Times Square in New York City is a tourist hotspot and a favorite destination for locals alike. As the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is overflowing with diverse dining options – from fast food to five-star restaurants.
From classic American dishes and cheesecake to top-level ramen and pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone in this iconic neighborhood.
Get ready for mouthwatering menus, award-winning cuisine, and unforgettable ambiance – all packed into one amazing place!
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1. Carmine’s Italian Restaurant
Dining at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant is a New York tradition, whether before or after a show. A classic crowd-pleaser for over 90 years, this spot needs no introduction.
Treat your friends or family to their famous Penne Alla Vodka, and thank us later!
And don’t miss their heavenly Lasagna, a cheesy masterpiece that will leave you wanting more. Pair it with a side of crunchy Garlic Bread for the perfect meal.
What to order: Penne alla Vodka, Lasagna, Garlic Bread
Address: 200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
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2. Trattoria Trecolori
Trattoria Trecolori near Times Square brings you New York and Rome in one place! With its fancy white tablecloths and soft lighting, it’s the perfect place for a special meal.
Made with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, their Caprese Salad is a no-brainer. I suggest adding extra balsamic to your liking!
And be sure to save room for the iconic Tiramisu—the perfect finale to your meal. This is one of NYC’s best!
What to order: Caprese Salad, Pollo Parmigiana, Tiramisu
Address: 254 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
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3. Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine
Discover the newest Caribbean gem in town, Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine, perfect for pre-theater dining. With lively decor and authentic island vibes, it’s the perfect escape in the heart of the Theater District.
Taste the true essence of Jamaica with their Jerk Chicken Wings—the best you’ll ever have!
Falling off the bone in a savory gravy, the Oxtail is tender at all levels. Packed with all the right flavors, this one is just sheer perfection.
What to order: Jerk Chicken Wings, Oxtail
Address: 371 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
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4. Ichiran Ramen
Exciting news for introverts out there—Ichiran, the Japanese ramen restaurant with private booths, is also available in New York!
Here, you can customize your Tonkotsu Ramen to your liking.
Every slurp of that golden broth in their Classic Tonkotsu Ramen will blow your mind away.
Vegetarian? No worries! Ichiran’s got you covered with their flavorful Veggie Ramen.
Don’t forget to top it all off with Matcha Pudding for a sweet finale!
What to order: The Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, Ichiran Veggie Ramen, Matcha Pudding
Address: 152 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
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5. Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan, famed for its Baked BBQ Pork Bun, brings Hong Kong flavors to NYC. Enjoy top-quality dim sum, freshly made daily.
Their Pork Buns alone earn a solid 10/10—soft, delicate, and utterly delicious. The crispy, flaky pineapple bun and phenomenal meat filling are irresistible.
Their Steamed Shrimp Dumplings sets the standard for dumplings with their fresh, sea-inspired taste.
What to order: Baked BBQ Pork Buns, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings
Address: 610 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
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6. Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery
No Times Square visit is complete without Junior’s! Their extensive menu offers everything from sweet pastries to hearty sandwiches.
Established in the 1950s, Junior’s is renowned worldwide for their no.1 original Cheesecake—available for delivery globally!
And for a must-have, try the Reuben, packed high with corned beef, sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing.
What to order: Cheesecake, Reuben
Address: 1515 Broadway @, W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
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7. The Terrace
The Terrace, on the 9th floor of Times Square Edition Hotel, boasts a charming country-garden ambiance. Its enclosed patio garden dining area is romantically intimate—perfect for dinner dates.
Their delectable Deep Dish Focaccia, served beautifully in a cute cast iron dish, deserves a spot on your IG feed.
Feeling adventurous? Their one-of-a-kind Hearty Carrot Bolognese is a vegan dish that tastes amazingly meaty.
