New York City is famous for its holiday energy that buzzes well into the New Year. From attractions like the world’s largest Hanukkah menorahs to ice-skating in the heart of Midtown, locals and visitors can create a full agenda of holiday adventures and still not get to them all.
While it’s easy to lose track of time as you see the sights, make sure to complete your outing with a meal at a restaurant—whether fine-dining or casual, local fare—near the City’s much-loved holiday attractions. We’ve provided suggestions below that are all within walking distance of these attractions, so your next bite won’t be too far away.
Read on for the best of NYC cuisine near popular holiday attractions, for every budget and preference.
What to See: Macy’s Window Display
Macy's. Photo: Joe Buglewicz
Where to Eat: Her Name is Han
17 E. 31st St., Koreatown, Manhattan
With a unique theme each year (2024’s is "Give Love" and includes ornaments made by mentees in Big Brothers Big Sisters), the Macy’s window display (on the Broadway side of the building) always incorporates bright lights, murals and outrageous special effects. After you check out this year’s version, warm yourself up with a bowl of budae jjigae, a spicy Korean stew at Her Name is Han. The restaurant uses traditional ingredients and family recipes to create what it likes to call its own brand of Korean soul food, bringing you as close to an authentic Korean home-cooked meal as you can get.
What to See: Bryant Park Winter Village
The Rink at Winter Village – Bryant Park. Photo: Brittany Petronella
Where to Eat: Calle Dao
38 W. 39th St., Midtown West, Manhattan
If ice-skating through Bryant Park’s Winter Village has you working up an appetite, Calle Dao just a few blocks away will feel like a welcome reprieve. This restaurant is a Cuban Chinese concept designed to pay homage to Havana’s once thriving El Barrio Chino (Chinatown), and it does so by offering everything from gooey Cuban sandwich spring rolls (yes, that’s a thing) to garlicky sautéed mojo shrimp. Think comfort food, with a twist.
Courtesy, Calle Dao
What to See: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Courtesy, Diane Bondareff / AP Images for Tishman Speyer
Where to Eat: Quality Meats
57 W. 58th St., Midtown West, Manhattan
After posing for photos in front of the great Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, take your friends and family to Quality Meats for a formal sit-down meal of hearty steaks and chops. The menu features an assortment of juicy cuts, including a bone-in ribeye and buttery soft filet mignon, along with staples like a classic roast chicken and salt-crusted branzino. And if you really want to treat yourself, the tableside truffle butter service is impeccable.
Courtesy, Quality Meats
What to See: World’s Largest Menorahs at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and Manhattan
World’s Largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. Photo: Julienne Schaer
Where to Eat: Tom’s Restaurant and Bad Roman
782 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn;
10 Columbus Circle, 3rd floor, Midtown West, Manhattan
The world’s largest Hanukkah menorahs stand at 32 feet high and are 4,000 pounds of steel—one at the Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, the other at the square by the same name in Manhattan.
For the Prospect Heights location, head over to Tom’s Restaurant, a family-owned New York institution that’s been around since 1936. With an all-day breakfast of fluffy pancakes; platters of eggs, sausages and fruit; and options like crab cake Florentine, it’s the perfect spot to experience all an authentic New York City diner has to offer.
If you’re heading over to the Midtown Manhattan menorah, it’s just a walk across Central Park South to Bad Roman. This Italian(ish) restaurant remixes classic dishes in an over-the-top and slightly irreverent way and is reminiscent of a Roman feast, making it great for groups. The dessert menu is beloved and includes a festive tiramisu ice cream cake and a caramelized chocolate tart with olive oil gelato.
Tom's Restaurant. Photo: Tagger Yancey IV
What to See: Kwanzaa at the Apollo
Kwanzaa at the Apollo. Courtesy, Apollo Theater
Where to Eat: Red Rooster Harlem
310 Lenox Ave., Harlem, Manhattan
The Apollo Theater is one of the world’s most famous performing arts venues for Black artists, and its annual Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration brings together family and community to celebrate the African roots of Black culture in America. After an evening of music, spoken word, dance performances and more, stop at Red Rooster Harlem by celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson. This neighborhood restaurant serves American comfort food influenced by Harlem’s rich history of culinary traditions: think jerk salmon, crispy chicken and waffles, fluffy corn bread and warming shrimp and grits.
Red Rooster. Photo: Brittany Petronella
What to See: Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Courtesy, MSG Photos
Where to Eat: Estiatorio Milos
125 W. 55th St., Midtown West, Manhattan
Dress up for dinner and a show and experience a bit of the more classic New York City holiday charm. After watching numbers like “The Nutcracker” at the Christmas Spectacular, featuring a Radio City Rockette playing Clara, stop by Estiatorio Milos for an elevated dinner. This fine-dining Greek seafood establishment is full of traditional Aegean delicacies like creamy tzatziki, crispy broiled octopus and salt-crusted turbot.
Courtesy, Estiatorio Milos
What to See: Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
Photo: Christopher Postlewaite
Where to Eat: Hudson Garden Grill
2900 Southern Blvd., Fordham, The Bronx
The New York Botanical Garden is worthy of a visit year-round, but the Holiday Train Show takes the green space one step further. This indoor winter wonderland features 190 scaled famous landmarks of the City, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and more. And you don’t need to go all that far to eat after. Hudson Garden Grill is located within the garden itself, with its seasonal menu serving up innovative farm-to-table cuisine straight from Hudson Valley upstate.
What to See: Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square Holiday Market. Photo: Molly Flores
Where to Eat: Daily Provisions
103 E. 19th St., Union Square, Manhattan
The Union Square Holiday Market always has a slew of local artisans, farmers and brands you can explore—with a festive spin. After enjoying hot cider and purchasing stocking stuffers like a puzzle or ceramic ornament, head over to Daily Provisions for an upgraded version of traditional favorites. This concept is from the geniuses behind Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, so you know you’re in for a real treat. Try the herby chicken salad sandwich or pair a comfort food main with a side, soup or salad.
Daily Provisions. Photo: Peter Garritano
What to See: Fifth Avenue Window Displays
Fifth Avenue. Photo: Matthew Penrod
Where to Eat: Casa Limone
20 E. 49th St., Midtown East, Manhattan
After you’ve seen the designer stores along Fifth Avenue lit up in all their festive glory—including the famous Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show—stop by Casa Limone just a few blocks away. Inspired by the cuisine of Southern Italy from regions like Puglia, Calabria and Campania, this restaurant features imported ingredients, hand-painted Sicilian plates and decor that embraces the warmth of Southern Italian villages. Created by chef Antonio Salvatore—who also oversees the Michelin-starred Rampoldi in Monaco—the menu includes specialties like grilled branzino and breaded veal, an extensive wine list and options like pizza and salads.
Courtesy, Casa Limone
