Dining and Date Night at Rockefeller Center - Celebrate the Holidays or any special occasion at Rockefeller Center's cool dining spots.

Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous locations in the world. When tourists from both near and afar make their travel must-see list, you can be sure that the  “Rock" as it is affectionately nicknamed by native New Yorkers is at or near the top. After all, the Rockefeller Center area is home to Radio City Music Hall as well as  countless, diverse celebrated restaurants and cocktail lounges. Elegant shops such as Saks line the grand streets of Fifth Avenue, which is just across the street. 30 Rockefeller Plaza is also the home of NBC-TV, where legendary shows like Saturday Night Live are broadcast. But perhaps, Rockefeller Center shines its brightest during the Holidays, when colorful lights decorate the streets and the iconic Rockefeller Center Holiday Tree goes on display near the skating rink. The great news, though, is that you don't have to wait for the Holidays to enjoy the dining options that the "Rock" has to offer. Make a reservation anytime that you are in the mood to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.

Jupiter - Rockefeller Center

A relative newcomer to the Rockefeller Center dining scene, Jupiter brings a buzzy vibe, handmade pastas, seasonal vegetables and organic , small-vineyard Italian wines to an iconic New York City location. Seasoned restaurant entrepreneurs Clare DeBoer, Annie Shi and Jess Shadbolt are the team behind Jupiter . First creating a splash with King, this talented trio have outdone themselves with Jupiter. Located at rink level, the restaurant offers you several comfortable and cozy options to enjoy your meal. The Rinkside Terrace offers a great ambiance as does the main dining area. For private celebrations such as a small birthday gathering, you definitely should look into La Tavola, a cute semi-private nook that is located just off of the dining room.

Right now, Jupiter is offering a special perk to their neighbors who work in the immediate vicinity. It's called a Working Lunch. This fabulous option brings a little dolce vita to your office for a meal at your desk, meetings with clients, a team bonding lunch or just for all-day nibbles in the break room. You can order Working Lunch for either pick-up or delivery Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM until 3:30 PM. Can't make it to Jupiter? No problem at all!

The menu here has some tasty choices for you in the Nibbles section including a plate of mixed olives, marinated artichokes with pesto, calamari dressed with aioli, lemon and Rosemary, fried Zucchini and succulent slices of Prosciutto wrapped around thin Grissini breadsticks. The kitchen's main courses really are something special. Light and flavorful is the Pansotti pasta dish which has the pasta stuffed with a magnificent honeynut pumpkin puree. On the heartier side, the chef's delicious Agnoli pasta is filled with tender pieces of braised rabbit, sage and Parmesan cheese. The highlight of their Pesce offerings is the red snapper that's served with healthy warm lentils and salsa verde. The Spiedini di Pollo consists of a skewer of grilled chunks of chicken accompanied by polenta fries and a bed of arugula.

Location & Hours:
20 West 50th Street
New York N.Y. 10020
(212) 207-0060
www.jupiterrestaurant.nyc

Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:30 AM to 10 PM

Naro - Rockefeller Center

The delectable cuisine at Naro focuses on the subtle and delicate flavors inherent in the cuisine of South Korea. Brought to you by the founders of Atoboy and Atomix restaurants, Naro's decor is a visual feast.Understated and tasteful the decor totally pops ! You will feel as though you are dining in a contemporary art gallery with some traditional Korean decor touches. The restaurant's name draws inspiration from two sources: The name is a tribute to The Republic of South Korea's first-ever space vehicle to successfully orbit the earth, Naro-1. In Korean, Naro roughly translates to the phrase "through me", as a sign of welcoming and hospitality.

The chef here is devoted to the use of only the freshest of ingredients while also utilizing innovative techniques. The kitchen takes a great deal of pride in re-inventing classic dishes from Korean history and culture. You may dine a la carte or indulge in the chef's signature seven-course tasting menu. There's also a three-course prix-fixe menu available for $75. That price may sound like a lot, but, considering the ambiance and quality of food, it really isn't.

The best way to start your evening here is with one of the bar's outstanding cocktails. One that is sure to lift your spirits is the Insam Tonic, made with Soju, Fever Tree Indian tonic and ginseng. The not-too-sourish Sanja Sour is a tasty blend of Sichuan-infused gin, Fino sherry, Yondu and lemon juice. You'll also adore the captivating Haechi Highball, made with mezcal, Reposado tequila, kimchi, mango and aloe. This is one refreshing beverage.

If you've never tried Korean cuisine before then, this is your opportunity to get better acquainted with a cuisine that has been a bit under the radar and deserving of more recognition. One of Naro's signature dishes is the Dry Aged Duck. The plate, consisting of perfectly cooked duck, ginko nut rice, chestnuts, Asian pears and gochujang sauce is both delicious and picturesque. Sundubu consists of sweet and sour shrimp that is paired with mussels and fermented peppers. The kitchen also turns out a wonderful Black Sea bass. Your fish is beer-battered and served with leeks. Earthy and filling is the Songyi Mushroom dish, made with crispy sunchokes, potato Tteok and a smooth as silk mushroom consomme'.

