rockefeller Center area.

Entering Norma Hell’s Kitchen is like stepping through a portal from the Rockefeller Center Restaurant directly into the heart of the Mediterranean. Here fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and sincere hospitality come together. The result? An unforgettable culinary experience not far from the Rockefeller Center in NYC. Sicilian cuisine, with its variety of seafood dishes and traditional recipes finds its highest expression in this Authentic Italian Restaurant.

So, the next time you find yourself looking for one of the Best Restaurants near Rockefeller Center, don’t forget to consider Norma Hell’s Kitchen.

Best Steak House near the Rockefeller Center

In our next Manhattan culinary adventure, we’re exploring the best steakhouses near Rockefeller Center. We’ll dive into renowned spots for mouthwatering, juicy steaks. Each spot exemplifies the pinnacle of American steakhouse tradition. From Midtown Manhattan, we’ll journey into the robust world of these fine eateries. Prepare yourself for an exciting exploration of steakhouses near Rockefeller Center. This tour will showcase the finest culinary delights this area offers.

What’s more, we’ll include special lunch offerings, where you can savor exceptional meat dishes at lower prices compared to traditional evening menus. These dining spots exemplify why Rockefeller Center restaurants are so cherished. Let’s embark on this gastronomic adventure together!

Fogo de Chao: A Tasty Trip to Brazil in one of the best restaurants near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Fogo de Chao is a stone’s throw from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and offers a true Brazilian churrasco experience. This restaurant serves a selection of premium grilled meats, as well as traditional Brazilian sides, perfect for an energizing dinner after a day spent visiting 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center. It is certainly one of the best Brazilian restaurants in 2023 near Rockefeller Center.

Location: 40 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

Gallaghers Steakhouse: End the Evening in New York Style After Visiting the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Among the best restaurants near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree you’ll find Gallaghers Steakhouse, a New York institution. This restaurant in Midtown Manhattan is famous for its grilled steaks and its sophisticated atmosphere. As a result, Gallaghers is the perfect restaurant for a celebratory dinner after the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and among the best Steakhouse near Rockefeller Center. Finally, check out their Lunch Special: it’s really worth it! Among the best restaurants near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Gallaghers Steakhouse is definitely in the top 10 in 2023!

Location: 228 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Lunch near Rockefeller Center: the best food carts, sandwiches and quick bites

Are you wondering where to go for lunch around Rockefeller? Are you looking for something tasty but at the same time not too expensive? Then this section of my blog is for you! Indeed, in addition to talking about the best restaurants near Rockefeller, we will also focus on what I believe to be the best from a lunch offering perspective. Quick bites, snacks, sandwiches: here are the best proposals in Midtown Manhattan. I will also spotlight the iconic Food Carts, mobile kitchens set up on the street to prepare and sell street food to passers-by.

Discovering The Halal Guys: A Flavorful Lunch Near the Rockefeller Center

If you are looking for restaurants near the Rockefeller Center for a quick and tasty lunch, you absolutely cannot miss The Halal Guys. This famous Food Cart is located at the intersection of 53rd Street and 6th Avenue, just a few minutes’ walk from the Top of the Rock and the iconic Fifth Avenue. Open every day from 11 in the morning, The Halal Guys is the answer for a lunch near the Rockefeller Center that will not disappoint.

During the week, the Food Cart closes at 4 in the morning, but on Friday and Saturday, it extends its service until 5:30 in the morning. Their motto, “Chicken, Gyros, and Falafel Platters. The Authentic American Halal Food. Since 1990”, demonstrates their dedication to the quality and authenticity of their food. Among the restaurants near the Rockefeller Center, The Halal Guys stand out for their varied menu.

At the Halal Guys you can choose between a sandwich or a platter, with options such as Beef, Chicken, and Falafel. Their sandwiches are a delightful option for a lunch near the Rockefeller Center, especially if you’re short on time. If you can’t decide, the combo is a popular choice, which includes a mix of Beef, Chicken, and Falafel.

The cost for this Halal Food is quite reasonable for the area: 8 dollars for a sandwich, 11 dollars for a regular platter, and 9 dollars for a small platter. When visiting the Halal Guys, don’t forget to try the French fries, for just 4 dollars.

So, if you’re looking for the best sandwiches near the Rockefeller Center, don’t hesitate to try this famous Food Cart. Whether you choose a sandwich or a platter, The Halal Guys will not disappoint you.

Joe’s Home of Soup Dumplings: A Chinese Experience Near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Joe’s Home of Soup Dumplings, just a 15-minute walk from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, is a hidden gem among the skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan and one of the best Chinese restaurants near Rockefeller Center. Famous for its soup dumplings, it offers an authentic Chinese culinary experience in the heart of New York. After a day of shopping on 5th Avenue during the 2023 Holiday Season in NYC or a visit to the Rockefeller Center, warming up at this restaurant with a basket of steaming soup dumplings is an experience worth trying.

Location: 7 E 48th St, New York, NY 10017, United States

Dinner and Show: A New York Christmas at Ellen Stardust

Located less than 10 minutes from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Ellen Stardust is more than just a restaurant: it’s an experience. As you enjoy your meal during the 2023 Holiday Season in NYC, the waitstaff, all aspiring Broadway performers, will perform musical numbers between orders. The restaurant’s menu offers a wide choice of American dishes, from pancakes to sandwiches. Hence, this fancy diner in Manhattan is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a quick lunch before visiting Rockefeller Center. Ellen Stardust is one of the best restaurants near Rockefeller Center: if you visit it you will understand why.

