The Best Restaurants To Eat Al Fresco Around New York City

With warm weather around the corner, outdoor dining is about to hit its peak! & no one appreciates a great outdoor setup more than New Yorkers. So, with the temperatures cooling down, it’s time to let your hair down and finally enjoy the fresh air at some of the best spots to dine and drink al fresco in NYC.

Loulou

Loulou (176 8th Avenue) is a stunning French Bistro and Speakeasy in Chelsea with one of the most stunning 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. That's in addition to a large selection of gorgeously crafted cocktails.

Somewhere Nowhere

Not only a nightclub with some of the hottest DJs spinning in town, Somewhere Nowhere (112 W 25th St.) will also boast a 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. Experience breathtaking 360 degree views of Manhattan's skyline while you sip on Alice in Wonderland inspired cocktails and explore the cascading greenery of this multi-floor lounge, restaurant and nightclub. Somewhere Nowhere accepts Cryptocurrency via Coinbase 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.

The Greens

The ultimate al fresco experience, lower Manhattan’s iconic rooftop venue features three different spaces to enjoy breathtaking views: The Lawns, The Restaurant, and The Patrón Patio. Whether you want to reserve a private mini lawn and enjoy the new menu of large format cocktails or lounge on the expansive patios amidst the iconic New York City skyline and Brooklyn Bridge, The Greens is an al fresco oasis. The rooftop venue’s three concepts offer an exciting calendar of live music, special programming, and seasonal celebrations all summer long. The Greens reservations are now available through May and June via Tock.

Life Rooftop

Life Rooftop (120 W 57th St.) is a must-visit NYC spot. 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. With an elegant menu of indulgent dishes like the Glitz and Glamour Deviled Eggs and a cocktail menu programming crafted by renowned mixologist Brian Miller, head of mixology programming at sbe and former Head Bartender for Death & Company, Life is NYC’s 'it' iconic spring/summer location. 

Clinton Hall

Clinton Hall offers an expansive outdoor dining setup in FiDi (90 Washington St.) and an open air courtyard in Williamsburg (247 Metropolitan Ave.) at The POD Hotel. With communal tables, an amazing menu of shareable bites, beer on tap and signature games, there’s no shortage of fun in sight.

Sunday In Brooklyn

A taste of Brooklyn comes to the Seaport. Williamsburg's favorite Sunday in Brooklyn has arrived in the neighborhood for a mouth-watering pop-up. Enjoy brunch, happy hour, and now dinner in a casual, sun-drenched setting on historic Fulton Street. Feel good knowing your chefs care about sustainability. Savor inventive flavors like the Signature Sunday Pancakes. Sip on creative cocktails like the Honeybear on Holiday, served in a honeybear on ice. And now dinner is available, from fan favorites like Ofira’s Pita and Hummus to the Sunday Burger with Special Sauce.

Haven Rooftop

Haven Rooftop, located atop The Sanctuary Hotel (132 W. 47th Street) 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.

Sushi Lab Rooftop

Elevate your experience further at Sushi Lab Rooftop, also at The Sanctuary Hotel. Sushi Lab offers 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.

Benjamin Steakhouse and Benjamin Prime

Benjamin Steakhouse and Benjamin Prime offer exceptional dishes, wine, cocktails and services in the heart of New York. Highlights at both the restaurants include Porterhouse for Two, Shrimp Bisque and Surf and Turf Owners Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj make it their mission to treat each guest like a member of their family.

Slate Rooftop

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.

Ten Hope

Ten Hope (10 Hope Street) in Williamsburg is the outdoor dining destination you don’t 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. 

Momofuku Ssäm Bar

With views of the East River, the bar and patio at David Chang’s classic dining establishment Ssäm Bar is the perfect spot to grab drinks or small bites after work with friends or before jamming out to a concert on The Rooftop at Pier 17. The Korean-inspired restaurant recently launched a new Spring cocktail menu, featuring the Bad Bunny and large format GZB cocktail, perfect for sipping with friends. The patio also features large format Bo Ssäm and Duck Ssäm for groups of four to eight diners.

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 will open their seasonal summer spot at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday, March 26th (weather permitting). 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.

