Times Square inย New York Cityย is pure excitementโflashing lights, lively crowds, and your kids bubbling over with anticipation for a Broadway night.ย
But before your show begins, there’s one big question: What are theย best restaurantsย in theย heart of Times Squareย to take the kids to eat?ย
You need a place thatโs fun, family-friendly, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Donโt worry, weโve got just the answer!
Here are 9 restaurants near Times Square that your kids will happily applaud (and maybe even give a standing ovation).
Looking for a complete Broadway experience?
Pair your pre-show meal with a stay at one of the Most Spacious Places to Stay in Manhattan, perfect for families.
1 Ellen's Stardust Diner
Enjoy dinner and a show at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
If your kids love a bit of Broadway magic, Ellen’s Stardust Diner in Times Square is the perfect way to kick off the evening.
Located at 1650 Broadway (betweenย West 50th Streetย andย West 51st Street), this retro-style diner has delivered lively, musical dining experiences for over 30 years.
The singing waitstaffโperforming everything from Broadway hits to classic tunesโkeeps the energy high while serving up classic American dishes in a fun 1950s setting.
Itโs an entertaining, high-energy spot that will have your kids clapping along before the big show even begins.
What Makes It Special: Singing waitstaff that entertains throughout your meal.
Why Kids Love It: The live performances and a menu full of favorites like burgers and fries.
Must-Try Items: Milkshakes, burgers, and classic diner desserts.
Vibe: Retro and theatricalโperfect for kids who love a little drama!
Reservations: No Reservations Accepted
Looking to extend your NYC day without breaking the bank?
Explore our comprehensive guide on 51+ Free Things to Do in Manhattanย for budget-friendly adventures the whole family will enjoy.
2 Sugar Factory Times Square
Rainbow pancakes at the Sugar Factory: a sweet, colorful dream come true!
Step into a world of color, sugar, and over-the-top treats at Sugar Factory Times Square, located atย 694 Eighth Ave (between West 44th Street and 45th Street.)ย
Known for their outrageousย frozen concoctionsย and larger-than-life desserts, this spot is sure to be a hit with kids. Itโs theย perfect spotย to treat the kids before heading to a show, especially if they have a sweet tooth.
What Makes It Special: Huge, over-the-top desserts and a colorful, lively atmosphere.
Why Kids Love It: The creative milkshakes, rainbow pancakes, candy-themed drinks, and vibrant decor.
Must-Try Items: The King Kong Sundae, crazy milkshakes, and rainbow sliders.
Vibe: Playful and indulgentโa sugar-filled adventure perfect for little dessert lovers.
Reservations: Reservations Accepted at Sugar Factory Times Square
3 Becco
The unlimited daily pasta special at Becco is a NYC favorite.
For families that love Italian foodโand plenty of itโBecco is a fantastic pick in theย theater district.ย
Located at 355 West 46th Street (between 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue), this cozy, family-style spot offers unlimited table-side servings of their three daily pasta dishes, plus Insalata Cesare (their take on a classic Caesar salad) and Antipasto Misto (a delicious assortment of marinated and grilled vegetables with seafood).ย
All of this comes at a great value of $36.95 per person, and they even have an impressive list of $40 wine bottles to go along with your meal.ย
If unlimited pasta isn’t quite your style, you can also order from their regular menu. Itโs a welcoming, fun atmosphereโperfect for a pre-theater feast that will leave both kids and adults happily full.
What Makes It Special: Unlimited pasta trio and affordable wine list.
Why Kids Love It: The variety of pasta dishes and the generous family-style portions.
Must-Try Items: The daily pasta special and tiramisu.
Vibe: Warm and family-friendlyโa great spot to fill up before the big show.
Reservations: Reservations Accepted at Beccoย
After a bustling day in the city, retreat to comfort.
Discover our curated list of Spacious Places to Stay in Manhattanย that cater to families seeking room to relax.
4 Momโs Kitchen & Bar
Fuel up before the show! Kid-friendly bites and fun vibes at Mom's Kitchen & Bar.
With its nostalgic ’90s vibeโcomplete with retro decor and classic tunesโMom’s Kitchen & Bar is a fun, family-friendly spot located at 701 9th Avenue (between West 47th Street and 48th Street) inย Hell’s Kitchen.
Serving up comfort food with a fun twist, this place is known for its generous portions and creative milkshakes.
The lively, diner-like atmosphere makes it an ideal place to fuel up before heading to a Broadway show, with the theater district just a short walk away.
What Makes It Special: Inventive comfort food like chicken and waffles and crazy milkshakes.
Why Kids Love It: The fun milkshakes topped with candy and kid-friendly comfort dishes.
Must-Try Items: The “Mac Daddy” burger and ANY of their loaded milkshakes.
Vibe: Lively, fun, and perfect for families who love comfort food with a twist.
Reservations: No Reservations Accepted
5 Junior's Restaurant
Junior's has been a New York City staple for over 70 years.
