Exploring Times Square's culinary gems
A slice of raspberry swirl cheesecake at Junior's. Credit: Junior's Cheesecake
Centrally located, chaotically inhabited, Times Square is one of New York’s most jarring neighborhoods.
It’s a tourist trap and a cultural capital. Home to Broadway, it’s where you’ll find some of the best live entertainment in the world. One minute you’re dodging delivery e-bikes outside the M&M’s store. The next you’re passing Tony Danza leaving a theater.
It’s also a transportation hub. Even if you aren’t intentionally going to Times Square, you often end up in Times Square.
To make the most of a meal in the neighborhood, we asked New Yorkers - and our colleagues - to share their favorite bars and restaurants in the area (or close to it). Here are 13 they recommended. Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Le Rivage
340 W. 46th St.
A look inside Le Rivage restaurant in New York City. Credit: Evan Sung/Evan Sung
“I am a devotee of what I call ‘yellow sauce joints’ - places where classic French bistro food, smothered in buttery mother sauces, is dispensed with the reliable, stick-to-your-ribs comfort of spaghetti and meatballs and pasta puttanesca. Le Rivage is a quintessential YSJ, with charming touches that are old-fashioned (if the ’80s are ‘old-fashioned’ to you): prix fixe menus, escargot, ratatouille, coq au vin and a sterling duck l’orange.” - Washington Post fashion critic Rachel Tashjian.
MORE INFO lerivagenyc.com
BXL Cafe
125 W. 43rd St.
“BXL Cafe is an unassuming restaurant serving big bowls of mussels, steak frites and Belgian beers. It’s open from 10 a.m. till 11 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also a fun place to catch soccer matches.” - Author and bar director Sother Teague.
MORE INFO bxlrestaurants.com
Upside
598 Eighth Ave.
“Upside is a newer variation on the New York slice. Sourdough crust with a roasted tomato sauce. My favorite slice is the spicy vodka sauce.” - Scott Wiener, founder of Scott’s Pizza Tours.
MORE INFO upsidepizza.com
Bar Primi Penn District
349 W. 33rd St.
“It may be geographic fact, but I still can’t believe this suave Italian spot is right across the street from Moynihan Train Hall. Designed to the nines, it’s got soft, warm lighting above a wraparound marble bar covered in glossy red tile. That’s a classy place to enjoy a $12 spaghett’ that comes with the option of pouring your own Aperol into a pony High Life bottle - that’s right, a New York cocktail for less than $16. I’ll be back to try the hot garlic knots. Separately, go to Jimmy’s Corner for a rail drink and a chat with second-generation owner Adam Glenn.” - Gabe Hiatt, Washington Post travel editor.
MORE INFO barprimi.com
Lagos
727 Seventh Ave.
“I avoid Times Square like the plague, but I have been to the Lagos once, though, and it was a vibe. I’d recommend for Nigerian takes on bar food.” - Brooklyn-based writer and creative director Alexander-Julian Gibbson.
MORE INFO lagosnyc.com
Bar Sprezzatura
790 Eighth Ave.
“Bar Sprezzatura is a rooftop gem in the newly opened Hotel Theta on 48th and Eighth. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Midtown, yet you’re still right in the middle of it. The vibrant colors, warm vibe and tasty cocktails give you a lift, making it the perfect spot to recharge from contagious energy of New York.” - Rachel Krupa, founder of the Goods Mart and Krupa Consulting.
MORE INFO barsprezzatura.com
The Lambs Club
132 W. 44th St.
“I recently went to breakfast at the Lambs Club. The name of the restaurant really just rolls off the tongue and has a bit of status to it. I’m sitting up a little straighter as I type this. It was with a group of four other women I look up to in media - they all ordered their eggs differently, and they all came out with a five-star presentation. But enough about the food; the real appeal is the art deco decor and the deep-red leather booths. They’re the kind of booths that wouldn’t judge you for a Bloody Mary order on a Tuesday night, or a third martini at lunch. It’s easy to get a reservation, the service is excellent, the food is reliable.” - Emily Sundberg, author of the newsletter “Feed Me.”
MORE INFO thelambsclub.com
Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery
1515 Broadway, W. 45th St.
A slice of chocolate swirl cheesecake at Junior's. Credit: Junior's Cheesecake
“Junior’s has two locations near Times Square, one of them almost right in the heart of it and the other a few blocks north. Fabulous cheesecake. They also have good deli food, but the lines can be intimidating. I always go into the little side area where they sell slices of cheesecake and get one to take to my hotel or train or just eat on the street.” - Hannah Sampson, Washington Post travel reporter.
MORE INFO juniorscheesecake.com
Joe Allen
326 W. 46th St.
“This place has been open since the ’60s and sort of celebrates Broadway flops as well as successes. It’s good for lunch or dinner. I go for the liver and onions.” - Author and bar director Sother Teague.
MORE INFO joeallenrestaurant.com
A FEW BLOCKS SOUTH
Sendo
876 Sixth Ave., first floor
A selection of nigiri at Sendo restaurant in New York City. Credit: Francesco Sapienza
“My top recommendation for anyone with a limited amount of time but in need of a great meal would be Sendo, the new quick-serve Tokyo-style sushi counter on 31st and Sixth that serves meals in under 30 minutes. For $48 you can get a full omakase with unbelievable sushi quality - no wonder there’s almost always a line.” - Kat Odell, journalist, author and culinary consultant.
MORE INFO sendo.nyc
Yono Sushi
421 Eighth Ave. (Moynihan Train Hall)
“Sushi at a train station doesn’t sound all that appealing, but an exception can be made for Yono. Located in the shiny new Moynihan Train Hall in Midtown, Yono’s sushi-to-go concept is one of the best omakase options in the area. With just a handful of seats - or the option to dine in the food hall itself - Yono’s nigiri, sashimi and temaki, plus warm rice bowls, are a perfect snack whether you’re going, coming or hanging out at Moynihan.” - Victoria M. Walker, travel writer.
MORE INFO yonosushinyc.com
Suprema
413 Eighth Ave.
“Suprema is a classic 1964 pizzeria still run by the same family that started it. Lots of funky pies in the window, but the real ones know the regular slice is down on the counter right next to the cash register. Another great slice there is the upside-down Sicilian. Sauce is sweet with onion.” - Scott Wiener, founder of Scott’s Pizza Tours.
MORE INFO nypizzasuprema.com
SLIGHTLY WEST
LumLum
404 W. 49th St.
“I recommend going slightly west of Times Square. You’ll escape the massive crowds of tourists and the overly priced chain restaurants. For a wonderful Thai restaurant that highlights seafood, I love LumLum. It’s perfect before a Broadway show or just arriving from Port Authority. There are so many great dishes to order that you’ll want to go with a small group of friends and try everything. Don’t miss the Goong Yang, grilled river prawns. LumLum is casual yet vibey. Stepping inside feels like a mini vacation with bamboo-lined walls and basket lampshades to complete the tropical ambiance.” - Lifestyle writer Benjamin Setiawan.
MORE INFO lumlumnyc.com
