Local Dining
New York is a multi-cultural city, and there are many different dining options. For fine dining, Yelp is a great place to find many thoughtful and detailed reviews. Our list below includes some NYBG and BBG staff favorites for quick and affordable "bites."
It's always a good idea to bring cash with you when dining as some restaurants do not take cards. If you're not sure whether or not an establishment takes cards, call ahead.
**Meals listed on the conference schedule are included in the registration fee unless otherwise noted.** Registration aslo includes your ticket to the Friday banquet. However, you are able to add additional banquet tickets (for a friend, partner, spouse, etc.), if you wish during the registration process.
Near the Roosevelt Hotel (Manhattan)
This is a very limited list of the options available near the Roosevelt. A quick search on Yelp or Google Maps will turn up many additional dining possibilities. Note that reservations are not typically needed for lunch, and without a reservation for dinner you are sure to find somewhere to eat. However, if there is a restaurant in particular that you really want to try, make a reservation in advance.
- Dos Caminos - $$An affordable, new age twist on Mexican cuisine.
- Grand Central Market - $$There are a variety of dining options in the Market proper and in Grand Central Terminal. The Market offers high-quality grocery goods as well as limited to-go selections.
- Great Northern Food Hall - $$Scandinavian food court in Grand Central Terminal. Somewhat pricey for what it is, but still extremely convenient. Coffee and on-the-go breakfast options available.
- Grk - $$Grk offers affordable and tasty Greek food including salads and Greek yogurt (fresh or frozen) for dessert.
- Katsu-Hama - $$Japanese comfort food.
- Le Pain Quotidien - $$Bakery chain serving breakfast, coffee, and tea.
- Num Pang Kitchen - $Popular chain specializing in Banh Mi, Vietnamese sandwiches.
- Pershing Square Cafe - $$American (traditional) bistro across the street from Grand Central Terminal.
- Pokéworks - $$Busy and popular sushi burrito and poke bowl restaurant. Very limited seating.
- Urbanspace Vanderbilt - $$A stone's throw from the Roosevelt, Urbanspace Vanderbilt is a food hall with many delicious food and drink options. Try some Pad Thai while your dinner companion has some fish tacos or a burger--there are 22 booths to chose from! Nice for a group, although it can be very busy on Friday nights and the weekend.
- Urbanspace Vanderbilt - VendorsFor more information about specific vendors within the food hall, check out the official Urbanspace Vanderbilt website.
- Xi’an Famous Foods - $Excellent casual Xi'an (Chinese) food including hand-pulled noodles. Mostly counter-seating, so not advisable for groups.
- Yelp ManhattanUp to date reviews for many different Manhattan eateries. Great geo-location and helpful mapping features make it a good resource for finding food when you are on the go.
Near the Fordham Residence Halls (Bronx)
Fordham is close to Arthur Ave, the Bronx's Little Italy and premier dining district. There are many restaurants (fine dining and budget), as well as Italian delis, Mexican tacoritos, and the ever-popular Bronx Beer Hall at the Arthur Ave Market. Diners, coffee shops, and bodagos are around every corner to meet your breakfast needs including coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
It's always a good idea to bring cash with you when dining in the Bronx, as some restaurants - even fine dining restaurants - do not take cards. If you're not sure whether or not an establishment takes cards, call ahead.
- Antonio’s Trattoria - $$Well-rated Italian restaurant.
- Arthur Ave Fiasco - $$Fiasco is an excellent Italian restaurant with pizza, seafood, and traditional Italian entrees. This is Roberto Paciullo's 5th restaurant. Roberto's and Zero Otto Nove are two of his others on Arthur Ave. Both are exceptional, but Fiasco has equally good food for a lower price.
- The Bronx Beer Hall (Inside the Arthur Ave Market) - $$Seasonal selections of regional beers and ciders; evening entertainment on some nights including karaoke. There is a limited menu but visitors can also bring in their own food (which can be cheaper than the provided menus) so long as they are ordering drinks.
- DeLillo Pastry Shop - $$Coffee, tea, dessert, and other tasty bakery offerings.
- Guadalupita Bakery - $If you're in the mood to eat delicious tacos and drink refreshing beer while standing at a counter, this is the place for you! Very tiny space with standing room only that can accommodate a group of four or so. Pair the tacos with corn, fresh fruit, and other food from street vendors for a tasty evening.
- La Estrella Restaurant - $$Latin American.
- Mario’s Restaurant - $$Similar in price to other Arthur Ave establishments, Mario's is an elegant option for diners.
- Pete's Cafe - $Diner serving American, Italian, and Mexican food.
- San Gennaro Trattoria Restaurant Bar - $$Italian and Mediterranean food.
- Tapas Italiano - $$Tapas, or small plates restaurant specializing in seafood.
- Tino's DelicatessenA beloved favorite of locals and visitors alike, Tino's is a cut above the rest. Italian deli items including sandwiches made to order and pre-made hot bar options.
- Trattoria Tra di Noi - $$Italian
- Yelp - BronxIt can be a bit challenging to easily travel East-West in the Bronx, so if you are venturing farther afield check your travel times on Google Maps and consider taking a cab. Arthur Ave, a short walk from Fordham, is the premier dining destination in the Bronx.
Near the New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
It's hard to hold a candle to Arthur Ave, but these neighborhood favorites near NYBG are affordable and accessible.
- Bedford Pizza Pasta Restaurant - $Local pizza place serving "New York style" pizza. More seating than Rocco's.
- Jolly Tinker - $Hole-in-the-wall bar that offers a limited menu and allows visitors to bring in food so long as they are ordering drinks.
- Nick's Garden Coffee Shop - $If you're craving a grilled chicken salad or a burger, Nick's can't be beat in this neighborhood.
- Rocco's Pizza - $Local pizza place serving "New York style" pizza.
- Webster Cafe & Diner - $Looking for a simple breakfast or no-frills Mexican food? Webster Cafe is the place to go near NYBG. Can accommodate larger groups (more than 4, less than 10).