After an incredibly short winter, spring is in the air. And some of the top restaurants in NYC are ready for Al Fresco dining.
Al Fresco dining in NYC was reserved for the Summer months. Pre-pandemic, many of us enjoyed a lovely meal outdoors in the Summer. These days, Al Fresco dining is a year-round experience. New outdoor dining options are emerging daily, showcasing creativity that seems to rival the indoor dining rooms.
From Fabulous Patios to stunning blooming gardens; to extraordinary views of the City to hidden floral havens, Al Fresco dining has evolved into something unique. One can be transported somewhere tropical amongst palm trees or enter an enchanted romantic sanctuary while remaining in NYC.
Here are the 30 best places to eat in NYC Al Fresco style in a two-part series. Favorites like Ten Hope, Ainslie, and Fornino made our list but read on for many more top picks.
Here are 15 of the 30 best spots to dine and drink Al Fresco in NYC.
Baazi
Baazi is an eclectic concept created from passion and love. It is a newcomer to the Upper West Side. Chef and owner Gaurav Anand feature an exquisite menu of groundbreaking recipes described as modern fare with traditional spices.
Experience Goan specialties like the Chicken Cafreal, Shrimp Balchao, and Roasted Trout Recheado are delicious.
The Vibrant blue interior extends onto a 24-seat patio.
You can make reservations via Resy.
Sunday to Wednesday 5 PM – 10 PM
Thursday to Saturday 5 PM – 10:30 PM
5 PM – 10:30 PM
2588 Broadway — Upper West Side
(646) 861-3859
Nerai
Nerai is a gorgeous Greek restaurant with a stunning garden patio and sidewalk seating fit for kings and queens, decked out in florals.
The Midtown East mainstay is open for lunch and dinner. Indulge in dishes from their new Executive Chef Aaron Fitterman like Seafood Orzotto, Lavraki, or Lobster Pasta complemented by an expansive list of Greek wines by the glass and bottle.
Reservations are available via Seven Rooms.
55 E 54th Street — Midtown East
(212) 759-5554
American Brass
American Brass on the water is a must-visit gem located directly across from the historically preserved Long Island City Gantry Park, overlooking the iconic Manhattan skyline.
The Executive Chef Kevin McGinley, formerly of Michelin Star restaurant Bátard, serves every dish with fanatical attention to flavor and detail.
New York farms play a dominant role in sourcing the proteins, and a greenhouse right outside the restaurant provides fresh herbs.
For reservations and more information, visit American Brass.
2-01 50th Avenue — Long Island City
(718) 806-1106
Clinton Hall
Clinton Hall offers an expansive outdoor dining setup in FiDi and an open-air courtyard in Williamsburg at The POD Hotel.
There is no shortage of fun with communal tables, a fantastic menu of shareable bites, beer on tap, and signature games.
The soon to be opened Slate Rooftop will open in Williamsburg atop The POD Hotel later this Spring, taking fun and games to a whole new level.
90 Washington Street — FiDI
247 Metropolitan Avenue — Williamsburg North Side
(929) 419-6988
Oxomoco
Experience wood-fired Mexican fare by chef Justin Bazdarich. Oxomoco has an attractive interior. The resort-style interior feature a long bar, giant skylight, high ceilings, and an outdoor patio. Its outdoor patio gives a Mexico City vibe with the high-top seating and regular tables. Countless regions in Mexico influence the fresh and vibrant dishes.
The vibe is easy and exciting. This Greenpoint spot earned a one Michelin star after opening in 2018. The outdoor dining space is in the street and in front of the restaurant.
You can make reservations via Resy.
128 Greenpoint Avenue — Greenpoint
(646) 688-4180
Ten Hope
Ten Hope in Williamsburg is the outdoor dining destination you do not want to miss. The restaurant offers a vine-laced open-air patio with ample seating and serves up Mediterranean-inspired New American dishes daily.
Ten Hope also offers Bottomless Brunch on Saturday and Sunday, making it the perfect destination to enjoy your day after a long night out.
Ten Hope is open Wednesday – Thursday from 5:30 pm – Midnight, Friday from 5 pm – 1 am, Saturday from 12 pm – 1 am, and Sunday from 12 pm – 12:00 am. In addition, weekend brunch is on Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm – 5 pm.
10 Hope Street — Williamsburg North Side
(347) 916-0951
Ainslie
Ainslie is a Williamsburg neighborhood wine bar, beer garden, and Italian restaurant. It has grown in popularity so much since its opening that it will have a sister location on the Bowery this Spring.
Its massive garden dining room is perfect for bringing friends to delicious wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and cocktails.
It stays open until 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. And opens early at 11 am with an All You Can Drink Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Ainslie has the good times covered.
