– This post was written by Layla Duranni –
Calling all foodies! Ready to dive into the dining scene near one of NYC’s iconic landmarks, Top of the Rock?
New York City is well-regarded for its culinary scene, with some really delicious spots very close to (or even inside!) the Rockefeller Center.
These places offer a mix of great food and vibes. Keep reading to choose the spot that best suits your taste when you visit this busy part of the city.
Whether you’re a visitor planning your visit to Top of the Rock or a local who loves good food, you’ll find that the restaurants near Rockefeller Center offer a unique mixture of tasty food and unbeatable views.
Think of this blog as your personal guide to the best eats in the area. You’ll find details on everything – from luxurious fine dining and cozy cafés to top-rated Michelin star spots.
The Best Restaurants near the Top of the Rock
Going to the Top of the Rock NYC isn’t all about the impressive city views. It’s also about the incredible food experiences that await you just a short walk away.
After you’ve taken in all the sights from up high, get ready to have a casual snack or a Michelin-starred meal. Whether you’re craving a classic American burger or some authentic Asian cuisine, there’s something for you nearby.
1. Sophisticated & Fresh: Ai Fiori
Location: 400 5th Ave #2
Distance from Top of the Rock: ~16-minute walk
Ambiance: Sophisticated and intimate
Highlights: Signature hand-made pasta, dishes featuring seasonal ingredients, and traditional regional dishes
Ai Fiori offers dishes inspired by the French and Italian Riviera. A wide selection of wines are available to complement your meal. The restaurant has received the Wine Spectator Grand Award annually since 2018 for its excellent wine selection – so it’s a great place to enjoy a glass (or bottle!) after visiting Top of the Rock.
2. One-of-a-kind Japanese Cuisine: Sushi Yasuda
Location: 204 E 43rd St
Distance from Top of the Rock: ~18-minute walk
Ambiance: Minimalistic and serene
Menu Highlights: Uni Sashimi
You won’t want to miss out on Sushi Yasuda if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine. Here, you can watch skilled sushi chefs create amazing sushi where they’re known for their high-quality ingredients and traditional sushi-making methods. Every detail is perfect at Sushi Yasuda, and each guest’s preferences are catered to – they’ll create a custom sushi dish for you based on your tastes.
3. Classic American Fare: The Capital Grille
Location: 120 W 51st St
Distance from Top of the Rock: ~6-minute walk
Ambiance: Timeless and classic
Menu Highlights: Dry-aged and hand-cut steaks, large North Atlantic lobsters
The Capital Grille promises a special dining experience, whether it’s a casual visit or a planned dinner. Known for its dry-aged steaks and a wide variety of wines, this restaurant promises to welcome you with a cozy and serene environment. Walk-ins are as welcome, as well as reservations, so it’s a good option for an impromptu visit.
4. Michelin-Star French Food: Gabriel Kreuther
Location: 41 W 42nd St
Distance from Top of the Rock: ~11-minute walk
Ambiance: Elegant and artistic
Menu Highlights: The Tarte Flambée, Truffled Country Pâté, or the Chef’s tasting menu
Chef Gabriel’s restaurant is a unique blend of traditional Alsatian cuisine and New York styles. With two Michelin stars and the AAA 5 Diamond Award, this restaurant promises a well-curated and immaculate service. Visit for a full-course meal and enjoy the contemporary fine dining experience offered.
5. Rooftop Dining Experience: SixtyFive
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Distance from Top of the Rock: Less than 1-minute walk (same building!)
Ambiance: Stylish and sophisticated rooftop lounge
Menu Highlights: Seasonal offerings, light bites, and expertly mixed cocktails.
You don’t even have to leave the Rockefeller Center to enjoy a bite to eat. At Bar SixtyFive on the 65th floor of 30 Rock, you can enjoy their seasonal menu, accompanied by stunning views of the city. The bar’s storied past adds to the unique experience it offers.
6. Vegan food with a mission: P.S. Kitchen
Location: 246 W 48th St
Distance from Top of the Rock: ~10-minute walk
Ambiance: Cozy and casual
Menu Highlights: The plant-based burger and fries
P.S. Kitchen is a popular vegan restaurant for both locals and tourists. It offers soups, wraps, burgers, and fries – all plant-based! This restaurant operates with a three-fold mission: helping marginalized locals, offering tasty vegan dishes, and donating all profit to sustainable non-profit projects. Founded by April Tam Smith, it aims to uplift people and the community while serving great food.
7. Tasty Fast-Casual: FIELDTRIP
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Distance from Top of the Rock: Less than 1-minute walk (same building!)
Ambiance: Bright, airy, cheerful
Menu Highlights: Made-to-order rice bowls, fresh sides
FIELDTRIP, started by the James Beard Award-winning Chef JJ Johnson, is a fast-casual restaurant in New York City focusing on rice-based dishes, with their menu drawing inspiration from various global cuisines and the use of heirloom grains.
Dine-in or take-out, FIELDTRIP promises dishes that support sustainability but don’t lose out on taste. Plus it’s inside the Rockefeller Center, so it’s a great spot to grab a quick bite before or after you visit Top of the Rock.
8. Fresh seafood & Mediterranean Cuisine: Limani
Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza
Distance from Top of the Rock: ~4-minute walk
Ambiance: Semi-formal, elegant, refined
Menu Highlights: Mediterranean staples like fresh bread, pasta, and seafood, and a great selection of wines
Limani offers a Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of New York City where you can enjoy carefully prepared Mediterranean food in an elegant setting. Enjoy a great bottle of wine alongside your meal and you’ll feel you left NYC and went on a Mediterranean holiday!
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