NYC restaurants located within a 5 minute walk of Columbia University Station | Ratings, Reviews & Maps

Tom’s Restaurant was at the top of my bucket list as a Seinfeld fan for 3 decades. The iconic front for Monk’s Diner from the show was everything I wanted it to be and more! The staff were amazing, quick, kind and fun. The coffee was classic, booths were comfy, super cute bar top, and it has an adorable outside patio on a great side of town. Lots of memorabilia from the show and epic photo opportunities for fans. We both ordered BIG Salads and they were fresh and fantastic! Highly recommend for great food and atmosphere. Loved their fries, SO yum! Lots of menu options, yada, yada, yada. 🤣
Katy Lamers - 3 weeks ago

Came because of Seinfeld and was worried it might be a tourist trap (crowded, overpriced, etc.). I couldn’t have been more wrong. The food was genuinely very good, and the place felt like a true local diner despite its fame. This was actually my second visit. Earlier this year I stopped by for a chicken menu that was also excellent, so it was nice to see that the quality wasn’t a one-off. The service was excellent, especially from the Hispanic server who looked after us- she was spectacular. My Eggs Benedict were OK, but I tried several dishes from around the table and they were all outstanding. The cheeseburger was particularly delicious.
Francisco Amaral - a week ago

If you are a fan of classic television, Tom's Restaurant is an absolute must-visit in New York City. This iconic spot is famous for serving as the exterior of the diner in Seinfeld. While the interior doesn't perfectly match the show since those scenes were filmed on a Hollywood soundstage, stepping inside still offers a quintessential, nostalgic American diner experience. The restaurant is wonderfully decorated with genuine Seinfeld memorabilia, including authentic autographs from the original cast members. Even Jerry Seinfeld himself has visited! Beyond the incredible pop culture history, the food and service truly stand on their own. The staff, along with the owner, are incredibly welcoming and friendly, making you feel right at home. I highly recommend saving room for dessert because their cheesecake is easily one of the best I have ever had. Additionally, the coffee is surprisingly excellent for a traditional New York diner. Another major plus is their late-night hours, making it a great spot to grab an evening bite. Beware that the surrounding neighborhood can feel a little unsettled late at night, but that is entirely outside of the business's control. Overall, this is a fantastic establishment that delivers both on its legendary TV status and its high-quality food and service. Highly recommended!
M Rey - 3 months ago

As a European I was yearning for a great Diner style experience, so what better than to try out the famous Seinfeld joint ? Recommended to me by a New Yorker. They serve really excellent breakfasts. The poached eggs are marvellous. Great pancakes. Which I covered in maple syrup. Friendly and efficient service. I can’t wait to go back tomorrow.
Philip Branford - 6 months ago

Let’s be real, you’re not coming to Tom’s for the food, you’re coming here because of the show. And while Tom’s certainly caters to the fans by having a number of pictures of the cast, it’s functionally just a typical NYC diner. The Lumberjack was pretty decent
Matt B - a month ago

Read all Reviews

Food and Juice is always a great place. I study at Columbia University and often come here for lunch during my break. I’ve even brought my husband here, and he loved it too. The food is consistently delicious, and the avocado toasts are absolutely amazing — definitely one of my favorites. Overall, it’s a reliable spot with great quality, and I keep coming back.
Lina - a month ago

We’ve been frequenting this restaurant for a while now, and we absolutely love it. The food is incredibly delicious and well-prepared. The service is also fast and efficient, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming.
Paulo - 2 months ago

Excellent restaurant. Elegantly presented and generous dishes. Top-quality ingredients. Service is fairly quick and very discreet and courteous. Overall, there's a focus on quality and health, with generous salads garnishing the dishes. Prices are average for New York considering the caliber of the cuisine. In short, an excellent restaurant for healthy American fare with style in a casual atmosphere.
Fabio Arangio - 11 months ago

Every member of the staff was incredibly polite and helpful! Not only that, but the food was amazing! I ordered the chicken schnitzel, and it was phenomenal ! This is a restaurant that I would absolutely recommend.
Zenna Dean - a week ago

I have nothing but great things to say about my experience at this restaurant. It was my first visit, and first impressions really do matter. I came with a large group right after graduation with no reservation. Despite that, everyone, from Andrew the manager to Julio our waiter, was incredibly accommodating, hospitable, patient, and gracious throughout the entire evening. It also happened to be one of the hottest days of the year, and they handled everything with such professionalism and warmth. Truly appreciated how thoughtful and attentive the team was. Looking forward to making this my new neighborhood go to spot. Thanks again, guys.
L R - 4 weeks ago

