An outdoor dining guide to New York City

Updated March 13, 2024
Al is collecting the best places to eat and drink outdoors in NYC. Discover hidden backyards, scenic rooftop lounges or sidewalk perches for the best people watching in town.
La Dolce Vita! House-made pastas, weekend brunch and spritz bar.
Heated
Sidewalk
Streetery
Inviting American brasserie with seafood towers, chopped salads and mac and cheese.
Heated
Streetery
Brunch, dinner and happy hour are all covered in this laid-back Australian spot.
Heated
Patio
Covered
Sidewalk
Charming park setting of famed burger chain.
Patio
Choose from plenty of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options at this modern restaurant.
Heated
Streetery
Elegant brunch spot where fat and fluffy French toast is a crowd-favourite.
Awning
Sidewalk
Trendy cocktail bar with light bites and well-crafted cocktails.
Awning
Heated
Rooftop
Chic rooftop lounge for brunch, all-day bites and city views.
Rooftop
A former 1920s bank inspired by Paris in days gone by, whiskey is the name of the game here.
Sidewalk
Streetery
Expect classic bar snacks pulled off with panache, cocktails and brunch.
Garden
Friendly neighborhood tavern featuring some iconic British classics on the menu.
Awning
Sidewalk
Upbeat modern Italian in Gramercy, focused on house-made pastas.
Awning
Sidewalk
Slick New American spot with a focus on local, organic ingredients.
Sidewalk
Stylish Italian restaurant with house-made pastas, baked goods and wines by the glass.
Heated
Sidewalk
Streetery
Casual Belgian bakery and restaurant chain serving pastries, light lunches, teas and coffees.
Sidewalk
Smart Italian restaurant specialising in mozzarella, pizza, small plates and cocktails.
Sidewalk
Attractive Barcelona-style tapas bar with a show-stopping Paella de Mariscos.
Heated
Streetery
Coffee shop and photo studio, with a spacious concrete stoop to soak up the sunshine.
Sidewalk
Cosy Irish bar with a forte for old fashioned whiskeys, cocktails and American cuisine.
Heated
Streetery
Smart rooftop lounge at AC Hotel New York Times Square with live music and a penchant for martinis.
Rooftop
Lounge poolside on the rooftop deck with a frozen marg.
Rooftop
Plush rooftop bar with cocktail menu, seasonal small plates and live music.
Rooftop
Discover a lush escape from Midtown over whiskey, craft beers and light bites.
Patio
Coffee kiosk in popular park setting.
Garden
Head up to the rooftop bar at The Kitano Hotel for Friday happy hours and speciality cocktails.
Rooftop
Chic brasserie in the shadows of Grand Central Station for casual all day dining.
Awning
Heated
Patio
Plush tavern-style restaurant and bar with an extensive mezcal and whisky list.
Heated
Streetery
Sleek midtown spot for views and all-day Tuscan inspired fare.
Rooftop
Upmarket rooftop bar for cocktails and skyline views over Fifth Avenue.
Rooftop
Coffee kiosk in slick landscaped urban plaza.
Awning
Garden
Picture a chic Paris bistro transplanted 3,625 miles to New York and you have Benoit!
Awning
Sidewalk
Recoup after a Central Park jaunt with all-day breakfast, lobster rolls and steak frites.
Sidewalk
Casual food and wine bar with a curated wine list and shareable small plates.
Patio
Covered
Stop by this eco-conscious, wind-powered spot for wood-fired dishes and other hearty fare.
Awning
Heated
Sidewalk
Streetery
Refined eatery for seasonal American classics like braised short rib, grilled fish and lobster salad.
Awning
Sidewalk
Streetery
A historic New York institution serving jumbo burgers, sandwiches and Italian entrées.
Awning
Sidewalk
Washington Irving-inspired restaurant championing New-American cuisine and seasonal ingredients.
Awning
Sidewalk
An elegant farm-to-table restaurant with panoramic views of the East River.
Heated
Patio