One of my most popular posts on this blog was one I wrote around a year and a half ago called Restaurant Recommendations for your wedding day. Brides frequently ask for suggestions and there are so very many places to choose from in New York City. So, I though it was time that I wrote a list of another ten restaurants that I would suggest for couples and groups following their wedding in Central Park. Some are near to Central Park, some I have chosen for great views, and some just because their chefs and their menus are celebrated by New York locals and tourists alike.
Waters Edge
401 44th Drive, at the East River
This snazzy restaurant in Long Island City has a beautiful interior, but even more beautiful view of Manhattan and the river and bridges. Their menu is modern American with a focus on seafood and quite reasonably priced given the fabulous view. Make reservations for a romantic table for two there, or for smaller groups, and they also cater for private wedding parties.
Le Bernardin
155 West 51st Street
This is a posh seafood restaurant founded in Paris and moved to New York. They have a restaurant, a less formal lounge and an area for private parties. It would suit a small group rather than a romantic elopement, and the décor is trendy, modern and sea-themed.
Rouge Tomate
10 East 60th Street
This is the healthy choice on this recommendation list. They have a strong focus on sustainable and healthy choices, but this does not get in the way of taste. The restaurant has a Michelin star and an excellent menu. They also have a huge wine list and a choice of fresh fruit juices to match.
The View Restaurant and Lounge
1535 Broadway, at 46th Street
This recently refurbished restaurant within the Marriott Marquis Hotel overlooks Times Square and many other iconic landmarks. This is New York City’s only revolving rooftop restaurant. Their menu is modern American and their bar has an extensive wine list and many creative cocktails.
The Tavern on the Green
67th Street and Central Park West
The building is original to Central Park and was built in 1870 to house the sheep from nearby Sheep Meadow. It opened as a restaurant in 1934, has featured in many movies then closed some years ago. This recent re-opening of this restaurant has been long-awaited by locals and tourists alike. The menu focusses on local and artisanal food.
Alma
187 Columbia Street, Brooklyn
This Brooklyn riverside restaurant has three floors and a roof deck with panoramic views of Manhattan. Although in the summer, reservations are only accepted for the dining room, not the rooftop deck. The menu is very reasonably priced Mexican. They also have a very stylish bar on the ground floor.
Sarabeth’s
40 Central Park South
This restaurant has locations at Central Park South, which is the closest to the Park, and also on the Upper East and West Sides. This would be a fabulous spot for a pre-wedding breakfast or brunch, but they also serve lunch and dinner. The restaurants have an informal, relaxed feel and serve contemporary American food.
Jean-Georges
1 Central Park West
This critically acclaimed, sophisticated fine dining restaurant boasts three Michelin stars and is very convenient following a wedding anywhere in the South end of Central Park. The food is French, American and Asian influenced and the food is mostly locally sourced. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Central Park and Columbus Circle.
The Water Club
500 East 30th Street
This riverside restaurant has the feel of a yacht club. The romantic restaurant has views over the East River towards Brooklyn. The menu has many seafood dishes, but also lots of other choices. They have private rooms with a view for parties, and also the outdoor deck for Summer events. They also have a lounge with an open fire and rooftop bar open during the Summer.
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Avenue
This restaurant is next to a different New York City park; Madison Square Park in the Flatiron District. Their menu is an haute cuisine fusion of French and traditional NYC fare. As with all high-class restaurants, their wine list is great, but this place also has an extensive beer list. They can host your private wedding party in a beautiful room overlooking Madison Square Park.
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