Best Restaurants for People Watching in Harlem

77 restaurants available nearby

1. Bad Roman

4.5

Awesome(2261)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 244 times today

A new lively, modern Italian restaurant from Quality Branded.

A photo of Red Rooster Harlem restaurant

2. Red Rooster Harlem

4.8

Exceptional(10601)

Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Harlem

Booked 50 times today

Located in the heart of Harlem, Red Rooster Harlem serves comfort food that celebrates the roots of American cuisine and the neighborhood's diverse culinary traditions. We seek to share the story of Harlem with our guests and offer a space that celebrates local artists, musicians and culinary talents alike. We embrace today's Harlem with a spirit of inclusiveness and community by hiring our family of staff from within the community, inspiring better eating through neighborhood cooking classes, and buying from local purveyors.

3. TAO Uptown

4.4

Awesome(14557)

Price: Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 126 times today

A 16-foot Buddha, which floats above a reflecting pool filled with Japanese carp, presides over the scene at Tao. A favorite destination for celebrities and athletes, this Pan Asian restaurant specializes in authentic Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines. Tao has three levels of dining including the prized "Skybox" which offers views of this former movie theater unparalleled in New York. In addition to its 300 seats, Tao includes a sushi bar, lounge and two bars at which to enjoy the food and the show. Appetizers range from $8 - $18; Entrees: $16 -$39. Offering $31.50 Prix Fixe Lunch Menu year round.

4. Quality Meats

4.7

Exceptional(10577)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 147 times today

Quality Meats is the best steakhouse in New York City. Located in Midtown Manhattan near Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square, Quality Meats features modern interpretations of familiar dishes and flavor combinations, resulting in unique tastes, innovative presentations, and a distinctive Quality Meats style. The warm, industrial décor by award-winning designers AvroKO draws on cues from traditional New York City family-owned butcher shops, in the use of warm wood, stainless steel, and white marble.

5. Becco

4.5

Awesome(28601)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Theater District

Booked 178 times today

Lidia Bastianich & her son Joe's Theater District mainstay. Best known for the $29.95 pasta tasting menu & the great selections on the $35 Italian wine list. Loved by locals & out of towners alike, Becco has been serving consistently delicious regional Italian cuisine since 1993. Located on the famed Restaurant Row in NYC's Theatre District, Becco is open for lunch & dinner seven days a week. Enjoy signature dishes, like the Osso Bucco, as well as the bounty of fresh seasonal preparations. The Reserve Wine list has many of Italy's best known producers, as well as some more eclectic wine makers. A knowledgeable staffer will be on hand to help you make a great choice. With 18 years on restaurant row, great food & great service help make Becco the right choice time & time again.

6. Joe Allen

4.8

Exceptional(4713)

Price: Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 69 times today

Please note; we only take reservations up to one week in advance.With Broadway's staggered start times, things get tricky, so if you're desired time is unavailable online, please give us a call, as we hold a certain number of tables for phone reservations only. For parties of six or more, please call the restaurant directly.Since 1965, Joe Allen has been a quintessential New York restaurant serving a classic American menu in the heart of the Theater District. Just two blocks from Times Square, it has been a favorite of Broadway performers, locals, and tourists for almost 50 years.We begin taking reservations seven days in advance starting at midnight online and at 11 a.m. over the phone. Because of staggered theatre times we can only guarantee reservations made online for one-and-a-half hours for parties of two, and two hours for parties of three or more.For reservations after theatre, please check your show's running time at http://joeallenrestaurant.com/show_info

A photo of The Champagne Bar at The Plaza restaurant

7. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

4.3

Awesome(84)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain, The Champagne Bar at The Plaza, is reminiscent of the Champagne Porch that was in the same location when the hotel opened its doors in 1907. The most exclusive of The Plaza’s dining venues, which has welcomed legendary figures, celebrities, athletes and government officials, The Champagne Bar has become a favorite destination of today’s social set. The Champagne Bar specializes in delicious food featuring fresh ingredients and masterful preparation by The Plaza's culinary team. Known for its finest champagne, caviar and wine, whether you’re ordering a multi-course meal or grabbing a specialty cocktail at the bar, The Champagne Bar's lively, casual yet upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for dining with friends, family, clients and business associates.

