There is so much to see in the 843 acres comprising Central Park. Chances are good that you will spend at least several hours here, if not a full day. While you are exploring the park’s natural splendour, be sure to also take a tour of some of its culinary delights. Here are 12 delicious restaurants which are perfect for brunch in and around Central Park.
12. Le Pain Quotidien
Address: Above Sheep Meadow, near 69th Street in the park; Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-8pm; Price: $7-20 per person
Not far from the famous Bethesda Fountain is Le Pain Quotidien, a bakery and coffee shop serving up delicious fresh-baked bread and desserts along with lighter fare such as smoked salmon and seasonal frittata and salad. Pop inside for a muffin or waffle and watch people walking through Sheep Meadow, or grab a latte to go and head out for a stroll yourself.
11. Marea
Address: 240 Central Park South, 59th Str b/t 5th & 6th Avenue; Hours: Mon-Sun 11:45am-11pm; Price: $60-110 per person
Right near the Columbus Circle, you will find Marea, a paradise for seafood lovers. At this restaurant, you can enjoy delicious Italian dishes like lobster with burrata and octopus fusilli. Not only is the food here a delight, but the entire dining experience is one which you will find unforgettable. Marea is renowned for its friendly, accommodating staff and its classy ambiance.
10. Brooklyn Diner
Address: 212 W 57th St, b/t 7th Ave & Broadway; Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30am-11pm; Price: $20-40 per person
Looking for a classic diner near Central Park? On W 57th Street, you will find the famous Brooklyn Diner. This is the place to come for comfort food like chicken pot pie, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches and fries. The restaurant serves huge portions, so this is where you should eat if you are famished and looking for a big meal that will keep you satisfied through the rest of the day.
9. Petrossian Boutique & Cafe
Address: 911 7th Ave, b/t 57th St & 58th St; Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-8pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm; Price: $20-35 per person
If you are near the Wollman Rink, consider dropping by the Petrossian Boutique & Café on 7th Avenue for a quick bite to eat. Here you can enjoy Eggs Benedict, croissants, French toast, fruit tarts, caviar, cheese plates, and more. It’s also a coffee shop, so be sure to enjoy a cup of Café Au Lait. Save room for desserts—the cookies and the pastries are nothing short of divine.
8. Jams
Address: 1414 Ave Of The Americas, 6th Avenue b/t 57th St & 58th St, inside of 1 Hotel; Hours: brunch hours Sat-Sun 10am-2:45pm; Price: $25-40 per person
On Avenue of the Americas, you will find a lovely restaurant called Jams. Variety is the name of the game here. If you’re in the mood for a big, juicy burger, Jams has you covered. But you also can opt for tuna poke or pork ragu. With such a diverse menu, this makes Jams the perfect family choice. No matter what each of you are in the mood for, every member of your family will leave fully satisfied.
7. Norma’s
Address: 119 W 56th St, b/t 7th Ave & 6th Ave, inside Le Parker Meridien Hotel, Hours: Mon-Thu 6:30am-11am, Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm; Price: $45-70 per person.
“Elegance” is the word that springs to mind when you step inside Norma’s. The beautiful open design of this restaurant and the polished wood will etch a brunch here in your mind for years to come. Even the way the plates are presented is thoughtful and imaginative.
Norma’s isn’t cheap—you can expect to spend around $60 per person. But how many chances do you get to dine at a restaurant in this class? For many people, a trip to New York City happens only once in a lifetime. You should enjoy a once in a lifetime meal to go with it.
6. A.Cafe
Address: 42 W 58th St, b/t 5th Ave & 6th Ave; Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm; Price: $12-25 per person
If you like sleek modern design, cool mood lighting, and a vibrant contemporary vibe, you cannot beat brunch at a.cafe. Come here to enjoy a hot cup of coffee along with lemon ricotta pancakes, omelettes, and other delicious brunch delicacies. The French toast is particularly delicious, and you can’t go wrong with the egg sandwiches.
5. Robert
Address: 2 Columbus Circle, b/t Broadway & 8th Ave, inside of The Museum of Art and Design; Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am-10pm; Price: $30-45 per person
Another place to dine close to the Columbus Circle is Robert. This restaurant has trendy mood lighting and an awesome view; if you grab a window seat (it is worth calling in advance just to reserve one), you will be able to look out on Columbus Circle and Central Park. Lobster Egg Benedict, mushroom omelettes, and other scrumptious brunch items await you. Every dish is presented with visual artistry matched only by the culinary delight of each bite.
4. Sarabeth’s
Address: 40 Central Park South, 59th St b/t 5th & 6th Ave; Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-11pm; Price: $30-45 per person
Right near The Pond, you will find Sarabeth’s. Picture pumpkin waffles, lemon ricotta pancakes, salmon eggs Benedict, and jalapeno omelettes, and you will know some of the fare which graces Sarabeth’s menu. This is an upscale restaurant, but it is well worth it—these may just be the best pancakes and waffles you ever eat.
3. Tavern On The Green
Address: 65th Street & Central Park West, inside of Central Park; Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm; Price: $35-50 per person
Near Sheep Meadow is the famous Tavern On The Green, another upscale dining option in Central Park. Indeed, this location is something of a local landmark, with reservations available up to two months in advance. So if you do plan to eat brunch here, you may want to call ahead when you are planning your trip.
While you can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner here, many visitors report that the brunch here is arguably the best meal the restaurant serves. At Tavern On The Green, you can enjoy delicacies such as butternut squash toast and scrambled eggs with lox. You cannot beat either of the seating options either. Whether you dine in the light-flooded glass room or outside on the patio, you will be surrounded by the magic of Central Park.
2. Maison Kayser
Address: 1800 Broadway, b/t 58th St & 59th St; Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-10pm; Price: $18-30 per person
A third brunch option right near the Columbus Circle is Maison Kayser. This cafe is a good mid-price option if you are looking for something light. It is certainly not as upscale as some of the other restaurants on this list. The location is great, and the selection of breads and pastries is huge. Here you can enjoy a taste of gourmet without going broke.
1. The Loeb Boathouse
Address: 74th St and East Drive, in Central Park; Hours: Closed; Price: $30-50 per person
One of the most famous landmarks anywhere in Central Park is the Loeb Boathouse. At the boathouse, you can rent a boat or head out on a gondola ride. Afterwards, you can sit down for a meal under the green copper roof. The building itself dates back to 1954 when it was constructed to replace the Victorian structure which used to exist on the site.
The location is of course one of the main draws. Imagine being seated right on the waterfront, watching the boats drifting by as you indulge in the omelette of the day or a warm quiche. The food itself is scrumptious, and considering the iconic setting, it is very reasonably priced.
Conclusion: Central Park is a Culinary Cloud Nine
Now you have more than a few brunch ideas to entice your taste buds while you are planning your visit to Central Park. If you book a Central Park Pedicab Tour, we can start a tour from any of these places to eat or your driver can drop you off after the tour is complete at any of these restaurants or cafes. Bon appétit!
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