The Best Restaurants Around Central Park, New York City

Don’t dismiss RedFarm as one more Chinese restaurant in New York City. With menu items such as bacon and egg fried rice, Katz’s pastrami egg rolls, and the Instagram-favorite PacMan shrimp dumplings, the restaurant brings a “greenmarket sensibility to modern and inventive Chinese food.” Ready to replace your go-to takeout spot? RedFarm operates locations on both Manhattan’s Upper West Side and the West Village.

Inspired by American dining, Maison Pickle serves elevated interpretations of the foods you grew up eating. Dirty fried rice, foie gras and gruyere fondue French dips and spiced apple-topped pork chops may leave even mom and dad’s kitchen creations in the dust. With shareable plates such as butter-smothered pull-apart bread and duck fat waffle fries, Maison Pickle is an ideal destination for family dinners, all grown up.

One of many Indian restaurants in New York City, Indian Accent stands out for its upscale atmosphere, elegant presentations, and fusion flavors. Featuring items such as sweet pickle ribs, wasabi-cucumber raita, and peanut butter tikki, the prix-fixe menus at Indian Accent achieve the spot’s goal to explore “progressive ideas in Indian cuisine.”

If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, Zoma is a perfect place to get adventurous with your appetite. Unlike many Ethiopian restaurants, Zoma caters to carnivores and plant-based eaters alike, serving up garlicky stewed collard greens, ginger-spiced lamb, spicy sirloin pastries, and more. Ethiopian fare, ranging from mild to extra spicy, is served platter-style with injera, a sourdough crepe used to scoop up the dishes, making this cuisine ideal for sharing.

The live zucchini enchiladas, spinach ravioli, and gingered brown rice at Candle 79 could win over even the most committed carnivore. With its warm décor and hearty, 100% vegan fare, Candle 79 is an ideal destination for relaxing and restoring after a day spent in the park.

As if Harlem hot spot Earl’s Beer and Cheese could get any better, its recently expanded menu makes this popular late-night spot an all-day destination. Dishing out beer-poached hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with pork belly, kimchi, and potato chips, and plenty of brews to wash it all down, Earl’s makes every day a “cheat day.”

With its straightforward décor, cash-only policy, and super-sized portions of Jewish deli classics, Barney Greengrass is an icon of Manhattan’s old-school Upper West Side. Since 1908, locals and lox-loving tourists have flocked to this spot to enjoy housemade whitefish salad, Nova Scotia salmon with scrambled eggs and onion, imported sardines sandwiches, and more.

For your next date night, dinner before heading to the bars, or informal celebration, local Italian-American chain Parm is a no-brainer. The spot’s famous chicken parm sandwiches, zucchini shoestring fries, and garlicky broccoli can make any meal feel like an occasion.

When you’re craving a taste of Paris in Manhattan, there’s Le Pif, a romantic wine bar serving classic French dishes. With its candle-lit interior, vast French wine selection, and menu items such as skirt steak with mushrooms, garlic-butter escargot, and beef tartare, Le Pif will transport you far past the park.

Clocking in at nearly 1,000 Yelp reviews, Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant Beyoglu is a must-visit destination for mezze-loving locals. Come for the octopus and tomato salad and melt-in-your-mouth lamb kebab, and stay for the fan-favorite housemade bread, which comes free with every meal. Offering an extensive selection of cold and hot mezze, Beyoglu is great for groups—or for group-sized appetites.