Where to Eat Near Central Park Before Shakespeare in the Park
If you’re headed to the Shakespeare in the Park production of Twelfth Night, which runs from August  7 to September  14, at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, you’ll want a good meal beforehand. Shakespeare in the Park is a free, open‑air performance series featuring top-tier casts in iconic Shakespearean works. Luckily, the best restaurants near Central Park make it easy to fuel up before the curtain rises. This list highlights places to eat with a mix of flavors and dining styles, all steps away from the park.
Best Restaurants Near Central Park To Visit Before Shakespeare in the Park
Cafe Luxembourg
Since 1983, this French-American bistro has been known for its steak frites, French onion soup, and Parisian-style interior, earning its place among the best restaurants near Central Park. It’s the perfect pick for dinner and drinks before an evening in the park.
• Website: https://www.cafeluxembourg.com
• Address: 200 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023
• Rating: 4.4 Stars
• Price: $$$
Cilantro NYC
Located on Columbus Avenue, Cilantro serves up bold Mexican flavors with a menu that includes tacos, burritos, and frozen margaritas. The casual setting is ideal for quick meals or group outings.
• Website: https://www.cilantrowest.getsauce.com
• Address: 485 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
• Rating: 4.3 Stars
• Price: $$$
Bocado
This neighborhood café focuses on simple sandwiches, salads, and brunch staples. It’s a solid option for those looking for a quick bite to eat before the show.
• Website: http://www.bocadocafenyc.com
• Address: 1293 Lexington Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.3 Stars
• Price: $$
Kin Ramen
Hearty ramen bowls, tender noodles, and slow-simmered broth make this spot a strong pick on cooler nights or for anyone craving bold, savory flavors.
• Website: https://kin-ramen.restaurants-world.com
• Address: 129 W 56th St, New York
• Rating: 4.7 Stars
• Price: $$
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Serving Nashville-style chicken in different spice levels, Dave’s is ideal for anyone who likes their food with heat. It’s quick, portable, and satisfying.
• Website: https://restaurants.daveshotchicken.com
• Address: 1498 3rd Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.6 Stars
• Price: $
El Gallo Taqueria
This small taqueria on Amsterdam Ave offers street-style tacos, burritos, and churros. It’s quick, flavorful, and fits right into a packed evening schedule.
• Website: http://elgallobk.com
• Address: 502 Amsterdam Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.8 Stars
• Price: $
Oh K-Dog Hell’s Kitchen
Known for its Korean-style hot dogs, this snack shop puts a twist on classic street food with crunchy coatings and creative fillings. Great for something handheld on the go.
• Website: https://order.online/business/oh-kdog-hells-kitchen
• Address: 885 9th Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.7 Stars
• Price: $
Gracie’s Diner
American staples like burgers, omelets, and milkshakes make this casual spot a go-to for fans of diner-style comfort. A straightforward choice if you’re in a hurry.
• Website: https://graciesdiner.getsauce.com
• Address: 1633 2nd Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.0 Stars
• Price: $$
Shake Shack Upper East Side
Burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and thick shakes draw regulars to this location just east of the park. It’s a familiar name that’s great for a fast, casual stop.
• Website: https://www.shakeshack.com/location/upper-east-side-ny
• Address: 154 East 86th Street, New York
• Rating: 4.3 Stars
• Price: $$
Cafe Sabarsky
Inside the Neue Galerie, this Viennese café serves specialty coffee, strudels, and small plates. It’s quiet, refined, and well-suited for a slower-paced outing.
• Website: https://www.neuegalerie.org/cafesabarsky
• Address: 1048 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
• Rating: 4.3 Stars
• Price: $$$
Good Enough To Eat
Hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and all-American plates anchor the menu at this long-running local favorite. A practical option for early dinners or late brunches.
• Website: http://www.goodenoughtoeat.com
• Address: 520 Columbus Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.1 Stars
• Price: $$
The Milling Room
With a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, The Milling Room offers American dishes in a spacious setting.
• Website: https://www.the-milling-room.com
• Address: 446 Columbus Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.4 Stars
• Price: $$$$
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill
This fusion eatery brings together Thai flavors and Japanese grilling in a menu that spans spicy soups to skewered meats. It’s ideal if you want something bold and filling.
• Website: https://buathairamennyc.com
• Address: 1611 2nd Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.8 Stars
• Price: $$
Vegan Grill
A plant-based menu full of wraps, burgers, and snacks makes this place a solid bet for vegans—or anyone seeking a meatless option without sacrificing flavor.
• Website: https://vegangrillnyc.com
• Address: 1726 2nd Ave, New York
• Rating: 4.9 Stars
• Price: $$
Sin City Burger NYC
Stacked burgers, creative toppings, and indulgent sides take center stage at this casual spot. It’s a solid pick if you’re looking for something filling and fast.
• Website: https://sincityburgernyc.com
• Address: 311 E 76th St, New York
• Rating: 3.7 Stars
• Price: $$
These restaurants near Central Park make it easy to fuel up before heading into the park for the show, with options that fit any schedule, craving, or budget. For more of the best eats New York City has to offer, check out Michelin Guide New York City Adds 14 Restaurants. Want more blogs like this, Follow us on Instagram.
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