Central Park is one of New York City's most beloved landmarks and is worth seeking out for its best restaurants. After spending a few hours exploring the green and tranquil park, be sure to check out some of our favorite eateries near Central Park that are great for casual dinners or larger events.
If you find yourself desperately in need of some sustenance near Central Park, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled our four favorite restaurants near Central Park. From an airy Italian-style café, a cozy wine bar, a decadent French-style steakhouse, and a sushi hotspot, there is something for everyone on this list.
Here are four favorite restaurants near Central Park
1. Tarallucci e Vino
If you find yourself on the Upper West Side with some pastry and pasta cravings, Tarallucci e Vino is exactly what you’re looking for. This relaxed Italian-style cafe focuses on locally sourced, seasonal food. One thing we love about Tarallucci e Vino is they are perfect for any time of day. Few spots can truly master a breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, and happy hour menu, but they pull it off.
Their pasta is not to be missed. We suggest a comforting orecchiette with sweet Italian sausage and broccoli rabe. Their prosciutto di parma panini is another standout with fresh mozzarella and tomato. Make sure to also save room for a refreshing affogato with vanilla gelato, espresso, and crushed amaretti cookies.
2. Quality Bistro
Moving down to Midtown, another fantastic dining option is Quality Bistro. This French-style steakhouse is both distinctive and contemporary. With lush greenery and leather seating, you’ll feel equally impressed and at home in this decadent space.
Start with some East and West Coast oysters and a spicy Caesar salad with little gem lettuce, arugula, and chili breadcrumbs. For your main, choose their steak frites, or the grilled branzino is not to be missed. And if you want something more out of the box, try the pork porterhouse with roasted pineapple and crispy quinoa.
3. Osteria Cotta
Say what you will, but there’s something about being outside all day that makes us want to retreat to a wine bar for some red wine and pizza. We suggest Osteria Cotta’s living room lounge with vintage sofas, mismatched chandeliers, and that all-important mood lighting.
The Amatriciana pizza is heavenly, with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, pancetta, red onions, chili flakes, and basil. There’s also house-made lasagne with beef and veal bolognese, perfectly-cooked hanger steak with truffles fries, and an arugula salad. Plus, all the wine and cocktails you could ask for.
4. Nobu Fifty Seven
Last but not least, we promised something for sushi lovers. Nobu is not your average sushi joint; it’s a super sleek Japanese-Peruvian hotspot from Nobu Matsuhisa. With cold and hot dishes, we recommend cherry-picking the menu to try a little everything from Wagyu Foie Gras Dumplings to Yellowtail Tacos to Shiitake Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing and Salmon Skin Maki.
This is another spot where you’ll want to save room for dessert. The buttermilk doughnuts with cinnamon sugar, soy caramel, and vanilla gelato are a fan favorite.
Ready to bring all your friends or host an event?
Hopefully, this list of Central Park restaurants has given you some inspiration for amazing private event spaces. Check out EventUp, the leading global venue marketplace, for your venue search. EventUp makes finding an event space of any type or size easy. From bowling alleys to concert venues and everything in between, EventUp has what every event planner is looking for.
