The Best Restaurants Near Rockefeller Center

Before hitting the ice skating rink and checking out the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, fuel up at one of these delicious restaurants nearby. From steak to ramen, Midtown has plenty to offer the tourist (or local) looking for a great dining experience. By Carly Petrone.

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If you're looking for a quick and hearty meal, look no further than Sapporo – the savory Japanese restaurant that has been serving up piping hot ramen since 1975. The space may be small but you'll get your order within minutes and you'll walk out full and happy. Definitely try their most popular dish – Miso Ramen – a blend of both red and white miso with rich toppings. They're also serving up Shio Ramen (sea salt), Shoyu Ramen (soy sauce), and Tan-Tan Men (sesame-spicy). Start your meal off with a plate of perfectly pan-fried pork and vegetable gyozas or deep fried chicken wings with sweet and spicy sauce. The non-ramen customer can also dig into other traditional Japanese items like Cha-han (fried rice) or Japanese Curry. Top off your meal with some dessert sake and you're ready to continue sight seeing. Warning: it's cash only so make sure to hit up the ATM first.

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Okay, the Halal Guys food truck may not be a "restaurant" but it's certainly a New York institution. There's a reason the line goes down the block. For $6 you can get a platter of chicken, lamb, or falafel over rice or in a gyro –and don't forget to top it with their signature white sauce. This meal can easily feed two but trust us, you'll want it all for yourself. If you're into spicy make sure to pick up a side of their hot sauce – just make sure you use it sparingly! Grab a seat on the corner and people watch or walk your "to-go" order to Rockefeller Center and make all of the other tourists jealous.

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If you're looking for a restaurant with a view of the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree, definitely stop into Morrell Wine Bar & Café. Known for its extensive wine list, this upscale establishment is the perfect place to unwind and take in the majestic views of the city. Get into the holiday spirit with a glass of mulled wine and pair it with a charcuterie selection. The dinner menu will keep you warm and cozy this winter season with delicious items like spaghetti carbonara with slow poached organic egg, "Surryano" ham, and herb pesto butter and braised short ribs with red wine spaetzle, black garlic purée, and hot italian sausage. Not sure what to pair your wine with? Their Sommelier Selections portion of the menu has taken care of it for you with recommended food pairings. Open for lunch and dinner.

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Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House is the perfect spot to take in New York City with views of Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. This three-story luxurious restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows and the atmosphere immediately makes you feel like you're in for a special meal. Sure, the menu is on the expensive side but it's a great place to splurge on a nice piece of steak or seafood. May we suggest the 8 oz. filet mignon or the bacon-wrapped sea scallops (in lobster-tomato butter jus)? Add on some savory sides like the potatoes au gratin, king crab gnocchi, or maque choux corn and you've got yourself a meal to remember. Just make sure you don't go into a food coma on your way out!

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Now is your chance to dine inside the Museum of Modern Art. Start out at the bar room and grab a cocktail – how about a glass of classic eggnog to kick off the holiday season? The non-drinkers can also sip on delicious concoctions like the Salty Hound (grapefruit, lime, chamomile and salt) or the Re-Fashioned (old-fashioned bitters, pomegranate and orange zest). Make your way over to the dining area and enjoy the Museum's courtyard as your backdrop. The contemporary design of the interior can only be matched by the superb plating of each dish – which looks like a work of art in itself. For lunch, try the tasty white truffle tortellini or the duck en chartreuse with gala apples and cabbage. Be adventurous at dinner and try their tasting menu ($128), which includes caviar, foie gras, halibut, chocolate, and more. Is this an art installation or a restaurant? You decide.

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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.