Read all Reviews

I love this place. I am addicted to their escargot. Their fries are amazing. Drinks are strong. Shout out to ERIK, my fave. He is consistently attentive and makes you feel welcomed and remembered. His professionalism and positive energy are a treat. Sophia is patient and sweet. They are both huge assets to this gem of a restaurant!
Stephanie Rosario - 4 months ago

Our server Luis was very knowledgeable of the menu. He was able to recommend great selections for food and drinks. For appetizers we had the Shrimp, Prosciutto Flatbread and Escargots. For entrees we had the Short Rib, Mussels, and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Dessert was Creme Brûlée and Crepe Nutella. We enjoyed everything!! Wonderful service!! Fresh bread made in house. Tasty cocktails!!
Amy Rodriguez - 3 months ago

I always enjoy coming to La Monde. Such a great spot for any time of day, especially brunch. This time I tried the steak from the graduation menu and it was so good — juicy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Also have to mention our server Kara, who is always so kind and welcoming. She remembers us every time we come, which makes the experience feel even more special. Love this place and will definitely keep coming back.
Chester Perez - a month ago

This was our third visit to Le Monde, and once again, it exceeded our expectations. We absolutely love their steaks, which come with a side of salad and French fries. You can choose between two sauces — pepper or cheese — and honestly, both are delicious. The portions are generous, making it a truly satisfying meal. For starters, we had the Caesar salad served with fish, which was fresh and flavorful. For dessert, I enjoyed the panna cotta, which was perfectly creamy, along with a rich brownie and some delightful ice cream. We also had tea, and the presentation of the tea sets was charming and unique. It was my brother’s birthday, and the staff made it extra special — they put a candle on the brownie, didn’t charge us for it, and even gave my brother a birthday card. The warmth and friendliness of the staff really stood out, making the whole experience memorable. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Overall, everything from the food to the service was fantastic. I highly recommend Le Monde — it’s definitely a place worth visiting!
nazanin vaziri - 2 months ago

Food and service was great, and shout-out to our server Jeremy! I had the crab lobster benedict which is something I haven't had before but was well-seasoned, light, and delicious. The omelette was also fantastic. The coffee & espresso was smooth and not bitter. Would highly recommend the baguette - it was fresh, hot, and soft. We came for brunch and would come again! Prices are about $40/person which is reasonable for this type of restaurant which is higher-end in the Upper West Side.
JJ Loneman - 5 months ago

Read all Reviews

Truth is I'm not a big fan of Greek food but hubby is. My dinner was eh, while he said his was OK, not great. The grape leaves were delicious and the baklava was devine. Hubby wanted beer but it was all sold out 2 days ago at Easter and the new delivery was late. He also wanted the rice pudding for dessert but that was also sold out. Service was great and restraunt was clean
Heidi Wohlfahrt - 2 months ago

This is my first time trying local Greek food as I had a favorite in Brooklyn that closed during the pandemic. Symposium will be my new go to spot. The service was excellent and the food was delicious.
Veronica Ellis - 3 months ago

We were there in December and came across Symposium while walking. We were impressed by the cozy atmosphere and the amazing service we received. Our server knew a lot about the history of the restaurant and was helpful in suggesting a wine with dinner. The hummus, lemon potatoes and steamed vegetables were all very savory! I highly recommend and we will be back next time in NYC!
Dawn Dorsey - 3 months ago

Highly Highly Highly recommended! The general vibe of the restaurant feels homey and cozy, the staff is very nice, and most importantly; the food is delicious! The portions are big so you won't leave hungry! They also have a special selection of wines that I recommend to try! It's located close to the 1 train (Colombia University) so getting there is not a problem at all. I definitely will be coming back!!
Vika Gursky - 2 years ago

Ate at this historic restaurant with a friend who works at Columbia nearby . The space itself is incredibly beautiful. One of the loveliest and most welcoming spaces I’ve ever experienced in a restaurant. Service was also great and I appreciate that they chill the water in the ice bucket with the white wine so it comes to the table refreshingly cold. The food was ok. We both got the puréed potato and beet appetizer which was excellent. My friend got a lamb burger that he really liked. I got the chicken souvlaki which was nothing to write home about. Both were part of a lunch special deal. The table beside us got saganaki and a whole fish. That looked like a better meal, though I’m sure it cost more. In short, I would go back but probably order something not on the lunch special menu.
Stuart Davis - a year ago

Read all Reviews

I stopped by yesterday for lunch on my way to the UPS Store. I had the Chicken Pesto Pasta and it was good. Large portion size. I always pass by but I thought I'd give it a chance. I'll definitely visit again. I saw online they have a rooftop bar area but its open air only on the summer. To cold now. Overall good experience.
David Dave - 6 months ago

