Best Restaurants for People Watching in Upper East Side

80 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tavern on the Green restaurant

1. Tavern on the Green

4.7

Exceptional(18663)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 256 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

A photo of Central Park Boathouse restaurant

2. Central Park Boathouse

4.6

Exceptional(872)

Price: Very Expensive

• Continental • Upper East Side

Booked 94 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.

3. TAO Uptown

4.4

Awesome(14431)

Price: Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 114 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.

4. Joe Allen

4.7

Exceptional(4663)

Price: Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 49 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

5. The Smith - Nomad

4.7

Exceptional(5767)

Price: Moderate

• American • Gramercy Park

Booked 278 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with four upbeat locations in New York City: The Smith East Village, The Smith Midtown, The Smith Lincoln Square, and The Smith NoMad, as well as locations in DC and Chicago. We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

A photo of Red Rooster Harlem restaurant

6. Red Rooster Harlem

4.7

Exceptional(10540)

Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Harlem

Booked 86 times today

Located in the heart of Harlem, Red Rooster Harlem serves comfort food that celebrates the roots of American cuisine and the neighborhood's diverse culinary traditions. We seek to share the story of Harlem with our guests and offer a space that celebrates local artists, musicians and culinary talents alike. We embrace today's Harlem with a spirit of inclusiveness and community by hiring our family of staff from within the community, inspiring better eating through neighborhood cooking classes, and buying from local purveyors.

7. MR CHOW - 57th

4.8

Exceptional(2895)

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Midtown East

Booked 34 times today

Opened in 1979 by world famous restaurateur Michael Chow. MR CHOW started in London in 1968 and continues to enjoy generations of devoted clients from art, fashion, music, and entertainment. Recently awarded the 5 Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences for its excellence, service, and cuisine this restaurant described by Givenchy as a "Precious Jewel Box" is one of the most beautiful restaurants in New York City serving high Chinese Cuisine with impeccable service. The menu at MR CHOW is a combination of old authentic Beijing, Original Recipes, and the signature dishes such as Chicken Satay, MR CHOW Noodles, and Ma Mignon. MR CHOW also serves one of the best Beijing Ducks in the world.The famous nightly handmade noodle show is presented in every location since the opening of London in 1968. "Elegant Midtown Chinese and its newer TriBeCa sibling offer “big-league” eats in “welcome-to-the-’80s” digs..." - ZAGAT

A photo of La Pecora Bianca - Midtown restaurant

8. La Pecora Bianca - Midtown

4.7

Exceptional(1101)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Midtown East

Booked 54 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.

9. Pappardella

4.7

Exceptional(2789)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 32 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.

A photo of The Champagne Bar at The Plaza restaurant

10. 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jeffvip
New York City •105 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Jst a fantastic evening. We had not been in so long. You easily fall into trap of thinking such places are indeed tourist traps. But this is the real deal: lovely decor, excellent food (and sizable portions), and attentive staff. And post dinner some wonderful jazz in the bar area. Cannot think of a better way to spend an anniversary in our own city!
More info
Tavern on the GreenPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7
D
Danavip
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Tao is such a beautiful lively restaurant and my go to for taking people from out of town. Last night they had a great price fixed dinner that was a good deal. We each got it and it was enough to share and bring food home. We had a great time --the drinks were great, and the energy was fantastic. Lots of good photo ops by the Buddha! I will be back again of course. Our waiter was helpful too with suggestions.
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TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
•
4.4
R
ROBERT
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I go to Joe Allen’s all the time. My favorite Broadway haunt. But they sat our table of 4 next to the waiters station and it was uncomfortably bustling and noisy.
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Joe AllenPrice: Expensive• American• Theater District
•
4.7
S
SERENA
Cambridge/Cambridgeshire •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We had a wonderful group dinner at The Smith, it was ideal for us with a child and they were very mindful of a dietary restriction in the group which made us all feel at ease. Service was 10/10 and portions are huge!
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The Smith - NomadPrice: Moderate• American• Gramercy Park
•
4.7
S
Sarahvip
New York City •125 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Burger was delicious. Crab cake is full of fresh crab, but could use a little more of the sauce. The slaw served with it is very good too. However, I think the crab cake the boathouse used to have was better. Appreciated the complimentary plate of veggies to start. Offering some bread would be nice too.
More info
Central Park BoathousePrice: Very Expensive• Continental• Upper East Side
•
4.6

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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Upper East Side

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80 restaurants available nearby

1. Tavern on the Green

2. Central Park Boathouse

3. TAO Uptown

4. Joe Allen

5. The Smith - Nomad

6. Red Rooster Harlem

7. MR CHOW - 57th

8. La Pecora Bianca - Midtown

9. Pappardella

10. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

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