SUMMER DINING: BEST OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS AND TERRACES IN NEW YORK CITY
From Brooklyn Bridge views to Manhattan rooftops, explore NYC's finest al fresco dining destinations.
New York City's summer dining scene explodes with rooftop gardens, hidden courtyards, and waterfront terraces that transform the concrete jungle into an al fresco paradise. From Michelin-starred establishments with secret gardens to neighborhood gems with charming patios, here are the 10 best outdoor restaurants and terraces that define NYC's summer dining experience.
TOP 10 OUTDOOR DINING SPOTS
The River Café
Contemporary American • $$$$
Nestled beneath the iconic Brooklyn Bridge with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop, The River Café offers perhaps New York's most romantic outdoor dining experience.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
During summer evenings, watching the city lights reflect on the water while dining on dishes like Maine lobster or dry-aged duck creates an unforgettable New York moment.
Insider Tip
Jacket required for men; perfect for proposals and anniversaries
Gallow Green
Seasonal American • $$$
This enchanted rooftop garden above the McKittrick Hotel (home to Sleep No More) feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Gallow Green's lush, overgrown aesthetic features climbing vines and vintage furniture.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
Weekend family brunches include 'Potions & Planting' tea parties, while evening dining transforms into an intimate escape from the city below with herbs grown on-site.
Insider Tip
Reservations essential; popular for special events
Saga
Modern American Tasting Menu • $$$$
Sixty-three floors above the Financial District, Saga's three outdoor terraces offer unparalleled views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
This fine dining establishment serves sophisticated tasting menus that change seasonally, while sunset reservations provide breathtaking views as the city transforms from day to night.
Insider Tip
Tasting menu only; book months in advance
Laser Wolf
Israeli • $$$
Perched atop The Hoxton Hotel in Williamsburg, Laser Wolf serves award-winning Israeli cuisine with endless Manhattan skyline views.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
The rooftop restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish and vegetables cooked over open flames. The sunset views over the East River are simply spectacular.
Insider Tip
Great for groups; extensive vegetarian options
The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens
American Brasserie • $$$$
Chef John Fraser's all-seasons garden restaurant provides an unexpected oasis just steps from Times Square's chaos.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
The multi-level outdoor space features retractable roofs, lush plantings, and intimate seating areas that make you forget you're in the heart of Manhattan.
Insider Tip
Heated year-round; tourist-adjacent but locally loved
Maison Premiere
Oysters & Cocktails • $$$
This New Orleans-inspired cocktail bar and oyster house features Brooklyn's most beautiful interior garden with a covered courtyard.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
The lush greenery, vintage fixtures, and intimate seating evoke the romantic atmosphere of the French Quarter. The absinthe program is particularly notable.
Insider Tip
Raw bar focus; excellent happy hour
L'Avenue at Saks
French Brasserie • $$$
Above the luxury shopping of Saks Fifth Avenue, this Parisian-inspired restaurant's rooftop terrace offers a sophisticated escape from retail therapy.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
The outdoor space provides views of St. Patrick's Cathedral and Fifth Avenue below, while the menu serves classic French brasserie fare with modern touches.
Insider Tip
Ideal for shoppers; refined atmosphere
Electric Lemon
Seasonal American • $$$$
Part of the new Hudson Yards development, Electric Lemon's 24th-floor terrace provides cutting-edge views of Manhattan's newest neighborhood.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
The seasonal American menu emphasizes produce-driven dishes and creative crudo preparations with sweeping views of the Hudson River and beyond.
Insider Tip
Modern atmosphere; great for business dining
Cafe Mado
Seasonal American • $$
This charming all-day cafe's garden space in Crown Heights has become a Brooklyn institution.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
String lights, flowering bushes, and a magnificent tree create an intimate backyard atmosphere. Famous for their 'Steak Mondays' with dry-aged strip steak.
Insider Tip
Neighborhood favorite; great for weekend brunch
The Modern Terrace
Contemporary American • $$$$
Located within MoMA's Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, The Modern's terrace offers one of Midtown's most serene outdoor dining experiences.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHT
Surrounded by modern art masterpieces and lush landscaping, the Michelin-starred restaurant serves sophisticated contemporary American cuisine.
Insider Tip
Museum admission not required for restaurant; art-lovers paradise
PLANNING YOUR SUMMER DINING ADVENTURE
Best Times to Visit
- Golden hour (6-8 PM) for optimal lighting and views
- Weekend brunch for relaxed neighborhood spots
- Weekday lunch for business district locations
Booking Tips
- •Popular rooftops require reservations weeks in advance
- •Many venues offer walk-in bar seating for more flexibility
- •Check weather policies before traveling
What to Expect
- ✓Summer thunderstorms can close terraces quickly
- ✓Rooftop venues often have strict dress codes
- ✓Bridge and tunnel views are best at sunset
- ✓Many offer heat lamps for cool evenings
New York City's summer dining scene proves that the urban jungle can bloom into an outdoor paradise. From sky-high terraces with infinite views to hidden gardens that feel like secret retreats, these restaurants transform the city's concrete landscape into unforgettable al fresco experiences.
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