10 Lunch Spots Around 30 Rock

While NYC may be the city that never sleeps, New Yorkers also gotta eat. Today’s stop on the food tour is the neighborhood around 30 Rockefeller Plaza, home to the iconic Fifth Avenue shopping destination and The Travel Agency’s newest location. This midtown area serves up international icons and local favorites. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll be sure to find your fixings.

1. Rainbow Room

After you’ve taken in the breathtaking view of the whole city from Top of the Rock at 30 Rock, head to another iconic scene: The Rainbow Room. It still has all the views, but this glamor parlor offers the most delectable dishes.

The famed filet mignon “Maréchale” has been a NY favorite since 1934. If that doesn’t wet your palate, there are also the likes of salmon Wellington, lobster pot pie with truffles, butternut squash panna cotta, and other courses fit for royalty. So if you want to dine like dignitaries, presidents, and celebs, treat yourself to the Rainbow Room.

Distance from The Travel Agency: 2 blocks and 1 avenue

2. Alidoro – Rockefeller Plaza

For a more down-to-earth luncheon, head below 30 Rock. More specifically, make your way to Under 30 Rock, the subterranean food and shopping haven found by the Rockefeller rink. And because you can never go wrong with Italian, a go-to destination is Alidoro.

Alidoro is a NY staple dating back three decades and is still making Italian-inspired sandwiches. Hot, cold, with prosciutto, with fresh cheeses, sweet and hot peppers — every taste bud is excited. You can build your sandwich or go with Alidoro’s headliner: the Italian cheesesteak. It’s made with rosemary-braised roast beef, provolone, sauteed mushrooms, and — of course — truffle cream.

Distance from The Travel Agency: Half an avenue

3. Fuku

Every New Yorker knows Momufuku. But not everyone knows about Fuku, David Chang’s fried chicken joint. If you haven’t had the thigh-meat-based, spicy fried chicken sandwich, you’re missing out. Mixing Asian and American culinary influences, Fuku also has slushies, nuggets (even vegetarian ones!), a variety of waffle fries, and other mouthwatering chicken sandos on the menu.

Distance from The Travel Agency: 1 block and 1 avenue

4. Mitr

This Thai hot spot is worth the reservation you have to make. Mitr is known to be one of the best Thai restaurants in the city. Every plate is full of authentic flavors and quality ingredients, so even a basic pad Thai is anything but. Thankfully, Mitr also offers takeout because the lunch rush is very real here.

Distance from The Travel Agency: 1.5 blocks and half an avenue

5. Lil Zeus Lunch Box

Eat like a god among the locals at Lil Zeus Lunch Box. A landmark since 2015, this lunch truck can usually be found on W 50th Street and 6th Avenue. You can’t go wrong with their souvlaki platters — but you can make the mistake of showing up late. The line tends to go around the block.

Distance from The Travel Agency: 2 blocks and 1 avenue

6. INDAY – Rockefeller

Founded by native New Yorker Basu Ratnam, INDAY’s menu is full of vibrant, home-cooked style Indian treasures with modern twists. The menu is truly filled with joyful dishes that follow one rule: good karma, good ingredients, and good vibes. We can get behind that.

The food is sustainably sourced and cooked with mindfulness. So whether you’re having a roasted kebab, homemade breads, fresh curries, or classically inspired salad, INDAY will leave you feeling GOOD.

Distance from The Travel Agency: Literally around the corner

7. Smith & Mills

Want to travel across the Mediterranean but also back in time? Welcome to Smith & Mills. An extraordinary raw bar, sunny small plates, exquisite oysters, and classic cocktails are all headliners on the menu. The kitchen takes a break from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., so be on time for lunch.

This timeless, otherworldly restaurant is as much sightseeing for your taste buds as a feast for your eyes. The ambiance is chef’s kiss with the just-right moody lighting and turn-of-the-century architectural details.

Distance from The Travel Agency: 1 block and 1 avenue

8. Yama Ramen

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag a seat at Yama Ramen, a Japanese eatery known for slinging authentic ramen and delicately preparing sushi. The menu is a mix of traditional and modern — but it’s all one-of-a-kind. The broths are rich and savory and the noodles are the perfect thickness. You’ll also find katsu, kimchi, bento boxes, chirashi, heavenly buns, and much more.

Distance from The Travel Agency: 1 avenue

9. Magnolia Bakery – Rockefeller Center

Another NY classic has an outpost in 30 Rock. Magnolia Bakery may have risen to fame with a 2001 Sex and the City episode, but it has become so much more for NYC. Classic desserts such as cheesecake or muffins are only topped by their celebrity-akin banana pudding. And if you’ve never had a red velvet, well, anything from Magnolia Bakery, your sweet tooth must’ve been pulled already.

Distance from The Travel Agency: 1 block and 1 avenue

10. Café Grumpy – Rockefeller Center

After you’ve finished your world tour, be sure to grab a cup of coffee to continue the day. Greenpoint’s very own Café Grumpy, which has an output under 30 Rock, roasts their beans in small batches on a vintage Probat roaster — and you can taste the difference.

The independent and women-owned cafe also nourishes their long-term relationships with the families who grow the beans in Central and South America as well as East Africa. It’s a most refreshing wake-up for your food coma.

Distance from The Travel Agency: 2 blocks and 1 avenue

Opt for the two-joint lunch at The Travel Agency

Replace the two-martini lunch habit. We have hundreds of options to choose from at The Travel Agency — Fifth Avenue, just around the corner from some of the city’s most delectable lunch spots. Whether your style is a quick preroll break or sipping on a THC-infused drink, we’ll get you ready to go in a New York minute. Order ahead at The Travel Agency for even faster service — and an even shorter wait time for lunch.