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Dining with a View: 12 Picturesque NYC Restaurants

Dining atop skyscrapers and beneath world-famous bridges: anything’s possible in New York City. The Insta opportunities are endless at these restaurants offering views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, among other iconic sights. Plan your next date or special occasion at one of these 12 restaurants with incredible atmosphere and jaw-dropping vistas of the city.

Watermark

watermark seaport

Offering stunning views of downtown New York and the Brooklyn Bridge, Watermark at The Seaport shifts with the seasons. For summer it serves as the waterfront oasis Watermark Beach. The massive deck boasts a new outdoor bar, new cabanas, and a curated cocktail program. Both walk-ins and reservations are welcome—the latter can be made here. (In the fall, Watermark is ground zero for NYC Oktoberfest festivities.) 78 South Street, Pier 15, 212-742-8200, watermarkny.com

The Fulton by Jean-Georges

Also located at The Seaport, is The Fulton by Jean-Georges, now celebrating its fourth anniversary, a feast for the tastebuds celebrating the best and freshest in seafood. This past summer, Jean-Georges opened his sprawling 53,000 square foot new market/multi restaurant destination, The Tin Building, next door. 89 South Street, 212-838-1200, thefulton.nyc

SAGA

Newer to the scene is SAGA, located at 70 Pine Street in FiDi. Situated on the 62nd & 63rd floors of the nearly 100 year old Jazz Age skyscraper, SAGA, which opened Aug. 2021, offers elegant dining in an Art-Deco setting. Just above, its 64th Overstory Bar, offers sweeping 360 degree views of New York City.(overstory.nyc.com). SAGA, 70 Pine St., saga-nyc.com

Laser Wolf Brooklyn

Situated atop of The Hoxton in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the new rooftop bar and restaurant Laser Wolf, which opened Summer 2022, serves up tasty Israeli-style charcoal-skewered snacks (Shipudiya), cocktails, and breathtaking city views. The restaurant is named after "Lazar Wolf," the butcher in the iconic musical Fiddler on the Roof. You can be sure things will be heating up this summer; it's already a struggle to get a reservation. 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, 718-215-7150, laserwolfbrooklyn.com

Peak

The Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck in the city (and the Western Hemisphere, in fact), not only boasts extraordinary views, but you’ll also find a restaurant called Peak on the 101st floor. Managed by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC), Peak is a modern American destination, blending stunning views of New York City with elevated menus, vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality. Grab a nightcap at its rooftop bar Peakaboo, open Thurs-Sat, 10:30pm til 2am. 20 Hudson Yards, peaknyc.com 

Lakeside Restaurant at The Loeb Boathouse

Loeb Boathouse

There's bad news and good news. In fall 2022, the iconic Lakeside Restaurant at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park temporarily closed, due to soaring economic costs. However, according to Gothamist, Mayor Eric Adams announced in Feb. 2023 plans for it to re-open summer 2023, with a 10 year lease with Legends Hospitalit.  Adjacent to Lakeside Restaurant is the more casual Outside Bar, with globally inspired bar food and drinks like the Boathouse Margarita. The Lake at Central Park, at E. 75th St, 212-517-2233, thecentralparkboathouse.com

One Dine

One Dine One World Observatory

Not only can you take in the extraordinary views atop One World Trade Center, but you can also have a meal there! One Dine, located in the world’s sixth tallest building, offers tasty pan-American fare within sight of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River. Try local Long Island Duck Breast with the popular Calamari starter, and enjoy a drink at One Mix bar after the sun sets. One World Observatory tickets required before seating. 285 Fulton St., 212-602-4075, oneworldobservatory.com

Robert 

The bustle of Columbus Circle and the serenity of Central Park: take it all in at Robert. Located on the top floor of the Museum of Arts and Design, this bright, airy interior wears its commitment to craft proudly, with contemporary bespoke lighting and design pieces throughout. On Chef Gonzalo Colin’s menu are flavorful, fresh ingredients for brunch, lunch, dessert, and dinner. Plant-eaters will appreciate the zucchini pasta dish and thoughtful salads, while the proteins like halibut with pickled cauliflower won’t disappoint. Better yet, you’ll often hear live music to enhance the sensational view. 2 Columbus Cir., 212-299-7730, robertnyc.com

The View

The View

In case the name didn’t tip you off, The View certainly delivers on vistas. But there’s a twist—literally. While wining and dining atop the Marriott Marquis Hotel at Times Square, you won’t just take in the stunning skyline from one spot in the house; the entire dining room rotates every 30 minutes to give you a new vantage of the city. These upscale tasting menus at brunch and dinner offer seasonal fare like Atlantic scallops with corn puree and Colorado lamb with truffle polenta. Snacks, a dinner buffet, and drinks are served at The View’s Lounge on the 48th floor (don’t fret, this floor revolves too!). 1535 Broadway, 47th-48th Fl., 212-704-8900, theviewnyc.com

Stella 34 Trattoria

One of Macy’s many surprises is Stella 34 Trattoria, the elegant Italian restaurant on the sixth floor. Visit the flagship department store for Empire State Building views, very good Neapolitan pizza, and a wine list boasting exclusively Italian labels. A family-friendly pick, Stella also serves artisanal gelato and smaller dishes of its housemade pasta for kids. 151 W 34th St., 6th Fl., 212-967-9251, patinagroup.com/stella-34

The River Cafe

River Cafe

Among the old guard of classic New York fine dining is the impeccable River Cafe. Its prime location adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge makes it a perfect special occasion pick (don’t be surprised if you witness an engagement while there). There’s even a famous chocolate Brooklyn Bridge on the dessert menu to match the skyline view. Enjoy fine wine and tasty New American fare, the recipient of a Michelin star, while savoring live piano at The River Cafe. 1 Water St., 718-522-5200, rivercafe.com

Gaonnuri

A bit more covert than other rooftop picks on this list, Gaonnuri occupies the 39th floor of a nondescript midtown office building. Inside you’ll find expansive windows offering fantastic vistas of the Empire State Building, plus Korean barbecue on the menu. You can opt to cook pork belly or other proteins at your table’s built-in grill, or choose mains like the Hot Stone Bowl with rice. The black forest cake surrounded with Baked Alaska makes a fiery, tasty conclusion to your meal. 1250 Broadway, 39th Fl., 212-971-9045, gaonnurinyc.com

About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

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