It’s finally summer in New York City, which means it’s time for block parties, Frosé, and of course...Shakespeare in the Park. After getting up at the break of dawn to snag a ticket to see one of The Public Theater’s famed productions at the Delacorte Theater, you’ll certainly be hungry. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options near the theater, which is inside the park near 81st Street and Central Park West.
Here are suggestions for the best places to grab some grub before or after the show. All of these restaurants have great reviews on TripAdvisor, and we’re listing them by location.
WEST SIDE
Bellini (Italian $$)
Location: Columbus Ave between 83rd Street & 84th Street
Closes at 10:00 PM
Carbohydrates calling your name? We suggest Bellini Italian Restaurant. Choose from a variety of brick oven pizzas, pastas, and seafood. Not convinced? Go on Wine Wednesday, the happiest of all days, when select dinner wines are 50% off.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 71 Reviews
Calle Ocho (Latin $$)
Location: Excelsior Hotel, 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus
Closes at 11:30 PM
Delicious Latin fusion. Eight different kinds of sangria. Need we say more?
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 400 Reviews
Flor de Mayo (Chinese / Peruvian $$)
Location: 484 Amsterdam between 83rd and 84th Street
Closes at midnight
Feeling a little adventurous? How about trying some Chinese-Peruvian fusion at Flor de Mayo? Their massive menu has everything you could want, from classic dishes like sweet and sour chicken to things you’ve probably never heard of, like tallarin verde (thin spaghetti with basil and walnut puree).
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 40 Reviews
Nice Matin (French $$)
Location: 79th Street between Amsterdam and Broadway
Closes at midnight.
Longing for a chic Parisian escape? Nice Matin’s Prix Fixe menu is a great option for a show night. For only $42, you get a three course meal that includes cod, chicken, steak, or vegetarian socca - a little something for every taste.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 739 Reviews
RedFarm (Chinese $$$)
Location: Broadway between 76th & 77th Street
Closes at 11:00 PM
Meeting up with friends after the show? Bring them to the Upper West Side location of RedFarm. It’s a Dim Sum / Asian fusion restaurant that’s the perfect spot for a group, so you can order a variety of things and try everything (can you say pan-fried lamb dumplings?).
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4.5 out of 5 stars with 409 Reviews
Shake Shack Restaurant (American $$)
Location: Columbus Ave & 77th Street
Closes at 11:00 PM
Looking for a quick bite? Shake Shack is the way to go. Not only does this NYC favorite have a wide variety of awesome burgers, their decadent milkshakes are the perfect way to beat that summer heat.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 1284 Reviews
Tavern on the Green (American $$$$)
Location: Central Park, Central Park West & 67th Street
Closes at 11:00 PM
Tavern on the Green is an NYC institution. Built in 1870, it was originally a holding area for the sheep that grazed in Sheep Meadow (seriously). It opened as a restaurant in 1934 and has been a favorite ever since. If you just want a cocktail and a snack -- or didn’t make a reservation -- their bar menu has you covered, serving everything from meatball sliders to a jumbo crab cocktail.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 2028 Reviews
EAST SIDE
The Carlyle Restaurant (French $$$$)
Location: The Carlyle Hotel, 76th Street between Madison and Park
Closes at 10:00 PM
Feeling posh? Escape the heat by ducking into the Carlyle Hotel and heading straight for The Carlyle Restaurant. This elegant venue serves up an array of classic French cuisine. Make sure to save room for dessert (Grand Marnier Soufflé, ooh la la!). Note: a jacket is required for dinner service
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4.5 out of 5 stars with 765 Reviews
Lex Restaurant (Italian / American $$)
Location: Lexington Ave between 90th Street and 91st Street
Closes at 11:30 PM
Want to go somewhere nice, but not so nice that you have to remember to bring your heels? We suggest Lex Restaurant for Italian American fusion cuisine. Go here if you’re craving a refreshing salad, or some truffle risotto. And make sure you close out your evening with some homemade tiramisu! NOTE: The walk to Lex is a bit further than some of the other restaurants we’ve listed, but several members of the Show-Score team have personally chosen it as a post Delacorte spot. If you’ve got time before or after to make the hike, it may be worth your time.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 29 Reviews
The Loeb Boathouse (American $$$)
Location: Central Park, 5th Ave & 72nd Street
Closes at 9:30 PM
Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and head to the Loeb Boathouse. You can’t beat the gorgeous, open patio that overlooks one of Central Park’s most picturesque ponds. Try the Seafood Bucatini or Coffee-Chili Rubbed Pork Loin. Still have some time before the show? Rent one of the canoes for a romantic paddle around the lake and voila! The perfect date night.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 2646 Reviews
Nectar Cafe (American / Diner $$)
Location: Madison Ave between 81st Street & 82nd Street
Closes at 9:15 PM
If you’re in the mood for something quick and easy, we recommend Nectar. You’ll find salads, sandwiches, and burgers, along with delicious traditional greek diner fare, such as gyros and souvlaki.
TripAdvisor Ranking: 3.5 out of 5 stars with 182 Reviews
Paola's Restaurant (Italian $$$)
Location: Madison Ave between 92nd & 93rd Street
Closes at 11:00 PM.
If the piazzas of Rome are what you prefer, sashay over to Paola’s for an evening of authentic Italian cuisine. Paola and her son Stefano have compiled some of their favorite family recipes featuring everything from hand-rolled pastas to grilled veal chops, along with rotating daily specials. .
TripAdvisor Ranking: 4 out of 5 stars with 206 Reviews