Location: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

A Forrest Gump Christmas: Dinner at Bubba Gump Near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Bubba Gump is a very famous restaurant in Times Square, just 10 minutes from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. This touristy restaurant offers a wide selection of seafood dishes in an environment that celebrates the film “Forrest Gump”. 2023 specialties include fried shrimp and pork ribs, ideal for a relaxing dinner after a day spent exploring Midtown Manhattan. Bubba Gump, though very touristy, is one of the best restaurants near Rockefeller Center.

Location: 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

La Grande Boucherie: A French Touch to New York Christmas

La Grande Boucherie, just a 5-minute walk from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, is an elegant French restaurant offering a refined culinary experience. Its menu includes classic dishes like foie gras, coq au vin, and tarte tatin. La Grande Boucherie is an ideal place for an elegant dinner during the Christmas holidays in New York. If you’re looking for a great French place to eat in 2023 in Midtown Manhattan, La Grande Boucherie is the right restaurant for you.

Location: 145 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

Twinkle Under the Christmas Lights at Papillon Bistro & Bar

Thanks to its Christmas decorations, Papillon Bistro & Bar is a restaurant that offers a truly magical atmosphere. In fact, its ornaments perfectly match the spirit of Christmas in New York. This restaurant is just a 5-minute walk from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and is ideal for a pre or post-tree visit cocktail. Don’t forget to read my 2023 Guide entirely dedicated to this restaurant to discover its specialties. In conclusion, are you looking for a Christmas Restaurant near the Rockefeller Tree? Then the best choice is definitely Papillon Bistro & Bar.

Location: 22 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022

L’Avenue at Saks: Parisian Dining Experience with a clean view of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

With its Parisian atmosphere and magnificent view of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, L’Avenue at Saks is an absolute must-visit for the 2023 Holiday Season in NYC. You will find L’Avenue at Saks on the 8th and 9th floors of the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue. This chic restaurant brings a slice of Paris to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. With a menu crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Ducasse, L’Avenue at Saks is one of the best restaurants near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree! In fact, this French Restaurant serves an impressive array of French dishes such as the exquisite foie gras terrine and the renowned duck à l’orange.

After a day spent admiring the stunning holiday lights on the 5th Avenue in Manhattan, L’Avenue offers the perfect place to relax and indulge. During the 2023 Holiday Season, enjoy a warm pot of mussels marinières while overlooking the twinkling lights of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree from the restaurant’s enchanting winter terrace. The enchanting atmosphere, coupled with its first-rate service, is simply unique! In fact, it makes L’Avenue one of the top dining destinations in NYC. We suggest you not miss their signature desserts! For example, the Paris-Brest perfectly ends any meal at L’Avenue at Saks.

Also, this is the perfect place for an upscale dining experience. In fact, it effortlessly combines the magic of the holiday season in New York with the elegance of Paris. If you are seeking an unforgettable dining experience with an unbeatable view of the 2023 Rockefeller Christmas Tree, L’Avenue at Saks is undoubtedly the place to go. Add it to the list of the 2023 Best Restaurants near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree: we are sure you will love it!

Location: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022

Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery: the best Cheesecake Restaurants near Rockefeller Center

Are you looking for a food adventure in NYC? Are you seeking a slice of New York’s iconic cheesecake? Then, Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery tops the list of Restaurants near Rockefeller Center. This Cheesecake Restaurant has two locations within a short walking distance from the Christmas Tree. The first one is on Broadway, next to the Christmas Store open all year long. The other nestled between 7th and 8th Avenue on 45th Street, right next to the Lion King Theater. Junior’s Cheesecake Restaurant offers convenience and decadent cuisine in the heart of Manhattan.

If you are lookign for Cheesecake Restaurants near the Rockefeller Center, Junior’s is the right place to eat for you!

In fact, the flagship location at 1515 Broadway is just a 15-minute walk from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It is a culinary landmark in the city, loved both by tourists and Newyorkers. This iconic restaurant and bakery was established in 1950. Right now, it is renowned for its mouthwatering cheesecakes, making it a must-visit during the 2023 Holiday Season in NYC.

But don’t stop at just one location. Junior’s second outpost, situated just steps away from the Red Stairs in Times Square, is also an essential destination. This spot brings the same fantastic menu closer to the heart of the city’s entertainment hub. This Cheesecake Restaurant is just a 10-minute stroll from the Rockefeller Center. As such, it’s a perfect stop for a pre-theatre dinner or a late-night cheesecake craving.

Two locations that are more than just a Cheesecake Restaurant in NYC

Both locations serve a wide range of classic American dishes. At Junior’s you will find juicy burgers or succulent grilled chicken, along with their standout New York style cheesecake. Smooth, creamy, and irresistibly delicious, it’s no wonder why Junior’s is renowned as one of the best Rockefeller Center Restaurants. Are you seeking a twist to satisfy your palate? Then discover an array of specialty cheesecakes like the strawberry cheesecake and the indulgent chocolate swirl cheesecake.

Junior’s Cheesecake Restaurant is more than just a restaurant; it’s a part of New York City’s culinary history. Each location offers a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of the Big Apple. Whether you’re craving a satisfying meal or the best cheesecake in town, you’ll find it at Junior’s, one of the best restaurants near Rockefeller Center.

Locations:
1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
1626 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

Conclusion: the best restaurants near the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

In conclusion, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is more than just a symbol of the holiday season in New York. In fact, it is also an invitation to explore the vibrant culinary scene surrounding it. From authentic Italian to a taste of Brazil, from a classic American steakhouse experience to a French touch, these restaurants are sure to make your visit to the Christmas Tree even more memorable. The magic of the holiday season in New York truly comes alive when combined with these gastronomic delights. So, as you plan your visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2023, remember to make your experience more delicious by exploring these fantastic dining options. Enjoy the sparkle of the Christmas lights, the joy of the holiday season, and most importantly, the taste of New York!