This month we are having so much fun giving #LocalLove to NYC. Of course, it is Springtime in the City, which obviously means Al Fresco dining. So first, thank you for joining us as we unveil the final part of our Al Fresco dining series springtime edition. Today’s article features fifteen of NYC’s Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining.
Secondly, thank you for the emails and your feedback. We appreciate you giving some #LocalLove to the restaurants featured in this series.
The weather could have been better for outdoor dining, but many other options exist. Have you seen some creative ways restaurants have designed their outdoor spaces? Several restaurants have created spaces to enrich our dining experience.
Springtime means rain showers in NYC. And while something is satisfying and cozy about dining outdoors in the rain. We know only some enjoy the rain as much as we do. Many of you have requested outdoor options with partial or fully covered-awnings. Therefore we adjusted our list to include as many of those as possible.
We aim to make your outdoor dining experience enjoyable during these rainy months.
Here are Fifteen of the Best Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining in NYC.
Momofuku Ssäm Bar
The perfect outdoor option if you favor an outdoor setting with an indoor vibe. This unique space at the Seaport is our favorite place to grab a fabulous margarita and relish the incredible views from the patio.
Momofuku Ssäm Bar’s ever-evolving menu with various options for meat, seafood, and vegetarian lovers makes them a Must visit option in NYC. Our favorites are Charred Mackerel, Shrimp toast, Grilled prawns, and Whole Roasted Fish.
89 South Street Pier 18 – South Street Seaport
Make your reservations at Resy
Dante New York City
Cocktails, Cocktails, and more cocktails initially attracted us to Dante NYC. The local Greenwich Village bar was voted World’s Best Bar in 2019. It provides a relaxing, light, airy, homely, and attractive atmosphere.
We keep going back for the cocktails, of course, but the rich history of the space makes for good conversations and a superb experience. This local Italian cocktail bar and eaterie serve exceptional seasonal cocktails paired with seasonal modern Italian fare.
79-81 MacDougal Street – Greenwich Village
Make your reservations at Resy
Casa Limone
The menu at Casa Limone offers authentic flavors, wines, and spirits influenced by Michelin-starred chef Antonio Salvatore’s upbringing in Basilicata and neighboring regions. The ambiance features hand-made ceramics on the walls. And the hanging flowers from the ceiling provide an understatedly elegant, rich, and joyful experience.
Experience a taste of Southern Italy Al Fresco but enjoy the beauty of the interior on the way to the bathroom. We loved the Carpaccio di Salmone, Spaghetti al Pomodoro, and Branzino alla Grilla. And we can not wait to visit again.
20 East 49th Street – Midtown East
Make your reservations at Open Table.
Rolo’s
Rolo’s is a newcomer but a neighborhood gem and sports a seasonal menu, making it a great Springtime outdoor dining option in NYC.
Favorites like the wood fire polenta bread, ricotta cavatelli, and two sheets of Lasagna Verde make Rolo’s our top pick for Queens.
853 Onderdonk Avenue – Ridgewood
Make your reservations at Resy.
Le Crocodile
Located at The Whythe Hotel, Le Crocodile is another destination for an outdoor experience we love. The open-air garden makes this neighborhood Brasserie our go-to for French food.
The Parisian and New York-inspired setting is why we want to stay awhile. The Pickled Mussels, Mushroom Pâté with Black Truffle, and Jonah crab with avocado and Yuzu Kosher are a nice warm-up to the entrées.
80 Wythe Avenue – Williamsburg
Make your reservations at Resy.
Brooklyn Chop House
Brooklyn Chop House is dubbed the best Steakhouse in New York, and we believe it. But we are still working our way through their menu.
We love experiencing the best of both worlds at Brooklyn Chop House. Lobster Spring Roll Dumplings and the Bacon Cheeseburger Dumplings are our favorites after a few fabulous hours of indulging in the tastiest bites.
