There’s something special about dining at one of the best restaurants in NYC with a view, where towering buildings, waterfront vistas, or the city’s iconic landmarks (or all of the above) serve as a background for a top-notch meal. Whether you’re sipping cocktails as the sun sets over the Hudson or enjoying dinner with the Empire State Building in sight, a great view adds an unforgettable dimension to your dining experience.
Head to the top of the Museum of Arts and Design to watch the yellow taxis circle Columbus Circle. Try Korean barbecue with a nighttime Manhattan sky in Midtown West. Enjoy jaw-dropping views from a hotspot on the 101st floor in the Financial District.
Don’t miss out on dining at one of the best restaurants in NYC with a view—make a reservation now on OpenTable.
Read on to discover the 10 best restaurants in NYC with a view.
For contemporary American cuisine and views of Columbus Circle — reserve a table at Robert (Columbus Circle)
Robert brings together contemporary American cuisine, modern art, and views of Columbus Circle. Set atop the Museum of Arts and Design, the restaurant is decked with bold pops of orange, purple, and fuchsia in the stylish interior. Enjoy hits like a wagyu burger with yucca fries or Scottish salmon with lemon potatoes. Grab a cocktail and watch Central Park shift through the ever-changing seasons below.
For jaw-dropping views of downtown in a sophisticated spot — check out Peak Restaurant & Bar (Hudson Yards)
Located on the 101st floor of Hudson Yards’ tallest building, Peak Restaurant & Bar is one of the best restaurants in NYC with a view. With a refined yet inviting atmosphere, marble-top tables and soft leather chairs set the scene for a special occasion or meal. Take in the vista as you dine on modern American classics like the signature brisket burger or indulge in a three-course prix fixe dinner with hits like grilled radicchio, roasted chicken, and peanut butter mousse.
For Korean barbecue at one of the best restaurants in NYC with a view — book a table at GAONNURI (Midtown West)
GAONNURI is where you go for a refined Korean barbecue experience on the 39th floor with peak city views.. True to its name, which means “center of the world”, GAONNURI brings people together over sizzling grills, prime cuts of beef, and luxe, prix fixe seasonal tasting menus. A la carte options such as soy lemon glazed salmon with quinoa and potatoes hit the spot.
For contemporary American fare and sunsets over the Hudson River — snag a table at Perry St (West Village)
Tucked inside the iconic Richard Meier Towers, Perry St pairs serene Hudson River views with legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s elegant culinary sensibilities. The intimate, 60-seat dining room with a soft, earthy palette sets the tone for a refined meal of seasonal contemporary American favorites like sweet pea soup and charred duck breast with cabbage. Don’t skip the molten chocolate cake for dessert.
For stellar views of the NYC skyline in an elegant atmosphere — grab a table at The River Café (Dumbo)
Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café is a neighborhood gem and one of the best restaurants in NYC with a view of the Statue of Liberty. The interior channels old-school charm with linen-clad tables and fresh floral centerpieces. The elegant American prix fixe-only menu has included standouts like scallop ceviche and pan-roasted lamb. Go at night to enjoy live piano music by the bar and watch the city skyline glow across the river as you sip a signature cocktail.
For Continental cuisine with a side of Central Park Lake views — make a reservation at Central Park Boathouse (Upper East Side)
Head to Central Park Boathouse for elegant dining on the lake in a charming spot among the trees in Central Park. Floor-to-ceiling windows let the sunshine in while rowboats drift across the water against a backdrop of buildings. Start off with braised meatballs with garlic bread, and then move on to Continental and American favorites like jumbo lump crab cake or Long Island duck breast. A kids’ menu with options like chicken tenders or a burger with fries makes this a popular spot for families.
For sprawling views of the city and familiar American favorites — ensure your table awaits at ONE Dine at One World Observatory (Financial District)
Located on the 101st floor of the One World Trade Center, ONE Dine at One World Observatory is one of the best NYC restaurants with a view. Poised high above the hustle and bustle, this sophisticated spot has a menu full of American favorites. There’s Caesar salad, charcuterie, and smoked belly pork linguini for the adults, while kids can feast on mac and cheese. Linger over sticky toffee pudding as you relax in your oasis in the sky.
For a rooftop hangout with American-inspired small plates — Refinery Rooftop (Midtown West)
Refinery Rooftop is a stylish year-round favorite for cocktails or an upscale American lunch, thanks to its retractable glass roof, cozy fireplace, and industrial-chic vibe. Swing by for the two-course lunch menu and customize a combo like the soup of the day with a grilled chicken panini and house chips. After the sun sets, sip on a specialty cocktail as the Empire State Building glows in the background.
For a swanky cocktail bar with epic New York City skyline views — head to Bar Cima (Garment District)
Join the scene at Bar Cima, a swanky lounge and Latin cocktail bar with a seasonal patio overlooking Bryant Park. Set atop the Grayson Hotel, it’s a great place to start or end an evening with drinks and small plates. Take in epic views of the Empire State Building as you sip on creative cocktails and dig into crowd-pleasing dishes like potato and chorizo empanadas.
For cocktails and small plates at one of the best restaurants in NYC with a view — grab a table at The Skylark NYC (Hell’s Kitchen)
Poised high above New York City, The Skylark NYC is a destination for cocktails, upscale bar food, and peak city views. Settle into the lounge-like space with communal seating and cozy nooks, and share small plates like flatbread, shrimp dumplings, and beef sliders from chef Coyd Jordan. Pair your meal with bubbly or a mint tea spritz as the sun dips over the skyline.
From rooftop terraces to high-in-the-sky gems, these best restaurants in NYC with a view pair stunning scenery with top-notch cuisine for moments worth lingering over.
