Times Square is a popular destination for visitors to New York City, but the area is filled with mediocre chain restaurants. Skip the tourist traps and have a great meal at one of our recommended restaurants.
1. Becco
People flock to Becco, either because of co-owner Lidia Bastianich (of PBS) or to enjoy the all you can eat pasta special, featuring antipasto or salad and three pastas nightly. Although you're unlikely to spot Lidia, you won't leave hungry.- Address: 355 West 46th St (8th Ave)
- Phone: 212-397-7597
- Cuisine: Italian
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 12-2:25 pm; 5-10:30 pm; Sat: 4:30-10:30 pm; Sun: 5-10 pm
- Price Range: pasta special: lunch $17.95, dinner $22.95; a la carte: approx $40
- Good for Kids/Groups? Yes
2. Carmine's
Since 1992, Carmine's second location has been serving up delicious Italian-American cuisine in large family-style portions. It's a great choice for families, as well as groups visiting Times Square -- the food is familiar and delicious.- Address: 200 West 44th Street (7th/8th Aves)
- Phone: 212-221-3800
- Cuisine: Italian
- Hours: 11/11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m./midnight
- Price Range: dishes are made for sharing, $25+ each
- Good for Kids/Groups? Yes
3. Churrascaria Platforma
Brazilian rodizio at Churrascaria Platforma is a great choice for those with big appetites and large groups, seeking a celebratory atmosphere. The prix-fixe includes the endless grilled meats and the extensive salad bar, but not dessert. Diners use a double-sided green/red chip to indicate when they want more meat served.- Address: 316 West 49th Street (8th/9th Aves)
- Telephone: 212-245-0505
- Cuisine: Brazillian
- Hours: 12 pm - 12 am
- Price Range: lunch $39.95, dinner $62.95
- Good for Kids/Groups? Yes
4. Edison Cafe
Photo by Heather Cross, licensed to About.com
Located in the Edison Hotel, the Edison Cafe serves up affordable food all day long, including pancakes, matzo ball soup, and deli sandwiches. Edison Cafe is a reliable standby and popular with those who work in the neighborhood -- meaning you might just spot a theater big-wig or star dining there.
- Address: 228 West 47th St (Broadway and 8th Ave)
- Telephone: 212-840-5000
- Cuisine: American/Delicatessen
- Hours: Mon - Sat: 6 am - 9:30 pm; Sun: 6 am - 7:30 pm
- Price Range: $5-10
5. John's Pizzeria
Photo by Heather Cross, licensed to About.com
Housed in a deconsecrated church, John's Pizzeria is renowned for its coal oven pizza. The Times Square outpost of the famed Greenwich Village original serves up the best pizza in the neighborhood, as well as solid Italian sandwiches and entrees. (No pizza by the slice.)
- Address: 260 West 44th St (7th/8th Aves)
- Phone: 212-582-8065
- Cuisine: Pizza/Italian
- Hours: 11:30 am - 11:30 pm
- Price Range: entrees/sandwiches $11-16; pizza $14-22
- Good for Kids/Groups? Yes (special packages available for groups)
6. Kodama
Photo by Heather Cross, licensed to About.com
Affordable sushi served in a simply decorated environment is the reason to check out Kodama. Their lunch specials are a good deal, and they are known for serving solid maki, including a Canadian roll featuring salmon, and spicy greens.
- Address: 301 West 45th St. (8th Ave)
- Telephone: 212-582-8065
- Cuisine: Japanese/Sushi
- Hours: Mon-Fri: 12 - 2:25 pm; 5 - 10:30 pm; Sat: 4:30 -10:30 pm; Sun: 5 - 10 pm
- Price Range: lunch $8-15; dinner $10-25
7. Ruby Foos
This fun, funky Asian fusion restaurant has a great atmosphere and features creative takes on dim sum, sushi, and Thai dishes, designed for sharing. The children's menu has familiar items like hot dogs and grilled cheese. Reservations are recommended, though after 8, tables are easier to come by.- Address: 1626 Broadway (49th St.)
- Telephone: 212-489-5600
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. - midnight (11 p.m. Sunday - Wednesday)
- Price Range: $8-30
- Good for Kids/Groups? Yes
8. Virgil's
Surprisingly, Virgil's offers some of New York City's best barbecue, including Memphis ribs and Carolina pulled pork. Portions are generous and they have a full bar with signature drinks. Reservations are recommended -- allow plenty of time if you're going to a show afterward, as service can be slow.- Address: 152 West 44th Street (Bdwy/6th Ave)
- Telephone: 212-921-9494
- Cuisine: Southern/BBQ
- Hours: 11:30 AM - Midnight (11 p.m. on Sun/Mon)
- Price Range: $10-30 for sandwiches and platters
- Good for Kids/Groups? Yes
9. Wu Liang Ye
Wu Liang Ye is regarded among Manhattan's best Sichuan restaurants. Sichuan dumplings, Kung Pao chicken and cold sesame noodles are some of the most popular dishes. Be warned -- Sichuan dishes tend to be hot -- if you prefer your food less spicy, be sure to let the waiter know.- Address: 36 West 48th St (5th/6th Aves)
- Telephone: 212-398-2308
- Cuisine: Chinese/Sichuan
- Hours: 12 pm - 9:30 pm
- Price Range: lunch special $7.95; entrees $8-20 (seafood and specialty items at top of range)
- Good for Groups? Yes
