janisj

I'm doing the Top of the Rock next week - late afternoon. Thought it might be good to have a late-ish lunch right at Rockefeller Center. The website lists lots but the majority are fast food or 'fast casual'. But looks like there are also a few nicer options w/i the complex. Any recommendations?

Or someplace in the immediate area? I'm flying in on the red eye that morning / may not be up for a late evening/major dinner, so lunch will probably be my main meal that day.

Looking for somewhere nice - most any sort of food.

HappyTrvlr

Brasserie Ruhlmann is opposite the skating rink,so near TOTR. Very good food.

HappyTrvlr

There is also a food court on Rock Center's lower level.

janisj

Yes - I saw about the food court - trying to avoid that sort of thing. Brasserie Ruhlmann seems just what I'm looking for. Thanks. Since I'd probably get there around 3PM which is pretty late for lunch, do you think I'd need to book?

doug_stallings

I particularly like Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote at 52nd and Lexington, a few blocks east of Rock Center. But it serves just one thing: a prix-fixe meal of salad with vinaigrette and walnuts, followed by sliced sirloin steak with special sauce and fries (divided into two servings), as well as a selection of good cheap wine and pretty good desserts. But there are no choices for the meal. It's steak, salad, fries or nothing.

HappyTrvlr

I would think you'd be OK without a reservation but you never know if there is a big function going on or something like that. Why don't you call or email them to be sure. The last time we ate there was in the summer, sat outside and did not have a reservation for lunch.

IMDonehere

This a tough neighborhood for a food value restaurant. On the inexpensive side-Bill's Burgers on W 51.

On the expensive side The Modern at MoMA.

And a place that is developing a good reputation:

E and E grill house.

http://www.eegrillhouse.com/

doug_stallings

Actually, the Modern us a brilliant idea, though it generally requires a reservation. But if you order carefully and limit the wine, it's no more expensive than Brasserie Ruhlmann, at least in the Bar Room. The food is great.

janisj

I originally considered the Modern - but according to its website lunch is only served til 2PM

Surfergirl

Janis, we did that right before we left NYC in November. I wouldn't necessarily poo poo the food courts -- it was NOT like the food courts at the local mall.

I know the other recommendations are more what you're looking for, but you should at least take a look!