8. Pappardella

4.7

Exceptional(2836)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 30 times today

Welcome to PappardellaPappardella restaurant brings to you the flavors and food of Tuscany. Established in 1983, Pappardella offers a romantic setting of timeless charm with 20 foot ceilings, French doors; a stunning mural of Florence.Menu and service reflect the warmth and attention of the old world, as well as the diversity and techniques of today. we feature homemade pasta, artisanal pizza; other great Italian staples, like chicken parmagian, grilled branzino; scrumptious tiramisu.A beautiful outdoor terrace makes for great people watching in the warm months. Pappardella is conveniently located near the beacon theater, the museum of natural history &Central Park offering lunch; dinner pre fix, brunch.

9. Sea Fire Grill

4.8

Exceptional(3908)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Midtown East

Booked 32 times today

Offering seasonally focused, contemporary American seafood, where only the finest and freshest seafood is highlighted. Guests will be enchanted by the superb selection of raw bar favorites and delicious appetizers which include East & West Coast Oysters, Chilled Lobster, and expertly seasoned Yellowfin Tuna Tartare. Entrée selections are sure to delight, with succulent Alaskan King Crab Legs, elegant Herb Basted Black Bass and the menu wouldn't be complete without the addition of Sea Fire Grill's Surf & Turf - tender filet mignon and buttery steamed lobster and grilled shrimp.

10. MR CHOW - 57th

4.7

Exceptional(2921)

Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Midtown East

Booked 16 times today

Opened in 1979 by world famous restaurateur Michael Chow. MR CHOW started in London in 1968 and continues to enjoy generations of devoted clients from art, fashion, music, and entertainment. Recently awarded the 5 Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences for its excellence, service, and cuisine this restaurant described by Givenchy as a "Precious Jewel Box" is one of the most beautiful restaurants in New York City serving high Chinese Cuisine with impeccable service. The menu at MR CHOW is a combination of old authentic Beijing, Original Recipes, and the signature dishes such as Chicken Satay, MR CHOW Noodles, and Ma Mignon. MR CHOW also serves one of the best Beijing Ducks in the world.The famous nightly handmade noodle show is presented in every location since the opening of London in 1968. "Elegant Midtown Chinese and its newer TriBeCa sibling offer “big-league” eats in “welcome-to-the-’80s” digs..." - ZAGAT

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sage
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Had dinner on a very busy night, food and service were all excellent! Thank you especially to Sammy and Valerie for taking such good care of us. Second time here and looking forward to coming back.
More info
Bad RomanPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.5
L
li
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined today
The food is not as good as I expected. But the service is really nice, overall pleasant meal.
More info
Quality MeatsPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7
J
JoyceVIP
New York City •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Becco never disappoints! Celebrated 2025 with an amazing meal. We all had the Sinfonia di Paste with Caesar salad. Pastas today were: rigatoni with tomato & basil, Semolina Gnocchi alla Romana and fettuccini with veal bolognese & peas. The dishes were absolutely delicious! We shared the Panna cotta for desert.
More info
BeccoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Theater District
•
4.5
P
patricia
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great lunch on new years! we greatly recommend for asian food!
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TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
•
4.4
F
Fred
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
On the evening of Thursday, December 26, 2024 we dined at Red Rooster & it was a lovely experience. We are a totally blind couple & the staff could not have been more accommodating. Our waitress, Autumn could not have been nicer and more attentive. Each time she put down an item, she told us where she put the item & what each thing was. She made drink recommendations & they were spot on. The food was delicious & we asked if they could cut up our stakes & they did so, willingly and without any hesitation. It was the best dining experience we have ever had. We were honored that the Chef came out & spoke to us about the food. He re-assured us that each time we were there the service would be at the same standards, top notch. The security guard was so nice to escort us to our cab. We highly recommend the Red Rooster for a fabulous dining experience.
More info
Red Rooster HarlemPrice: Moderate• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Harlem
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Harlem

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77 restaurants available nearby

1. Bad Roman

2. Red Rooster Harlem

3. TAO Uptown

4. Quality Meats

5. Becco

6. Joe Allen

7. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza

8. Pappardella

9. Sea Fire Grill

10. MR CHOW - 57th

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