Great burgers. Great wings. Great fries. Great service. Great bathroom situation. Great prices. Great tv viewability. Great tv/music volume.
Louis Rodriguez - 4 months ago

Love this place, the rooftop is also a pretty good date spot. The food is always spot on with generous portions. I’ve never left hungry. They even offer some good happy hour deals! Try the nachos you won’t be disappointed. Worth checking out.
Chesireé Balogh - 2 years ago

I came for happy hour with a group of folks on the weekend. We were seated pretty quickly and attended to shortly. There are various options depending on what you’re in the mood for. The food is definitely a bit over priced for what you get though. I got the tacos and it didn’t even come with a side of rice and beans, that was separate and it wasn’t very filling. Other folks got the nachos which seemed to be good. The drinks were also okay, the margaritas are delicious. If you go with a large party be mindful that they are only willing to accept 3 cards which was pretty annoying.
Abi - 6 years ago

10/10 so good. Jake was an AMAZING servicer. Loved the chips & guac app, we got yummy mini margaritas, I got the chicken burrito (mind blowingly good) and my friend got the burger. So delicious. One thing to note, they have rooftop seating but it might not be what you expect. The walls are higher, so you don’t really have a great view. But it was still nice to be outside
Emily Benefield - 2 years ago

Read all Reviews

Probably the best Columbia dining hall. So many options but so sad they got rid of the fusion bowl station 💔 also a MESS on Friendsgiving and surf and turf…
Michelle Lin - 6 months ago

TDLR: Common Ferris is better Wide variety of AYCE food for in and out of campus consumers. They have a diverse menu that rotates on a daily basis with a stupendous drink selection! They boast a vegan section, salad/fruit bar, desert section, pasta, and proteins. However, the food can get boring. The only protein they really serve is chicken and they reuse/reheat baked goods from days ago. The dining hall fashions a quaint design and many dubbed it the Harry Potter hall. Yet, the hall is just so humid and sticky most of the time. There’s no AC and there’s like random power fans that’ll blow your wig and plate away everytime you walk past it 👎 FSCI NSLC thanks for reminding me to review this place 😂
叶晨丰 - a year ago

The food was fantastic and for VERY affordable prices (for non- students such as perspectives too!) They were very nice there and the cashier guided me to all my needs. They supply incredible Star K kosher food as well! Sadly even though the hall was packed it seemed as if everyone were very isolated from one another, like everyone tried to be alone.
Uriel Appel - 3 years ago

This dining is for the college students and staff but you'd think it was for the public because of the service and the food. I wish I could take my family there to eat. No disappointments whatsoever!!
tina newby - 8 months ago

Read all Reviews

So my beloved Lora Papetsas, who is a Michelin star trained chef not only in French cuisine but also in Italian cuisine when she had a 20+ year run in her restaurant up in Cape Cod always cook something wonderful for us. However, we wanted to try something that seemed very interesting. I found the Milano market that offers great sandwiches which is up the block from a friend of mine’s high-end supermarket on the west side. After looking at this, we decided to order four sandwiches. A Salmon, Eggplant Parm, Cuban and Italian sub sandwiches. I have to say the most important thing in the sandwich is the bread. They offered like fresh baked rustic Ciabatta, and heros. Plus from the panoply of various sandwiches that they make they don’t skimp on the condiments or the main ingredients. The salmon which is hard to do was fresh and medium not well done or dry. The eggplant Parm was amazing. The Cuban delicious with fresh pulled pork and stiletto thin ham with an amazing bite made me want to speak a different language, and the Italian Sub made both of us speak in Italian because my beloved speaks fluent Italian and I am part Sicilian. This place is truly a cut above. There is always an amazing amount of greens fresh, center cut tomatoes. Stiletto thin prosciutto, and I have to say the meats of cold cuts are folded and layered to make an amazing easy bite Where else can somebody find a sandwich for about $20 that has fig and a Basile Mick glaze that is truly amazing So if want a sandwich that is truly a meal, this place really doesn’t disappoint. Will definitely be going there from time to time for something amazing. To add, we ordered the first time last week and then we ordered again this week for the Super Bowl and truly we’ve become customers for life for them
Staz - 4 months ago

Holyyy the best sandwiches!! I got e10, prosciutto, burrata, arugula, basil, tomato and fig jam- ITS INSANELY GOOD. For 20 bucks? Pricey yes but fed me for two meals. Sooo yummy.
melanie tsoi - a month ago

