Bryant Park certainly has its charms. For one, its bathroom has been ranked among the nation’s cleanest—and for two, the twin lions guarding the entrance to the New York Public Library are enough to restore one’s faith in New York, even amidst a sea of tourist traps. The dark side, however, has plenty to do with the restaurants near Bryant Park: The surrounding area is overrun by (soulless) fast-casual spots—many with minimal to no seating—giving the neighborhood a suburban mall-esque energy.
Still like many writers, I relish the Rose Reading Room at the New York Public Library as a quiet (free) space to work. But, when I work up an appetite (typing is a sport), the options often feel limited to soulless burritos and sad desk salads…sans a desk at which to eat them. So find yourself in this corner of Midtown and your stomach is growling, here are some of the best restaurants near Bryant Park—spots that provide a bit of ambiance, better food, and, well, a place to sit.
Best Restaurants Near Bryant Park
Café China
59 W 37th St.
While it’s no surprise that this Michelin-starred spot turns out some remarkable Szechuan food, you’ll likely need a reservation if you plan to stop by during standard dinnertime hours. That said, when you’re in the mood for an early solo dinner and a Tsingtao, there’s no finer choice in the area—and you’ll likely have no trouble snagging a seat if you drop in during weekday lunch near Bryant Park, or at 5:00 PM when the place opens for dinner service. Go for the tiger salad and mapo tofu.
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Grand Central Station
Of course, you already know about the iconic Oyster Bar…but on the off chance that your day would be vastly improved by a dozen oysters, an order of fries, and a martini with a side of premium people watching…this place is old faithful. Grand Central Oyster Bar is just about the best a major transit hub can offer. Its timeless allure makes it a great place to grab food near Bryant Park, and as Matthew Rhys writes, “there is no better stolen lunch.”
Hangawi
12 E. 32nd St.
This classic vegetarian Korean restaurant is a 10-block walk from the library and one of the best places to grab lunch near Bryant Park. The mini midday prix-fixe menu, which goes for $26, includes a starter, appetizer, entrée and dessert. If you’re looking to mix things up, go for the specials that run weekdays from noon to 2:30 PM. The spicy tofu kimchi hot pot might become a habit. For what it’s worth, Hagawi has restored my faith in vegetarian spots.
Szechuan Gourmet
21 W. 39th St.
Google lists this spot as “no-frills” and that’s certainly true, but for a quick midday meal, who needs frills? Just around the corner from the library on 39th street, Szechuan Gourmet is one of the best spots to grab lunch near Bryant Park with lifesaving lunch specials and quick service for when that midday hunger hits. The baby eggplant in spicy garlic sauce is a must.
Culture Espresso
72 W 38th St.
The historically uncool Midtown area now has oh-so-many cool coffee shops—Culture Espresso among them. The small cafe offers locally roasted coffee, baked goods (order the cookie), and perfectly poured lattes. This is your go-to when in desperate need of a caffeine fix.
Lamb’s Club
132 W 44th St.
If you’re feeling celebratory (perhaps you’ve just met a major deadline from the Rose Reading Room), or you’ve got an expense account to flex, Lamb’s Club is definitely the move. With red leather booths, a hearty classic burger, and positively enormous martinis, the Lamb’s Club is giving “midtown” through and through. Plus, there’s usually plenty of room for walk-ins.
La Pecora Bianca
20 W 40th St.
For days when you’re in desperate need of carbs, the pasta at this La Pecora Bianca location will certainly deliver. It’s one of the most reliably satisfying Bryant Park restaurants. The house-made rigatoni with vodka sauce is a crowd favorite and the prices are excellent for the portions (no tweezer food here).
Alidoro
18 E 39th St.
Originally opened in SoHo, this Alidoro outpost is definitely your best bet for a breakfast sandwich near Bryant Park—whether you choose to eat it basking in the sun at the park, or at one of the countless stools lining the shop. That said, midday bites are just as praise-worthy at this beloved Italian sandwich spot—like the “Fratelli” with porchetta, fresh mozzarella, and house-made lemon basil pesto.
Don Don
37 W 43rd St.
If you’ve got a group in tow—or really any company at all—Don Don is the perfect restaurant near Bryant Park—a pork-forward Korean BBQ with great prices, it offers plenty of big tables. What could be better than grilling your own meat amongst friends while K-Pop blasts in the background? We can’t recommend the pork jowl or the kimchi fried rice enough.
Blue Blossom
108 W 39th St.
From the folks who brought you Szechuan Mountain House, this glitzy 39th street spot hawks Shanghainese and Sichuan cuisine alongside fun (often fluorescent) cocktails. Open from 11:30am on it’s a good choice for lunch or dinner. Go for the crispy Peking duck, and wash it down with the Oolong New York sour.
The original article listed City of Saints Coffee Roasters, which closed its location near Bryant Park.
