Sky High Dining At 20 Best Rooftop Restaurants In New York City
New York City’s skyline isn’t just for postcards – it’s the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal.
Rooftop restaurants across the city offer breathtaking views alongside delicious food and drinks.
From Brooklyn to Manhattan, these elevated eateries combine amazing sights, tasty bites, and cool vibes that make dining in the Big Apple extra special.
1. The View at Marriott Marquis: Broadway’s Rotating Gem
Spinning slowly above Times Square, this revolving restaurant gives you a complete 360° panorama of NYC while you eat. No need to switch seats for a better view!
The menu features upscale American classics with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
Perfect for special occasions, The View lives up to its name with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the city’s glittering lights as you dine.
2. One40 Rooftop: Hudson River Sunsets & Seafood
Perched atop the Financial District, One40 serves up seafood platters alongside jaw-dropping Hudson River views. Locals rave about the oyster selection that changes daily.
Sunset hour transforms this sleek space into a golden paradise, with the water reflecting orange and pink hues.
Cocktails here come garnished with edible flowers and herbs grown in their rooftop garden—talk about fresh ingredients!
3. elNico: Brooklyn’s Spanish Escape
Who needs Madrid when elNico brings authentic Spanish flavors to Brooklyn’s rooftops? The paella here isn’t just food – it’s a show, cooked in massive pans right before your eyes.
Fairy lights strung overhead create a magical atmosphere as the Manhattan skyline twinkles in the distance.
Sangria flows freely while flamenco music plays softly, transporting you straight to Spain without the plane ticket.
4. Harriet’s Rooftop & Bar: Brooklyn Bridge Beauty
Nestled atop 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s offers front-row seats to the most iconic bridge in America. The sustainable approach extends from the reclaimed wood tables to the locally-sourced menu ingredients.
Sipping a botanical cocktail here feels like being in a sophisticated treehouse for grown-ups.
The lounge areas feature plush seating and fire pits that keep the vibe cozy even when evening breezes pick up.
5. Akoya: Japanese Fusion Under the Stars
Hidden gem alert! Akoya brings Tokyo vibes to Midtown with its minimalist design and show-stopping sushi platters. The sake selection would impress even the most discerning Japanese food lovers.
Cherry blossom trees (real ones!) dot the rooftop, creating intimate dining nooks.
The chef’s omakase experience happens at sunset, timed perfectly so your final course arrives just as the city lights begin their nightly sparkle.
6. Hudson VU: Chelsea’s Industrial-Chic Retreat
Former warehouse vibes meet luxury dining at this Chelsea hotspot. The industrial-chic design features exposed pipes alongside velvet seating – somehow it totally works!
Famous for weekend brunches, their avocado toast comes topped with edible flowers and a side of spectacular views. The retractable roof means weather never ruins the party, while heaters keep things toasty when temperatures drop.
7. Bar Tetto Rooftop: Little Italy’s Secret Garden
Grandma’s Italian garden meets upscale cocktail bar at this Little Italy gem. Tomato plants and herb gardens aren’t just decoration – they’re ingredients for your meal!
Red-checkered tablecloths add old-school charm while string lights create a romantic glow after sunset.
The homemade limoncello shots come served in frozen lemons, a refreshing treat on hot summer nights when the downtown skyline shimmers in the heat.
8. Rainbow Room & Bar SixtyFive: Art Deco Elegance
Old New York glamour lives on at this historic spot in Rockefeller Center. The rotating dance floor has hosted celebrities since 1934, while the champagne menu rivals those found in Paris.
Bar SixtyFive offers slightly more casual vibes with the same stunning views. Gold accents and crystal chandeliers sparkle alongside the city lights visible through the wraparound windows.
The Empire State Building looks close enough to touch from your table.
9. Magic Hour Rooftop: Carnival Meets Cocktails
Adult playground alert! This Moxy Hotel hotspot features a mini-golf course with naughty sculptures and a rotating carousel bar that spins (slowly) as you drink.
Pink everything dominates the decor, creating Instagram heaven for selfie lovers. The oversized shareable cocktails come in copper flamingos and teddy bear containers.
10. Electric Lemon: Hudson Yards’ Sleek Sensation
Sleek and modern, this Hudson Yards gem features a sprawling terrace with fire pits and water features. The menu focuses on clean eating with dishes that look like edible art installations.
The restaurant’s name isn’t just cute – they actually infuse many dishes with preserved lemon for a bright, unexpected kick.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Hudson River perfectly, while the outdoor space offers glimpses of the Vessel sculpture just below.
