Where to Warm Up: Best Holiday Treats at Rockefeller Center
15 NYC Desserts to Try This Year
Meet the Bartenders Behind the Pebble Bar at Rockefeller Center
5 Best NYC Drink Spots to Try This Year
NYC's Most Beloved Butchers on Family Memories and Bringing Their Legendary Sandwiches to Rockefeller Center
Midtown is always pulsing with energy, from the historic streets to the skyscraper-lined avenues — and Rockefeller Center sits at the heart of it all. Just steps away from Center Plaza, the famous Rink, and iconic architecture, the area is home to a full roster of restaurants that range from sunlit Italian trattorias and contemporary Korean fare to refined seafood and grand French-inspired dining.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate life’s biggest moments or soak in New York City’s classic charm, these nine Midtown spots offer unforgettable flavors, thoughtful hospitality, and distinctive atmospheres.
1. For Elevated Everyday Italian: Jupiter
Rockefeller Center
Tucked on the Rink Level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Jupiter serves bright, seasonal Italian dishes from the team behind SoHo favorite, King. Housemade pastas take the spotlight, from linguine with Manila clams to pappardelle with eight-hour, slow-cooked beef ragu. A curated selection of wine complements the menu, perfect for savoring a leisurely lunch, a pre-theater dinner, or a casual glass of prosecco at the bar.
2. For Modern Korean Cuisine: NARO
Rockefeller Center
NARO, located on the Rink Level, brings contemporary Korean cuisine to life through the vision of husband-and-wife team Junghyun “JP” and Ellia Park of NA:EUN Hospitality — known for redefining modern Korean food at Atomix and Atoboy. Here, the duo bridges deep-rooted Korean flavors with the rhythm of New York City. Recently reimagined from its original tasting-menu format, NARO now offers an all-day à la carte menu featuring comforting, modern Korean dishes. With a drinks program highlighting Korean sool, creative cocktails, and an award-winning wine list, NARO invites guests to savor modern Korean cuisine in a warm, easygoing setting.
3. For Classic Steakhouse Grandeur: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Midtown
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House is just blocks from Rockefeller Center’s 12-acre campus and spans three floors of sleek, glass-lined dining, perfect for larger groups and celebratory meals. The menu features aged USDA Prime beef, dry-aged cuts, and fresh seafood — paired with one of New York City’s most celebrated wine lists. Del Frisco’s combination of expertly prepared fare, soaring design, and polished service makes for a steakhouse experience with true New York grandeur.
4. For Sea-to-Table Sophistication: Le Bernardin
Midtown
Helmed by acclaimed chef Eric Ripert, Le Bernardin has reigned as Midtown’s premier three-Michelin-star seafood destination since 1986, with each dish reflecting meticulous technique and artful presentation. Its white-tablecloth interiors and discreet service exude understated luxury, creating a setting favored by celebrities, dignitaries, and discerning diners alike. From curated tasting menus to à la carte options, every meal at Le Bernardin feels like a moment worth savoring.
5. For Artful, Creative Dining: The Modern
Midtown
Located within the Museum of Modern Art, The Modern is a two-Michelin-star restaurant that brings the creativity of the galleries to your plate. The dining experience features three distinct settings — The Dining Room, The Bar Room, and The Kitchen Table — with menus that shift with the seasons. If your meal caps off a day of sightseeing, consider a RockMoMa combo ticket that lets you pair your dining plans with 10% off admission to both Top of the Rock and MoMa.
6. For French Flair in the heart of NYC: Le Rock
Rockefeller Center
Le Rock from Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr of Frenchette brings modern French brasserie flair to Manhattan. Designed with Workstead, the Art Deco–inspired space features soft lighting and a lively front-bar atmosphere, setting the stage for both elegant meals and casual drinks. The menu offers classic French favorites, often elevated with tableside showmanship. With refined flavors, a polished yet energetic ambiance, and a nod to Parisian brasserie tradition, Le Rock offers a standout French experience in the heart of New York.
7. For Milestone Moments with a Nordic Twist: Aquavit
Midtown East
Headed by executive chef Emma Bengsston, Aquavit has secured its status as one of Midtown’s most distinguished fine-dining destinations, transforming Nordic culinary traditions with precision and care. The restaurant’s refined dining room and private salons are designed for celebrations, meaningful milestones, and intimate indulgence. Featuring seasonal tasting menus and a decidedly Scandinavian atmosphere, Aquavit delivers an experience that feels truly elevated and distinct.
8. For Legendary Seafood in a Historic Landmark: Grand Central Oyster Bar
Midtown East
When you step into the vaulted, tiled arches of Grand Central Oyster Bar, you’re entering a Midtown institution that’s been serving the freshest seafood since 1913. On the menu, you’ll find dozens of oyster varieties, a legendary pan roast, and seafood-centric dishes. Our recommendation? The Oysters Rockefeller, of course. You can enjoy a half-shell array at the marble counter or a full table service, all in an atmosphere that’s unmistakably New York.
9. For Timeless New York Charm: P.J. Clarke’s
Midtown East
P.J. Clarke’s has been serving timeless American fare since 1884, making it one of New York City’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. From its raw bar to its famous burgers, the restaurant’s menu celebrates enduring flavors, served with a side of history. While the brand now has multiple locations across the city, its Third Avenue outpost captures the enduring NYC charm that has kept P.J. Clarke’s thriving for over a century.
The Center Newsletter
Receive important seasonal news and updates, learn about store openings, and get special offers.
