The Rockefeller Center is one of the most popular places in New York City and its Christmas tree is one of the most iconic NYC sights. For those visiting the city, what better way to enjoy the tree than to eat at a restaurant overlooking it. Each of these restaurants also serves great cocktails, so you can even just stop by for a drink and a short rest. These spots offer the perfect opportunity to warm up on cold wintry days. And the restaurants are just as enjoyable in the summertime! So, take a look at these top restaurants with a view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and enjoy. Take it up a notch, too, and stay at a hotel or one of the top hotels with rooftop bars in New York City!
1. Rock Center Café
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
The Rock Center Café is a hot spot in NYC. Open all day, you can stop here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even brunch! The menu is updated seasonally, so you will always find fresh new items to enjoy. House-crafted cocktails and top city brews are available in the cozy lounge atmosphere. Original Andy Warhol prints can be found decorating the walls inside. This restaurant overlooking Rockefeller Center’s ice skating rink is top-notch. Just a short walk from Times Square and open 365 days a year, the Rock Center Café is a great spot to stop, any time of day or year.
Rock Center Café
Address: 20 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020
Website: Rock Center Café
Average price for 2: 62-120 USD
2. The Terrace Club
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
The Terrace Club offers a menu with innovative American food and everything is seasonal and freshly made, often using locally sourced ingredients. Always be sure to ask about the specials because they change often! Breakfast is full of flavorful creations, lunch has savory salads and sandwiches, and dinner offers an impressive selection of entrées. Follow that up with a tasty dessert and you’re sure to leave satisfied. The setting is relaxing, with views overlooking Midtown Manhattan. This restaurant near Rockefeller Center overlooks St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Radio City Music Hall. It’s a great place to relax after a long day of work or sightseeing.
The Terrace Club
Address: 25 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Website: The Terrace Club
Average price for 2: 22-60 USD
3. Brasserie Ruhlmann
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Brasserie Ruhlmann offers casual elegance in the busy flurry of Manhattan. Its location in the Rockefeller Plaza, one of the famous buildings in New York City, makes it an ideal spot to stop in the midst of sightseeing or after work. It’s even a great place to enjoy a business lunch or a holiday celebration. For those interested, private events can also be arranged here. The dining area is brightly lit, decorated with mahogany wood, red velvet chairs, and white tablecloths. Happy hour is every Monday through Friday, 5 pm until 7 pm, with a wide selection of 9 USD craft cocktails available. The large terrace at Brasserie Ruhlmann is situated right in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Be sure to enjoy it, any time of year.
Brasserie Ruhlmann
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza
Website: Brasserie Ruhlmann
Average price for 2: 60-120 USD
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4. The Sea Grill
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
The Sea Grill offers some of the best seafood in the city and has been in business for nearly 30 years, which is a testament to its excellence. Its raw bar and flawless sushi selection are favorites in Midtown, available for lunch and dinner. The interior is roomy, high-end, and comfortable and the space was designed by the famous restaurant designer, Adam Tihany. Monday through Saturday afternoons, the bar at the Sea Grill turns into a Sushi and Sake Lounge. Guests can enjoy a wide range of menu options that range from classic to innovative sushi and sashimi. The year-round views of Rockefeller Center are impressive and reason enough to visit. The Sea Grill is one of the best seafood restaurants around Rockefeller Center.
The Sea Grill
Address: Rockefeller Center, 19 W 49th St, New York City, New York 10020
Website: The Sea Grill
Average price for 2: 60-120 USD
New York City Tour Guide
Hiram Jacobs
I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participated in tours organized by private tour companies to China, Russia, South America, India, the Canadian Rockies, Israel, Japan's major cities; USA: Alaska, Arizona and Utah's scenic national National Parks . I received my Master of Arts in Political Science (Urban Administration) from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, Brockport, New York in 1978. Since my recent retirement from the MTA, New York City Transit Authority, after 39 years of service as an Associate Transit Management Analyst, I hope to share with my fellow Travelers my observations, insights and personal experiences relating to Manhattan’s iconic neighborhoods, landmarks and popular attractions that make New York City such a vibrant and dynamic city to visit. I will strive to make your New York City Experience memorable. Tour Cancellations - Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to the tour date in order to cancel your booking and to receive a full refund.
Tours by Hiram
New York City Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe has one of the largest selections of wine in the city, with 75 different wines by the glass available. The Morrell Rare Wine Vault even has some of the most difficult to find bottles in the world! The cafe opened in 1999, becoming the first wine bar in the city whose aim was to serve a variety of wines by the glass. The unrivaled collection of wines, along with the expertise at Morrell’s, makes it a destination for wine lovers from all over the world. In 2014, Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe was awarded the World’s Best By-the-Glass Wine List by the World of Fine Wine. For the wine lovers out there, this is a stop you won’t want to miss!
Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe
Address: 1 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020
Website: Morrell Wine Bar & Cafe
Average price for 2: 60-120 USD
Dinner with a view
These hot spots offer great views of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. So, whether you stop in for a drink or for dinner, be sure to stop by these Rockefeller Center restaurants with a view of these beautiful landmarks, and take time soaking up this iconic NYC sight. There are also brunch buffet spots and dessert spots all around the city, too. so don’t forget to check them out.
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