Location & Hours:
610 Fifth Avenue
New York N.Y. 10020
www.naronyc.com
(212) 202-0206

Hours:
LUNCH:
Wednesday to Saturday: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
DINNER:
Monday to Sunday: 5 PM to 9:30 PM

Le Rock - Rockefeller Center

Offering classic French cuisine in a decidedly upscale setting, Le Rock makes everyone feel like a VIP as soon as they've been seated at their table. The chefs and  servers at Le Rock are all about the attention to fine detail and small gestures that make customers feel appreciated and valued. The ambiance blends the style of a Parisian brasserie with tasteful elegance. You will certainly make an impression if you take your date to Le Rock.

In addition to the central dining room, Le Rock has a very inviting space called, for good reason ,The Bar. Perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or a glass of Champagne or imported French wine, The Bar employs mixologists who not only have charismatic personalities, they do know how to put together a dazzling libation. The Chambery Spritz blends strawberry infused vermouth with a shot of botanical liquor and a generous pour of sparkling Rose'. The very colorful Bijou Blanc mixes up green chartreuse with gin, gentian and white vermouth. Le Bar also has a nice selection of Martinis Maison; the best of which may very well be Au Poivre, whose ingredients are vodka, vin jaune and green peppercorn with a Manzilla olive as garnish.

The restaurant's bread service is provided by the famed Frenchette Bakery , so you know that everything is fresh-baked and top notch. All breads are served with some of the best butter you will ever have the privilege of tasting. A baguette goes great with an appetizer like the onion soup gratinee' or the escargots with garlic butter, pancetta and a very light broth. You will want to keep dipping chunks of that baguette in your broth.

The entree selections are not overly extensive. But that's a good thing as it allows the kitchen team to focus on what they do best. When you dine at Le Rock, ordering the sole almondine is an absolute must. Brown butter envelops both the tender, flaky fish and the accompanying stringbeans, which are cooked just right. They are not hard or too soft and soggy. The chicken  Basquaise is a fork-tender poulet that is served in a stew-like sauce of sweet peppers , green olives and tomatoes. Wow! Wow and wow !!! You should also consider the Bison au poivre with pomme frites. It is a very hearty dish. End your meal on the sweetest of notes with either the addicting profiterole with buckwheat honey fudge or the apple souffle topped with vanilla anglaise. Absolute perfection on a plate.

Location & Hours:
45 Rockefeller Plaza
New York N.Y. 11101
( 332) 258-8734
www.lerocknyc.com

Hours:
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM

Avra - Rockefeller Center

This stunning three-floor Greek restaurant is located just across the street from Radio City Music Hall, making things super convenient if you have tickets to the annual Christmas Show or a concert. Avra is a veritable sight to behold with over 10,000 square feet of space, towering ceilings,contemporary art, Hellenic artifacts, all with an open, bright airy feel. When you are dining here, you might catch as much sun as though you were enjoying a meal on one of the sun-splashed Greek Islands. There are several intriguing spaces on the premises, ranging from the intimate wine villa and the Athena room to the spacious mezzanine area. One thing is for sure ; you won't be bored by your surroundings.

The impeccable service and warm welcome that all guests receive lives up to the luxurious and spectacular surroundings. And the food? Well, it's out of this world. The legendary Greek Gods from Mount Olympus would not be disappointed in their repast. But, this place is so popular with foodies, even they might need to make a reservation.

The kitchen carefully sources their fish, meats and veggies, thereby ensuring that everything on your plate is as fresh as can be. Your Greek mom or grandmother from the old country would approve. At some fancy, expensive restaurants you will all too often find that the portions are ridiculously miniscule. That's not the case at Avra. You'll leave patting your tummy with a satisfied smile on your face.  With its emphasis on seafood, grilled meat, olive oil and produce, Hellenic food is relatively clean as compared to many other cuisines. That's what the Mediterranean diet is all about.

You and your date or a group of friends could actually make a meal by ordering three or four of the menu's meze or appetizers/ small plates. The grilled oyster mushrooms topped with kefalograviera cheese are a good place to start. Gigantes are lima beans on steroids.  At Avra, the culinary team slowly braises the gigantes in tomato sauce and an assortment of healthy herbs. The sliced roasted beets are marinated in citrus olive oil and are accompanied by skordalia, which is a heavenly garlic-almond spread. Be sure to request some toasted pita bread. And, of course, you'll find that delicious standby on the menu; spinach pie !

The menu presents you with many excellent choices. Meat-lovers will drool over the juicy grilled lamb chops, accompanied by asparagus and some gotta-gave-this roasted lemon potatoes. There's also an organic free-range half-chicken on offer sided up with oregano fries. The fish selections are too numerous to mention them all. But, two must-try options are the arctic char served over wild mountain greens seasoned with lemon juice and a divine grilled halibut filet placed over a fluffy bed of spinach rice.  For dessert, the karidopita is calling your name. It's a slice of walnut cake in a light but delectable syrup. The kitchen turns out a wonderful bowl of made from scratch Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey, cherries and crushed walnuts. And there's the traditional baklava cake, which , for the uninitiated, consists of layers of flaky filo dough dressed with almonds and an orange-honey syrup.

Location & Hours:
1271 Sixth Avenue
New York N.Y. 10020
(212) 430-8888
www.theavragroup.com

Hours:
Sunday to Tuesday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM to 12 AM