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Ask any New Yorker for recommendations on where to eat near Rockefeller Center, and until recently, you’d get shrugs or silence. This iconic complex in Midtown used to be a tourist trap, with lackluster chains and overpriced fare. But over the past few years, Rockefeller Center has pulled off a serious restaurant makeover.
Led by developer Tishman Speyer, Rock Center brought in an all-star lineup of acclaimed chefs to open new restaurants throughout the buildings. We’re talking household names like Clare de Boer, Riad Nasr, and Ignacio Mattos choosing to launch their latest spots here. The new openings range from indulgent steakhouses to critically praised tasting menus. In short, it’s become an impressive place to eat and drink.
In this blog post, I’ll talk about my top 10 picks for restaurants you absolutely should not miss at the new and improved Rockefeller Center. From upscale to affordable, here’s where to experience the best food, drinks and vibes in one of New York’s most famous landmarks.
Top 10 Restaurants at Rockefeller Center
Le Rock
The talented chef duo of Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson (of Frenchette fame) brought their magic touch to Le Rock, a ritzy French brasserie that delivers on the hype. The swanky dining room with Art Deco details will transport you to 1920s Paris. Their menu reads like a greatest hits of French bistro classics – oysters, steak frites, escargot – yet taken to the next level. Even a basic croque monsieur is elevated with high-end ham and melted Gruyère. Le Rock nails the celebratory spirit of Rockefeller Center, with white-gloved waiters providing old school elegance.
Jupiter
If you’re looking for a laid-back spot with tasty eats, check out Jupiter from rockstar chefs Clare de Boer and Jess Shadbolt. This place mixes fancy dining with a cozy Italian trattoria vibe. Grab an Aperol spritz at the bar or snag a table by the fireplace to dig into hearty pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas. The relaxed setting and reasonable prices make Jupiter perfect for everything from business lunches to family dinners to date nights.
Lodi
Lodi is another great Italian restaurant at Rockefeller Center, this one from acclaimed chef Ignacio Mattos. Lodi focuses on quick, simple, nourishing fare. Pop in for a morning espresso and donut, take a seat at the cheery yellow bar for panini sandwiches at lunch, or linger over small plates and spritzes at night. The laid-back spot still shows Mattos’ culinary chops, but without Michelin-starred wait times or prices.
Naro
For a truly unique dining experience at Rockefeller Center, look no further than Naro. Chef Junghyun Park serves an intricate Korean-inspired tasting menu at this Michelin-starred gem. With only 10 seats surrounding the open kitchen, Naro offers an intimate and theatrical dining experience. Yes, the $165 price tag is a big spend, but it’s worth it for the journey of flavors, textures and scenery.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar
This sushi spot downstairs is a quiet place to get away from the noise up above. Their omakase menus offer pristine seafood cuts at a fair price point. And beyond raw fare, they serve refined apps and entrees like fried chicken and teriyaki. The underground setting provides a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle above. While it may not be the most innovative sushi in New York City, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar is consistently good and conveniently located, making it a reliable choice for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ace’s Pizza
Craving a slice? Ace’s Pizza is bringing some of the best pies to Rockefeller Center. Started in Brooklyn, this spot is now doling out Detroit-style and grandma-style pizza to happy Midtowners and tourists.
The most popular thing at Ace’s is definitely the Detroit-style pizza. These rectangular pies are loaded with cheese that is crispy and caramelized around the edges – insanely good. Ace’s stands out for delivering authentic Brooklyn pizza vibes right to the heart of Midtown.
Fieldtrip
For those that are more health conscious I recommend Fieldtrip. Chef JJ Johnson became known as the “rice king of Harlem” at The Cecil, and he brings his global grain bowls to Rockefeller Center in fast-casual format. Build your own bowl with bases like mushroom biryani or chicken jollof rice, then pile on fixings like Korean beef or crispy Brussels sprouts. Fieldtrip’s creative combos pack huge flavor for under $15. With quality ingredients and veg-forward options, it’s a delicious yet feel-good midday stop.
