Bronx Local News: Where to Eat After Botanical Garden Train Show

Dining Out After the Holiday NYBG Train Show 

By Morris Gut 

Bronx Voice 

November 8, 2025

NYC LOCAL NEWS: The glittering 34th annual Holiday Train Show is on track from November 15th through January 11, 2026, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. It’s been expanded, and a must for the young and the young at heart. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and seeing the seductive floral arrangements and displays. For additional info, times, and advanced tickets: www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/  After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are easy-to-reach dining suggestions before or after…

HOLIDAY DINING AT NYBG! 

There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/ 

Check out the website for special Glow Nights and Bar Car Nights featuring curated food & cocktails. Advanced tickets and reservations advised.

THE JOHNSON IS A MODERN DINER

Partners John Solo, Stefanos Katsikoumbas and George Ballis opened The Johnson a year ago, their vision of a contemporized diner and bar that combines the best traditions of the past and present. A great stop for reasonably priced breakfast, lunch, or dinner 7 days a week. Early Bird specials, too. Amiable general manager Peter and his team will take good care of you. We recently stopped in for a late breakfast and were quite happy. The menu runs the gamut from breakfast all day, Eggs Benedict, Corned Beef Hash, Cobb Salad, Pat Lafrieda Burgers and 14 oz. Ribeye Steak, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Moussaka. The Johnson Diner & Bar, 3533 Johnson Ave., Riverdale, the Bronx. 315-677-7665 www.thejohnsondinerbar.com  

VENERABLE MARIO’S IN NEARBY LITTLE ITALY

Arthur Ave. is just a stone’s throw from the Garden. Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and back-of-the-house making sure patrons are well served at this venerable ‘Little Italy’ institution. The amiable Regina Migliucci is at the helm. Great appetizers include Hot Antipasto Platter for 2; and Spiedini alla Romana, skewered deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches. Move on to such entrees as: Penne Rustica with sausage; stuffed Braciola Napolitana; Osso Buco the size of Mt. Vesuvious; or the traditional Chicken Parm. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Private party facilities. Free parking lot and valet service. Mario’s, 2342 Arthur Ave., Bronx. 718-584-1188 www.mariosarthurave.org 

DINING WITH A VIEW AT THE SEA SHORE

Just a short drive from NYBG. Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew on City Island serve abundant platters of seafood at this sprawling 95-year-old institution: Oysters Rockefeller, daily Raw Bar, Lobsters galore, Surf & Turf, Italian specialties, too. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. Multiple seating areas. Sea Shore Restaurant, 591 City Island Ave., City Island, Bronx. 718-885-0300 www.seashorerestaurant.com 

LIEBMAN’S TRADITIONAL DELICATESSEN

Liebman’s original kosher Jewish delicatessen in Riverdale, the Bronx, has been serving their traditional larder since 1953. And now, for all you corned beef and pastrami mavens, owners Yuval Dekel and Craig Weitz have premiered a much anticipated new location at Addyman Square in Ardsley. Liebman’s serves  a wide selection of old-world favorites including matzo ball soup; frankfurters with mustard & sauerkraut; knishes; smoked fish and appetizing; overstuffed sandwiches; stuffed cabbage; Hungarian goulash; and chicken in the pot with all the fixings. Dine in. Take out. Delivery. Liebman’s original deli is located at 552 W. 235 Street, Riverdale, Bronx. 718-548-4534 Liebman’s Ardsley, 472 Ashford Ave. 914-231-6222   www.liebmansdeli.com 

ANTONIO’S TRATTORIA ON BELMONT AVE.

 

Right smack in singer-composer ‘Dion’s’ old neighborhood, just a block off Arthur Ave. at 186th St., proprietor Anthony Lancione and his team offer a flavorful take on Italian American cuisine. Sit in one of the inviting dining areas and treat yourself to such house specialties  as: Osso Buco, Short Ribs Toscano, Chicken Quattro Formaggio, and tasty versions of Linguine con Vongole, Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe, and Lasagna di Casa. The thin-crusted brick oven pizzas are quite good. The same team own Alessia’s Trattoria in Mamaroneck.  Antonio’s Trattoria, 2370 Belmont Ave., Bronx. 718-733-6630 www.antoniostrattoria.com

 

HEARTY TAVERN FARE AT MORRIS PARK INN

Proprietor Steve Poli of bustling Morris Park Inn offers a full tavern menu and generous portions. Sit at one of the high-top tables in the dining room or at the bar. Specialties to look for: Nachos Supreme, Baja Crispy Fish Tacos, Chopped Cobb Salad, hefty Burgers, wraps and sandwiches, Mussels with Spaghetti, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo, and Center Cut Pork Chops. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109 www.morrisparkinn.com 

COMFORTING SPECIALTIES AT TORTOISE & HARE

This bustling tavern on Broadway in Riverdale, along the picturesque running tracks at Van Cortland Park, serves up inviting comfort dishes that run the gamut from wings in a variety of styles, French Onion Soup Dumplings, plump burgers and sandwiches, Irish Toasties, Caesar Salad with choice of toppings. Weekend Brunch. Happy Hours. Anthony and his crew will keep you happy. Tortoise & Hare, 6115 Broadway, Bronx. 347-843-7868 www.tortoiseharenyc.com 

(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)