Best Outdoor Dining Oasis Restaurants in Midtown-Times Square
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Bryant Park Grill
Park-front dining with dependable seafood picks and prime people-watching.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
A high-traffic, park-facing dining room where the draw is the setting—especially outdoors—paired with a broad American menu that includes reliable seafood options. Best used as a “scene + seafood” lunch or early dinner: pick a strong fish main, add a classic starter, and let the location do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso-crusted Spanish sea bass, Jumbo lump crab cake, Garlic shrimp
What makes it special: Park-front dining with dependable seafood picks and prime people-watching.
7.9
A laid-back, deck-style outdoor lounge built for a quick round and a warm-weather hang (or bundled-up winter sip) with Bryant Park energy all around. Food is straightforward bar fare—best when you prioritize drinks, one hot item, and keep expectations calibrated.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey chili, Sliders, Old Fashioned
What makes it special: A year-round-feeling outdoor lounge right on Bryant Park.
7.7
An open-air, cocktails-and-snacks café play where the atmosphere does most of the work—ideal for a casual park-side reset with your dog at your feet. Treat the food as supportive (tacos, lighter mains, dessert) and keep the order tight for best results.
Must-Try Dishes:
Battered shrimp tacos, Mediterranean chicken entrée, Carrot cake
What makes it special: Bryant Park’s casual outdoor café with dogs allowed.