Dining Around the Park

Visitors have many dining options even before entering Central Park. Good restaurants, from casual to fine dining and everything in between, are abundant in the Central Park area. Some of these favorites include:

1. Fantino ^$$$$
   Location: 112 Central Park South

   A hotel restaurant serving delicious Italian food in a lush setting that includes chandeliers and Louis XV-style chairs. Specialties include boccancini mozzarella, grilled tournedos of beef, and Maine Cod filet.

2. Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien ^$
   Location: 119 W 56th St

   Located inside the lobby of the Le Parker Meridien Hotel, the Burger Joint boasts the best burgers in New York City.

3. Rue 57 ^$$$
   Location: 60 West 57th St #1

   Rue 57 offers French and Japanese cuisine and even functions as a Steakhouse.

4. Micky Mantle's Restaurant and Sports Bar ^$$$
   Location: 42 Central Park South

   Serving a variety of traditional, American food, Mickey Mantle's is a touristy spot filled with Yankee memorabilia.

5. Malaga ^$$$
   Location: 406 E 73rd St #1

   A bit further from Central Park than others on this list, a trip to Malaga is worth it for this restaurant's intimate, romantic atmosphere and authentic Spanish cuisine.

6. Sarabeth's ^$$$
   Location: 40 Central Park South

   Known for its delicious brunch, Sarabeth's is a great place to bring kids.

7. Café Sabarsky ^$$$
   Location: 1048 5th Avenue

   Café Sabarsky often features live jazz music is the perfect place to enjoy Viennese specialties.

8. 21 Club ^$$$$
   Location: 21 West 52nd St

   American cuisine served in a setting that's both sophisticated and fun. Dine in the famous Bar Room or the romantic Upstairs at 21.

9. Le Caprice ^$$$$
   Location: 795 5th Avenue

   Classic London brasserie serving up modern European favorites through locally sourced seasonal ingredients at the Pierre Hotel.

10. Met Roof Garden Cafe & Martini Bar ^$$
    Location: 1000 5th Ave, Fl 5
    Website: Met Roof Garden Cafe & Martini Bar

    A rooftop garden that overlooks Central Park with a small but adequate food and drink menu for such amazing views. Open May through late fall, weather permitting: Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.; Martini Bar: 5:30 – 8:00 PM; Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Closed Mondays.

— Jesse M. Wheeler