A New York City staple since the 1950’s, Junior’s Restaurant at 1626 Broadway (between 49th and West 50th Street) is famous for its legendary cheesecake, and classic diner fare.ย
Junior’s also has a location onย 45th Street, so youโve got options when you’re in Times Square.ย
The bright, bustling atmosphere and hearty menu make Junior’s a go-to spot for families looking for a bite before a show.ย
With everything from burgers and Reubens to mountain-high sundaes, thereโs truly something for everyone. And, of course, kids of all ages will love ending the meal with a slice of theย famous cheesecakeย that made Junior’s a New York icon.
What Makes It Special: Classic NYC diner experience with famous cheesecake in the heart of Times Square.
Why Kids Love It: Comfort food favorites like burgers, fries, and grilled cheese.
Must-Try Items: The original cheesecake, iconic Reuben sandwiches, and classic burgers.
Vibe: Busy and classicโa true New York experience thatโs perfect for kids.
Reservations: No reservations are accepted, but you can Join the Virtual Waitlist on the Junior’s Website
6 Tonyโs Di Napoli
Large tables and large portions await at Tony's Di Napoli in Times Square.
Tony’s Di Napoli, at 147 West 43rd Street (between 6th Avenue and Broadway), serves up Italian-American classics in huge, family-style portionsโthink heaping plates of chicken parm and spaghetti.ย
With its lively, bustling atmosphere, Tony’s is one of theย best restaurantsย for families wanting a hearty, shared meal before a Broadway show. Itโs warm, itโs welcoming, and thereโs plenty of food to go around.
What Makes It Special: Family-style Italian dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Why Kids Love It: The big portions, friendly staff and endless bread keep everyone happy.
Must-Try Items: Chicken parmigiana, spaghetti and meatballs, and “Mile High Tiramisu”.
Vibe: Energetic and welcomingโaย great placeย to gather the whole family before a show.
Reservations: Reservations can be made on Tony’s Di Napoli’s Times Square Website.
7 Benihana
Kids will love the flaming tricks and delicious dishes at Benihana in NYC.
For a dinner thatโs also a show, Benihana is one of theย best restaurantsย for family entertainment inย New York City.
At this Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, chefs cook right at your table, dazzling everyone with tricks and comedyโbecause who doesnโt love seeing a shrimp fly through the air or an onion volcano burst into flames?ย
Located at 47 West 56th St (between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue), Benihana is an exciting spot that will keep your kids entertained and make dinner before the theater an experience to remember.
What Makes It Special: Skilled Teppan chefs cook your meal at the tableโdinner is a show!
Why Kids Love It: The interactive cooking experience, funny tricks, and a dedicated Kabuki Kid’s Menu.
Must-Try Items: Hibachi chicken, fried rice, and their signature onion soup.
Vibe: Entertaining and interactiveโperfect for families looking for dinner with an exciting and delicious show.
Reservations: Reservations can be made on the Benihana Website.
8 Gayle's Broadway Rose
Enjoy the "Singing Servers" at Gayl'es Broadway Rose in Times Square.
Located at the Edison Hotel, 228 West 47th Street (between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue), Gayle’s Broadway Rose is a lively spot where aspiring Broadway stars serve your food while singing show tunes.ย
The sleek, modern dining area has a bright, open layout, creating an inviting space that matches the energy of the talented performers.ย
Expect lots of singing, plenty of fun, and a classic menu with burgers, fries, and crazy milkshakes!
Gayle’s Broadway Rose is the perfect place for getting everyone in the mood for a big night on Broadway.
What Makes It Special: Singing servers performing Broadway hits.
Why Kids Love It: The live singing creates a fun, immersive experience.
Must-Try Items: The short rib breakfast burger, broccoli falafel, and their famous milkshakes.
Vibe: Playful and musicalโa perfect warm-up for the Broadway show ahead.
Reservations: Reservations can be made on the Gayle’s Broadway Rose Website.ย
9 Lillie's Times Square
The whimsical decor changes seasonally at Lillie's
Located at 249 West 49th Street (betweenย Eighth Avenueย and Broadway), Lillieโs is a Victorian-themed restaurant with lavish decor that feels straight out of a fairytale.ย
Ornate lighting, intricate woodwork, ever-changing decor, and vintage touches create a magical atmosphere that kids will love.
With a variety of kid-friendly dishes, itโs an excellent spot for families looking to make their pre-show meal truly memorable.
What Makes It Special: Ornate Victorian decor thatโs like stepping into another era. The ever-changing holiday decor at Lillie’s is over the top, to say the least.
Why Kids Love It: The whimsical setting and classic dishes like fish and chips.
Must-Try Items: Fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and their signature desserts.
Vibe: Elegant yet family-friendlyโa magical setting that adds a bit of wonder to your theater night.
Reservations: Reservations can be made on the Lillie’s Times Square Website.
Visit the Best Restaurants Near Times Square for Kids
No matter what your kids loveโwhether itโs singing servers, giant milkshakes, or endless bowls of pastaโthese restaurants near Times Square are guaranteed to make the pre-show experience just as exciting as the main event.ย
Pick your favorite spot, enjoy a delicious meal, and watch your kids light up with excitement.ย
Dinner and a show?ย
Sounds like a standing ovation is in order for an unforgettable family night inย New York City!
Looking for even more ways to entertain the kids in NYC? Check out our Guide to the Coolest Museums in Manhattan thatโll spark their curiosity and sense of adventure.
