Sprawling, beautiful Central Park must be part of your New York City explorations. When checking out Gapstow Bridge or the Balto Statue and an I've-been-walking-all-day hunger strikes, know there are some GREAT food options right in the park.

Let's check out the best restaurants in Central Park! We'll dive into some cheap(er) options, a couple of fancy places, and even a great sandwich spot to bring into the park for a picnic.

Let's do it. 👇

Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien has two locations physically in Central Park and several others around the city. One location by Sheep Meadow. Another location is by the Conservatory Water (closer to the Met if you want to come for breakfast/lunch before the Met).

Both have grab and go options as well as a sit down area with table service. Very dog friendly patios and Scout loves to eat here. Everything we have had here is great and so fresh.

Recommend: The coffee. Breakfast sandwiches, pastries, lentil soup (comes with fresh baked bread). Also sells wine and beer, and is a nice spot for a drink in the warmer weather.

The Ballfields Cafe (The Migrant Kitchen)

On the North side of the Heckscher Ballfields off of 65th Street.

Opens every weekend in April and is open 7 days a week starting in May.

The Migrant Kitchen also has a location on the UWS. Portions of every meal purchased go towards providing meals to New Yorkers in need. They have served nearly 4 million meals to food-insecure communities across NYC.

Regular menu has hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, popcorn, ice cream. They sell beer, wine, and margaritas.

Recommend: Crispy chicken wrap and harvest lemonade. Harvest lemonade has cardamom and ginger in it.

Central Park Boathouse

Located right between Bethesda Terrace and The Ramble. It's basically in the middle of Central Park so plan on a long walk to get there if coming from midtown. No cars go there. 20 min walk from 7th ave and 59th St. But from 5th Ave and 72nd entrance it's a 5 min walk.

Most romantic and expensive option. Featured in tons of movies and shows. Sex and the City, 27 Dresses, When Harry Met Sally.

$20 starters, $30-60 entrees. $19-22 cocktails.

Highly recommend for a splurge meal. Quintessential NYC establishment. Overlooks the lake and you can watch people rowing in the boats. Ducks swimming by... very cute!

Central Park Boathouse Cafe

Casual walk-up counter outside the Boathouse. They have breakfast sandwiches and pastries. For lunch, they have sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Great place to grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee in the morning.

Highly recommend grabbing something to eat and then going and getting lost in The Ramble. The entrance is just straight up the sidewalk from the Boathouse Cafe.

You'll Have to Check It Out - Lenwich

4 across Manhattan, the closest to the park is 55th and 8th

Get the Italian sandwich or Caesar Wrap and take into the park for a picnic.

Melba's Cafe by Woolman Rink

Mostly mediocre and overpriced food, would recommend mostly for dessert, coffee, or beer/wine.

Tavern on the Green

Located on 67th Street & Central Park West. Can get dropped off in a car right by the entrance.

Originally built in 1870 to house the sheep that grazed in Central Park's Sheep Meadow. Transformed into a restaurant in 1934.

$20ish appetizers and $30-60 entrees. Participates in "NYC Restaurant Week" twice a year (usually January/February and July/August). Happy Hour food menu & discounted cocktails, wine, and beer available at the bar counter & the lounges only.

Tavern To Go

Anna is a true gem of a barista and gives all the dogs little treats and places them on top of the coffee. Great drip coffee, latte, cappuccino. They also have some pre-made baked goods and sell wine & beer in the afternoons.

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