Exploring New York City's culinary scene: the best restaurants for your New York school trip

As you plan an exciting and educational school trip, it's essential to consider the dining options available to your group – particularly when travelling somewhere as vast as New York City. NYC’s culinary landscape is renowned for its variety, offering numerous opportunities to enrich your students' cultural understanding while satisfying their taste buds and fuelling their overseas adventure.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most iconic restaurants in the city that never sleeps. These restaurants have been tried-and-tested by our expert team and are perfectly suited for school groups, who can indulge in delicious meals and immerse themselves deeper into the vibrant New York experience with each option. Bon appétit!

Hard Rock Café – Times Square

The Hard Rock Café in Times Square is more than just a restaurant; it's a cultural institution. From the moment you enter, you'll be surrounded by rock and roll memorabilia from decades past, providing a captivating atmosphere for your students as they chow down on American classics like burgers, hot sandwiches, and mac’n’cheese. With so much historical significance and musical heritage embedded in this iconic establishment, a visit to Hard Rock Café is an ideal location to discuss pop culture and its influence on society.

Margaritaville – Times Square

Transport your students to a tropical oasis in the heart of New York City with a visit to Margaritaville. Known for its laid-back vibe and Caribbean-inspired cuisine, this restaurant offers an idyllic break from the bustling city. As your students enjoy the restaurant’s BBQ chicken dishes, they can learn about the cultural influences that shape Caribbean cuisine, as well as the cultural diversity of the USA.

Ellen's Stardust Diner – Times Square

Combining the magic of Broadway with classic American comfort food, Ellen's Stardust Diner is the quintessential Manhattan eatery. What sets this restaurant apart is its talented wait staff: aspiring performers who serenade guests with show-stopping musical performances. Students can enjoy hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and other diner favourites here (don’t miss the ice cream bar!), while being entertained by the talented servers. Ellen's Stardust Diner presents an excellent opportunity to discuss the performing arts and the impact of Broadway on New York's cultural landscape.

Tick Tock Diner – Midtown by Madison Square Garden

Situated near Madison Square Garden, the Tick Tock Diner is a classic American diner experience. Known for its 24/7 operation, this restaurant offers a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, making it a flexible choice for group dining. The nostalgic ambiance and diverse menu, featuring paste favourites like chicken parmigiana and penne marinara, as well as burgers and salads, create a relaxed setting where students can reflect on the history and evolution of diners in American culture.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company – Times Square

Inspired by the beloved film ‘Forrest Gump’, Bubba Gump's in Times Square beautifully captures the spirit of the movie while serving up seafood dishes such as fried shrimp, fish and chips, salads and more. The restaurant's lively atmosphere, adorned with movie props and memorabilia, is the perfect place to engage students in conversations about the film's themes, such as perseverance and friendship.

Little Italy Restaurant – Lower Manhattan

A trip to New York City wouldn't be complete without exploring the rich heritage of its neighbourhoods. Little Italy, located in Lower Manhattan, offers an authentic taste of Italian cuisine and culture where students can enjoy traditional Italian fare such as pizza, gelato and cannoli while immersing themselves in the vibrant ambiance of the neighbourhood. This restaurant provides an excellent opportunity to discuss immigration, cultural assimilation, and the contributions of Italian-Americans to the city's cultural fabric.

Take a bite out of the Big Apple

New York City's restaurant scene offers a vast array of culinary delights and cultural experiences for students on a school trip. From engaging with pop culture and Broadway to exploring diverse cuisines and narratives on migration, these establishments offer unique opportunities for students to learn and grow outside the classroom that aren’t to be missed.

To find out more about our school trips to New York, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.