There’s no denying the fact that Times Square is one of the pulsating heartbeats that keeps this city going, full of tourists, theater-goers, corporate American workers, and even some cosplaying Elmos.
With that said, many people (including us sometimes) go out of our way to avoid the overstimulating area…but were here to change that narrative thanks to some outstanding food options. Yes, there’s lots of chatter online about Times Square being a “wasteland for great restaurants” and the “chain restaurant capital of the world” but there’s also some hidden gems too.
Here’s where to properly eat if you’re in Times Square…for whatever reason you may be there.
1. Tony’s Di Napoli
This spot is the ultimate family-style Italian sit-down. Tony’s Di Napoli serves up all of the hearty dishes you can think of (in massive proportions) that we highly suggest splitting with family or friends. The signature menu favorites like Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Calamari Fritti, and Chicken Parm come on huge dishes that are perfect to be passed around the table.
Not to mention the food is actually outstanding, from the fresh made pasta to the delightful salads. And we’re not kidding, don’t skip out on the chicken parm.
📅 Book a reservation at Tony’s Di Napoli here!
Where: 147 W 43rd St
2. Keens Steakhouse
Keens Steakhouse falls more on the historical relic end of the steakhouse scale, as compared to a brand new modern day utopia. It dates back to 1885, and you can tell right away from the low ceilings covered with smoking pipes, antiques, and paintings of Miss Keen.
That’s only half of the story though, because the meats are the star of the show here. Specifically the Prime Porterhouse for Two (or Three) which New Yorkers from all over actively flock here for. Yes, it’s that good. Pair it with some sides like the creamed spinach and hash browns and you’ll be bragging to your friends.
📅 Book a reservation at Keen’s Steakhouse here!
Where: 72 W 36th St
3. Carmine’s
The brainchild of restaurateur Artie Cutler, Carmine’s is a neighborhood Italian spot that checks all the boxes. Imagine having a Sunday family dinner in a dining room oozing Southern Italian heritage—portraits of recognizable figures, large tables with white tablecloths, and chandeliers.
As for the food, it’s what you can expect out of a neighborhood staple…made-to-order pasta dishes, seafood and meat entrées, and classic Italian desserts. It pretty much lives up to their motto of having it feel like a “Sunday afternoon with grandma.”
📅 Book a reservation at Carmine’s here!
Where: 200 W 44th St
4. Chalong
If you’re looking for mouthwatering southern Thai cuisine, aka more than just your usual Pad Thai, Chalong is a must visit (though you definitely should still order their Southern-style Pad Thai, or Mee Pum Riang)! You can’t go wrong with their Goat Curry, Grilled Hor-Mok, and Lumpu Salad, and while you’re at it get yourself a cocktail as well! We’re not kidding when we say we’re still dreaming about our meal here… —Brianna Perry, Staff Writer
📅 Book a reservation at Chalong here!
Where: 749 9th Ave
5. Din Tai Fung
While yes a chain restaurant, Din Tai Fung‘s largest restaurant on the globe gets a pass from us. Since opening its 25,000 square foot NYC flagship earlier this year, it’s been one of Times Squares’ most coveted reservations…all thanks to those beloved xiao long bao steamed buns.
As you can imagine, the brand new dining room is jaw-dropping and illuminated beautifully…adding to the ambiance of knocking back the one-of-a-kind cuisine. Our recommendation: order some of the bamboo towers of xiao long bao (pork and chicken are best), alongside other kinds of salads and noodles.
📅 Book a reservation at Din Tai Fung here!
Where: 1633 Broadway
6. Los Tacos No. 1
You can find taco juggernaut Los Tacos No. 1 at multiple locations around NYC, with one of the most popular in Times Square! This spot is more of an on-the-go food option as opposed to sit-down restaurant—a place you can stop for a mouthwatering taco before a Broadway show or in between your shopping spree.
The walk-up ordering process is super simple: choosing corn or flour tortilla and your choice of meat (steak, chicken, pork, grilled cactus) and let them do the rest. They also have quesadillas and mules too.
🌮 Los Tacos No. 1 is a walk-up window-type spot
Where: 229 W 43rd St
7. Don Antonio
We’d be remiss to a leave a divine NYC pizza restaurant off of this list, and Don Antonio gets our seal of approval. It’s garnered recognition over the years for many reasons, with one being the same ownership of downtown staple Kesté Pizza & Vino.
The claim to fame here are their 7 varieties of fried pizza which have earned nods like Best Pizza in New York State by Food Network Magazine and one of the Top 25 Best Pizza Places in the U.S. by Food & Wine Magazine.
The standard Montanara Classica can never go wrong, but if you’re looking for something different go with the beef and pork-topped Montanara Genovese.
🍕 Don Antonio does not take reservations!
Where: 309 W 50th St
8. The Lambs Club
Complete with black walls and scarlet red furniture, The Lambs Clubs is a solid Times Square option where, as you guessed it, the meats dominate the menu. It’s located inside the Chatwal Hotel and is great for any kind of meal… from pre-show dinner to a date night.
They even a have a “pre-theater menu” packed to the nines with salads, soups, meats, and dessert. Dinner you’ll find is the most popular meal here, where the “Chop House” section of the menu (wagyu New York strip, filet mignon, dry-aged porterhouse) reigns supreme.
📅 Book a reservation at The Lambs Club here!
Where: 132 W 44th St
9. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
For an elegant dining experience that feels straight out of a romance novel, Lilie’s Victorian Establishment is one for the books. Expect an ornate and feminine experience courtesy of red velvet booths, gallery walls adorned with gold, antique frames, and light-pink floral installations. From afternoon tea to brunch and dinner, the Times Square and Union Square eatery has something for everyone.
We especially appreciate the playful cocktail menu with hits like, “Only Fans,” a combination of Tito’s Vodka, passionfruit, lychee, vanilla extract, Demerara, and Blan De Blanc, and “Sinful Sangria” served with seasonal fruits. —Danielle Valente, Secret NYC Editor
📅 Book a reservation at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment here!
Where: 249 W 49th St
10. Gallagher’s Steakhouse
Gallagher’s Steakhouse is a worth-while steakhouse whose dry aged and beef is absolutely worth a visit. Their meat-aging room alone is quite the eye-catcher, where diners can check out the one-of-a-kind delicacies that are hand-picked for the restaurant.
That “old school NY steakhouse” vibe is apparent and wholesome here, ranging from the incredible service to the thoughtful menu. It’s chalk full of steaks like ribeye and porterhouse, and don’t sleep on the prime rib either.
📅 Book a reservation at Gallagher’s Steakhouse here!
Where: 228 W 52nd St