The Best Outdoor Dining in NYC That Feels Extra Special
Among many al fresco options, these gems stand out.
When temperatures hit 60 degrees (or even a bit lower, to be honest), New Yorkers are ready to be outside at all times. That means, when they're not inside with the AC blaring on too-hot days, they take every outdoor dining opportunity there is—especially when the al fresco setups are as dreamy and inviting as the ones we've rounded up below. If you're visiting New York City, you'll want to do the same.
Whether you're looking to dine by the water with a view, brunch on a boat, catch up with friends and people watch on a relatively quiet sidewalk (it's NYC, after all), or tuck away on a back patio for some sweet serenity, you should add these restaurants to your summer bucket list. We even have outdoor oases near Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, and Madison Square Garden—if you want to be nearby for showtime, but just far enough from the hustle and bustle of the busy areas.
Countless NYC restaurants offer outdoor seating (and rooftops), especially post-pandemic, so you'll stumble upon many setups that are worth checking out as you roam the city, but we're highlighting a few that feel extra special.
Grand Banks
Dining on a historic wooden ship docked in downtown Manhattan with impeccable views (especially at sunset)? Don't mind if we do! While best known as an oyster bar, there are plenty of other options on the menu if that's not your thing.
Pier 25 Hudson River, New York, NY, crewny.com
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
For summer, Rockefeller Center's famous ice rink—usually reserved for skating beneath the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree—has been replaced with a slew of outdoor tables. Grab something to go from one of the surrounding food trucks before claiming a seat at one of the communal tables in the center of the rink—or make a terrace reservation at Naro (for Korean fare) or Jupiter (for handmade pasta). Either way, enjoy a pinch-me dining experience within an NYC landmark.
Rockefeller Center, New York, NY, rockefellercenter.com
Frances at Casa Cruz
Perched atop the Upper East Side townhouse that's home to celebrity-loved Casa Cruz, you'll find Frances: a new hidden gem and one of the few rooftop restaurants above 50th Street. Modestly on the sixth floor, the rosy year-round terrace is more akin to an intimate garden oasis than a traditional sky-high rooftop with a sprawling vista. And it's precisely that charm that makes us love it so. It feels like you've been invited to a peaceful al fresco meal by your chic uptown-dwelling aunt. With a menu by Michelin Star Chef John Fraser (we won't soon forget the green goddess and peach salad), the entire experience is exquisite—down to the elevator ride, complete with a comfortable bench.
36 East 61st St, New York, NY, casacruz.nyc
Maison Close
On this Parisian-inspired terrasse in Soho, enjoy nonalcoholic spritzes and an exclusive outdoor menu that includes truffle popcorn, foie gras sliders, a mini Parisien (a small baguette with Parisian ham, butter and emmental), and pissaladière (focaccia with onion marmalade, anchovy and taggiashe olives). In other words, a parfait French escape, sans the flight.
15 Watts Street, New York, NY, maisoncloserestaurant.com
Central Park Boathouse
There is perhaps no outdoor dining experience in New York City more quintessential than one at Central Park Boathouse. Much to New Yorkers' delight, the landmark restaurant reopened in 2024, with a reimagined menu, after closing at the end of 2022. Reserve a lakeside seat on the 80-seat outdoor patio for a peaceful view of passing rowboats while you dine.
East 72nd Street + Park Drive North, New York, NY, centralparkboathouse.com
Gitano Island
After originating in Tulum, Gitano Island found another home on Governor's Island—a five-minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan. With a modern Mexican menu (the watermelon and tomato salad is a highlight), tropical cocktails (get the Gypsy Disco 75), dance-worthy music, and a lounge filled with sand, palm trees, and disco balls, you'll momentarily forget where you are—until you look up from your lobster tostada and see the Manhattan skyline, that is.
125 Carder Rd, New York, NY, gitano.com
The Chester
Dining al fresco among the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District is always a treat. Case in point: the expansive outdoor patio at The Chester, part of the Gansevoort Hotel. In 2024, look out for a new summer menu in collaboration with Veuve Clicquot.
18 9th Avenue, New York, NY, gansevoorthotelgroup.com
L'Avenue at Saks
The two-floor, Parisian-inspired dining room inside Saks Fifth Avenue is always there for sustenance—but in the warmer months, take your shopping break on the restaurant's rooftop terrace, with NYC views and aptly named cocktails, like "Saks and the City" (togarashi Tequila, grapefruit, lime, agave, and soda). Dinner is served from 4 p.m. to close on Tuesday through Saturday.
