Bryant Park is a pleasantly manicured garden getaway for busy New Yorkers and tourists alike, located in the heart of bustling Midtown Manhattan. So whether you’re looking for a flavorful quick fix during lunch rush or a relaxing sit-down dinner near your hotel, you can find it within a two-block radius of this landmark. Our pics range from a go-to breakfast spot to a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant, all close to Bryant Park and the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Calle Dão Bryant Park
Situated close to Grand Central Terminal and Madame Tussaud's, Cuban-Chinese fusion cuisine destination Calle Dão Bryant Park is reminiscent of Havana’s once-thriving El Barrio Chino (Chinatown), dating back to the 1870s. Today, El Barrio Chino occupies a small section of the narrow Calle Cuchillo – Knife Street – from which Calle Dão takes its name. The cocktails, created by Mixologist Joy Daniel, meld the old world with the new, using historical names for libations. 1857 is a bold sip of orange-infused vodka, amaretto, fresh lime juice, ground ginger, and sesame oil garnished with star anise. Lunch, dinner, brunch, and happy hour menus are available, with staples such as Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, steamed shrimp Wantons, as well as mixes such as Ropa Vieja Noodles, Char Siu Pork Belly, sides such as Maduros, Garlic Bok Choy, and more. Calle Dao has an additional location in Chelsea. 38 W. 39th Street, 646-476-5696, calledao.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park : L'Adresse American Bistro
Looking for a seasonal bite? L'Adresse American Bistro, the 'local spot' for regional employees and tourists alike, is located near to Bryant Park, serving up eclectic fare and cocktails. L’Adresse offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus, as well as pâtisserie, created on site in the classic French tradition. Their beverages includes artisanal cocktails, fruit and vegetable blends, spritzers and one-of- a-kind coffee drinks prepared by an award-winning barista team. L'Adresse also has a NoMad location. 1065 Sixth Ave., 212-221-2510, ladressenyc.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: The Porch at Bryant Park
For that perfect spring or summer day, relax under a canopy at The Porch at Bryant Park and nosh on American fare and cocktails. Sit back on rocking chairs, lunch at picnic tables, or sip iced tea on one of their porch swings. It's where the business casual and the fashionable unwind. 41 W. 40th Street, 212-840-0324, theporchatbryantpark.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: La Pecora Bianca
Just a two minute walk from the New York Public Library, La Pecora Bianca Bryant Park ('the white sheep') specializes in traditional Italian cuisine and wine, served in a stylish, bright eatery (one of seven Manhattan locations). The menu centers on house-made pastas, including their signature rigatoni vodka, gramigna, and tagliatelle bolognese. Cocktails are inspired by the tradition of aperitivo hour on the ‘Piazza’, and feature the La Pecora Rosa organic rosé, an extensive selection of spritzes and negronis, and signature cocktails built around Italian Amari. 20 W. 40th Street, 212-924-4040, lapecorabianca.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Benjamin Steakhouse
Benjamin Steakhouse not only serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with class and plenty of taste; it's considered one of the top-tier steakhouses in NYC. Here's where you'll find an array of in-house dry-aged sirloins, ribeyes, and filets, all served with such sides as crab legs and bleu cheese-topped home fries, as well as Benjamin’s own signature steak sauce. Visit the stately Chemist Club building on 41st Street for great service with your steak and wine near the grand fireplace in the dining room. 52 E. 41st St., 212-297-9177, benjaminsteakhouse.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Bryant Park Grill
Park yourself at the park and enjoy a leisurely meal. Just at the back of the New York Public Library, you'll find the Bryant Park Grill. The Grill dining room offers a formal setting with a gorgeous view of the park and serves New American dinner and weekend brunches, too. When the weather cooperates, the outdoor Cafe serves sandwiches and American plates outdoors as well. 25 W. 40th St., 212-840-6500, bryantparkgrillnyc.com
If you know your beef, let us introduce you to Strip House. It's the Midtown cousin of a downtown steakhouse that specializes in outstanding bone-in New York strips with Maitre’D Butter, along with crispy goose fat-fried potatoes. This bilevel dining room, inspired by bygone burlesque venues, also makes a decadent 24-layer chocolate cake for dessert. 15 W. 44th St., 212-336-5454, striphouse.com/venues/midtown
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Gabriel Kreuther
With a menu to make a Parisian weep with joy, you'll find a fine French feast waiting just across 42nd Street from Bryant Park. It's Chef Gabriel Kreuther’s namesake restaurant — and the recipient of two Michelin stars and across-the-board critical acclaim. The venue serves a rotating tasting menu in the formal dining room and offers up dishes like his singular tartes flambees in the Bar & Lounge. Moreover, their cocktail menu includes a thorough history of Bryant Park and tipples named for some of the park’s hidden historical features. 41 W. 42nd St., 212-257-5826, gknyc.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Angelina Paris
For something on the sweet side, this elegant offshoot of the 100 year old famous Parisian tearoom offers decadent French confections, pastries, cocktails, and hot chocolate. Walk ins only, no reservations taken. There is also an onsite boutique. 1050 6th Ave, 585-438-5347, angelinaparisusa.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Sen Sakana
An inspired collaboration between Peruvian and Japanese cultures resulted in Nikkei, a traditional fusion cuisine served at Sen Sakana. This elegant restaurant, offering special pre-theater prix fixe dinners, suggests you savor their best dishes via small plates and sushi. That means you'll be sampling quinoa-crusted chicken breasts, pork belly skewers, and a tiradito (which the menu calls “sashimi meets ceviche”), two out of three of our favorite words on any bill of fare. 28 W. 44th St., 212-221-9560, sensakana.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Alidoro
Is there anything more satisfying than a plump Italian sandwich? Alidoro on 39th Street is there to convince you that the answer is a resounding no. These artisanal sandwiches, categorized by hot and cold on an extensive menu, consist of quality cured meats, cheese, and breads. There’s the spicy Enzo with mozzarella and arugula and the Brando with chicken, provolone, and sweet peppers. Build-your-own sandwiches and salads are also available for those watching their carb intake. 18 E .39th St., 646-692-4330, alidoronyc.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Luke’s Lobster
Dive into the newly legendary New England lobster rolls at Luke’s Lobster. This small chain of seafood restaurants uses sustainable ingredients—including wild-caught shellfish—for their plates, sandwiches, chowders, and salads. Lobster Mac and Crab Grilled Cheese feature on the menu at this laid-back little outfit, recently relocated to the Grand Central Terminal mere blocks away. 89 E. 42nd St., 646-657-0066, lukeslobster.com
Where to Eat Near Bryant Park: Sushi Ginza Onodera
Practically in the shadow of the New York Public Library is a restaurant focusing exclusively on omakase sushi. You'll find it prepared in the Edomae style at Takuya Kubo and Ryohei Satoi’s intimate counter. (Sushi Ginza Onodera just earned Michelin star status again for 2023.) Get ready for fresh, imported seafood, and to pay top dollar for the daily tasting menu. A more affordable omakase experience can be yours during lunch. 461 Fifth Ave., 212-390-0925, sushiginzaonoderanewyork.com