Spring is officially here and that means it’s time to hang out on rooftops again! Whether you’re looking for more of a rooftop drinking spot, or you’re seeking some good food instead, there’s plenty of places to do it in NYC. From tequila-topped Mexican spots to delicious steakhouses with gorgeous views, you really have so many options. To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite rooftop restaurants in NYC that you should be making a reservation at in the coming weeks!
1. RH Rooftop, Meatpacking
First on our list is The RH Rooftop Restaurant, an interesting restaurant design that sees its eating space on the rooftop of a furniture store, Restoration Hardware. Blending “the lines between residential and retail, indoors and outdoors, home and hospitality,” this place is great for a classic brunch or dinner. While you wait for a table, we suggest grabbing a drink and exploring the store (which is encouraged). Then, you can make your way up to its stunning rooftop covered in foliage, chandeliers, and marble to enjoy a divine American-style menu and extensive selection of wines! Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 9 9th Ave
2. Lost in Paradise, LIC
Serving Latin fusion tapas, vibrant tropical cocktails, and beautiful Uptown Manhattan views is Lost In Paradise, a rooftop in Long Island City that deserves your reservation. Come for bottomless brunch, dinner, or Taco Tuesday and you can taste test all of their delicious and affordably priced Latin bites! Or if you want to have fun, stick around at night where the rooftop lounge becomes the epicenter of electric nightlife, featuring nightly DJs and live music. Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 11-01 43rd Ave, Queens
3. SERRA by Birreria, Flatiron
SERRA by Birreria is a seasonally changing rooftop and restaurant created by the people over at Eataly. Currently, their winter wonderland theme is still ongoing, serving all sorts of warm cocktails alongside an Italian food menu that’s meant to transport you to the Italian countryside on a cool day. Of course, every ingredient and detail is flavorful here, from the Cinghiale Con Polenta to the Stinco di Vitello. Stay tuned to see what their spring 2024 theme is set to be! Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 200 5th Ave
4. SAGA, FiDi
Although pricey, SAGA and its two Michelin stars really does have to make our list of best rooftop restaurants in NYC. It sits on top of a 1930s building in the middle of the Financial District. Everything here is fancy, including the 12-ish course tasting menu for $245 per person that takes multiple hours and feels like you’re in the movie “The Menu.” Their lush carpets and stunning river views complete the experience, and the food and knowledge of the staff is enough to justify the price of the “experience.” If you want the same rooftop adventure for a bit cheaper, head one floor up to Overstory to check out the cocktail bar for a more affordable rate. Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 70 Pine St, 63rd Floor
5. Laser Wolf, Williamsburg
This recently opened Israeli restaurant on the roof of The Hoxton Hotel is lovely, and classifies itself as a “Shipudiya” (also known as a “Skewer House).” It was named after “Lazar Wolf,” the butcher in the iconic musical Fiddler on the Roof. Here, you can enjoy Manhattan views and signature cocktails while indulging on meat and vegetable skewers cooked on their charcoal grill! Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
6. Bar Blondeau, Williamsburg
On the other side of the city is Bar Blondeau, a Williamsburg staple that sits atop the Wythe Hotel on the sixth floor. We suggest stopping by when the weather is warm, because their outdoor terrace and Manhattan skyline views are unbeatable. In terms of the food, you can expect a seafood-forward menu with French, Spanish and Portuguese influences, complementing an international selection of natural wines from up-and-coming wine regions. Don’t forget about their signature cocktails, frozen drinks, and alcohol-free drinks too! Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 80 Wythe Ave, 6th Floor, Brooklyn
7. Electric Lemon, Hudson Yards
Once you step out of the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel, you’ll find delight in Electric Lemon, a now Hudson Yards staple. The rooftop restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, an 8,000 square foot rooftop garden, fire pits, an infinity pool, waterfront views, and so much more. Their menu specializes in New American fare and serves anything from oysters to dry aged duck. It’s a great place to grab a meal and then explore the Hudson Yards neighborhood afterward. Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 33 Hudson Yards, 24th Floor
8. Sushi Lab Rooftop, Midtown
To get your sushi fix, ascend to the top of the Sanctuary Hotel where you can snag a table under the hanging greenery and try out some sky-high hand rolls. It’s a great spot to grab views and slurp up omakase, nigiri, sashimi and other Japanese delights…or even try out the intimate 8-seat sushi bar that comes with a personalized menu and service. See Sushi Lab’s menu here.
