Best Restaurants for People Watching in Upper West Side

80 restaurants available nearby

1. Bad Roman

4.5

Awesome(2215)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 191 times today

A new lively, modern Italian restaurant from Quality Branded.

2. TAO Uptown

4.4

Awesome(14508)

Price: Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 128 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(941)

Price: Very Expensive

• Continental • Upper East Side

Booked 35 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. Quality Meats

4.7

Exceptional(10534)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 100 times today

Quality Meats is the best steakhouse in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Meats features modern interpretations of familiar dishes and flavor combinations, resulting in unique tastes, innovative presentations, and a distinctive Quality Meats style. The warm, industrial décor by award-winning designers AvroKO draws on cues from traditional New York City family-owned butcher shops, in the use of warm wood, stainless steel, and white marble.

5. Joe Allen

4.8

Exceptional(4706)

Price: Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 14 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

6. Pappardella

4.7

Exceptional(2824)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 29 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

7. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

4.3

Awesome(83)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 1 time today

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.

A photo of Friedman's - 72nd St restaurant

8. Friedman's - 72nd St

4.6

Exceptional(112)

Price: Moderate

• American • Upper West Side

Booked 16 times today

A little about us & the culture that has been created… Friedmans is a family run business, which operates locations throughout New York City. Friedmans was named after the famous economist Milton Friedman who popularized the phrase, “there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch”. This phrase has gone on to be used in science, economics, finance, statistics, technology, sports, & now food. However, to put it simply, “to get one thing we like, we usually have to give up another thing we like.” Our mantra is simple, “Eat good food” and this is what we strive to deliver to our guests. For us, it has two meanings. Firstly, eat food that tastes good. Secondly, be proud of the food you serve. We know where our food comes from. We communicate regularly with our farmers and are proud to serve antibiotic free meats & local vegetables. Our mission is for you to love, respect, & enjoy, not only the food you serve, but also the team you work with.

A photo of Red Rooster Harlem restaurant

9. Red Rooster Harlem

4.7

Exceptional(10581)

Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Harlem

Booked 39 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.

A photo of RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room restaurant

10. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

4.8

Exceptional(880)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Meatpacking District

Booked 58 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MikeVIP
New Orleans / Louisiana •1 review
5.0
Dined today
As good as it gets, phenomenal in every way. We've eaten all over the world and this ranks the top.
More info
Bad RomanPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.5
K
KristinaVIP
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was our first experience and it did not disappoint. From the second we walked in we were blown away. The ambiance the food the service was top tier. We can’t wait to dine again next time we are in the city!
More info
Quality MeatsPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7
D
Danielle
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food & excellent service! Just a little dark to read the menu in certain areas!
More info
TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
•
4.4
C
Crystal
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing service, food, & views. We will be back. Butternut squash soup was the best I ever had.
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Central Park BoathousePrice: Very Expensive• Continental• Upper East Side
•
4.6
A
Adam
Los Angeles •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Fantastic experience! We arrived early and they were able to seat us. I ordered the meatloaf and my husband ordered the vegetarian stew. Both meals were delicious. Service was exceptional and very fast (thank you to our server Devon). I would def recommend and will return.
More info
Joe AllenPrice: Expensive• American• Theater District
•
4.8

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Upper West Side

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Upper West Side

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80 restaurants available nearby

1. Bad Roman

2. TAO Uptown

3. Central Park Boathouse

4. Quality Meats

5. Joe Allen

6. Pappardella

7. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

8. Friedman's - 72nd St

9. Red Rooster Harlem

10. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

See what locals rave about

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