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Best Family Friendly Favorites Restaurants in Midtown-Times Square

15 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

Our Top Pick
Junior's Restaurant & Bakery
Legendary New York–style cheesecake that’s deeply tied to Times Square nightlife.

Notable Picks

$$ Midtown-Times Square Bakery
Known city‑wide for creamy, fluffy New York–style cheesecake and a broad menu of diner classics, Junior’s remains a go‑to for late-night dessert and comfort food in Hell’s Kitchen. Its bustling, no-frills setting draws both tourists and longtime locals looking for reliable portions and quality cheesecake slices.
Must-Try Dishes: Original Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Carrot Cake Cheesecake
What makes it special: Legendary New York–style cheesecake that’s deeply tied to Times Square nightlife.
$$$$ Midtown-Times Square
A long-running Carnegie Hall neighbor with a sprawling, art-filled dining room and strong private-event chops. The menu is classic Italian-American done with care, perfect for festive multi-generation gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes: Antipasto Bar Selection, Veal Parmigiana, Burrata-Stuffed Ravioli
What makes it special: Big-room Italian institution with multiple private dining setups.
$$$ Midtown-Times Square Pizza
Old-school coal-oven institution near Carnegie Hall turning out char-kissed, thin-crust pies with a crisp snap. It’s dependable for families who want a sit-down Midtown meal with classic Italian sides.
Must-Try Dishes: Coal Oven Margherita, Pepperoni Pie, Chicken Parmigiana
What makes it special: Coal-oven technique delivers that smoky Midtown classic.
$$ Midtown-Times Square Italian
Legendary family-style Southern Italian since 1990, serving wedding feast-sized portions under candelabra chandeliers. With over 32,000 OpenTable reviews and consistent 4.6 stars, this 500-seat institution has proven staying power for groups seeking shareable classics.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rigatoni alla Vodka
What makes it special: Massive family-style portions that make every meal feel like an Italian wedding
$$ Midtown-Times Square
Lively Cuban‑American dining with shareable plates and a fun, energetic atmosphere that appeals to kids and adults alike. The menu mixes kid‑friendly comfort food with classic Cuban flavors, making it a solid pick for families heading to a show or exploring Midtown. Guests often praise the generous portions and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes: Cuban sandwich, Rice and beans with plantains, Chicken fingers & fries
What makes it special: Cuban‑style dishes and vibrant atmosphere that works for both kids and grown‑ups.
8.3
$$$ Midtown-Times Square Mediterranean
A warm, family-run Turkish restaurant that balances homestyle comfort with careful technique. Expect juicy shish kebabs, fragrant rice plates, and a steady stream of regulars who treat it like their Midtown dining room.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb shish kebab, Iskender kebab, Manti
What makes it special: Classic Turkish cooking with notably hospitable service.
$$$$ Midtown-Times Square French
A Times Square bistro that’s been feeding the theater set for decades, balancing Parisian staples with an all-day, crowd-friendly menu. Expect solid steak frites, crêpes, and a buzzy room that still feels warmly local.
Must-Try Dishes: Steak frites, Boeuf bourguignon, Nutella crêpe with strawberries
What makes it special: Classic bistro cooking in the heart of Times Square without the gimmicks.
$$ Midtown-Times Square American
Pershing Square is a bustling all-day American bistro under the Park Avenue Viaduct opposite Grand Central, best known for generous breakfasts and brunch plates. Thousands of reviews praise its fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict, and lively, sunlit room that works for tourists and office regulars alike.
Must-Try Dishes: Buttermilk Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Brioche French Toast
What makes it special: Iconic bistro under the viaduct serving big American breakfasts, brunch, and all-day classics across from Grand Central.
$$ Midtown-Times Square Pizza
Classic New York‑style pies with generous slices and take‑out friendly service, favored by locals and theater‑goers alike. It delivers consistent, affordable pizza without the frills — a dependable staple for casual family meals downtown.
Must-Try Dishes: Large cheese slice, Pepperoni pie, Stromboli
What makes it special: Old‑school NY‑style slices and pies at consistent quality and low price.
$$ Midtown-Times Square Italian
Family-run Theater District staple since 1991 with homemade pastas and sauces made fresh daily. Nearly 3,000 Yelp reviews attest to consistent quality at reasonable prices, making it a neighborhood favorite for pre-show dining.
Must-Try Dishes: Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Rigatoni alla Trecolori, Homemade Tiramisu
What makes it special: Family-owned 30+ years with everything made fresh in-house daily
$$ Midtown-Times Square Italian
Southern Neapolitan family-style dining with old-school Italian American ambiance featuring chandeliers and checkered tablecloths. Over 20 years of serving gargantuan portions of chicken parm and spaghetti with meatballs has earned a loyal following.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Veal Francese
What makes it special: Theatrical family-style service with enormous portions meant for sharing

Worthy Picks

$ Midtown-Times Square Pizza
A no‑frills slice shop known for cheap, quick pizza slices — ideal for a budget‑friendly, casual family meal near 48th Street. It’s not fancy, but consistent for straightforward pizza when you want convenience and value.
Must-Try Dishes: Plain cheese slice, Pepperoni slice, Veggie slice
What makes it special: Budget‑priced slices for quick meals near Times Square.
$$ Midtown-Times Square Italian
The country's largest pizzeria occupies a stunning 19th-century church with original stained glass windows, serving thin-crust brick oven pizza since 1997. Seating 400 in the soaring nave makes it ideal for groups before Broadway shows.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic Cheese Pizza, Sausage and Peppers Pizza, Garlic Knots
What makes it special: Pizzeria in a converted church with stunning stained glass architecture
$ Midtown-Times Square Bakery
A bright, counter-service sweets shop in the thick of Times Square specializing in cupcakes, cake slices, and custom-style treats. It’s a dependable stop for a quick sugar hit, with vegan and gluten-free options that broaden the appeal.
Must-Try Dishes: Red Velvet Cupcake, NY-style Cheesecake slice, Assorted Cake Pops
What makes it special: Fast, varied cake-and-cupcake case with dietary options.
$ Midtown-Times Square Pizza
A compact Midtown slice counter steps from Rockefeller Center, popular for fast, no-frills pies. The Sicilian options and hearty topping combos make it an easy family stop between sightseeing.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo Chicken Slice, Sicilian Pepperoni Slice, Regular Cheese Slice
What makes it special: Reliable Midtown slices with strong Sicilian tray lineup.