New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · Eat · Brunch

The best brunch near Central Park

Updated September 2026. 17 places.

Brunch near Central Park used to stress me out because every place was either a two-hour wait or a mediocre eggs Benedict with a view of Columbus Circle traffic. But after living on the Upper West Side for a few years, I figured out which spots are actually worth your Saturday morning. Whether you want a lazy mimosa situation or just really good pancakes before a walk through the park, this list has you covered.

Choosing a brunch spot near Central Park is easy, but understanding the park’s layout is key. The West side features landmarks like the American Museum of Natural History, Strawberry Fields, and Sheep Meadow, while the East side houses the MET Museum, Loeb House, and Wollman Rink.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best brunch near Central Park, 2026

  1. Bluestone LaneCafe · Upper East SideBluestone Lane offers some of the most vibrant and healthy brunch options near Central Park, as well as some of the friendliest services in town.
  2. Cafe d’AlsaceRestaurant · Upper East SideThat and the shakshuka make the 15-minute walk from the park well worth the trek.
  3. Daily ProvisionsCafe · Upper West SideTheir egg and cheese sandwich on a freshly baked cruller is one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve had anywhere in the city, and the coffee is excellent.
  4. Hutch & WaldoCafe · Upper East SideWhen it comes to Instagrammable brunch near Central Park, Hutch + Waldo might just take the cake.
  5. Jacob’s PicklesRestaurant · Upper West SideJacob’s Pickles on Amsterdam Ave is the kind of place where you show up starving and leave questioning your life choices in the best possible way.
  6. MamanCafe · Upper East SideOffering a whimsical and charming vibe, Maman is one of the best spots to grab brunch near Central Park with friends.
  7. Sarabeth’sRestaurant · Central Park SouthSince 1983, Sarabeth’s in the Upper East Side has been a local favorite, securing its place among the best brunch spots near Central Park.
  8. Serendipity 3Restaurant · Central Park SouthThe incredible Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (not a typo) is a treat that will have your littles grinning ear to ear.
  9. The SmithRestaurant · Upper West SideThe Smith on Broadway near Lincoln Center is one of those reliable brunch spots that does everything well without trying too hard.
  10. Cafe Amrita (UWS)Cafe · Central Park NorthThe chai tea latte is exceptional and the perfect companion for a stroll around the Harlem Meer.
  11. Cafe SerefinaRestaurant · Central Park SouthLike cafes in Italy, Cafe Serafina serves hearty, casual meals and is one of the best restaurants near Central Park.
  12. Carnegie DinerRestaurant · Central Park SouthCarnegie Diner & Cafe, one of the top brunch spots near Central Park, offers a cozy, homey atmosphere with classic red booths.
  13. Crepes on Columbus (UWS)Cafe · Central Park North
  14. Effy’s Kitchen (UES)Restaurant · Central Park North
  15. Good Enough To EatRestaurant · Upper West SideSince 1981, Good Enough to Eat has been a beloved brunch spot near Central Park.
  16. Mila Cafe (UWS)Cafe · Central Park NorthDining at Mila Cafe feels like dining at a friend’s house.
  17. NogluBakery · Upper East SideThe tarts and muffins are especially good but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

On the map

Where they are

4 neighborhoods, Upper East Side and Upper West Side most of all.

Upper East Side

Central Park North

Central Park South

Upper West Side

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

Every place on this list is welcome to display the Best of New York 2026 seal. It's the same seal for every place on every Best list, it's free, and it can't be bought.

Sharing it is optional. There's no need to post about it, link back or tag anyone. If you do link, the code below points to the guide this list comes from, so readers see the recommendation in context.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/brunch-near-central-park-nyc/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/assets/recognition/2026/best-of-new-york-2026.svg"
       alt="Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest"
       width="1800" height="1800" style="width:320px;max-width:100%;height:auto">
</a>

The files

Download PNGDownload SVGDownload the larger PNG

PNG: 1800 by 1800 pixels with transparent corners, for email and social. The larger PNG: 3600 by 3600 pixels. SVG: the vector, sharp at any size.

Is one of these yours? Get the seal for your place Request a window decal

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 21 Epic Spots to Grab Brunch Near Central Park (For ALL Budgets).