What is the best Friendly restaurant in Midtown East?

Piccola Cucina Uptown is our top pick for Friendly restaurants in Midtown East, scoring 8.8/10. High-energy Sicilian dining with serious pastas and a balcony setting.

Any insider tips for Piccola Cucina Uptown?

Request the upstairs balcony for a cozier, more romantic feel.

What should I order at Piccola Cucina Uptown?

Lasagna della Mamma Rosa, Pasta alla Norma, pistachio gelato

When should I visit Piccola Cucina Uptown?

Prime evenings, especially weeknights after 7pm

Who should go to Piccola Cucina Uptown?

Couples and small groups craving polished Sicilian pasta

Any insider tips for Serendipity 3?

Call ahead about record fries—they’re limited and must be pre-ordered.

What should I order at Serendipity 3?

World’s Most Expensive Fries, classic burger, Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.

When should I visit Serendipity 3?

Reserve off-peak weekdays; lines spike on weekends and holidays.

Who should go to Serendipity 3?

Tourists and celebratory groups chasing over-the-top desserts and fries.

Any insider tips for The Smith - Midtown?

Sit at the bar for faster refills, hot fries, and better people-watching.

What should I order at The Smith - Midtown?

Burger Royale with fries, Bar Steak, skillet mac and cheese.

When should I visit The Smith - Midtown?

Weekend brunch or early evening before peak after-work crowds.

Who should go to The Smith - Midtown?

Groups, dates, and business diners craving lively comfort food.

Any insider tips for Au Za'atar?

Ask to pace mezze and grill courses slowly so kids can graze and share.

When should I visit Au Za'atar?

Early dinner before peak crowds for easier seating.

Who should go to Au Za'atar?

Families who enjoy Middle Eastern flavors and big platters.

Any insider tips for LaVista Pizza ?

Check delivery apps for frequent discounts and combo deals.

What should I order at LaVista Pizza ?

Vodka slice, bruschetta hero, a vegan or gluten-free pie.

When should I visit LaVista Pizza ?

Late night or post-work when you need quick fuel.

Who should go to LaVista Pizza ?

Hungry locals needing fast, filling pizza on a budget.

Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Midtown East (10022)

5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Piccola Cucina Uptown

High-energy Sicilian dining with serious pastas and a balcony setting.

Notable Picks

#1 Piccola Cucina Uptown

8.8

$$$ Upper East Side (Lenox Hill)

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Instagram Worthy Wonders

Sicilian chef Philip Guardione’s Uptown outpost turns house-made pastas and baked dishes like Lasagna della Mamma Rosa into a polished, bustling experience steps from Central Park. Expect tightly packed tables, a balcony level, and a wine-forward crowd that treats this as both date-night spot and pre-park pasta stop.

Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna della Mamma Rosa, Pasta alla Norma, Spaghetti cacio e pepe

What makes it special: High-energy Sicilian dining with serious pastas and a balcony setting.

View Full Review →

#2 Serendipity 3

8.5

$ Upper East Side (Lenox Hill)

Vibes: Sweet Treats Escapes Birthday & Celebration Central Family Friendly Favorites Instagram Worthy Wonders

A whimsical Upper East Side institution since 1954, Serendipity 3 is a dessert-centric spot where families come for over-the-top sundaes and its famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. The savory menu is solid but secondary to the spectacle, making this a fun, special-occasion stop with kids who want a memorable treat.

Must-Try Dishes: World's Most Expensive Fries, Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffles, Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

What makes it special: Iconic dessert café where Guinness-certified luxury fries headline the splurge.

View Full Review →

#3 The Smith - Midtown

8.2

$$ Midtown East

Vibes: Brunch Bliss Spots Trendy Table Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Business Lunch Power Players

This bustling American brasserie is a go-to for families thanks to a broad menu, kid-specific options, and flexible seating that handles strollers and large groups. Expect lively noise levels, reliable comfort dishes, and streamlined service from brunch through late-night.

Must-Try Dishes: Burger Royale with fries, The Smith Bar Steak with fries, Skillet Mac & Cheese

What makes it special: High-volume Midtown brasserie where fries and burgers are a reliable anchor.

View Full Review →

#4 Au Za'atar

8.0

$$ Midtown East / Sutton Place

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven

Au Za'atar brings Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern cooking to Midtown East with shareable mezze, wraps, and large-format mixed grills that work well for family-style eating. Outdoor seating, extended hours, and flexible portions make it a good choice for groups with adventurous palates.

Must-Try Dishes: Mezzes Supreme, Za'atar Manakeesh, Mixed Grill Supreme Platter

What makes it special: Lebanese restaurant with a wide mezze and grill menu ideal for sharing.

View Full Review →

Worthy Picks

#5 LaVista Pizza

7.7

$ Midtown East

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries

LaVista Pizza is a late-night-friendly slice shop and neighborhood standby where families can grab pies, garlic knots, and pastas without ceremony. It’s primarily counter-service with limited seating, but portions are generous and prices are notably gentle for the area.

Must-Try Dishes: Vodka slice, Bruschetta hero, Vegan margherita slice

What makes it special: Dependable, budget-friendly slices with strong delivery and late-night hours.

View Full Review →