Le Pain Quotidien

This outpost of the gourmet European cafe chain dishes out fresh salads and tartines (open-faced sandwiches) in the middle of Central Park. Beautiful pastries, beer and wine, and huge cups of café au lait are also on the menu. Seating inside the airy Mineral Springs Pavilion is minimal, so it's best in summer when the outdoor terrace gets packed and its takeout window furnishes picnics.