New York City Travel Forum

I am seeking suggestions where to go to enjoy a Christmas lunch and dinner in New York City (2 different locations, please!). I will be staying at the Marriott Courtyard Times Square, but will be able to get around easily enough on foot/by bus/via subway etc. Wasn't sure where to look online for restaurants that would be open on Christmas day--last year we hit Vegas and everything was open (so cool!). Not too expensive, but hopefully happily memorable. Last year, we enjoyed Christmas lunch at Delmonico's in the Venetian (worth it!), so something along those lines would be nice (but perhaps less expensive?). We are two older women coming down from the Cold North (Edmonton, Canada) to enjoy a week at Christmas in New York.

It was Christmas Eve, when we decided to give the Rock Center Café a try. First we had another restaurant on our mind for dinner. We decided on the last minute to go to the Top of the Rock.

Rock Center Café is located at the Rockefeller Center. The restaurant is on the same level as the skating rink. When standing in front of the tree you have to take the elevator on the right side. When you step out of the elevator you’ll see the entrance of the restaurant. We asked the lady at the door how long we had to wait for a table and she said 20 minutes. I found that very acceptable. At the end it was a 30 minute wait.

We were very lucky, because our table was by the window with a fantastic view of the ice rink and the Christmas tree. Like I said, with this view on Christmas Eve, what more could you wish for. The only complaint was that the place is not very well ventilated. I was pretty cold during my dinner. I don’t know why it was cold, maybe because we were sitting by the window.

Most tables are close to the windows and give you enough privacy. It can be crowded when you sit in the middle of the restaurant. The light is good, not to bright and not to dark. There are candle lights on the tables. If you’re lucky you’ll witness a marriage proposal on the ice rink.

The restaurant serves their regular menu on Christmas Eve. On Christmas day they have a special Christmas menu. On Christmas Eve is on a first come – first served base.

I ordered the seared daily fish, which was Mahi-Mahi, served with braised trio of beans, chorizo and tomato ($27). It was good and tasteful. My spouse had the 10 oz. Filet Mignon, served with mashed potatoes, shiitake mushrooms and port wine reduction ($38). He wanted the Filet Mignon medium prepared, but when he got his Filet Mignon it turned out to be well-done. The waiter agreed with him and did take the plate back to the kitchen. In about 3 minutes or so, he came with a new Filet Mignon. My spouse looked at me and had his doubts because this was very fast. The waiter asked him to cut open the meat to see if it was right this time and it was. Overall the entrée was decent, but not the best we ate.

For dessert we both chose the Apple Strudel with vanilla whipped cream ($9). The Apple Strudel was a little bit cold. It must be warm when served.

Overall, the food isn't anything to write home about but the restaurant and view has a nice atmosphere. Location, location; It is all about the location. You can eat and be entertained by all the people skating or falling down (the first timers) on the ice outside.

Highly recommended for the view. Recommended for the food.

Use this link below for the pictures of Rock Center Café (scroll down to rock center and click on Photos):

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/8395d/cd624/2/

Sorry, I forgot to mention Opentable.com. This is a very goor site to make reservations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It's free to make reservations. The site offers also reviews and pictures and more information of thge restaurants!

Have fun!

I agree, opentable.com is wonderful. After our Thanksgiving holiday at the end of November, you'll see a list of restaurants offering Christmas meals, and you can make a reservation online easily. Not every restaurant uses opentable.com though. Another good site is menupages.com, with reviews and sample menus too. Just be aware that the prices are usually out of date on those sample menus. Still, it'll give you a good idea. And if a place isn't linked to opentable.com, you can just phone directly for reservations.

Rock Center Cafe is all about the view. The other restaurant that overlooks the skating rink is the Sea Grill. It's a nicer restaurant and the food is very good, but it's also expensive. You're really paying for the view at both restaurants, but I have to say it's worth it.

If it's open and available, I'd recommend the fabulous River Cafe for dinner. You'll have to spring for a taxi both ways (the restaurant will call one for you), as it sits under the Brooklyn Bridge, on the Brooklyn side. The food, while not haute cuisine, is really lovely, and they always treat you like it's a special occasion. The view of the downtown skyline and the famous Brooklyn Bridge is spectacular. It's my favorite special occasion place.

I'd try lunch at Cafe Gray, in the new Time Warner Bldg. at Columbus Circle. Though only on the 3rd floor, the view of Central Park South is gorgeous. And their food is exquisite! I also hear great things about Landmarc, but haven't seen it yet. For something different, I love Asiate, also in the Time Warner Center. It's on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Their cuisine is positively divine! French-Japanese fusion. And the views are great from up there too.

Anyway, browse through menupages.com to see the reviews and menus. If these don't appeal to you, tell me what might, and I'll put my thinking cap on for you.

I've heard about the River Cafe--I agree it sounds great! Hopefully they'll be open on Christmas day! If not, the other suggestions you folks have listed on this thread are wonderful, and I'll be checking out opentable.com and menupages after the Thanksgiving weekend in November. Keep the suggestions coming, though! :)