11. The Crown NYC: Chinatown’s Fusion Favorite
East meets west at this Chinatown rooftop where dim sum carts roll between tables loaded with both traditional bites and innovative fusion creations.
Two outdoor terraces offer different views – downtown skyscrapers from one side, Brooklyn Bridge from the other.
Red lanterns sway in the breeze while hip-hop beats blend with traditional Chinese instruments in the background.
12. Refinery Rooftop: Garment District’s Brick Beauty
Exposed brick walls and wooden beams give this former hat factory rooftop an authentic NYC feel. The retractable glass roof means you can enjoy the space year-round, snow or shine.
Famous for their lobster rolls and craft beer selection, this spot draws a mix of tourists and locals.
The Empire State Building appears so close from here you might think you could reach out and touch it – especially after their potent signature cocktails!
13. 230 Fifth Rooftop: Year-Round Oasis
Rain, snow, or sunshine – 230 Fifth has you covered with their famous igloos in winter and misting fans in summer. This massive rooftop can host hundreds yet somehow maintains a fun, energetic vibe.
The menu globe-trots from Korean BBQ sliders to Mediterranean platters.
During winter months, the heated igloos transform into cozy bubbles where you can sip hot spiked cider while snowflakes fall around you – pure magic with the Empire State Building glowing nearby.
14. The Skylark: Midtown’s Sophisticated Hideaway
Thirty-two floors up, The Skylark offers a more refined rooftop experience away from the tourist crowds. The indoor-outdoor space features multiple levels and nooks for intimate conversations.
Bartenders craft cocktails with theatrical flair – expect smoke, fire, and custom ice cubes. The small plates menu changes seasonally, but the truffle fries remain a constant favorite.
15. Castell Rooftop Lounge: Spanish-Inspired Sanctuary
Barcelona meets Manhattan at this Spanish-inspired rooftop where gin and tonics are elevated to an art form. The indoor space features a gorgeous copper bar while the terrace offers more casual seating.
Tapas here go beyond the basics – think jamón ibérico carved tableside and patatas bravas with house-made aioli.
During summer months, they host flamenco performances against the backdrop of the twinkling city lights.
16. St. Cloud Rooftop: Times Square’s Hidden Escape
Surprisingly serene despite its Times Square location, St. Cloud offers three distinct terraces connected by an indoor bar. The Knickerbocker Hotel’s crown jewel provides a civilized alternative to the chaos below.
Mixologists create Prohibition-era cocktails using techniques from the 1920s. Small bites include caviar service and oysters on crushed ice.
When the New Year’s Eve ball is visible from your table, you know you’ve found a truly special NYC spot.
17. Elsie Rooftop: Art Deco Glamour Above Midtown
Step back in time at this 1920s-inspired penthouse named after legendary socialite Elsie de Wolfe. Gold accents, velvet seating, and vintage chandeliers create a Great Gatsby vibe 25 floors above the city streets.
The cocktail menu reads like a history book of classic recipes with modern twists. Small plates feature caviar, cheese boards, and delicate tea sandwiches perfect for an upscale happy hour.
18. The Yacht Club: Chelsea’s Nautical Getaway
Anchored atop the Starrett-Lehigh Building, this nautical-themed rooftop makes you feel like you’re on a luxury liner.
Seafood dominates the menu – the raw bar features oysters from both coasts. Cocktails come in quirky vessels like miniature ships and lighthouses.
The wraparound terrace offers rare western views of the Hudson River and spectacular sunsets that paint the water golden.
19. Ai Fiori Sky Terrace: Italian Elegance Above Fifth Avenue
Michelin-starred Ai Fiori takes Italian cuisine to new heights – literally – with their intimate sky terrace. Only twelve tables make this one of the most exclusive rooftop dining experiences in the city.
Handmade pasta and Mediterranean-inspired seafood shine on the menu. The wine list favors Italian regions with rare bottles you won’t find elsewhere.
White tablecloths and silver service create an old-world elegance that matches the Fifth Avenue address perfectly.
20. Cantina Rooftop: Hell’s Kitchen’s Colorful Fiesta
Vibrant doesn’t begin to describe this Mexican hotspot where colorful tiles, flowering plants, and neon signs create a perpetual party atmosphere.
Tacos arrive on handpainted plates while guacamole gets prepared tableside.
The retractable roof and powerful heaters mean you can enjoy their famous Taco Tuesday specials year-round while admiring the Hudson River and colorful Hell’s Kitchen surroundings.
