ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Hell's Kitchen-Midtown West
Master Critic Review
Bond 45
8.3
Stylish bi-level Italian from restaurateur Shelly Fireman, directly across from Hamilton's Richard Rodgers Theatre. The lavish antipasti bar and Broadway set designer-styled interior honor the building's Ziegfeld Follies history with thin-crust pizzas and specialty veal chops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetable Antipasti Bar, Chicken Parmigiana, Artisan Thin Crust Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Prime Hamilton theater location with all-day breakfast and late-night happy hour
Who should go: Theater-goers, business lunch crowds, cocktail enthusiasts
When to visit: Pre-Hamilton dinner or post-show happy hour after 9pm
What to order: Start at the antipasti bar, then thin-crust pizza
Insider tip: Downstairs bar offers discounted postshow happy hour nightly after 9pm
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Icon Parking discount available at Quick Park Theater Lot next door (223 W 46th St). No valet. Street parking extremely difficult in Times Square
Dress code: Smart casual - neat upscale-casual attire appropriate for a night out. Jeans acceptable if dressed up, but lean dressy for pre-theater dining
Noise level: Lively and energetic upstairs with pre-theater buzz. Request downstairs seating for quieter, more intimate conversations
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended for Friday/Saturday pre-show. Walk-ins possible but expect waits during peak 5-7pm theater rush
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait with reservation. Prix-fixe lunch praised as relaxed and less crowded. Walk-ins often seated quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - signature antipasti bar rotates seasonal vegetables, multiple menu items marked vegetarian. Staff proudly notes 'We love vegetarians'
Vegan options: Moderate - several vegetarian options are dairy-free and work for vegans. Many antipasti bar selections suitable. Inform server for guidance
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF fusilli pasta available as substitution, several salads and mains marked GF. Call ahead for strict allergies as handling can be inconsistent
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially the downstairs level which offers a quieter, more intimate Art Deco-inspired atmosphere. Request a booth when booking. The stylish Broadway set designer decor impresses without being stuffy, and staff accommodate celebrations well
Can I get a table without a reservation? During peak pre-theater hours (5-7pm), reservations essential. Weekday lunches and late evenings after 9pm are more flexible for walk-ins. The bar area accepts walk-ins more readily for drinks and casual dining
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - families and birthday celebrations welcomed. No dedicated kids menu but generous shareable portions work well for children. Request early seating (before 6pm) for a calmer atmosphere. Staff can suggest simplified options for young diners
Best For
Better for: Hamilton-goers needing literally-across-the-street convenience, business lunches wanting the prix-fixe value, late-night diners seeking post-9pm happy hour discounts, all-day breakfast lovers before matinees
Skip if: You want family-style abundance (choose Carmine's), prefer intimate quiet over theater district energy, need strict allergen protocols, or want budget Italian - this is decidedly upscale pricing