🍽️ NYC Foodie Guide: Best Restaurants Near Times Square

Irasshaimase! 🎉 Welcome to Pure Life Podcast — where we share authentic, first-hand foodie adventures from around the globe.

We just returned from a trip to New York City, and if you’re wondering where to eat around Times Square and Midtown Manhattan, we’ve got you covered. From high-energy Thai spots and sleek sushi bars to dramatic dining rooms and hidden gems, here’s our ultimate NYC foodie guide to the best restaurants near Times Square in 2025 — plus a few insider tips and affiliate travel hacks for your next visit.

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🥢 NYC Foodie Guide Pick 1: Buddakan – Dramatic Dining & Trendy Pan-Asian

Pure Life Podcast Take: Walking down the dramatic staircase into Buddakan feels like entering another world. The atmosphere is jaw-dropping, and the food is as trendy as the décor. Everything we tried was excellent, the drinks were strong and balanced, and service was fantastic. Great spot for a date night, client dinner, or special occasion.
What to Try: Pork & crab dumplings, Sichuan pork wontons, rack of lamb.
Insider Tip: Reserve ahead. This is not a last-minute walk-in type of place.
Ranking: Buddakan ranks consistently high on OpenTable and Yelp for both food and ambiance — expect $$$.

👉 Make a reservation: Book a table at Buddakan NYC

🍣 NYC Foodie Guide Pick 2: Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa – Omakase Worth the Wait

Pure Life Podcast Take: The line may test your patience, but once you’re seated, the omakase experience is flawless. The sushi is fresh, clean, and served with precision. Staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, making the long wait melt away.
What to Try: The “Trust Me” omakase sets (simple, perfect, no decision stress).
Insider Tip: No reservations. Show up early or in off-peak hours.
Ranking: Sugarfish is always trending — recognized by multiple foodie outlets as one of NYC’s best casual sushi experiences.

👉 Explore NYC food tours: Book your NYC sushi experience or food tour

🍨NYC Foodie Guide Pick 3: Venchi – Italian Chocolate & Gelato Paradise

Pure Life Podcast Take: Times Square can be chaotic, so stepping into Venchi feels like a sweet reset. The gelato is creamy, the chocolates divine, and the vibe is polished but fun. Perfect post-Broadway treat.
What to Try: Gianduja gelato, seasonal gelato flavors, hot chocolate.
Ranking: Consistently 4+ stars across Yelp and Google.

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🥭 NYC Foodie Guide Pick 4: Playa Bowls – Fresh & Energizing

Pure Life Podcast Take: Need something light and refreshing between meetings or shows? Playa Bowls nails it with fruity, colorful bowls that taste as good as they look. A great breakfast or lunch option when you want healthy but fun.
What to Try: Açai Energy Bowl, Mango Piña Colada Bowl.

🍜 NYC Foodie Guide Pick 5: Best Soba Near Times Square

We love soba and had to track down some Midtown gems. Here are three worth bookmarking:

Soba Noodle Azuma — Handmade noodles, great value, try the shrimp tempura soba.
Soba Totto — Cozy and elevated, a must for soba enthusiasts.
Sobaya — Michelin-recommended, traditional Japanese soba and udon.

🇮🇹 NYC Foodie Guide Pick 6: Pazza Notte – Italian Comfort & 2-for-1 Martinis

Pure Life Podcast Take: A charming Midtown Italian with great service and a solid wine selection. The 2-for-1 martinis are legendary 🍸, and the menu offers hearty, satisfying dishes. We loved the fig & goat cheese bruschetta and the warm vibe.
What to Try: Bruschetta, seafood pastas, chicken parm.
Insider Tip: A great pre-theater dinner spot if you’re looking for Italian comfort food.
Ranking: Around 3.7/5 overall — food is better than the average rating suggests.

👉 Enjoy Italian dining in NYC: Reserve tables or book Italian food tours here

🌟 More Top NYC Foodie Guide Places to Try

To complete your foodie adventure:

Carmine’s Italian 🍝 – Family-style Italian classics.
Keens Steakhouse 🥩 – Historic, iconic; order the mutton chop.
Los Tacos No. 1 🌮 – Street-style tacos that rival Mexico City.
Joe’s Pizza 🍕 – Quintessential New York slice.
The Lambs Club 🍷 – Elegant, modern American pre-theater dining.

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✅ NYC Foodie Guide Tips for Dining Near Times Square

Reservations: Book Buddakan, Carmine’s, Keens, and Lambs Club early.
Budget: Playa Bowls & Venchi = affordable. Buddakan & Keens = $$$.
Timing: Lunch hours mean shorter waits and smaller crowds.
Waiting: Sugarfish & Los Tacos No. 1 are worth the line.

💡 NYC Foodie Guide: Final Thoughts

Times Square isn’t just neon lights and tourist traps — it’s also a hub for authentic, exciting dining experiences. Whether you want a dramatic night out at Buddakan, sushi perfection at Sugarfish, or cozy curry at Topaz Thai, Midtown delivers.

🍣 Best Upscale Pick: Sugarfish or Buddakan
🌶️ Best Casual Pick: Topaz Thai
🍨 Best Dessert Pick: Venchi

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Disclaimer: Our blog contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you when you make a purchase through these links. Additionally, please be aware that all information on our blog is subject to change. We recommend checking the respective company websites for the most up-to-date information on hours of operation, locations, costs, etc..before planning your visit. Thank you for your support and understanding!

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