New York City – center of the universe, at least in my opinion. It’s a hob nob of fun and food for sure. There are skyscrapers everywhere, and being that Manhattan is an island, we are surrounded by water, so obviously a grand view is not that hard to come by. There are observation decks, boat tours, restaurants that are damn near in the clouds, and hot spots by the water. But lots of them are more of a tourist trap, offering great views with mediocre food. I have dug through a bunch of them, and found you dinners with a view you shouldn’t miss. Spring is right around the corner, so do keep in mind that some of these have outdoor dining options!
The Aviary
Grant Achatz is one of today’s greatest chefs, and his restaurant Alinea in Chicago is considered one of the best in the world. Well. He has finally arrived in New York. His restaurant The Aviary is housed in the Mandarin Hotel on the Upper West Side, where he is serving his stunning food on the 35th floor. He offers a culinary interactive journey to his guests to compliment the breathtaking view of Manhattan, including Central Park and Columbus Circle. It’s the place to be.
For more info click here
The Crown
Down in Chinatown, Dale Talde and his partners took over the culinary side of the brand-new Hotel 50. The Crown is a rooftop bar with gorgeous 360 degree views of the city, including the Manhattan Bridge and the East River. The cocktails are innovative, the food menu is short, basically sticking to a few bar snacks. But do yourself a favor and dine on the ground floor at Rice and Gold, Dale Talde’s Asian Fusion restaurant first, if you’re hungry. The food is amazing. If it’s great snacks, imaginative drinks and an amazing view you’re craving, then just head to the roof top. Inside and outside seating is available.
For more info click here
Riverpark
Tom Colicchio, head judge of the Bravo TV show Top Chef owns this gem of a restaurant on the Eastside of Manhattan. The food is farm to table, the menu New American. Right outside you will find Riverpark Farm, which was developed through a partnership between Riverpark Restaurant and the Alexandria Center. It supplies its fresh produce to the neighboring restaurant, essentially providing the shortest farm to table journey! The Terrace seating is spoiling you with beautiful views of the East River and the Queens skyline. Inside and Outside seating is available.
For more info click here
View Of The World
This restaurant is located in the World Center Hotel adjacent to the Ground Zero Museum and the 9/11 Memorial. Up on the 20th floor you will be served upscale American Fare. The views of the Freedom Tower, the Hudson River and the 9/11 Memorial are unforgettable, and I don’t mean just for tourists! Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
For more info click here
Alma
Alma is a great multi-story restaurant in Brooklyn, that is bordered right on the waterfront, serving delicious traditional Mexican cuisine. While it has 3 floors, the roof deck floor is the one people long to be seated, being that its view of the Manhattan skyline is one of the best you’ll ever see. On a beautiful sunny day you get a clear view of the downtown area that you won’t soon forget. The excellent Margaritas are just a bonus….
For more info click here