Malibu Farm

Like all the best things in life, Malibu Farm started small and grew organically. Founder and Chef Helene Henderson began by hosting cooking classes and farm dinners out of her home and in her backyard in Malibu, CA, where free range, fancy, feather-footed chickens roam alongside a pig named Arnold and pet goats who love to walk on the beach. Here in New York, Chef Henderson brings a taste of Malibu to the Big Apple. Helmed by Executive Chef Amy Sur-Trevino, the menu at Malibu Farm New York features seasonal and sustainable ingredients from vegetables and fruits to meat, whole grains, and more. The drink list is no exception and features ingredients such as organic agaves, freshly squeezed juices, and local produce. Serving lunch during the weekdays, brunch on the weekends, and dinner daily, Malibu Farm is the perfect setting for a breezy, fresh, and delightful dining experience either indoors or al fresco.

Ainslie

This Williamsburg spot has something for everyone. Ainslie’s (76 Ainslie St.) wine bar, beer garden and Italian restaurant offer multiple levels of tables. Explore their rustic rooftop and expansive sidewalk area to enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and much more. From staying late (4am on Fridays and Saturdays) and to starting early (11am-4pm All You Can Drink Brunch on Saturday and Sunday), Ainsle has the good times covered.

Bar Marseille

Enjoy the salty breeze and seaside views at Bar Marseille (190 Beach 69th St) in the Rockaways. The restaurant and lounge celebrates the eclectic collection of flavors found along the French Riviera with cultural influences of North Africa, Italy, Greece, and Spain. Elegant furniture and greenery adorn the restaurant's patio and rooftop deck while the cuisine and robust wine list concentrates 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 a one-dollar Oyster Happy Hour every day at the bar from open to close! Making this dream setting one you should not miss.

Hidden Lane

For the perfect after work hangout spot, or late night cocktail head over to Hidden Lane (129 E 15th St). Steps away from Gramercy Park, the lounge boasts a bi-level bar and a picturesque garden, illuminated by beautifully lit trees. Intimate and sophisticated, Hidden Lane exudes an old New York Charm, making it a true hidden gem.

Daintree

Daintree (25 W 38th St), one of the most gorgeous penthouse lounges, sits atop the Hotel Hendricks in Chelsea, and is about to 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, what better way to say cheers to the springtime, than with a wine glass in one hand and an oyster in another!

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The Cutest Pumpkin Patch in Midtown & 5 Other Ways to Get a Taste of Fall in NYC

As the weather slowly begins to cool, seasonal menu items are shifting just in time for indoor dining to begin on September 30th.

Below are six spectacular ways to feel the fall spirit in NYC through delicious seasonally driven dishes, drinks and even pumpkin picking to consider.

Photo Courtesy of @UncoverMore

Carnegie Diner & Cafe (205 W. 57th St.) has an urban pumpkin patch in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, perfect for photos with friends or the entire family.  All of the pumpkins on display are available to pick and purchase to celebrate the new fall season. After picking your favorite pumpkin, indulge in the restaurant’s delectable menu offerings.  Carnegie Diner offers all-day breakfast omelettes, pancakes, waffles and French toast in addition to salads, burgers and triple decker sandwiches from 9am - 9pm daily.  Photos of this one-of-a-kind Urban Pumpkin Patch!

Beyond Sushi is a plant-based, health-conscious eatery that celebrates the flavors and beauty of seasonal fare with locations on the Upper East Side (1429 3rd. Ave), West Side (62 W. 56th St), Nolita (215 Mulberry) and Union Square (229 E. 14th St.). Beyond Sushi’s flagship 134 W. 37th St. location is also open for delivery, takeout and will reopen for indoor dining on September 30th. For the fall season, Executive Chef Guy Vaknin added a Butternut Squash Tortellini with brown "butter" sage sauce, "Parmesan", and pine nuts to the Beyond Sushi menu.

Brooklyn Chop House (150 Nassau St.) in FiDi now has a Red Velvet Frose made with mixed berries, Maison Marcel Rose and Maison Marcel French Velvet red wine, making it the perfect Fall addition to their everyday favorites. Patrons can make a reservation via OpenTable on Monday - Sunday from 4pm - 10pm. You'll be warm whether you dine outside under one of the restaurant's six industrial grade heaters or indoors beginning on September 30th.

The beautiful all-season escape atop The Sanctuary HoteI, Haven Rooftop (132 W. 47th St.) is transitioning into fall with new cocktails and desserts. Fall festive cocktails include an Apple Cider Mule and a Green Tea Old Fashioned. Decadent desserts include the Pumpkin Cheesecake with a fresh-baked graham cracker crust and a Chocolate Covered Apple featuring an almond milk chocolate covered apple with marshmallows, caramel sauce and white chocolate shavings. 

