Best Restaurants for People Watching in Columbus Circle

79 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tavern on the Green restaurant

1. Tavern on the Green

4.7

Exceptional(18735)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 174 times today

Tavern On The Green will be offering our Holiday Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from November 30th-December 29th. This is priced at $95 per adult, $65 per child and does not include beverages or tax. A 20% gratuity will be added to all checks. Dress Code: Smart Casual. Jacket and Tie are Not Required. * We do not permit sleeveless shirts for gentlemen nor athletic/running/jogging attire for any patrons in the main restaurant. Reservations as early as 60 days out through our Reservations Department at 212-877-8684 or reservations@tavernonthegreen.com

2. TAO Uptown

4.4

Awesome(14451)

Price: Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 107 times today

A 16-foot Buddha, which floats above a reflecting pool filled with Japanese carp, presides over the scene at Tao. A favorite destination for celebrities and athletes, this Pan Asian restaurant specializes in authentic Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines. Tao has three levels of dining including the prized "Skybox" which offers views of this former movie theater unparalleled in New York. In addition to its 300 seats, Tao includes a sushi bar, lounge and two bars at which to enjoy the food and the show. Appetizers range from $8 - $18; Entrees: $16 -$39. Offering $31.50 Prix Fixe Lunch Menu year round.

A photo of Central Park Boathouse restaurant

3. Central Park Boathouse

4.6

Exceptional(896)

Price: Very Expensive

• Continental • Upper East Side

Booked 93 times today

Dine with us in the beautifully updated restaurant that reimagines the Boathouse's iconic history and charm. Reviving old traditions and making new ones – we’ve got something for everybody.Monday - FridayLUNCH: 12pm -5pmSaturday & SundayBRUNCH: 11am - 5pmIn addition, our outdoor Express Cafe, is open daily from 8am to 5pm. *For parties of 10 or more: please contact us at info@centralparkboathouse.com **Please Note** Our restaurant is located inside of Central Park, which means all guests must arrive on foot, there is no parking at our property. The closest entrance and cross streets are 72nd street and 5th Ave.

4. Joe Allen

4.8

Exceptional(4677)

Price: Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 44 times today

Please note; we only take reservations up to one week in advance.With Broadway's staggered start times, things get tricky, so if you're desired time is unavailable online, please give us a call, as we hold a certain number of tables for phone reservations only. For parties of six or more, please call the restaurant directly.Since 1965, Joe Allen has been a quintessential New York restaurant serving a classic American menu in the heart of the Theater District. Just two blocks from Times Square, it has been a favorite of Broadway performers, locals, and tourists for almost 50 years.We begin taking reservations seven days in advance starting at midnight online and at 11 a.m. over the phone. Because of staggered theatre times we can only guarantee reservations made online for one-and-a-half hours for parties of two, and two hours for parties of three or more.For reservations after theatre, please check your show's running time at http://joeallenrestaurant.com/show_info

A photo of The Champagne Bar at The Plaza restaurant

5. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

4.3

Awesome(83)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain, The Champagne Bar at The Plaza, is reminiscent of the Champagne Porch that was in the same location when the hotel opened its doors in 1907. The most exclusive of The Plaza’s dining venues, which has welcomed legendary figures, celebrities, athletes and government officials, The Champagne Bar has become a favorite destination of today’s social set. The Champagne Bar specializes in delicious food featuring fresh ingredients and masterful preparation by The Plaza's culinary team. Known for its finest champagne, caviar and wine, whether you’re ordering a multi-course meal or grabbing a specialty cocktail at the bar, The Champagne Bar's lively, casual yet upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for dining with friends, family, clients and business associates.

6. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.5

Awesome(5214)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • DUMBO

Booked 211 times today

In support of the regulations issued by the city of New York, Cecconi’s Dumbo is now open for outdoor seating until 11pm. Cecconi’s Dumbo is a modern day classic Italian restaurant near Brooklyn Bridge park, specializing in hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and other Italian staples. Originating in Venice and with outposts in London and West Hollywood, Cecconi’s has become a critically acclaimed dining destination featuring simply prepared Venetian inspired food. With waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline, join us in our main dining room, bar or patio dinner and weekend brunch seven days a week. Cecconi’s offers an elegant and relaxed dining experience for all guests.

