8 Reliable Restaurants Close to the Lincoln Center
Upper West Siders, New Yorkers, and visitors who enjoy music, opera, dance, film, theater, and even the circus often head to the couple of city blocks that comprise the Lincoln Center. Since the early 1960’s, this area of the city has been a leader in the performing arts, with 11 resident arts organizations housed on campus. For those less inclined to formal cultural events, Lincoln Center also offers elegant indoor and outdoor public spaces to sit and relax, as well as some casual seasonal events that are free to the public.
But where to turn if you find yourself looking for food or beverages in the Lincoln Center area? We have you covered, with eight solid restaurants below, selected for their proximity to Lincoln Center. All are within walking distance, and a two-block radius. Appealing to a range of cuisines and palates, they include American, French, Italian, Chinese, and vegan options. Simply click on the name of any restaurant below, to see its mapped location, phone number, website, and a brief overview.
Rosa Mexicano sits directly across from Lincoln Center, drawing crowds with its modern interior and iconic iridescent blue-tiled water wall. The spot is celebrated for its upscale take on classic Mexican dishes alongside signature tableside guacamole, making it both festive and dependable for pre- or post-show dining. It remains a standout for margaritas and a lively ambiance that keeps guests coming back.
P.J. Clarke’s Lincoln Square is an institution renowned for its classic American pub fare, particularly burgers and fries. The setting is casual and welcoming, evoking an old-school Big Apple spirit with attentive service and a reliable menu. Guests love it for its no-fuss comfort food and proximity to the theater, making it a go-to for an unfussy meal before a performance.
The Smith on Broadway is a American brasserie catering to locals, families, and groups. With its lively atmosphere—sometimes quite loud when full!—and an extensive menu spanning from breakfast through late-night, The Smith has become a staple near Lincoln Center. Highlights include Brasserie favorites like eggs benedict, mac & cheese, juicy burgers, sticky toffee pudding, and seasonal cocktails.
Cafe Fiorello is a Italian-American restaurant famous for hearty pastas, thin-crust pizzas, and a antipasti bar. Its sophisticated ambiance and prime location across from Lincoln Center make it popular before the opera or ballet. The menu accommodates both vegetarians and meat lovers, offering everything from butternut squash lasagna to open-faced meatball lasagna, and is equally suitable for romantic dates or group dinners.
Shun Lee West offers Chinese cuisine in an artfully decorated setting. Diners value its inventive approach to Cantonese and Szechuan specialties, including Peking duck, hot and sour soup, and dim sum. It’s a frequent choice for theatergoers seeking a more elevated or celebratory meal close to Lincoln Center.
Atlantic Grill is a seafood-focused American restaurant that has recently been refreshed with a new look and menu. Known for its oyster bar, fresh fish, and extensive wine list, Atlantic Grill is both refined and inviting—ideal for a business meal, special date, or a leisurely dinner with friends who appreciate quality seafood.
Le Botaniste stands out for its commitment to 100% plant-based, largely organic food in a contemporary space. Positioned as a casual wine bar and eatery, Le Botaniste offers creative bowls, wraps, and vegan desserts in an unfussy cafeteria format. Diners praise the nutrient-rich menu options, affordable prices, and welcoming service—making it a haven for vegans, health-conscious eaters, or anyone seeking a lighter option near Lincoln Center.
El Fish Marisquería brings a fresh, modern take on Mexican seafood from acclaimed chef Julian Medina. Here, the focus is on ceviches, fish tacos, and seafood cocktails served in a upbeat dining room. Reviews frequently note attentive, friendly service and a menu that’s both ambitious and crowd-pleasing—making it an exciting addition to the neighborhood’s dining scene.
Collectively, these eight restaurants provide a diverse and reliable array of options—whether you’re looking for hearty comfort classics, sophisticated international cuisine, fresh seafood, or inventive plant-based meals—all within easy walking distance of Lincoln Center.
Foodies, and those looking for something even closer may also be interested in the two restaurants housed on-site at The Lincoln Center. Tatiana, in the David Geffen Hall at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, offers a diverse menu with Caribbean, African, and Creole influences. There is also The Grand Tier Restaurant and Bar, located inside the Metropolitan Opera House at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza. The Grand Tier offers contemporary American cuisine and a full beverage selection for pre-theater dining, as well as light bites during Metropolitan Opera intermissions. You may have correctly guessed that both require advance booking!
Now you are all set to dine, relax, and enjoy some of the best that the Upper West Side’s Lincoln Center neighborhood has to offer!
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