I’ve been waiting to come here for about 3 years. It’s something of a pilgrimage for me during my trip and I was so happy the main guy was working and made my sandwich. What. A great deli with the most awesome selection of fresh hot and cold sandwiches - checkout their website to see the choice! Not a great pic of the half Cuban Sandwich I had left after opening it and scoffing as much as I could get in mouth on a bench opposite before it started raining. If you’re in NYC you have to go here, that is all.
Phil Thomas - 5 months ago

A good selection of products. A fancy bodega basically. I prefer the other location on the upper east side but this was way less busy which was nice to get in and out quickly. Has a lot of Columbia university sports stuff framed which was an added bonus.
Steve Smith - 5 months ago

A classic Italian deli, packed with shelves of imported goods and a warm, nostalgic aesthetic. The prosciutto sandwich I had was flavorful — sweet from a generous drizzle of honey, balanced by a well-made sauce. While it didn’t come with a huge portion of prosciutto, the overall taste was satisfying. The customer service didn’t quite match the quality of the food or the ambiance. I asked politely if I could order half a sandwich and was met with a surprisingly curt, dismissive response. Later, when I took a few pictures of the interior, the staff became visibly irritated.
Yunong Shi - a year ago

Read all Reviews

I ate here nearly every week while I was in college but have since moved to New Jersey. I still crave it now and then because there is nothing like this halal truck. I miss being a five minute walk away but this alone is totally worth a visit to the UWS. (I saved this picture in it’s own album called “Best Halal of My Life”, fyi).
Anna Eggers - 2 months ago

this is probably the best halal cart in nyc. wow! genuinely i would travel all the way up here for this. hooda halal you are perfect to me 😍😍😍
Gelek Tshering - 2 weeks ago

I am from middle East i know the real shawerma taste than the fake one, I Can conisder this as one of the best chicken Shawerma I had, I ordered the chicken with rice , the mix is delicious and very tasty, the portion is more than enough for one person, and the price very cheap I got the meal with Pepsi at 9$. The only thing I didn't like that no place to eat. Very recommended
ahmed abdelhamed - 3 years ago

Legendary spot—the lifeblood of a Columbia student. Extra spicy, generous portions, buttery yellow rice and seasoned fries with generous portions of tender lamb. You can find me here once a month.
Cain - a year ago

Bomb food and super convenient for students coming from Shapiro hall. The lamb over rice was amazing and super filling!! The food here is pretty cheap as well considering nearby food trucks and eateries.
叶晨丰 - a year ago

Read all Reviews

So much better than John jays and they have a wider variety of fresh bakery and deserts 🙏🏻
叶晨丰 - a year ago

Consistently bad food. Sunday waffles are the only good thing I’ve ever had from here over the course of three years. Eggs are inedible, definitely made from powder. They repeat meals every week with no change, even when people clearly don’t enjoy it. The staff is very nice though, and it’s a nice space!
Owen L - a year ago

Great vegan selection Friendly service Clean
Nancy Paris - 3 months ago

Most of the food is average or sometimes above average for lunch and dinner. BEWARE OF THE PASTA! It is tasteless and you can only stomach it by dousing it with salt repeatedly. The workers are nice and good people. Overall I have had good experiences, but be on alert!
Truman Gregg - 6 years ago

Ferris, while pretty small, is a nice dining hall that is great for everything from a quick bite to eat to a more extensive meal. They offer meals for a variety of diets and have both self-serve and action stations where they make specific dishes for you. I like their made-to-order but omelettes for breakfast and love it when they offer stir fry (occasional).
Raayan Zarandian Mohtashemi - 7 years ago

Read all Reviews

I agree with a previous post that's been made here. The food is absolutely delicious, but the customer service needs to improve. I ordered a chicken burrito the other day. A guy behind me ordered the exact same thing. The only difference is that I asked to leave off sour cream and cheese due to dietary restrictions. The guy behind me was given his food first even though I ordered before him. He even said "didn't you order first?" The only response from the person at the window was a mouthed "sorry." This is unacceptable. I've been a loyal customer here for awhile.
Imani Agape - 2 months ago

Martin and the team are the best. Great food, great customer service. Highly recommended!
Mario Wellmann - 8 months ago

I thoroughly enjoyed this Chicken Lomo Saltado (soy sauce chicken) 🍗 from Fogon at the corner of 117th Street & Broadway. Great dinner to accompany the Save Science speeches a few feet away. Please note that they only take cash or online payment. Fortunately, I had just enough cash on hand.
Anne Hathaway did not spit in my food. - a year ago

The food is tasty and delicious but the customer service can improve. They know how to cook for sure, just the details to be polished about how to address the customer. I highly recommend this business.
Manolo RH - 11 months ago

Tacos al pastor are delicious, with a lot of tasty meat
Nathali - 9 months ago

Read all Reviews