Dubbed the "Crossroads of the World," New York City's Times Square is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Drawn to the bright lights of the theater district, visitors see the names of long-running musicals and upstart plays flash across the marquees daily. Times Square has an overabundance of fast-food restaurants. But not to fear. Good restaurants are in Times Square, too.
Located in the old Hammerstein Theater where the Ziegfeld Follies began, Bond 45 is within walking distance of every major theater in Times Square. Try one of their signature thin-crust pizzas or one of the many other Italian dishes on the menu. The antipasti bar by itself is worth the trip. Octopus salad, Mediterranean langoustine rolls, beefsteak tomatoes shallots and thyme, and fried cauliflower parmesan are among the highlights.
Bond 45
154 W. 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
212-869-4545
bond45.com
Enjoy the view and the casual atmosphere at this elegant steakhouse. At the center of the menu are cold-water Australian lobster tails and corn-fed beef. Only after ordering are steaks cut off the loin. Their breads, salad dressings and desserts are homemade daily. Before digging into your steak and lobster, start with some caviar and turtle soup.
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
212-575-5129
delfriscos.com
Inakaya is a robatayaki style restaurant in which guests gather around the grill to watch the preparation of their dinners. It's just as much about the food as it is about making new acquaintances. They offer a five-plate robata special tasting menu with your choice of seafood or beef, a variety of sushi and sashimi items, as well as several beef, chicken and seafood dishes. Pair your dinner with a glass of their plum wine.
Inakaya
620 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10018
212-354-2130
inakayany.com
Meaning "festival," Utsav offers traditional Indian cuisine combined with a relaxed dining experience. The lunch buffet is popular with the locals, but they also offer a daily Broadway special that includes appetizer, entrée and dessert. Among the selections are Mulligatawny soup, Saag Paneer (homemade cheese with spinach) and Kulfi (Indian ice cream).
Utsav
1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
212-575-2525
utsavny.com
This family-owned and operated restaurant has flare and flavor with its Cuban menu, and they strive to bring diners authentic, innovative dishes. Two specialties include Frijoles Negros a lo Victor, a thick black bean stew with bay leaf, cumin and oregano, and Lechon Asado al Estilo del Puerto Boniato, roast suckling pig marinated in sour orange, olive oil, garlic and herbs. They also pride themselves on making one of the best mojitos in New York City.
Victor's Café
236 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
212-586-7714
victorscafe.com
If you have no worries about dribbling sauce down your face and shirt, head to Virgil's for some southern-style barbecue. Ribs, chicken and brisket are among the favorites, but you'll also find ham, shrimp and sirloin steak on the menu. Pair any of those with a couple of their popular sides, like Georgia pecan rice and cheese grits. Don't leave without having a glass of freshly-squeezed lemonade and some homemade fruit cobbler.
Virgil's Real Barbecue
152 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
212-921-9494
virgilsbbq.com
