Best Rooftop Restaurants In New York

By Ellie Smith

3 months ago

Sky-high dining in the Big Apple


New York has one of the world’s most famous skylines, with towering skyscrapers dotted across the city. Luckily for its residents and visitors, many of these are topped by glitzy restaurants, where you can admire panoramic views while tucking into some great food and drinks. From Mexican roof decks in Brooklyn to fine dining in the Financial District, read on for the best rooftop restaurants in New York.

Rooftop Restaurants NYC: New York Restaurants With A View

RH Rooftop Restaurant New York

This is easily one of the city’s most famous rooftop restaurants, perched atop the giant RH New York – a gallery-cum-retail-store in the heart of the Meatpacking District. A year-round, skylit garden, it offers some of the best views in Manhattan, but there’s plenty to marvel at inside too. The space is decked out with plane trees and glittering chandeliers – plus it’s a prime spot for people-watching. Come here for a bougie brunch or a nab a table early evening to catch the sunset while dining on classic American fare.

9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014, United States, rh.com

 

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Laser Wolf

It doesn’t get much cooler than Laser Wolf, the open-air Israeli restaurant perched atop Williamsburg’s Hoxton Hotel. Named after Lazar Wolf, the butcher from the Fiddler on the Roof musical, this buzzy spot centres around the charcoal grill: think sizzling grills of meat, fish and veggies, paired with dips and pitta aplenty. It does some jazzy cocktails too, like the signature Get Shishlik’d, a frozen tipple made with Reyka Vodka, Aperol, guava and lime.

97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States, laserwolfbrooklyn.com

 

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SAGA

If you’re after some serious fine dining, splash out on a trip to SAGA, the high-end restaurant found at the top of Art Deco tower 70 Pine Street, in the middle of the Financial District. With its green marble tables and velvet upholstery, plus the incredible city and river views, this venue is a sight to behold. But esteemed chef James Kent ensures the grand setting doesn’t overshadow the food, cooking up an exquisite tasting menu focusing on European techniques. Naturally, it doesn’t come cheap, but it’s the perfect spot for a special occasion.

70 Pine St 63rd Floor, New York, NY 10005, United States, saga-nyc.com

Electric Lemon

A restaurant connected to a gym franchise might not be your first thought when it comes to trendy dining spots – but leave all your preconceptions behind at Electric Lemon, an uber-stylish rooftop restaurant in Hudson Yards. Located within the wellness-focused Equinox Hotel, it boasts a beautiful terrace overlooking the Hudson Valley and city skyline – plus a dining room inside complete with floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu focuses on seasonal, nourishing fare made with locally sourced ingredients, some from the restaurant’s own micro-garden. A real gem, just be sure to book in advance.

33 Hudson Yards 24th Floor, New York, NY 10001, United States, electriclemonnyc.com

Beast & Butterflies

Find some respite from the chaos of Times Square at Beast & Butterflies, the intimate rooftop terrace found at the top of M Social Hotel. Soak up the bright lights of one of the world’s most famous squares while tucking into sharing plates and classic American dishes, like burgers and NY strip steak and chips. The food is nothing ground-breaking – but it’s a great spot for visitors keen to feel like they’re really in New York, without being trampled on by the hordes of camera-toting tourists down below.

226 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States, msocial.com

 

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SERRA by Birreria

After picking up some tasty Italian treats at Eataly, head upstairs for a bite to eat at SERRA by Birreria. Being partially covered, the terrace doesn’t offer the most jaw-dropping view in town, but it’s still one of the city’s prettiest rooftops, inspired by the Italian countryside. The floral decor changes with the seasons – currently it’s all sprawling eucalyptus, sage green and winter berries – as does the menu, which offers a selection of pizza, pasta and salads.

200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States, eataly.com

 

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Alma

Rooftop dining doesn’t always have to come with sky-high prices. Alma is a reasonably priced Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn where you can dine al fresco during the summer months – all while enjoying panoramic views of lower Manhattan. The menu includes tacos, ceviche and enchiladas, plus brunch specials like breakfast burritos and chilaquiles con huevos, and a selection of different (generously tequila-ed) margaritas.

187 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States, almabk.com