76 Ainslie Street — Williamsburg North Side
(347) 725-3400
Haven Rooftop
Haven Rooftop, located atop The Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown, is the perfect location for your Manhattan escape.
Enjoy Haven’s signature Cloudtini (Grey Goose Pear, Lychee Purée, St. Germain) paired with a flatbread pizza, lobster roll, or filet mignon.
132 W 47th Street — Midtown West
(212) 466-9000
Sushi Lab Rooftop
Elevate your experience further at Sushi Lab Rooftop, located at The Sanctuary Hotel. Sushi Lab offers a creative spin on traditional sushi in the gorgeous canopied rooftop setting and features Japanese small plates, Nigiri, Sashimi, and Maki sushi. With elegant, fresh, omakase dinner specials served daily, this outdoor gem is not one you will want to miss.
132 West 47th Street — Midtown West
(212) 432-0000
Life Rooftop
Life Rooftop is a must-visit NYC spot. It is located at the top of Le Meridien, New York. Life is an alluring lounge and outdoor terrace that offers guests a perch to take in the city’s energy and soaring views of Central Park.
An elegant menu of indulgent dishes. Like the Glitz and Glamour Deviled Eggs and a cocktail menu crafted by renowned mixologist Brian Miller. Brian is the head of mixology programming at sbe and former Head Bartender for Death & Company; life is NYC’s ” iconic spring/summer location.
124 W 57th Street — Midtown West
(212) 729-0161
Fornino
A quintessential NYC activity is grabbing a slice or, in some cases, a pie, and doing that while being outdoors is even better. Fornino, which has been an institution in Brooklyn for almost two decades, opened its seasonal summer spot at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on March 26th. You can also grab one of their wood-fired Neapolitan pies at chef and owner Michael Ayoub’s flagship location in Greenpoint or on the rooftop of Time Out Market in DUMBO.
55 Water Street — Dumbo
Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park
849 Manhattan Avenue — Greenpoint
(718) 389-5300
Somewhere Nowhere
Somewhere Nowhere is more than a nightclub with some of the hottest DJs spinning in town. It will also feature a swanking rooftop pool all summer long. Located on the top of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel, Somewhere Nowhere takes the NYC social scene to new heights – literally.
It is the place to experience the breathtaking 360-degree views of Manhattan’s skyline while sipping on Alice in Wonderland-inspired cocktails. And explore the cascading greenery of this multi-floor lounge, restaurant, and nightclub.
Somewhere Nowhere accepts Cryptocurrency via Coin-base as a form of payment and will have NFT drops throughout the year that will come with exclusive access to special events and other unbelievable perks.
112 W 25th Street {38th & 39th floors} — Chelsea
(212) 404-7969
Bar Marseille
Enjoy the salty breeze and seaside views at Bar Marseille. The restaurant and lounge celebrate the eclectic collection of flavors found along the French Riviera. With the cultural influences of North Africa, Italy, Greece, and Spain.
The elegant furniture and greenery adorn the restaurant’s patio and rooftop deck, while the cuisine and robust wine list concentrate on the Provence appellation.
The fare has strong French coastal influences that focus on seafood, and the beverage program offers a variety of French aperitifs and digestifs. Bar Marseille also offers $1 oysters daily at the bar from open to close, making it the perfect place to dine after a day at the beach.
190 Beach 69th St — Rockaways
(718) 513-2474
Daintree
Daintree’s gorgeous penthouse lounges sit atop the Hotel Hendricks in Chelsea. And will debut its very own Treetop Bar in mid-April.
The new al-fresco wine bar in the sky, which overlooks the Empire State Building, will feature a rotating list of natural wines from around the globe—paired with cocktails and food; it is the perfect way to say cheers to the springtime with a wine glass in one hand and an oyster in another! For more information, visit Daintree.
25 W 38th Street — Midtown West
(332) 799-7399
Loulou
Loulou is a stunning French Bistro and Speakeasy located in Chelsea. It features one of the most incredible outdoor seating options in town.
Signature menu items from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include a Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, cheddar, and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney, and Steak Frites. The menu complements a large selection of gorgeously crafted cocktails. You can find more information by visiting LouLou.
176 8th Avenue — Chelsea
(212) 337-9577
Bandits
Bandits is a newcomer in the West Village, Featuring elevated American snacks and completed with al fresco booths. The latest venture of The Garrett Bars team is a modern take on the diner aesthetic.
70’s style of black and white checkerboard floors and old school diner signage is an excellent complement to the menu: signature libations, frozen cocktails, tiki drinks, and dressed-up beers. Enjoy bar snacks like chicken or cauliflower wings, Jersey-style deep-fried hot dogs, and tater tots with various topping combinations.
You can make reservations via Resy.
44 Bedford Street — West Village
(917) 398-3042
Save and share this list. Please remember to visit on April 20th for part two of Al Fresco dining in NYC.