A photo of La Pecora Bianca - Midtown restaurant

7. La Pecora Bianca - Midtown

4.8

Exceptional(1103)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Midtown East

Booked 65 times today

La Pecora Bianca ("the white sheep") offers an unforgettable Italian dining experience in NYC, ideal for private dining, brunch, and takeout. Our menu showcases authentic Italian flavors with house-made pastas, like our signature rigatoni vodka and tagliatelle bolognese, alongside delicious pizzas-all crafted daily with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Join us for brunch, where Italian favorites meet modern tastes, or unwind with spritzes, negronis, and La Pecora Rosa organic rosé during aperitivo hour. Whether you're dining in our stylish space or enjoying our dishes at home, we bring the best of Italian cuisine to every meal.

A photo of RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room restaurant

8. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

4.8

Exceptional(854)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Meatpacking District

Booked 57 times today

A grand yet intimately scaled space, The Dining Room at The Guesthouse offers a live-fire dining experience in a setting defined by floor-to-ceiling travertine, a monolithic hearth, and embedded Molteni rotisseries. The menu features fresh ingredients from select sources, simply and elegantly prepared, along with a selection of Champagnes and wines from around the world.For group dining inquiries, please email: GHNYDR@rh.com

9. Sicily

4.4

Awesome(520)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Hell's Kitchen

Booked 47 times today

Located on Restaurant Row in the heart of Manhattan in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood and Theater District, Sicily Osteria is a dining destination that appeals to local residents and office workers, as well as Broadway theatergoers. The restaurant offers several dining experiences, from its more formal main dining room that exudes a rustic elegance enhanced by vintage green walls, exposed brick, custom tiled floor and white tablecloths. It's front dining room features an expansive bar, perfect for casual dining; plus, several bistro-style tables; and in the far back, a spacious, naturally lit, enclosed patio garden and atrium transports guests to a lush garden oasis.

10. Pappardella

4.6

Exceptional(2799)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 38 times today

Welcome to PappardellaPappardella restaurant brings to you the flavors and food of Tuscany. Established in 1983, Pappardella offers a romantic setting of timeless charm with 20 foot ceilings, French doors; a stunning mural of Florence.Menu and service reflect the warmth and attention of the old world, as well as the diversity and techniques of today. we feature homemade pasta, artisanal pizza; other great Italian staples, like chicken parmagian, grilled branzino; scrumptious tiramisu.A beautiful outdoor terrace makes for great people watching in the warm months. Pappardella is conveniently located near the beacon theater, the museum of natural history &Central Park offering lunch; dinner pre fix, brunch.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Stuart
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
A great meal, as always at this landmark theater district mainstay. We got a great table and the wait staff could not have been nicer. My only issue is that the meatloaf is still off the menu!
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Joe AllenPrice: Expensive• American• Theater District
•
4.8
K
Kathleen
Los Angeles •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our server was so attentive to my daughter’s allergies and making sure we had the best experience. The Peking duck was delicious with crispy skin. My only issue was the setup of a 10 person table behind me that resulted in me being knocked around by people navigating the tight squeeze.
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TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
•
4.4
H
Heather
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
If I could give my experience today, 10 stars, I would! Nicole was an amazing server. She was attentive, professional, and very kind. She made my delicious meal a wonderful experience. Additionally, management was personable and professional , and making sure everything ran very smoothly. This was one of my favorite dining experiences at Tavern on the Green. Thank you again Nicole for providing such an impeccable service!
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Tavern on the GreenPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7
A
Autumn
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The restaurant's location is unbeatable, with expansive windows framing Central Park. It feels as though the beauty of the park has been invited inside to complement the elegant, yet comfortable decor. The menu is outstanding and offers amazing cocktails. This restaurant is more than a dining spot—it's an experience. Perfect for a romantic dinner, celebratory brunch, or simply a treat for yourself, it checks every box. With its exceptional staff and unparalleled view of Central Park, it’s no wonder diners leave with full hearts and happy palates. Five stars, without question.
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Central Park BoathousePrice: Very Expensive• Continental• Upper East Side
•
4.6
PG
PhilipG
Yorkshire •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 15, 2024
Superb evening. Staff fantastic, food and drinks too drawer. Best part of our trip was the evening here. Thanks so much to all the staff there.
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The Champagne Bar at The PlazaPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.3

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Columbus Circle

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Columbus Circle

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79 restaurants available nearby

1. Tavern on the Green

2. TAO Uptown

3. Central Park Boathouse

4. Joe Allen

5. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

6. Cecconi's Dumbo

7. La Pecora Bianca - Midtown

8. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

9. Sicily

10. Pappardella

See what locals rave about

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