According to official city documents, there are around 24,000 restaurants in New York City, so you can bet that you have a pretty big option of rooftop restaurants available.
Besides, with so many options, how do you know which are the best rooftop restaurants NYC has to offer? And more importantly – how do you know which is the best option for you? Are you looking for an upscale restaurant in downtown Manhattan? Or maybe you live in Brooklyn and you just want something more casual with a nice view.
Well, you are in luck, friend. In this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive list of the Top 11 rooftop restaurants NYC has for you so you’ll be able to enjoy a night out on the town (and a good Sunday brunch, too)!
Table of Contents
Best Rooftop Restaurants NYC
Sushi Lab
- Address: 132 W 47th St, New York, NY
- Neighborhood: Theater District
- Price: $$$
Sushi Lab Rooftop is a relatively new dining experience, having opened in 2019. They’re known for putting a creative twist on traditional sushi with ingredients from around the world.
You’ll have spectacular views from one of the best locations out of all the rooftop restaurants NYC has available. Not only do you get some great views of the theater district, but the restaurant itself has a beautiful design with lots of outdoor plants and wood features that really make the place stand out.
Their signature dish is a 10 piece omakase for $60. In case you didn’t know, omakase is sort of like the “chef’s special”. It literally means “I’ll leave it up to you”, so you are trusting the chef to deliver a quality meal based on seasonal availability. And the chef definitely delivers.
But make sure you make a reservation in advance. Considering it is a rooftop restaurant with reasonably priced omakase in a great location, there’s understandably a high demand.
Catch Steak
Catch Steak is an enormous restaurant in Chelsea and is one of the best rooftop restaurants NYC offers in the area. They have a curated meat selection, offering only the highest-quality cuts with a unique presentation. So the next time you’re up for a knock-your-socks-off steak dinner, you’ll want to make a reservation here.
The Catch group of restaurants has been expanding in recent years and this is one of its newer additions, combining the classic steakhouse feel with the lighter and brighter Catch design. They have 4 dining rooms, a heated outdoor patio, and a retractable rooftop with individual, heated greenhouses. So even in the dead of winter, you can enjoy the skyline.
STK Rooftop
- Address: 6 Little W 12th St, New York, NY
- Neighborhood: West Village
- Price: $$$
STK Rooftop is one of the best casual rooftop restaurants NYC has to offer. They specialize in American-style steaks and cocktails, making it a great stop for anyone looking to go out with some friends. But the best part is that if you want to enjoy some rooftop brunch, NYC has few places better than this spot. They offer brunch all weekend so STK Rooftop is a great way to start your weekend off strong.
Upstairs at the Kimberly
- Address: 145 E 50th St, New York, NY
- Neighborhood: Midtown East
- Price: $$$
Upstairs at the Kimberly is one of the best rooftop restaurants NYC has on top of their well-known hotels. It’s also great for a rooftop brunch. NYC has plenty of spots available for breakfast and brunch, but none with views quite so nice. For dinner, they have some delicious small plates that go well with their signature cocktails; perfect for a date night!
Their brunch menu, however, is incredibly well-priced for such an upscale restaurant, with most of their dishes around $16.
Located at the Hotel Kimberly, you get amazing views of Midtown NYC, including views of the Chrysler building. The restaurant is designed so you can get a 360-degree view of the city.
Harriet’s Rooftop and Lounge
- Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY
- Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
- Price: $$
When you’re in Brooklyn, Harriet’s Rooftop Lounge is an absolute must for a light dinner out with friends or a date. They offer small bar bites, charcuterie boards, and tasty cocktails with some of the best views out of any of the rooftop restaurants NYC showcases. They have some vegetarian options and the Beyond Burger, as well. And if you’re looking into brunch spots, they also offer reasonably priced brunch menus until 4 on the weekend.
Harriet’s Rooftop and Lounge stands out for its amazing views. Being on the Brooklyn side, you get all the amazing views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge, but without so many of the tourists. So it is definitely a go-to spot for anyone in the area.
Fornino at Pier 6
- Address: Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6
- Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
- Price: $$
Fornino’s Bridge Park location is a perfect spot for anyone in the mood for pizza. This spot should make the list for any of New York’s best restaurants, not just for rooftop restaurants. NYC has an award each year for Best Pizza and Fornino has won more than once. They sell both traditional and “third-generation” pizzas. In other words, they have some more creative pizzas in case you’re in the mood to try something new!
