Enjoy imaginative Mexican food in Williamsburg. Experience traditional Korean barbecue in Midtown. Savor fresh bread and pasta in a lush setting in Gramercy Park. Explore these top destinations, where each rooftop combines stellar menus, panoramic scenery, and standout ambience.
New York City has so many incredible rooftop restaurants with sweeping skyline views—there’s no need to pay for an observation tower. Enjoying delicious food and drinks while you gaze at panoramic views is a quintessential New York experience. —Devorah Lev-Tov, Brooklyn-based freelance food and travel writer with bylines in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Eater, Food & Wine, and Fine Dining Lovers
Read on to discover the 10 best rooftop restaurants in NYC.
For American dishes on an elegantly designed rooftop — try RH Rooftop Restaurant (West Village)
Situated atop the expansive RH design gallery, RH Rooftop Restaurant serves refined American dishes in a garden-inspired escape. Signature menu items include a creamy lobster roll, whole grilled branzino, and a grilled shrimp and vegetable salad. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the extensive European-leaning list. The stunning space has a mix of classic and modern decor, including trickling fountains and pleached London plane trees, creating a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere.
For seasonal Italian food at one of the best rooftop restaurants in NYC — visit Amalfi at Serra – Eataly Flatiron (Gramercy Park)
Located atop Eataly Flatiron, Amalfi at Serra brings coastal Italian charm to its seasonal rooftop garden. The menu includes housemade breads and pastas like spaghetti with fried zucchini and basil. Sip a limoncello cocktail in the coastal-inspired space decorated with cascading greenery and rustic wood tables. The restaurant is a standout among the best NYC rooftop restaurants for light‑filled lunches and sunset dinners.
For a buzzy pizzeria and one of the best rooftop restaurants in NYC — visit Roberta’s (Penn Plaza)
Head to Roberta’s for rooftop dining on wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. This lively pizzeria mixes relaxed slice-joint energy with a chic rooftop terrace. Inside, the open kitchen and glowing red oven set the stage for iconic pies like the bee sting with chili and honey. Grab a slice downstairs or head upstairs for a full sit-down meal. Bonus points for the weekend brunch with waffles and a n’duja soft scramble.
For creative Mexican food and views of the city skyline — try El Nico (Williamsburg)
Set at the top of the Penny Hotel, El Nico serves up lively vibes and reimagined Mexican food. Signature dishes include al pastor tacos and chili rellenos. The cocktail program stands out with a deep list of agave-based spirits. The rooftop space is casual yet lively, with bright pops of color, lush greenery, and skyline views, making it ideal for weekend catch-ups or relaxed date nights. El Nico earns its place as one of the best rooftop restaurants in NYC with an energetic vibe.
For American classics and peak city views — visit Peak Restaurant & Bar (Hudson Yards)
Located on the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards, Peak Restaurant & Bar is the place to go for upscale American dishes and expansive city views. The seasonal, modern American menu draws on close relationships with regional farmers, fishermen, and producers and includes a range of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. The terrace’s glass‑walled dining room and sleek high‑top tables create a luxe, modern atmosphere.
For traditional Korean barbecue in a trendy penthouse — visit GAONNURI (Midtown West)
GAONNURI blends traditional Korean barbecue with sweeping views of the New York City skyline. The menu includes grill-your-own selections, including Wagyu beef and duck breast, alongside comforting soups, shareable appetizers, and exquisite desserts. Thoughtful wine pairings and Korean-inspired cocktails round out the experience. With its warm hospitality and refined setting, it’s one of the best rooftop restaurants in NYC for standout Korean cuisine.
For Mexican classics with a lively ambiance — head to Cantina Rooftop (Hell’s Kitchen)
A sky-high retreat and one of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in NYC, Cantina Rooftop is where you go for a party above the clouds. This two-level hotspot blends bold Mexican flavors with an energetic, lounge-like atmosphere and a retractable glass roof that keeps the fiesta going year-round. Order up queso fundido for the table and then dig into a chicken enchilada plate. Pair it all with expertly crafted cocktails, including the standout habanero margarita.
For classic cocktails and small plates in an elegant dining space — try Nubeluz (NoMad)
Nubeluz is an opulent rooftop cocktail bar run by celebrated chef José Andrés. The bar serves modern takes on classic cocktails, like a brown butter sidecar and pisco punch. A selection of caviar, small plates, and sweets complements any drink choice. Mirrored surfaces, jewel-toned banquettes, and moody lighting add to the sophisticated, luxe ambience, set against stunning views of the New York City skyline.
For American plates with iconic views at one of the best rooftop bar restaurants in NYC — try Refinery Rooftop (Midtown West)
Tucked atop the Refinery Hotel, Refinery Rooftop blends industrial-chic style with unobstructed views of the Empire State Building. In fact, it has repeatedly been named America’s #1 Rooftop Bar & Hotel Bar by USA Today. This all-season destination serves crowd-pleasing American fare, from truffle flatbread to grilled shrimp tacos alongside cocktails crafted with fresh ingredients. The space transitions effortlessly from daytime brunches to a lively evening crowd, with DJ sets and skyline lighting adding to the energy.
For seasonal cocktails, shareable American bites, and views of Times Square — head to PHD Terrace (Midtown West)
Located on the 16th floor of the Dream Hotel, PHD Terrace is a year-round rooftop restaurant in NYC known for skyline views, stylish design, and a lively crowd. Fancy bar bites such as mac and cheese balls and Wagyu sliders pair with a wide-ranging cocktail menu, including rooftop pitchers for watching the sunset. The multi-level layout includes indoor lounges and open-air terraces, making it a standout among the best rooftop restaurants in NYC for social gatherings with a view.
From upscale American classics and Italian garden fare to Mexican dishes, Korean barbecue, and sky-high lounges, these are truly the best experiences the city has. Each rooftop restaurant and bar in NYC brings its own character, whether it’s with panoramic vistas, seasonal menus, or luxe lounge decor.
