They say “there’s no business like show business,” that “everything about it is appealing,” and “nowhere could you get that happy feeling.” But what about dinner and a show? For us, that’s New York at its best. Just like the city’s panoramic food scene, Broadway has something for everyone, from adult dramas to pitch-perfect musicals. So why not pair those high notes with haute cuisine or a dazzling dance number with a delicious dish?

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before a matinee or a five-course capstone to follow an evening show, these Rockefeller Center restaurants have you covered. Read on for where to eat before or after a Broadway show, and the play that makes the perfect pairing.

5 Acres

Add even more Illinois flavor to Chicago. 5 Acres is a nod to chef Greg Baxtrom’s Midwestern roots. Named for his family farm in Illinois, the restaurant serves up creative American fare with a twist, like their Wisconsin cheddar burger and BLT focaccia bread. It's also the perfect appetizer to Chicago, the longest-running show on Broadway right now. Since its 1996 revival, this show has staged over 11,000 performances; expect an iconic score, choreography, and an irresistible narrative. And if you don’t have time for a seated bite, theater buffs can get something on the run from the 5 Acres to-go kiosk located at the Rink Level.

NARO

We love a new twist on something old. At NARO, traditional ingredients and techniques from Korean cuisine are updated for a contemporary crowd. Classic dishes like bibimbap are served alongside updated fare like Naengchae, a cold noodle salad. The menu is also peppered with inventive items like a lime, hibiscus, and rhubarb sorbet and an icy beef tartare. Theatergoers can continue their tour of classics reworked for our times with Gypsy. Originally created by Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne, and Stephen Sondheim, the musical revival features 6-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald in the leading role alongside an all-star cast that elevates this dream-chasing tale to new heights.

Smith & Mills

Let the carefully crafted mood envelope you at Smith & Mills, a cocktails and small plates bar that originated in Tribeca. The restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and drinks at its Rockefeller Center location, and menu items range from West Coast oysters to a Mediterranean tuna sandwich. Its moody interior draws inspiration from the Bauhaus and Constructivism movements and includes notable details such as plush velvet banquettes and a stunning oblong bar.

If you want to continue your tour of atmospheric, German-inflected interiors, be sure to check out Cabaret, the latest revival of the storied musical starring Adam Lambert. Set in 1930s Berlin, the show explores the changing culture of the city in the face of the Nazi party’s rise. Reimagined by Tom Scutt, the theater and costume design nods to the decadence of pre-war Berlin, and details including a sculpted eye with a disco ball center create an immersive, cinematic experience.

Le Rock

The team behind the perennially cool Balthazar and the beloved bistro Frenchette know how to deliver on a meal. With Le Rock, their newest endeavor, they bring their signature brand of French cuisine to Rockefeller Center. The Art Deco-inspired interior is glamorous without being stuffy, and according to New York Times critic Pete Wells, “The menu has a sense of adventure for which you usually have to go downtown.”

Speaking of cool, is there anything more eternally hip than a ‘70s rock band? In Stereophonic, the most Tony-nominated play of all time, a rock band on the rise navigates impending fame while recording a new album. The play immerses viewers in the world of 1970s music and features an original score by Will Butler of Arcade Fire. For a night out – or daytime lark – tap into your inner cool kid with a seat at both.

Jupiter

Jupiter describes itself as a restaurant “meant to celebrate every mood and moment.” From big milestones to an evening out with friends, the restaurant woos every diner with its handmade pasta and a focus on the new generation of Italian winemakers. Showgoers can enjoy a leisurely lunch or a quick bite at the bar before continuing the revelry over on Broadway. According to Variety, SIX: The Musical “is a solid ‘10’ for joy.” Told from the perspective of Henry VII’s infamous six wives, the show is a lively production presented as a singing competition. When it comes to good vibes, Jupiter and Six are the queens of our hearts.

Lodi

Lodi is an all-day caffé and bar that does everything, from espresso and pastries to antipasti and pasta, beautifully. Inspired by Italian aperitivo culture and run by Micheliin-starred chef Ignacio Mattos, Lodi serves up a slice of Italy in a sleek interior that echoes the Art Deco architecture of its surroundings. Continue your tour of Italy with Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare’s infamous play about dueling families in Verona is made new again in director Sam Gold’s production. Starring award-winning youngsters Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler and featuring music by Jack Antonoff, the play injects a youthful energy into well-worn subject matter.

Pebble Bar

If the walls of Pebble Bar could talk… Located in a legendary townhouse on 49th Street, this watering hole is a piece of New York History. Standing since the late 1800s, the townhouse has seen the likes of Johnny Carson, Jack Kerouac, David Letterman, and many more pass through its doors over the decades. Formerly home to Hurley’s, it was relaunched by longtime New Yorkers as Pebble Bar in 2022. With a stylish interior and seafood-centric menu, it’s an ode to New York where you can eat, drink, and maybe even spot a celebrity or two.

For a full-blown New York-centric day, Hell’s Kitchen is the perfect pairing. The award-winning play, featuring music by Alicia Keys, is a coming