The location at Brooklyn Bridge Park has a beautiful rooftop patio. You can a wonderful view of the Statue of Liberty and it is by far one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset. So if you live in Brooklyn, then what are you waiting for?
Leaf Bar and Lounge
- Address: Roof of Hyatt Place Hotel,
- Neighborhood: Flushing, Queens
- Price: $$
On the rooftop level of the Hyatt Place Hotel in Flushing, you’ll find one of the best Asian restaurants in town. Leaf Bar and Lounge specialize in classic American bar food with an East-Asian twist. They also have a great cocktail selection that can go head-to-head with some of the best rooftop restaurants. NYC is getting a face-lift in this neighborhood and the Leaf Bar and Lounge is definitely helping out.
It features Asian-inspired decor, creating an elegant space to relax and socialize above the big city. If you’re looking for a spot to dine on some small plates, enjoy great cocktails, and relax in an oasis, then look no further.
Bourbon Street
- Address: 40-12 Bell Blvd, Queens, NY
- Neighborhood: Bayside
- Price: $$
Comforting Cajun food on a rooftop terrace in NYC, what more could you possibly want? Enjoy the spicy flavors of Creole cuisine and the views of the bay at one of the best rooftop restaurants.
NYC doesn’t offer too many authentic Cajun restaurants, but Bourbon Street certainly makes up for the lack of quantity in quality.
They have a huge selection of appetizers, Louisiana classics, as well as some creative spins on classic dishes. And the best part is that it’s all at a great price. You’re getting some amazing food without paying rooftop prices.
They have an entire main floor which can be reserved for catering events and parties, in case you’re also in the mood for indoor dining. But you’re here for rooftop access and Bourbon Street offers just that. You’ll have some of the best views in NYC from this rooftop restaurant.
Westlight
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- Address: 111 N 12th St 22nd floor, Brooklyn, NY
- Neighborhood: Williamsburg
- Price: $$$
Westlight rooftop cocktail bar has some of the best reviews out of any of the rooftop restaurants NYC offers. They serve a lighter menu, but it has a surprising amount of variety. From a local burrata crustini to duck carnitas tacos to ora king salmon, you’re sure to find something to please everyone. Their entire menu takes inspiration from global street food.
This place is a must for your next night out with your friends or a date. You get spectacular views of Manhattan from this industrial style rooftop restaurant. It features a clean steel design on the enormous outdoor rooftop with a more cozy interior bar.
Berry Park
- Address: 4 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY
- Neighborhood: Williamsburg
- Price: $$
This last location is another classic American pub with a NYC rooftop twist. Berry Park has typical bar food for their dinner menu but what truly stands out is their amazing rooftop brunch. NYC has truly become holy ground for brunch fans and the Berry Park rooftop offers amazing food and views.
Located in Williamsburg, you get a perfect view of Manhattan from the rooftop dining area. This makes it a beautiful way to wake up (or brush off a hangover) during a Sunday brunch. And if it could get any better, the food is at an incredibly reasonable price, especially for a rooftop restaurant.
So whether you just moved to NYC or you’re born and bred, you need to check out Berry Park.
Ampia Rooftop – CLOSED
- Address: 100 Broad Street
- Neighborhood: Downtown Manhattan
- Price: $$$
Ampia Rooftop is a trendy Italian rooftop restaurant in downtown Manhattan calls themselves a gnoccheria, so naturally, they specialize in some delicious gnocchi plates. Definitely a go-to for pasta lovers. Ampia means “wide open” in Italian, something which immediately becomes noticeable as soon as you walk into the restaurant.
The outdoor rooftop is absolutely beautiful, and with their individual greenhouses, they’re a perfect fit for anyone who wants some outdoor dining in the winter. But note – you need to make the reservation at least a week in advance. Seems like there’s a pretty big demand for one of the best rooftop restaurants NYC offers!
Bon Appétit – Enjoy Those Rooftop Restaurants in New York City!
If you’re already salivating by now, the only thing left to do is choose one of these restaurants on the list and make a reservation. The only disadvantage to having such amazing places to eat in NYC is that the really good ones always need a reservation.
So pick whichever of these restaurants calls to you the most, enjoy the NYC rooftop views, and bon appétit.
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