The NYC Theater District is in ultra-busy Midtown, where teams of tourists converge with a slew of office workers all looking for the best bites. Thanks to such high demand, the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District include a diverse collection spanning family-style Italian with heavyweight platters of chicken parm, an elegant Greek tavern with a wine list hundreds of bottles long, and traditional West African dishes served in a swanky lounge.
Some restaurants scream special occasion with flair to spare, others are more subdued for quiet convos, and several remain industry haunts, tempting theater patrons with the chance to see a star.
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Discover the 10 best restaurants in the NYC Theater District today.
For family-style Italian favorites at one of the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District — make a reservation at Carmine’s 44th Street (Theater District)
A NYC legend for family-style Italian, Carmine’s 44th Street excels with massive portions to satisfy any group. Classics like penne alla vodka and chicken scarpariello are renowned for besting the heartiest appetites. From cozy tables to a private dining room for more than 200, this bustling space is one of the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District gatherings and celebrations. Carmine’s is open late, and leftovers are almost guaranteed, so post-theater reservations may be best.
For top-notch Italian dishes from a celebrity chef — book Becco (Theater District)
The all-you-can-eat pasta trio with rotating sauces at Becco is one of the best deals in the Theater District. This cozy restaurant from celebrity chefs Lidia Bastianich and Joe Bastianich boasts a famed wine list with quality bottles at a modest price. Standards like roasted chicken and ricotta cheesecake showcase elevated Italian comfort food. The rustic interior and prime location near Broadway make Becco a standout among the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District for pre-show dinners.
For a pre-show performance and a wealth of gluten-free options at one of the best pre-theater restaurants in NYC — book a table at Friedman’s (Theater District)
Friedman’s Theater District is a destination for gluten-free American dishes near Broadway. Menu highlights include the pastrami Reuben and buttermilk pancakes. The restaurant’s singing servers add a lively touch with nightly performances for a festive ambiance, cementing Friedman’s as one of the best pre-theater restaurants in NYC for groups. Located in the Hotel Edison, the spot is a great option for Broadway fans who want to dine surrounded by a bit of NYC history.
For one of the best Broadway restaurants in NYC for seafood — reserve a table at Mermaid Oyster Bar (Theater District)
Mermaid Oyster Bar is a top seafood spot in the Theater District. Choose from raw oysters, elegant dishes like lobster knuckles escargot-style, and made-for-sharing chilled seafood towers. Pair your meal with a drink from the negroni bar or a clever mocktail. The chic interior is on the intimate side, best suited for dates seeking one of the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District for seafood lovers.
For upscale Greek in the Theater District — snag a seat at Kellari Taverna (Theater District)
Kellari Taverna’s Greek menu shines with whole roasted sea bass (lavraki) and savory spanakopita. Warm hospitality and an elegant, minimalist dining room keep Kellari a go-to for luxurious dinners in the neighborhood. The wine list comprises hundreds of bottles, including an extensive Greek selection (no surprise, as the name translates to “wine cellar”). Prime for pre-show meals or romantic dates, it’s one of the best restaurants in the Theater District of NYC for sophisticated Greek food.
For approachable American fare with possible star sightings — score a table at Joe Allen (Theater District)
A Broadway industry staple since 1965, Joe Allen is beloved for its cheeky flop wall, honoring the forgotten theatrical failures of NYC. The approachable American menu includes popular picks like a bacon cheeseburger and classic meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes. The cozy, brick-walled interior and unpretentious vibe help make this one of the best restaurants in the Theater District for post-show conversation. Just remember that, like most Broadway theaters, Joe Allen is closed on Mondays.
For star-spotting at one of the best pre-theater restaurants in NYC — secure a spot at Sardi’s (Theater District)
Sardi’s, a Broadway institution since 1927, is instantly recognizable by the celebrity caricature-covered walls of its iconic red dining rooms. Expect a menu of refined Continental dishes like steak tartare and shrimp Sardi—perfect pre-theater bites. Its status as a gathering place for actors and theatergoers solidifies Sardi’s as one of the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District for fans of the stage. The upstairs dining room provides a quieter ambiance for intimate conversations.
For sophisticated steakhouse fare in a welcoming space — lock in a table at The Palm West Side (Theater District)
The Palm West Side blends old-school steakhouse charm with modern panache. Known for an elegant surf-and-turf menu like jumbo Nova Scotia lobster and prime ribeye, it’s always a destination for a refined meal. Cartoon murals add a touch of whimsy to this elegant space, located just steps from Broadway. The Palm caters to theater fans and ranks among the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District for special occasion meals.
For the best restaurant in the NYC Theater District dishing modern Mexican — grab a table at Toloache (Theater District)
Toloache brings modern Mexican to the Theater District, thanks to chef Julian Medina. Enjoy a guacamole and ceviche bar, plus a menu of contemporary takes on Mexican comfort foods—think an ahuitlacoche quesadilla and braised short rib tacos. Bonus points for a deep selection of tequila and mezcals, including rare aged selections, and warm, colorful decor.
For West African fusion with a New York twist — reserve Lagos TSQ (Theater District)
Lagos TSQ serves West African cuisine with a Nigerian emphasis in the Theater District. Enjoy dishes like roasted peri peri red snapper and spicy jollof rice with goat, plus cocktails with a West African twist like a suya margarita. The swanky, modern interior creates a lively yet refined ambiance, making Lagos TSQ one of the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District for international palates and stylish evenings.
For chic Cuban bites in an energizing setting — book Victor’s Café (Theater District)
Victor’s Café has been preparing top-notch Cuban food in NYC since 1963. Signature dishes like house specialty ropa vieja and 24-hour-roasted lechón asado reflect a dedication to bold flavor in traditional recipes. A colorful space with tropical touches, it’s equally suited for pre-show and post-show meals. Don’t miss the stellar mojito list. Victor’s Café remains one of the best restaurants in the NYC Theater District for a lively, flavorful experience.
If you’re looking for essential pre-theater bites like steak tartare or a dozen oysters, hearty helpings of piled-up pasta or fried chicken and waffles, or the international flavors of Nigeria and Cuba, the NYC Theater District has it all. But these restaurants don’t have unlimited space, and seats book fast, especially around showtimes.
Secure your spot at one of the best restaurants in the Theater District of NYC with a reservation on OpenTable now.
For more of the best restaurants in NYC, take a look at these expert guides:
- 10 top group dining restaurants in NYC
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- 12 top restaurants in NYC that scream special occasion
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Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others. He is the author of six books, including three cookbooks. Follow his adventures on Instagram @thebrandonalexandr.