8 East 50th Street, New York, NY, lavenuesaks.com
The Standard Grill
Part of The Standard hotel in the Meatpacking District, The Standard Grill has been a downtown staple for 15 years, for everything from weekend brunch to late-night happy hour. The sidewalk seating in the summer, tucked underneath the High Line, offers the perfect opportunity to indulge al fresco, no matter the time of day, and people watch as passersby roam the nearby cobblestone streets.
848 Washington Street, New York, NY, thestandardgrill.com
Avra
While this estiatorio has two more NYC locations with lovely sidewalk seating, the Rockefeller Center one is so special. Look closely and you'll notice the reflection of Radio City Music Hall in the restaurant's large windows. That's right—snagging a seat on this spacious patio means you'll be dining with a view of one of the Big Apple's most iconic landmarks.
Corner of 1271 Ave of the Americas, West 50th St, New York, NY, theavragroup.com
Genesis House
To indulge in the full must-try tasting menu of Korean cuisine by Michelin-starred chefs from Seoul, you'll need to dine inside—which is also a delight. But to get the best of both worlds—meaning a lush seat along the High Line, with a dreamy sunset view, and equally delicious light bites alongside cocktails—the Terrace Garden is the place to be.
40A 10th Ave, New York, NY, genesishouse.com
tán
It's hard to rival the inside of Chef Richard Sandoval's tán, which practically transports diners to Tulum, but the patio feels just as special. Because the restaurant is on the second floor, it sits above the chaos of NYC streets and is quite peaceful.
209 East 49th Street, New York, NY, tannewyork.com
Jeffrey's Grocery
While best known as a seafood restaurant, Jeffrey's Grocery, which sits at a relatively quiet West Village corner, is one of our favorite places on a weekend morning for brunch. Pro tip: The pancakes are a sweet tooth's dream.
172 Waverly Place, New York, NY, jeffreysgrocery.com
Cecconi's Dumbo
Dumbo is one of the best places to be when you want to spend the entire day outside. Any meal on Cecconi's outdoor terrace, with a clear view of the Manhattan skyline, is an absolute treat.
55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY, cecconisdumbo.com
The Bonnie
At this beloved Astoria bar, dine on comfort food (like fried pickles, mac and cheese, and burgers) and sip on innovative cocktails under twinkly lights—with certain bites available until 11:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. As for brunch, pumpkin spice latte French toast sticks and chocolate chunk banana bread are just two of the must-try offerings.
29-12 23rd Avenue, Queens, NY, thebonnie.com
Ladurée Soho
While particularly dreamy during cherry blossom season, the garden at Ladurée Soho never disappoints—whether you're having brunch, dinner, or afternoon tea.
398 West Broadway, New York, NY, laduree.us
Laser Wolf
Outdoor seating or not, this is one of our favorite restaurants for Israeli cuisine from celebrated Chef Michael Solomonov. That said, the view of the Manhattan skyline from its prime location on the rooftop of The Hoxton certainly doesn't hurt.
97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY, laserwolfbrooklyn.com
Il Gattopardo
There's plenty of outdoor seating at this Italian gem in the heart of Midtown. If you're lucky, you'll get a table right on the steps of the renovated Rockefeller townhouses.
13-15 West 54th Street, New York, NY, ilgattopardonyc.com
Sarabeth's Central Park South
This NYC institution has several locations around the city with outdoor seating. If you have to choose one, we suggest the Central Park South location, where you'll have a direct view of—you guessed it—Central Park.
40 Central Park South, New York, NY, sarabethsrestaurants.com
Dante West Village
On the corner of Perry and Hudson sits Dante, which is a favorite spot for brunch or a pre-dinner cocktail. (Take note: there's a $10 Martini Hour between 3 and 5 p.m.)
551 Hudson St, New York, NY, dante-nyc.com
Cristina Corvino is a senior editor for Hearst Magazines. A few of her favorite things include all things Christmas, cheese, coffee, and baseball. (Let’s go Mets!) She loves rewatching Gilmore Girls and Downton Abbey, and her favorite new(ish) shows are Ted Lasso and Trying. (Seriously, try it!)
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