Curating the Perfect Picnic Basket for NYC’s Central Park

picnic in central park and picnic baskets in nyc Credit to Just dance

A picnic in NYC’s Central Park is a must-do when you visit and the weather cooperates. Escape the crowds clamoring for outdoor seating at the city’s favorite restaurant and curate your own perfect picnic basket for your purely NYC experience.

The beautiful thing about planning a NYC picnic is the sheer abundance of places to find ready-to-eat items that are perfect picnic fare. From specialty and gourmet shops to ethnic foods and the city’s favorite bodegas you’ll find all kinds of treats and noshes suitable for the outdoors.

You’ll also find New Yorkers can make any spot picnic perfect but some spots in NYC’s Central Park and Riverside Park lend themselves to a romantic repast. Let’s take a look at how you can curate the perfect picnic basket for NYC’s Central Park and some of our favorite romantic spots to enjoy it.

What Makes a Picnic Basket Perfect?


So you want the perfect picnic basket? No pressure! There are so many ways to enjoy the romance of New York outdoors. The classic artisanal cheese, crusty bread, and maybe some jam is a way to start but let's find ways to add to that cheese course if you want a meal. Unfortunately, your perfect picnic will have to go without that exceptional bottle of wine you had in mind. It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces in NYC, including parks. 

There are many places offering ready-made picnics that you can pick up on your way to your al fresco sweet spot. But half the fun is found in building a basket containing your favorite foods, especially those delicious Big Apple favorites. Picnic baskets NYC style offer a world of choices. For something more over the top, hire Picnic in Bloom to set up your perfect picnic—whether it's for special occasions or an NYC outing you will never forget.

Curating your favorites for your Central Park picnic is easy too. Everything is nearby and convenient to both Central Park and Riverside Park and a short distance from your stay at The Wallace.

Where to Find Your “Only in NYC” Picnic 


Of course, the reigning king of NYC foodie favorites is Zabar’s. Located at Broadway and 80th Street, Zabar’s has been the go-to shop for UWS residents and visitors all over Manhattan for decades. The store is still owned and operated by the family who started it all in 1934.

At Zabar’s, you’ll find a great ready-made sandwich case. Choose from among the most popular pastrami and corned beef variations, knishes, salads, and pickles if you like. Or check out their artisanal cheeses and choose a selection of delicious varieties and maybe some summer sausage or sliced deli meats or lox. Grab some bread or bagels from the bakery and a few classic black and white cookies. Be sure to include some fruit for snacking too and maybe some of their olives.

The Milano Market at 2892 Broadway between 112th and 113th Streets is another go-to spot among NYC’s UWS foodies. Outstanding sandwiches made-to-order, so many delicious Italian side salads, it will be difficult to choose just a few, and fresh, crisp green salads are also favorite picnic fare from Milano Market.

Mondel Chocolates (a favorite of the late Katherine Hepburn) offers some of the very best chocolates in the city. Lucky for you it’s close by. Located at Broadway and 114th Street Mondel’s is a great place to find luscious chocolates with which to end your romantic picnic in NYC in NYC’s Central Park.

Perfectly Romantic Picnic Spots

Now that you’ve curated your perfect picnic basket for your romantic al fresco afternoon let’s find the ideal spot. There are so many from which to choose. 

Central Park


The Great Lawn: Here you’ll find 55 acres of wide-open space smack dab in the geographical center of NYC’s Central Park. This space was originally a reservoir but was ultimately filled in with construction scraps from Rockefeller Center. Over the decades, this site has played host to many concerts and cultural events. It is the ideal spot to relax, people watch, and take in the city.

Sheep Meadow: The Sheep Meadow is one of Central Park’s eight “quiet zones” so it's lovely for intimate conversation. Dogs aren’t allowed in Sheep Meadow so you can picnic in the Central Park ambience without fear of losing your sandwich to a brazen pup. 

Belvedere Castle: Located mid-park at 79th Street, Belvedere Castle is the perfect picnic spot for romance and views. Gaze at your beloved or the NYC skyline. It’s a great place for photos too.


Riverside Park


Riverside Park is a long, narrow green space set along the Hudson River. Almost any place in the park where you can spread out a blanket is romantic and memorable. Many experienced picnic NYC fans recommend the space between 116th and 124th Streets, close to the bird sanctuary. True romantics may suggest the 91st Street Garden which is the site of the spot where Tom Hanks’ and Meg Ryan’s characters finally meet in the romantic comedy You’ve Got Mail.

Continue the Romance


The romance of NYC’s Upper West Side is all around you when you book your stay at The Wallace. Come relax, unwind, and renew your romance at NYC’s favorite luxury hotel on the Upper West Side, The Wallace. Plus, we've got you covered with picnic blankets available to borrow at The Wallace front desk!