Ten Hope Outdoor Garden (10 Hope St.) in Williamsburg now offers a new Autumn Menu with options like Squid Ink Gnocchi in a double cream sauce with mushrooms and Parmesan shaving, Arroser Scallops and juicy 8oz Ten Hope Burgers and Kofta Burgers available on Tuesday - Friday from 5pm-11pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-11pm.

Cooler weather calls for warm and hearty pasta dishes from Nerai (55 E. 54th St.). Indulge in their savory Seafood Orzotto, which features fresh octopus, shrimp, mussels and calamari in a saffron broth, and is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. Dine underneath the restaurant's newly installed electric heat lamps in their outdoor garden or indoors beginning on September 30th.

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New York City Restaurant's We're Happy Reopened

While New York City Restaurants still have not opened inside, plenty have been opened and prospering with outdoor seating or takeout. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites that you have to try out this week. Eat up!

Kyma

One of NYC’s favorite Greek restaurants, opened back up located in Flatiron (15 W 18th St), Kyma will be open Tuesday through Saturday, with ample outdoor seating as well as a DJ Friday and Saturday nights playing a mix of Greek tunes and pop. So while we may not be able to travel to the Greek Islands this summer, at least we can feel transported there for a few hours! Just in time for the harvest in Provence, Kyma has created an outdoor dining patio in partnership with Chateau D’esclans’ Whispering Angel  that allows guests to feel like they have been transported to their favorite European getaway. The patio embraces the vibe of the South of France, utilizing vines not only to help create safe social distancing setups, but to symbolize the grapes and wine making process, while incorporating the regions signature blue hydrangea. Twinkle lights, leafy palms, lavender, and various bottles of Whispering Angel were incorporated into the installation to add to the whimsical romance of the setup.

The elevated Greek comfort food that Kyma patrons have come to love will be included on an updated menu including Kyma Chips (crispy slices of zucchini and eggplant with tzatziki), Tomato Salad (Kyma’s classic Greek salad), Grilled Octopus (with roasted peppers, onions and capers), Lamb Chops and Branzino.

 Oceana

After a long, six month hiatus, Oceana will be opening for al fresco dining on Monday, September 14th followed by indoor dining on Wednesday, September 30th! For the first time at the beloved restaurant’s Midtown location, Oceana will be revealing a brand new interior re-design that exudes a fresh, vibrant, and inviting ambiance, while preserving its timeless charm.

In the meantime, starting Monday, the quintessential American seafood destination will be serving lunch and dinner on two patios—the original space on the East side of the restaurant (49th Street near 6th Avenue) and now the West side within the breezeway at The Park at Oceana (49th Street closer to 7th Avenue). Both locations are completely protected from traffic, and the new breezeway patio features water and lighting installations. Led by the talented chef team, Tim Jocz and Michael Aungst, Oceana will be serving lunch and dinner Monday through Friday from 11:30a-8:30p. There will also be a selection of cocktails and wine, including a special list of Chassagne-Montrachet at a 50% discount from notable producers including: Domaine Bernard Moreau et Fils, Bruno Colin, Domaine Paul Pillot, Pierre-Yves Caroline-Morey, Domaine Blain-Gagnard, Philippe Colin, Caroline Morey, and Joseph Colin.

LoLo’s Seafood Shack

Harlem's original Cape Cod and Caribbean mashup. Chef Raymond Mohan and Owner Leticia "Skai" Young created a menu filled with island flavors including LoLo's Seafood Boil with a choice of shrimp, crawfish or snow crab legs, Fish Fry Baskets, Belizean Conch Fritters, Jerk Ribs and Warm Grain Bowls with a choice of shrimp, salmon or both served w/ ‘durty’ rice, sauce and broccoli. New summer favorites include Coconut Shrimp Spring Rolls, Lobster Tacos and Loaded Fries & Queso. Delicious mango slushies are also available. LoLo’s, which stands for Locally Owned Locally Operated, has been opened since 2014 and currently offers takeout, delivery and (self serve) seated outdoor dining Monday - Friday 12pm-9pm and Saturday from 11am - 9pm and Sunday from 11am - 8pm. They currently have 40 seats at their roadside and sidewalk cafe located at (303 W. 116th St.).  https://lolosseafoodshack.com/

Carnegie Diner & Cafe

In the heart of Midtown (205 W. 57th St.) reopened for outdoor dining for 32 in addition to takeout and delivery and offers guests their delicious food rain or shine under scaffolding. Menu offerings include an array of all-day breakfast omelettes, pancakes, waffles, French toast, salads, burgers and triple decker sandwiches in addition to an array of desserts and drinks including frozen margaritas. They are available daily from 9am - 9pm. 

