Best Restaurants for People Watching in East Village

75 restaurants available nearby

1. Bad Roman

4.5

Awesome(2254)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper West Side

Booked 174 times today

A new lively, modern Italian restaurant from Quality Branded.

2. TAO Uptown

4.4

Awesome(14552)

Price: Expensive

• Pan-Asian • Midtown East

Booked 68 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.

3. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.6

Exceptional(5279)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • DUMBO

Booked 141 times today

In support of the regulations issued by the city of New York, Cecconi’s Dumbo is now open for outdoor seating until 11pm. Cecconi’s Dumbo is a modern day classic Italian restaurant near Brooklyn Bridge park, specializing in hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and other Italian staples. Originating in Venice and with outposts in London and West Hollywood, Cecconi’s has become a critically acclaimed dining destination featuring simply prepared Venetian inspired food. With waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline, join us in our main dining room, bar or patio dinner and weekend brunch seven days a week. Cecconi’s offers an elegant and relaxed dining experience for all guests.

A photo of The Smith - East Village restaurant

4. The Smith - East Village

4.7

Exceptional(4555)

Price: Moderate

• American • East Village

Booked 82 times today

The Smith is a casual American brasserie with four upbeat locations in New York City: The Smith East Village, The Smith Midtown, The Smith Lincoln Square, and The Smith NoMad, as well as locations in DC and Chicago. We care about every meal and every moment. The menu features bistro classics, seasonal fare, and craft cocktails. Walk in the door and you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s date night, drinks on the town, a big birthday bash, a working lunch, a boozy brunch, or an I-don’t-want-to-cook-tonight night, we’ve got you covered.

5. Quality Meats

4.7

Exceptional(10570)

Price: Expensive

• American • Midtown West

Booked 108 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.

6. Joe Allen

4.8

Exceptional(4714)

Price: Expensive

• American • Theater District

Booked 56 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 RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room restaurant

7. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

4.8

Exceptional(894)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Meatpacking District

Booked 74 times today

A grand yet intimately scaled space, The Dining Room at The Guesthouse offers a live-fire dining experience in a setting defined by floor-to-ceiling travertine, a monolithic hearth, and embedded Molteni rotisseries. The menu features fresh ingredients from select sources, simply and elegantly prepared, along with a selection of Champagnes and wines from around the world.For group dining inquiries, please email: GHNYDR@rh.com

8. Lafayette

4.4

Awesome(3128)

Price: Expensive

• French • NoHo

Booked 17 times today

Lafayette is an everyday French restaurant conducting the spirit of French dining anew in downtown Manhattan’s NoHo neighborhood. Open morning, noon and night, this grand café and bakery is dedicated to Chef Andrew Carmellini's market-driven bistro cooking in a timeless hallmark setting. Our light-flushed dining room features soaring arched windows overlooking the NoHo streetscapes and a lively rotisserie bar. Our corner boulangerie-patisserie is open all hours offering artisanal breads, croissants, Stumptown coffee drinks, a light breakfast or lunch and a host of confections. In warm weather months, our sidewalk cafe opens daily for open air breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner service.

A photo of Piccola Cucina Osteria - Spring St. restaurant

9. Piccola Cucina Osteria - Spring St.

4.7

Exceptional(2493)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • SoHo

Booked 23 times today

Piccola Cucina Osteria it's our gem in the heart of SoHo. The Chef and owner Philip Guardione opened in January 2013 to bring in the city the real taste of Sicily. Friendly service with a buzzy atmosphere, all in a typical Italian restaurant setting. It is matched by home cooking like you would expect to eat in Italy, which is one of the keys to the success of the restaurant. Fully renovated in 2021 the location looks warm and cozy. Our other two Piccola Cucina locations in Manhattan are:Piccola Cucina Estiatorio ( 75 Thompson street )Piccola Cucina Uptown ( 106 E 60th Street )Piccola Cucina Osteria accepts online requests for parties smaller than 6 guests only.If you are looking for a bigger party or special event, please contact us info@piccolacucinagroup.comThank you

A photo of Novitá - New York City, Manhattan restaurant

10. Novitá - New York City, Manhattan

4.7

Exceptional(3146)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Gramercy Park

Booked 14 times today

Novita is a vibrant 60-seat trattoria serving a seasonally inspired, modern Italian menu. Chef owner Marco Fregonese’s innovative take on classical, regional cooking begins with the finest, artisan ingredients and freshest, seasonal products. His distinctive light and flavorful dishes are pure and satisfying and perfectly complemented by a select list of wines from superb Italian specialty and boutique growers. Novita is located a few steps down from a quiet tree lined street in the Gramercy Park neighborhood. The setting is warm and elegant and the mood quintessentially Italian. In pleasant weather, sidewalk, alfresco dining is offered further adding to Novita’s year round appeal.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
NUR
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Bad Roman is a true gem! From the moment I walked in, the ambiance set the stage for an incredible dining experience – chic, inviting, and effortlessly cool. But the real magic was in the food. Every dish was a flavor bomb, exploding with creativity and perfectly balanced flavors in every bite. The attention to detail and bold choices in the menu make this restaurant stand out.
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Bad RomanPrice: Expensive• Italian• Upper West Side
•
4.5
J
JamieVIP
New York City •237 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our waiter AUSTIN was exceptionally helpful. One guest was having a diabetic episode and we had to get food to him immediately. He was most helpful.
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Joe AllenPrice: Expensive• American• Theater District
•
4.8
R
Richard
Las Vegas •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This is one of our favorite places to dine. We were about 45mins late due to NYC holiday traffic and the hostess was still able to sit once we arrived. Once we sat down the great service continued. Mike A was our server. He was very professional, attentive and welcoming! His service was so good that my wife spoke to let general manager before we left. I will definitely ask for him next time we come back. Happy Holidays!
More info
Quality MeatsPrice: Expensive• American• Midtown West
•
4.7
T
Tesia
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
TAO is a great experience very luxury feel if you are looking to impress a date and very nice ambience if you’re just going out with the girls! All though it may not look like it portions are shareable between 2 people. The food is so good and authentic and the staff is lovely.
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TAO UptownPrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Midtown East
•
4.4
W
walter
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 24, 2024
Outstanding and fabulous.. we had a marvelous time. From the vibe, service and food.
More info
The Smith - East VillagePrice: Moderate• American• East Village
•
4.7

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East Village

Best Restaurants for People Watching in East Village

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75 restaurants available nearby

1. Bad Roman

2. TAO Uptown

3. Cecconi's Dumbo

4. The Smith - East Village

5. Quality Meats

6. Joe Allen

7. RH Guesthouse, The Dining Room

8. Lafayette

9. Piccola Cucina Osteria - Spring St.

10. Novitá - New York City, Manhattan

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