Puya – Authentic Mexican Street Food
The new taqueria Puya Tacos de Puebla is quickly winning over Midtown lunchers with incredible tacos Árabes. Their highlight is rich, spiced pork wrapped in lightly charred flatbread, straight from the streets of Puebla, Mexico. But you can’t go wrong with any of Puya’s meats like al pastor, brisket barbacoa, or chorizo. At a very affordable price, these artful tacos offer a very satisfying midday detour south of the border.
Del Frisco’s Grille
In the mood for a classic steak dinner? Del Frisco’s Grille delivers on impressive customer service and large portions. I recommend trying a martini with a 16 oz strip steak. They even offer a 32 oz tomahawk ribeye! They don’t just serve steak though, you’ll also find dishes like miso salmon, chicken paillard, and plenty of shareable appetizers. Del Frisco’s provides dependable steaks in a lively see-and-be-seen spot.
Sesamo
One of the most notable restauraunts in our top 1 is SESAMO, a unique restaurant that blends Italian and Asian flavors in innovative and delicious ways. While not technically in Rockefeller Center, it’s just a short walk away in Hell’s Kitchen and is well worth the trip.
AItalian and Japanese food together? It may seem weird at first but Sesamo makes it work. They expertly mix these cuisines into some crazy delicious dishes. The flavors and textures come together so nicely – it’s a mashup you gotta try. This unique spot is a tasty new addition to Rockefeller Center’s food scene that’ll leave you craving more. Trust me, the Italian-Japanese combo is a winner.
More Notable Spots for Eats and Drinks
Beyond the top 10, Rock Center boasts other spots for tasty food and drinks. A few faves:
The Tipsy Baker – All-day cafe with Italian small plates and wines at night.
Lady M Cake Boutique – The famous mille crepe cakes in flavors like green tea and passionfruit taste as good as they look. Perfect for gifting (or eating).
21 Greenpoint – During the week, Jason Hall brings his excellent New American Brooklyn restaurant to Rockefeller Center for lunch.
Alidoro – For a quick, affordable sandwich, this Italian shop delivers with pressed panini like the hot coppa and mozz.
Why Eat and Drink Here?
Between exciting openings and renovations, Rockefeller Center has become an undeniable dining and drinking destination rivaling spots like Hudson Yards. The concentration of talent is a big draw – you’ll find some of New York’s most acclaimed chefs choosing to open restaurants throughout the buildings.
Beyond star power, the location provides convenience on busy Midtown days. pop from Radio City to dinner, or fuel up before Top of the Rock. For tourists, its iconic rink and Christmas tree provide quintessential NYC holiday magic as a backdrop for meals.
Whether it’s a business lunch, date night, or drinks with friends, Rock Center’s variety lures in anyone who loves good food. This place really does have something for every taste and occasion.
Seasonal Dining
One of the joys of dining at Rockefeller Center is experiencing how the area transforms with the seasons. Each time of year brings its own unique charm and culinary offerings:
- Holiday specials: During the holiday season, many restaurants offer special menus or festive dishes. City Winery’s heated domes provide a cozy spot to enjoy the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree while sipping on mulled wine.
- Summer outdoor options: When the weather warms up, outdoor dining becomes a major draw. Lodi’s spacious patio and City Winery’s outdoor seating area are perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks.
- Special events and pop-ups: Rockefeller Center often hosts special food-related events and pop-up restaurants throughout the year. Keep an eye out for announcements about these limited-time offerings, which can provide unique dining experiences.
- Seasonal menus: Many of the restaurants in Rockefeller Center, particularly those focused on farm-to-table cuisine like SESAMO, Jupiter and Lodi, update their menus seasonally. This means you can always find dishes that highlight the best produce and ingredients of the season.
- Ice skating and dining packages: During the winter months, some restaurants offer special packages that combine ice skating at the famous Rockefeller Center rink with a meal, providing an unforgettable New York winter experience.
Keeping these seasonal changes in mind will help you get the most out of your dining experiences at Rockefeller Center all year round.
Conclusion
Our list of top 10 restaurants at Rockefeller Center is just the start. This famous New York spot has tons of great places to eat, from fancy French spots to laid-back pizza joints. There’s really something for everyone, no matter what you like or how much you want to spend.
Feel free to try other places not on our list too. There are quick bites, sweet treats, and fancy restaurants nearby that are all worth checking out. And don’t forget about seasonal specials – they can make your meal even more special.
