Food

Top 5 Trendy Restaurants next to Central Park in New York

Discover 5 trendy restaurants next to Central Park offering diverse cuisines from Afro-Caribbean to French, perfect for foodies exploring New York City.


New York City is a foodie’s paradise, constantly buzzing with new openings and culinary trends. If you’re looking to explore cool dining spots around Central Park, we’ve got you covered! From Afro-Caribbean flair to upscale French cuisine, here’s our list of the top 5 trendy restaurants you need to check out in the Big Apple:


1. Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi

Location: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Tatiana, situated in Lincoln Center, is a restaurant by Top Chef star Kwame Onwuachi. Named after his sister, it offers Afro-Caribbean cuisine inspired by their Bronx upbringing.

Tatiana From left to right: wine consultant Amy Racine, architect Preeti Sriratana, David Paz, chef Kwame Onwuachi, Nikki Dembeck, general manager Bradley Knebel, chef de cuisine Kamat Newman, and Kelly Linton. Photography by Lanna Apisukh


Opening Tatiana at Lincoln Center was a longtime dream come true for Onwuachi. Indeed he told a reporter of the Robb Report: "having grown up in the Bronx, I know this area has long represented arts and culture. We’re drawing on the city’s vibrant 1980s music and art scenes and paying homage to the often-overlooked places which shaped the city’s fabric and creative culture.” 

Chef's Kwame Onwuachi likes the idea of making food that resembles to the people that lives in the vibrant, multicultural city of New York. With so many cultures from the same block, from Jamaican food to Italian food, to Chinese takeout to going to the bodega and going crazy with a dollar.

Drawing inspiration from these diverse influences, you might find it challenging to decide between the Short Rib Pastrami Suya, the Shawarma Roasted Chicken, or the Jerk Lamb Rib. But here's a suggestion: why not order them all and share with friends? Enjoy!

Open for Dinner from Tuesday - Saturday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Picture by https://www.instagram.com/savoreachbite/

Picture by Michelle Giang from Instagram account: savoreachbite.

 

2. Chama Mama

Location: 373 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, United States

Chama Mama

Image source : Chama Mama introduction video

Chama Mama is a great spot that offers an authentic culinary experience of Georgian cuisine in Manhattan. The atmosphere is welcoming and the food is excellent. Everything is flavorful and well presented.

Krasnevsky/Alamy The egg represents the sun and the cheese is the sea in Adjaruli khachapuri (Credit: Krasnevsky/Alamy)

Image source: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20171120-georgias-addictive-cousin-to-pizza

In Georgia, the art of traditional bread-making is preserved using the "Tone," a unique clay oven that gives the bread its distinctive flavor and taste. Originating from the Black Sea coast, we suggest trying the Adjaruli Khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese (symbolizing the sea) and topped with an egg yolk in the center (representing the sun). A few culinary articles online suggest that khachapuri might be a "cousin" to pizza. Indeed, Roman soldiers traveling through the Black Sea region brought recipes with them, including one that could resemble pizza. Since tomatoes were not introduced to Europe until the 16th century, it was made solely with bread and cheese.

We also recommend tasting the incredible Pork Mtsvadi which is Marinated Pork skewers served with house tkemali, red onions and pomegranate. 

Have lunch there and you can even go visit the Museum of Natural History to make the most of your day!


3. Nicola's

Location: 146 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028, United States

Nicola's

Image Source: Yelp

If you go to the MET Museum and find yourself starving at the end, just know that a few blocks away you can find an Italian restaurant called Nicola's. The atmosphere is warm and you can find your typical Italian cuisine served with first-rate wines. 

You absolutely have to taste the crabmeat cocktail, the pasta, and the veal scallopini Marsala—they're outstanding. And no matter what, save some space for the tortufo, a renowned Italian dessert—it's generously sized and the perfect way to conclude an amazing dinner after a long cultural day at the MET.


4. Daniel 

Location: 60 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065, United States

Not far from the Central Park Zoo you can find an incredible French Restaurant called DANIEL that exist since 1993, which is chef Daniel Boulud’s Michelin- starred fine dining eatery, a very chic 3,000-square-foot dining room.

An interesting fun fact about chef Daniel Boulud is that when he moved from France to the Upper East Side in his 20s, he found Paris intimidating, fearing he might get beaten up. In contrast, New York never frightened him, not even during the daunting 1980s.

30 years later he's still in New York, according to Forbes:  "The Modern’s prix-fixe tasting menu isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny. Portions are perfectly sized and keep you wanting more."

 


5. Cafe Fiorello

Location: 1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, United States

Cafe Fiorello is an excellent choice for a drink and a quick bite before the opera. This Italian venue accepts reservations, but we've also successfully snagged a bar seat by walking in. The Bruschetta is a great starter and their Pepperoni Pizza was delicious.

If you're pressed for time with just 30 minutes before the opera, the service is quick. However, you can also enjoy a leisurely visit at this lively spot or stop by after a show for a nightcap, as they remain open until 11:30 pm on weekends.

Cafe Fiorello

Image Source : Google reviews


Whether you're a local or a tourist strolling near Central Park and craving a meal, these restaurants are perfect for diving into New York's lively culinary landscape.

From intimate hidden gems to high-profile hotspots, these places are guaranteed to satisfy both your taste buds and your sense of adventure.

Which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!


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