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The Best of New York · Eat · Restaurants by neighborhood

The best restaurants near Central Park

Updated November 2026. 20 places.

Everybody visiting New York City should make an effort to visit Central Park (it’s a masterpiece!). But the one thing I hear most often with my out-of-town guests is that food options are limited.

While there are 2 restaurants in the park, they both skew towards the pricier side. As such, I thought it’d be helpful to quick roundup my 20 favorite restaurants near Central Park. I’ll break the list down into three categories: where to eat on the Upper West Side, great restaurants on the Upper East Side and a few dining options to the south of the park. Let’s dive in!

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

Best restaurants near Central Park, 2026

  1. Bluestone LaneCafe · Upper East SideTheir coffee is half the draw, which is why I consider this one of the best restaurants near Central Park.
  2. Breads BakeryBakery · Upper East SideBreads Bakery is my favorite bakery near Central Park, and I (gladly) make the trek into the Upper East Side for the black and white cookies at least once a week.
  3. Daily ProvisionsRestaurant · Upper West SideThis is a personal favorite restaurant near Central Park if you’re looking for an unfussy, quick meal.
  4. J.G MelonRestaurant · Upper East SideWith all the (well deserved) fanfare it’s safe to call JG Melon one of the most famous restaurants near Central Park.
  5. La Grande BoucherieRestaurant · Upper East SideThis is one of the best restaurants near Central Park, so make sure to plan ahead and make reservations.
  6. Maison PickleRestaurant · Upper West SideI recommend ordering the Hot Honey Chicken n French Toast — you won’t be disappointed.
  7. Modern Bread & BagelsBakery · Upper West SideModern Bread & Bagel is one of the best restaurants near Central Park to load up on all your carb needs.
  8. Sarabeth’sRestaurant · Central Park SouthEstablished in 1983 on the Upper East Side, Sarabeth’s quickly became a favorite among locals and is a staple on lists of the best restaurants near Central Park.
  9. Shake ShackRestaurant · Upper West SideNot only is this one of the best restaurants near Central Park, it’s a block away from the Natural Museum of History as well.
  10. Xi’an Famous FoodsRestaurant · Upper East Side
  11. BoqueriaRestaurant · Upper East SidePlus, Boqueria has one of the best seafood paellas I’ve ever had (rice, monkfish, squid, shrimp, clams, mussels).
  12. Burger JointRestaurant · Central Park SouthIt’s one of the best restaurants near Central Park for a no frills, hearty meal.
  13. Cafe SerafinaRestaurant · Central Park SouthLike cafes in Italy, Cafe Serafina serves hearty, casual meals and is one of the best restaurants near Central Park.
  14. Carnegie DinerRestaurant · Central Park SouthOne of the best restaurants for brunch near Central Park is Carnegie Diner & Cafe because it was a spot created for the people.
  15. Charles Pan Fried ChickenRestaurant · Upper West SideFrom then on Charles Pan Fried Chicken has become the pinnacle of soul food in New York City.
  16. Emmy Squared PizzaRestaurant · Upper East SideEmmy Squared is one of the best sit-down restaurants near Central Park.
  17. Halal GuysRestaurant · Central Park SouthSince most of their locations are (at least) open until midnight their carts make for some of the best late night food near Central Park.
  18. Luke’s Lobster rollRestaurant · Upper East SideThe quality leaves little room to wonder why Luke’s Lobster is one of the best restaurants near Central Park.
  19. Mamoun’s FalafelRestaurant · Upper West SideMamoun’s is also a one of the most popular restaurants near Central Park for late night munchies.
  20. Quality BistroRestaurant · Central Park SouthLuckily for us, Quality Bistro is one of the best restaurants near Central Park.

On the map

Where they are

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

Upper East Side

Upper West Side

Central Park South

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 20 Best Restaurants Near Central Park (Personal Favorites).