There’s a sad calculus that governs the quality of the restaurants that overlook great tourist sights. Usually the better the view, the poorer the food, for the simple reason that tourists will come whether or not the eatery does well by them. Miraculously, this formula doesn’t hold at Lodi, a very accomplished Milanese-style café that’s within snapshot distance of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Created by star chef Ignacio Mattos, it coddles sightseers at all hours of the day, thanks to the espresso counter at its heart—for quick pick-me-ups of high-quality java and house-baked pastries—and counter seats and tables both inside, and on the plaza, for those who’d like to linger over breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The food is Northern Italian and very authentic, which means it covers a number of dishes rarely served on this side of the pond, like a cloud-tender whipped chicken liver spread (pictured above), or a vegetarian entrée of caramelized cabbage with rice, truffles, and cheese. Excellent sausages, imported cheese and charcuterie, sandwiches, salads, soups and antipasto round out the menu. There’s no pasta, but you won’t miss it. Final perk: the handsome Art Deco design of Lodi is a perfect foil for Rockefeller Center, and a great background for selfies.
New York City
Travel Guide
New York City› Restaurant
Lodi
1 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center.
Pauline Frommer
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Rockefeller Center
Hours
Mon–Fri 8am–10:45am and 11:30am–9pm, Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 10am–7pm
Transportation
Subway: B, D, F to 47/50th St/Rockefeller Center
Prices
Entrees $13–$38
Cuisine Type
Italian
Web site
Lodi
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.