Ushering in the first official week of summer naturally calls for some time enjoying the city in the sunshine. While that often means rooftop bars and parks, NYC also has a plethora of restaurants with breathtaking views. From panoramas of Lower Manhattan to Central Park to Columbus Circle, here are some of our fav restaurants with not-to-miss views:
Riverpark
View of the East River from Riverpark. PC: @alexmcc_3Riverpark, a Tom Colicchio restaurant, provides a rare experience in New York City: waterfront dining. Situated on the East River, Riverpark features farm-to-table American food with magnificent views. The Bruléed Buffalo’s Milk Burrata and the Squid Ink Chitarra are must-orders here.
The River Cafe
View of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge from The River Cafe. PC: @therivercafeThe River Cafe in DUMBO is another waterfront restaurant with lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge visible. It’s an iconic, upscale eatery featuring dishes such as tender duck breasts and chocolate desserts shaped like the Brooklyn Bridge. The window seats here are the best to see the stunning views but there isn’t a bad table in the whole restaurant.
Catch
View of Meatpacking District from Catch. PC: @queenlinglongCatch, a trendy seafood restaurant in the Meatpacking District, incorporates a rooftop space that has panoramic views of downtown Manhattan. In addition to the views, the crispy shrimp, lobster mac and cheese, and waffle tower will do pretty well for the ‘gram, too.
Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room
View from Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room. PC: @macysOn the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center, Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room is the highest terrace bar in NYC. Some of the best views of the Empire State Building and Central Park can be found here while noshing on sliders, pigs in a blanket, and cheese boards galore. This takes “Top of the Rock” to a whole new – and delicious – level.
The Loeb Boathouse
View of Central Park from The Loeb Boathouse. PC: @carolinepicsnycThe Loeb Boathouse also does American cuisine but its lakeside location in the middle of Central Park makes it one of the most spectacular and romantic settings in the city. The restaurant is indoors but they do feature a dining area that is al fresco, which is highly recommended.
Per Se
View of Central Park from Per Se. PC: @foxjunkerThomas Keller’s three-star Michelin restaurant, Per Se – which also resides in the Time Warner Center – contributes similar views to that of the Porter House Bar and Grill. It, however, serves ultra-luxe American food often with a price tag of upwards of $350 per person. Central Park and Columbus Circle are visible, as are diners dressed to the nines.
Porter House Bar and Grill
View of Columbus Circle from Porter House Bar and Grill. PC: @acupofkeenThe Porter House Bar and Grill, an upscale steakhouse in the Time Warner Center, provides sweeping views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. Serving up all of your favorite American steakhouse fare, this restaurant is not to be missed for patrons that want to enjoy a hefty steak with a side of Central Park views. Don’t skip out on the hash browns, either!

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