150 Nassau Street – FiDi
Make your reservations at Open Table.
Rustic Tavern
Rustic Tavern is a neighborhood favorite serving delicious comfort food to feed your soul and indulge your tastebud. The backyard patio provides a laid-back vibe to complement the fiercely delightful menu.
We are in love with the entire menu at Rustic Tavern, but here is what we order almost every time:
- Clifton crab cake
- Shrimp avocado tostones
- Kale Caesar Salad
- and the Sandford Salmon.
Dekalb Avenue – Clinton Hill
Make your reservations at Open Table.
Aurora
A neighborhood favorite and one of ours (thank you, Agnes, from Cup of Brooklyn). An outdoor garden that transports us outside of NYC. The lush greenery, twinkle lights, and partially covered awning make dining outdoors a treat. It is cozy and incredibly romantic.
70 Grand Street – Williamsburg
Make your reservations at Open Table.
Barn Joo Nomad
Incredible cocktails and shared plates make Born Joo a popular restaurant in NYC to meet with friends and dine outdoors.
This Koren Gastropub makes a Jalapeño Margarita that we adore. The crispy chicken bun and soft shell crabs make it a Must dine winner on our list.
34 West 35th Street – Midtown West
Make your reservations at Resy.
Lindens
Lindens is located in the Arlo Soho Hotel and features fabulous all-season cabins. They are one of our favorite destinations to dine Al Fresco in NYC.
The modern seasonal dinner menu, inventive cocktail menu, organic-driven wine list, and raw bar create a unique dining experience.
2 Renwick Street – TriBeCa
Make your reservations at Open Table.
Kyma
A beautiful outdoor garden, fabulous martinis, and flavorful Greek food are all of the things that will make us want to dine Al Fresco at Kyma.
Kyma’s comforting dishes with fresh ingredients keep us returning for more.
15 West 8th Street – Flatiron
Make your reservations at Open Table.
Milk and Roses
Comforting Italian dishes and craft cocktails are the preludes to the perfect hideaway: the spacious outdoor garden. Outfitted with lush greenery, Milk & Roses is ideal for an outdoor date night.
Experience American dishes influenced by Southern Italy. Our favorites are:
- Stracciatella & Prawn
- Caprese di Stracciatella
- Octopus & Shaved Vegetable
- Yellow Salad
- Vongole Veraci
- and the Prawn for Two.
1110 Manhattan Avenue – Greenpoint
Make your reservations by visiting Milk & Roses.
Scarpetta
Scarpetta gives us a sophisticated Italian menu and an upscale dining experience. Located at The James Hotel Nomad, the outdoor seating area was the perfect place to take in the scenic view of Madison Avenue as we brunch.
We adored this beautiful restaurant. The food is incredible, the staff is friendly, and the understated elegance is quite attractive.
88 Madison Avenue – Midtown East
Make your reservations at Resy.
Ponty Bistro
Experience a unique blend of French and African vibes. In addition, the menu features dishes influenced by traditional Senegalese and North African foods. Chef Cisse moved from Senegal to the United States with the dream of opening a Restaurant. But instead, the chef did not only dream; he opened the first Ponty Bistro in 2008.
Our menu favorites include:
- Crispy Tuna
- Escargot Snails
- Croquette De Crabe
- Poisson Yassa
- and the Grilled Shrimp Basquaise
2375 Adam Clayton Powell Junior Blvd — Harlem
Make your reservations at Open Table.
Fish N Ting Restaurant
Are you craving some Caribbean spices? Then head to Jamaica at Fish N Ting. From seafood options to traditional Jamaican dishes Fish N Ting menu is one to explore.
The indoor/outdoor space gives a cozy and intimate vibe.
4063 Boston Road – Eastchester
Make your reservations by calling (718) 881-6116.
We are in the planning stage of our Summer Edition for Al Fresco dining. So, we’d like to invite you to save this list, pass it along and let us know if you have tried any of these restaurants.