Where: 132 W 47th St
9. elNico, Williamsburg
Imaginative Mexican food and Manhattan skyline views, what could go wrong? elNico opened about a year ago in Williamsburg, and has been one of our favorite Mexican spots in Brooklyn ever since. It’s on the rooftop of The Penny Williamsburg, and feels like a comfy place to hang out…filled with cacti, pop colors and a pair of outdoor terraces. The food is good too, which ranges from tacos to carne asada – all inspired by Chef Fernanda Serrano of course. See elNico’s full menu here.
Where: 288 N 8th St, Brooklyn
10. STK Rooftop, Meatpacking
If you’re looking for some quality steak and rooftop views, head to STK Rooftop which is at the top of STK Downtown. Of course their steakhouse classics are made with finesse and the best ingredients, but they also have a ton of other modern dishes and signature cocktails to try out too. Their outdoor section is open year round thanks to its glass enclosure, but we suggest going in the spring and summer when it’s fully open air! Full menu and reservation here.
Where: 26 Little W 12th St
11. Manhatta, FiDi
Manhatta is “a love letter to New York City” according to their website. It’s inspired by the city that we all love so much, so it makes sense that it has gorgeous views of the iconic skyline. As for their menu, it’s curated by Executive Chef Justin Bogle and features all sorts of a la carte mains like Beef Tartare and Grilled Lobster. They also have a bar menu too if you’re looking for something on the smaller side. See Manhatta’s full menu here.
Where: 28 Liberty St, 60th Floor
12. Westlight, Williamsburg
Take a seat at the wrap around terrace of Westlight and you’ll be amazed by both the atmosphere and the views. This spot is more of a cocktail bar than it is a restaurant, but they do have a bit of a menu that offers small plates perfect for sharing.
If you go for a happy hour or with a group of friends, we suggest grabbing some cocktails and splitting small bites like the Crispy Brussels Sprouts or the Charred Octopus Skewers. Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
13. Beast & Butterflies, Midtown
While some rooftop restaurants in NYC can feel like a calming hideaway from the city, Beast & Butterflies embraces that bustling NYC culture with their gorgeous rooftop. It offers a birds eye view of Times Square and serves as the perfect perch atop the M Social Hotel to dine and enjoy a view of the iconic landmark. With their wrap around rooftop terrace, indoor glass perch, and curated cocktail and bites menu, why wouldn’t you want to stop in and surround yourself with New York’s neon glitz? Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 226 W 52nd St
14. Luna Asian Bistro & Lounge, Astoria
Luna Asian Bistro & Lounge is an if-you-know-you-know kind of place. They specialize in Japanese fusion food and their sushi is some of our favorite in Astoria. Of course, the views are equally incredible and the staff and ingredients are top notch. You can even watch your food be prepared right in front of you! Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 32-72 Steinway St, Queens
15. The Roof at the Rockaway Hotel, Rockaway
If you’re looking for full-on summer vibes already, head to The Rockaway Hotel, where their rooftop restaurant is just steps away from the beach. The indoor/outdoor space offers guests unprecedented sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, all while serving tons of delicious food. Enjoy light bites, including quesadillas and charcuterie, while sipping on signature cocktails like the Shark Bite (ghost pepper tequila, cucumber, watermelon, lime, and tajin) and the Ruby Sky (ALB vodka, lemon, pomegranate, and egg white). Plus, there is always a rotating live music lineup to add to their unique and memorable experience. Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, Rockaway Park
16. Republica Restaurant & Rooftop, Washington Heights
Get ready to dine on some Dominican food and potentially dance the night away afterwards too. At Republica, this three floor restaurant (complete with rooftop) is home to a large menu of gourmet Dominican dishes alongside an extensive selection of meats, seafood, and Latin side dishes. We suggest stopping by their happy hour on Monday – Thursday from 3 pm – 8 pm or one of their special events happening during the week. Plus, their colorful interior makes it the perfect place to let free and maybe even snap a picture for Instagram. Full menu and reservations here.
Where: 160 Dyckman St
17. Cantina Rooftop, Hell’s Kitchen
In the mood for a little rooftop Mexican cuisine? Look no further than Cantina Rooftop, an oasis with panoramic views of New York City and mouth-watering food and drinks. Its modern Mexican menu (which stems from the genius of Chef Saul Montiel) provides all sorts of classic options like tacos, enchiladas, and more. The absolute must though is the drinks! Sip on a signature cocktail or try out one of their famous Mezcal-ritas.
Where: 605 W 48th St