I have a soft spot for iconic New York City spots, especially those that pleasantly surprise visitors with their peaceful, charming ambiance. The recently reopened Central Park Boathouse, sitting by a tranquil lake with lovers in rowboats, is one. It’s a serene oasis in the heart of the bustling city.

As you sit at a white tablecloth-covered table, the peaceful ambiance of the Boathouse envelops you, making you forget the city’s hustle and bustle.

The Boathouse has been a backdrop in classics like “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sex and the City.”   I was fortunate to be invited to experience their offerings under the new management of Legends Hospitality, the group that breathed new life into the Boathouse.

It was heartwarming to learn that they had rehired staff who had been part of the Boathouse’s legacy. When I dined dockside at the Boathouse last fall, our server proudly shared that he’d been with the restaurant for 18 years;  Eddie, our inside waiter, is also an 18-year veteran.

We sipped the Boathouse Cosmo made with Alb vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, cranberry, simple syrup and lime ($19) and picked at the complementary updated relish tray with hearts of radicchio, small celery sticks, large pitted black olives and slices of watermelon radishes. Don’t miss this perfect Cosmo!

I ordered the crab cocktail ($30), expecting lumps of seafood and slices of avocado. Instead, it was more of an amalgam of ingredients garnished with grapefruit supremes and watercress. My dining partner enjoyed the six large mushroom caps stuffed with crushed Ritz crackers and Gruyère cheese with a splash of sherry ($20).

My vegetarian friend enjoyed the ricotta-stuffed ravioli with a generous serving of roasted peppers and basil in lemon butter ($26).

I had their most popular jumbo lump crab cake with remoulade sauce and cole slaw ($40). We shared a side of fries and ended with a gooey chocolate lava cake with whipped cream and some raspberry coulis ($14). 

Be sure to visit the Boathouse, a legendary New York restaurant for celebrating life.

Central Park Boathouse
E 72nd St and Park Drive North
New York, NY 10021
(718) 973-9339
centralparkboathouse.com/