Garden Cafe and Bistro

I love this place! I work nearby and have had nothing but great food and service. The staff is all very friendly and attentive. I have tried several menu items and my favorite is the chicken shish kebabs! Although the dumpling soup is a close second. I’ve tried all the salads and usually add grilled chicken. Our office has even catered from them and the whole office loved it! They have a special now for a burger, soda and fries for $9.99! I don’t know anywhere in NYC that offers this. (It’s for Online or pick up only). They have outdoor seating and all of the tables are these beautiful custom tables made from trees. It’s super close to Central Park too.

Went here around 9:30 AM on a Sunday and had no wait, which was a nice surprise for NYC. The food was awesome—I had the pulled pork eggs benedict, and it was rich, flavorful, and topped with crispy onions that made it perfect. We also got the pancakes with fresh berries, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle—sweet but so good. Service was friendly and quick, and the vibe was casual and relaxed. Prices run about $15–$25, which feels fair for the quality and location. Definitely a solid breakfast/brunch spot if you’re near Central Park

The atmosphere at Central Park Cafe was nice, and the location is very convenient, but the dining experience left a lot to be desired. Our orders weren’t quite right—my steak was cooked well-done instead of medium, and the sides didn’t match what we had asked for. Oddly, dessert came out first, and the tiramisu had no noticeable coffee flavor. My salad which also included the wrong ingredients was also served at the same time as my steak, which felt rushed and disorganized. The food was just okay overall, but the service and execution definitely need improvement.