Please can anyone recommend a Sunday lunch venue in New York, Central Park area?

The Boathouse IN Central Park.

In truth, the "Central Park area" is huge! Central Park starts at midtown on its southern boundary, goes up to Harlem at its northern boundary and from the East side to the West side.

I also like the Boathouse on a beautiful day (you will need a reservation), but otherwise you will have to tell us if you plan to be on the east side, west side, south end, etc.

Thank you both. Yes, I need to be more specific. We are trying to trace an Italian restaurant we ate in some years' ago. It was between 5th and 7th and 57th and 59th. Tall order, i know.

Try checking in Zagat's. zagat.com

Italian restaurants b/w 5th-7th & 57-59th

Trattoria Dell 'Arte
San Domenico
Fontana de Trevi

But to answer your original question, the 2 places I'd recommend for a Sun. lunch/brunch near the south end of the park are Cafe Botanica in the Essex House Hotel and Brasserie 8 1/2.

Many thanks Susie and mclaurie for yor suggestions. most grateful