Beyond Sushi

With 8 tables at their Upper East Side (1429 3rd. Ave) location, 3 tables at their West Side (62 W. 56th St) location, 6 tables at their Nolita location (215 Mulberry) and 9 tables at their Union Square (229 E. 14th St.) location. Beyond Sushi’s flagship 134 W. 37th St. location is also open for delivery and takeout.There are over 50 seats across the four venues to dine al fresco on Executive Chef Guy Vaknin’s signature vegan and kosher specialties including his vegan take on a spicy tuna roll with the Spicy Mang, in addition to the Mighty Mushroom, Sweet Tree Roll, Sunny Side Roll, Pickle Me Roll and Smoky Jack Roll. They also go far Beyond Sushi with dishes like their Fun-Guy Dumplings, Chipotle Seitan skewers and the Nutty Buddy Rice Paper Wrap. 

Clinton Hall

With the expansive outdoor seating area available at their FiDi (90 Washington St.) location. Enjoy great Supercraft beer, hard seltzers, wine and a full bar menu alongside delicious food from Executive Chef Darryl Harmon like his signature Double Smashed Burger, Buffalo Cauliflower, Crispy Chicken Wings, Giant Pretzels and more. Clinton Hall FiDi is open Sunday - Wednesday from 12pm-10pm and Thursday - Saturday from 12pm - 11pm. Their Bronx location (601 E. 189th Street) is now open on Fridays from 4pm - 10pm and on Saturdays from 4pm - 11pm.  

Sushi Lab Rooftop

At The Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown (132 W. 47th Street) offers guests a creative spin on traditional sushi from Executive Chef Frankie Chen. The restaurant features Japanese small plates, along with creative Nigiri, Sashimi and Maki sushi. Of course the star of the show is their omakase experience, utilizing only the freshest ingredients.

Haven Rooftop

Above the Sanctuary Hotel (132 W. 47th Street) in Midtown is ready for diners to escape to. Haven offers delicious food and craft cocktails. Favorites include sliders, tuna tartare, and Buffalo wings, Branzino and Steak Au Poivre with peppercorn sauce. Pair that with a Cloudtini or summer sangria for a truly elevated experience. Haven is open Monday - Friday beginning at 3pm.

Loulou

In Chelsea has 24 tables available for dining al fresco for lunch and dinner daily beginning at 12pm. Signature menu items from Executive Chef Jarett Brodie include the Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, clothbound cheddar and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney and Steak Frites featuring a 7oz skirt steak and béarnaise. That's in addition to a large selection of craft cocktails, wine and beer.

Nerai

In Midtown East now has an expansive garden patio with 20 tables and over 50 seats for outdoor dining at lunch and dinner beginning at 11:30am daily. The Nerai Garden is now in operation for lunch and dinner daily.  Indulge in dishes from Executive Chef Moshe Grundman like Shrimp Mikrolimano with tiger shrimp in a tomato ragu, Lavraki, Short Rib Yiouvetsi and Seafood Orzotto with octopus, shrimp and mussels. Additionally, wine, beer and other beverages are served. Located at 55 E. 54th Street)

Hole in the Wall

In Murray Hill (626 1st Avenue) and FiDi (15 Cliff Street) is open to outdoor diners Wednesday - Sunday 9am-5pm and reservations can be made through Yelp. Their newest location at Hotel Henri (37 W. 24th Street) is open seven days a week from 9am-10pm.  Signature dishes from Executive Chef Brent Hudson include a Chili Scramble, Avocado Toast and a Breaky Roll with applewood smoked bacon, chorizo pate, folded eggs, chimichurri and mayo on a milk bun with tots on the side. You can also enjoy the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich or Crispy Pork Belly with sticky glaze, chili, fried shallots and lime. Sip on a Jalapeno Bloody Mary, a Blood Orange Negroni, an Aperol Spritz or a Mimosa anytime of day. Hole in the Wall's Flatiron location has seating for 40, Murray Hill has 15 outdoor tables and FiDi has 10 tables. 

