The warm weather has finally arrived and New Yorkers are more than ready to dine outside. Countless al fresco opportunities can be found all throughout New York City-- near the water, on busy streets, in quiet residential neighborhoods, on rooftops, in secluded backyards and close to iconic attractions. Here are 15 Manhattan restaurants that offer exceptional outdoor dining experiences: Avra at Rockefeller CenterLocated across the street from Rockefeller Center, it’s one of Avra’s three NYC restaurants serving scrumptious Greek food that never disappoints.
Their large patio is set back away from Sixth Avenue’s busy foot traffic, which makes it conducive for a relaxing dining experience. A special $38 full three-course lunch is available.1271 6th Avenue.
(212) 430-8888. Barking DogNestled in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen and the theatre district, this restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio is located in the Worldwide Plaza complex, between 8th and 9th Avenue and West 49th and 50th Street. Serving tasty classic American favorites from egg dishes and pancakes to soups, wraps, sandwiches and fried chicken, it’s a welcoming atmosphere even to dogs.
Pet owners can enjoy “yappy Hour” where from 4-10 pm guests with dogs receive 50% off drinks. Their sister restaurant in the same complex, Taqueria & Bar, also has spacious, inviting outdoor seating.329 West 49th Street.
(646) 755-8009. The Brooklyn DinerNoted for their reliable classic deli and comfort food, they have a spacious, elevated patio with big umbrellas. Located on West 57th Street, it’s just steps from Carnegie Hall, Fifth Avenue shops, Columbus Circle and Central Park.
The menu boasts good old fashioned diner food favorites such as all beef frankfurters, chicken pot pie, chicken soup, pastrami sandwiches and large, thick milk shakes.212 West 57th Street. (212) 977-1957.
[caption id="attachment_137759834" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Barking DogPhoto by Alice Burdick Schweiger[/caption] Bryant Park GrillLocated behind the New York Public Library and inside New York’s famed Bryant Park, diners can enjoy New American, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine while soaking up the sunshine. Their patio offers prime outdoor seating.25 W.
40th Street. (212) 840-6500. Central Park BoathouseSituated in the middle of Central Park along the lake, and after a two-year hiatus, this popular landmark restaurant reopened in 2024.
Perfect for a full course romantic dinner, light fare or fun lunch, this quintessential picturesque New York eatery serves a wide variety of food including Oysters Rockefeller, salads, sandwiches and burgers.72nd Street and Park Drive North. (718) 973-9339.
CookshopAcross from the Highline, this established Chelsea restaurant serves farm-to-table fresh healthy seasonal food. They are known for their tasty weekend brunch that includes buttermilk cornmeal pancakes and huevos rancheros. The outside dining setup is perfect for people watching and viewing New York’s famous elevated linear park.
156 Tenth Avenue. (212) 924-4440. [caption id="attachment_137759833" align="alignnone" width="1200"] CookshopPhoto by Alice Burdick Schweiger[/caption] Il GattopardoSituated across the street from the museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and nestled within the historic Rockefeller Townhouses, this elegant restaurant celebrates authentic Italian cuisine.
They feature sidewalk seating, and in the evenings and weekends they have tables placed on the steps of the townhouses. Signature dishes include oven roasted monk fish and ravioli filled with wild mushrooms and Parmigiano cheese.13-15 West 54th Street.
(212) 246-0412. Joanne TrattoriaAn inviting private patio is tucked away in the back of this Upper West Side eatery. The delicious family style Italian cuisine includes fresh pasta, pizza and classics like chicken scarpariello, eggplant parmigiana and their specialty meatballs.
This restaurant is owned by Joe and Cynthia Germanotta, parents of superstar Lady Gaga. The name, Joanne, is in honor of Gaga’s late aunt.70 West 68th Street.
(212) 721-0068. Laduree In the backyard garden of this SoHo French eatery sits a charming spacious, inviting patio. Besides their famous macarons and French pastries, a diverse menu is offered.
After walking around and shopping in the neighborhood, this is a delightful way to unwind and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea.398 West Broadway. (646) 392-7868.
Malibu FarmWith stunning waterfront views of the East River and three bridges--the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge--the restaurant is located on Pier 17 in the South Street Seaport District. Bringing a bit of Southern California to New York, the cuisine features seasonal produce, locally grown ingredients and healthy eating. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
89 South Street. (212) 265-3030. Nice MatinAn Upper West Side favorite, this French bistro offers sidewalk café seating in front of and alongside the beloved restaurant.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, some of their notable entrée’s includes steak frites, confit D’ canard and Moroccan spiced salmon.201 W. 79th Street.
(212) 873-6423. PastisIn the heart of the vibrant Meatpacking District and known for people watching, this trendy, thriving French Bistro offers spacious sidewalk seating. Diners can enjoy French cuisine, that includes croque monsieur, steak frites, oysters and chicken paillard.
From here, it’s a short walk to the bustling Chelsea Market.52 Gansevoort. (212) 929-4844.
[caption id="attachment_137759835" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Sarabeth'sPhoto by Alice Burdick Schweiger[/caption] PopularInside the Public Hotel is an elegant outdoor setting that’s inspired by the Tuileries Garden in Paris and the gardens of Italy. Specializing in Peruvian fusion cuisine with an American twist, featured dishes include chicken and avocado causa, seafood and burgers. Traditional brunch items include pancakes and bagels, cream cheese and lox.
215 Chrystie Street. (212) 735-6000. Sarabeth’s Kitchen Central Park SouthWith a view of Central Park and a stone’s throw from Fifth Avenue shops, this is one of their many locations around the city.
Although they offer a full menu for all meals, they specialize in breakfast foods like pancakes, popovers, egg dishes and a four flower juice. It’s always a popular dining destination for locals and tourists.40 Central Park South.
(212) 826-5959. Tavern on the GreenSituated within Central Park, this iconic restaurant features an expansive outdoor dining patio and bar. Amid the lush greenery of Central Park, it’s a quintessential New York City dining experience.
Open for weekend brunch and daily lunch and dinner, entrees include steaks, seafood and poultry.West 67th Street and Central Park. (212) 877-8684.
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Food
Check out these outdoor dining spots in Manhattan

The warm weather has finally arrived and New Yorkers are more than ready to dine outside. Countless al fresco opportunities can be found all throughout New York City– near the water, on busy streets, in quiet residential neighborhoods, on rooftops, in secluded backyards and close to iconic attractions. Here are 15 Manhattan restaurants that offer... Read More