What to order: Deep Dish Focaccia, Hearty Carrot Bolognese
Address: 701 7th Ave 9th floor, New York, NY 10036
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8. Joe’s Pizza Broadway
Joe’s Pizza on Broadway is a must-visit in NYC, drawing crowds for its iconic slices. Frequented by celebrities and even featured in Spider Man, it’s the epitome of classic NY pizza.
Try their Cheese Pizza with Pepperoni for a taste of authentic NYC flavor.
Or opt for the Fresh Mozzarella Pizza, with a thin crust highlighting the toppings without the extra fattiness.
What to order: Cheese Pizza with Pepperoni, Fresh Mozzarella Pizza
Address: 1435 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
9. Los Tacos No.1
Los Tacos No. 1 is a stellar spot in Chelsea Market for a quick bite! Despite the hectic line, the authentic Mexican flavors you get here are worth the wait and price.
Their Adobada Taco is a must-try filled with marinated pork in a special sauce. Or go for their juicy Carne Asada wrapped in a soft taco.
Oh, after you’ve picked up your order, there’s a small salsa bar you can use to add a little extra flavor.
What to order: Adobada Taco, Carne Asada
Address: 229 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
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10. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., a classic American seafood chain, offers delicious southern-style dishes.
Inspired by the film “Forrest Gump,” its interior pays homage to the movie.
With a view of Times Square, enjoy every moment with their Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp that boasts crispy coconut flavor paired with cajun marmalade that elevates it.
Their Bourbon St. Mahi Mahi & Shrimp is exceptional, glazed in tasty bourbon sauce. The Charbroiled cajun spiced Mahi Mahi pairs perfectly with the mashed potatoes.
What to order: Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp, Bourbon St. Mahi Mahi & Shrimp
Address: 1501 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
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11. Patzeria Perfect Pizza
Savor a slice of NY pizza at Patzeria Perfect Pizza in the Theater District. It’s grab-and-go with a quick counter for 2-3 people and makeshift tables outside.
Their Pizza-Lasagna fusion is divine—a taste of lasagna in pizza form.
Whoever came up with the idea to put flavors of pizza and lasagna together is doing god’s work
And their Margarita Pizza? Perfection. With a unique twist of garlic bits instead of just mozzarella, you’ll be thinking of this 24/7.
What to order: Lasagna Pizza, Margarita Pizza
Address: 231 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
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12. Yard House
A branch of the famous company, Yard House offers a diverse selection of brands and local brews.
Situated near Broadway, it’s perfect for a quick and fantastic meal. With a wall of beer taps and good music, you’ll have a great time.
Their Parm Truffle Fries are a hit, drizzled with truffle oil and parmesan. And make sure you grab some Smoked Old Fashion—a sweet twist with a hint of smoke.
What to order: Parm Truffle Fries, Smoked Old Fashion
Address: 575 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
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13. Margon
Margon offers the best Cuban and Dominican food, bringing the comfort of Caribbean home-cooked meals to your table.
Aside from yummy food, they’re also friendly to your wallet.
Cheesy, crunchy, and everything you want in a sandwich, Margon’s Cubano Sandwich is THE bomb.
Oh, and make sure to swing by on Monday, Thursday, or Friday to snag their delicious Oxtail which is part of their specials!
What to order: Cubano Sandwich, Oxtail
Address: 136 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
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14. Empanada Mama – Times Square
The go-to for street food in Times Square, Empanada Mama is the place to be for quick yet delicious bites.
Their Spicy Chicken empanada with its crispy shell and juicy chicken packs a spicy punch.
But let’s talk about the crowd-favorite, Viagra Empanada, filled with tiger shrimp and crab meat. Pair it with the green sauce to make it even more delectable!
What to order: Spicy Chicken Empanada, Viagra Empanada
Address: 200 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
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As one of the bustling hubs of the city, Times Square offers a lot of great options when it comes to food.
If you’re not a fan of long lines and huge crowds, head on over to our best restaurants in Brooklyn for more choices.
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How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.