Junzi Kitchen

Chinese fast-casual concept junzi kitchen is launching a whole new menu with updated recipes at all locations just in time for summertime. Some of the highlights include new main items green pepper beef and chilled chicken salad, fresh vegetable options BBQ summer squash and coriander carrots, and all-new chilled noodles. The new menu is available for pick-up and contactless delivery on https://junzi.menu/

MIFUNE New York

The Michelin-recognized Japanese restaurant that focuses on modern Washoku cuisine, as they offer a fantastic Happy Hour menu that I would love for you to share with your readers. The menu is available from 4pm-6pm Tuesday – Saturday and highlights mixologist Shingo Gokan’s (the winner of the 2017 Tales of the Cocktail International Bartender of the Year Award) signature drinks like the Stray Dog (gin, Skinos Mastiha liqueur, cucumber, pineapple and lemongrass) and Oharu (Lychee-cello, Dassai 45 Nigori Sake, Grapefruit and Orange Blossom) for $10 each.

The menu also features appetizers that serve as the perfect bite to complement the cocktails with options like Black Angus Beef Tataki with a ponzu sesame sauce and Octopus Frites, served under a green bean salad tossed in a Japanese onion dressing and a roasted red pepper-yuzu kosho sauce. The restaurant is open for outdoor dining with 32 seats and canopies, so whether it rains or not MIFUNE New York has you covered.

Casa Barilla

The fast casual Italian pasta kitchen concept by the Barilla pasta brand, located in Midtown (6th and 52nd), has launched Aperitivo Hour every day from 3-7 PM for patio diners. To accompany the drinks, Italian snacks such as Pasta Chips (Fried Barilla Rigatoni and Polenta with lemon pepper) and Braised Meatballs (House made 100% Angus Beef meatballs, slowly braised in tomato sauce), are also available at a special price.

For those in Manhattan unable to visit the restaurant in person, Casa Barilla has also expanded their delivery radius via GrubHub to cover the Upper East and West Side radius, down to Soho (2 miles north and 3.7 miles south of the restaurant.)

MENO

The East meets West tea and coffee house that specializes in coffee juices and dark tea, has opened its doors in the West Village. MENO was conceptualized by the newest rising star hospitality group OTTA Management in partnership with Urban Tea Inc. and it's the first oversea tea house in their U.S. expansion plan. The drinks menu, whose recipes are inspired by the MENO in China but reconceptualized for the New York palate, is divided into five sections. T

he most interesting section is their highly unique and delicious one-of-a-kind Coffee Meets Juice with options like Twilight (lemon juice and coffee) and PPAP (pineapple juice and coffee). For their food menu they serve Smoked Chicken Breast Salads and Beef Bologna Sandwiches and for sweet options they have partnered with Keki offering their Original Bouncy Cakes.

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3 Mouthwatering Italian Dishes to Try this Summer

Italian cuisine is delicious. There’s nothing more satisfying than eating a bowl of pasta after a long day of work. Also, everyone knows that New Yorkers love their pizza. People who are trying to stay home more should read about these Italian dishes to try this summer. All of these meals are amazing, and you’ll love bringing your family together for dinnertime.

Saffron Risotto Milanese

Everyone gets tired of eating the same thing over and over again. Home chefs should think about ditching traditional spaghetti and meatballs and make saffron risotto Milanese instead. This meal is incredibly delectable and easy to prepare. One of the best things about this dish is that it’s lightweight. That way, you won’t be incredibly bloated after dinner. Since it’s not too heavy and only takes thirty minutes to make, this is the perfect Italian dish to try this summer. You won’t have to spend the entire day in the kitchen. Instead, you can soak up the sun and prepare the recipe when you’re ready.

Caprese Salad

Not everyone likes to have carb-loaded meals in the summertime. The heat outside can make you uncomfortable as it is; eating tons of carbs can only make it worse. Try making Caprese salad if you’re looking for something light. The key to this dish is using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella. Your salad will taste amazing if you buy superior products and use a unique dressing to bring out the flavors.

Homemade Pizza

New York is synonymous with great pizza. One fun family activity to try this summer is making your own pizza. It’d be best if you wore a mask to the grocery store while you picked up your supplies. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, either. Everyone will have a blast cooking with unique ingredients. Once you have everything you need, set up a pizza cooking system in your kitchen. One person can lay on the sauce while another is in charge of the toppings. When the pizza is finished, you’ll have a blast enjoying it as a family.

This summer will look different from others in the past. New Yorkers will likely stay at home more to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, being a homebody isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For instance, you can spend more time in the kitchen trying unique Italian recipes. The dishes listed will satisfy every craving you have and make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.