Oh man, half this list really reads like DC tourists suggesting mediocre NYC restaurants.

Don’t go somewhere corporate like the Smith. There’s all kinds of delicious Indian, sushi, Thai, middle eastern, etc. that will be casual but solidly delicious. There’s lots of decent restaurants on the UWS on Columbus & Amsterdam in the 70s and 80s where you won’t need a reservation. I do happen to like La Pecora Bianca, which a PP suggested.

Re other casual restaurants. Miriam’s on the UWS and in Brooklyn is great and it’s easy to get a reservation (even for brunch) https://uws.miriamrestaurant.com/

We also went to a Detroit style pizza place near Times Square that was awesome. I can’t remember the name but I’m sure it will come up in google.

Anonymous wrote:Ugh there are so many places that are better than The Smith. The food is mediocre and it is loud.

So where are your suggestions? BTW OP asked about casual restaurants on Valentine's Day with kids that aren't booked solid and not fast food, so I am not recommending Le Bernardin.

Anonymous wrote:We enjoyed Dos Caminos in Times Square before a show

We went there too! It was fun.

We enjoyed Dos Caminos in Times Square before a show

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NYC tourist newbie here jumping in to ask 1 question...
Are we supposed to make reservations at the above recommended restaurants, or can we relatively reliably just walk up and get a table within 15 min or so?

Reservations never hurt.

Reservations certainly hurt spontaneity.

Yeah, but that's not always great with hungry kids. Restaurants in NYC are busier earlier than they used to be before the pandemic.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NYC tourist newbie here jumping in to ask 1 question...
Are we supposed to make reservations at the above recommended restaurants, or can we relatively reliably just walk up and get a table within 15 min or so?

Reservations never hurt.

Reservations certainly hurt spontaneity.