The Best Outdoor Dining in New York City

New York City is paradise for al fresco diners. Visitors to this culinary capital can tuck into a smorgasbord of cuisines in a range of beautiful settings, from parks and piers to rooftops and sidewalks, at some of the best restaurants in New York City.

Take a look at some of the top spots for outdoor dining in the Big Apple.

Shake Shack Madison Square Park

One of New York City's loveliest parks is also home to some of its most delicious burgers and shakes. It's the spot where Shake Shack first took root in the city, with a humble beginning as a hot dog cart – before going on to become a global sensation.

Known for its all-natural burgers and creative milkshake flavors, such as raspberry cheesecake and salted caramel pretzel, Shake Shack is a NYC must. This location also serves breakfast, including variations on the classic New York egg and cheese roll.

Pier i Cafe

Skyscrapers rise up dramatically behind this sizable outdoor waterfront cafe facing the Hudson River. Only open during the summer and early fall, Pier i Cafe serves small plates like Creole wings and hummus as well as salads, burgers, wraps and main courses, such as grilled skirt steak and blackened salmon.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacular summer sunsets while quenching their thirst with glasses of the cafe's freshly made blueberry lemonade.

Forrest Point

The menu for this sprawling, casual Bushwick eatery, located in a former gas station, covers all the bases. Diners enjoy everything from burgers, tacos and avocado toast to seared tuna with duck-fried rice, wild mushroom pot pie and steak frites. Desserts include homemade ice cream sandwiches and cast-iron s'mores.

The rustic decor in the large, brick-paved garden has a homey feel, with porch swings, trees and hanging plants. Another great one for a sunshine excursion to the Big Apple, Forrest Point is only open in the spring and summer.

Café Standard at The Standard

The Standard Hotel's Café Standard serves contemporary American cuisine in its own leafy garden, with vine-covered brick walls and a bocce court for outdoor games. The garden undergoes a transformation when the weather changes and is home to heated yurts during the winter. Visitors can book their own yurt to enjoy a delicious winter feast at this East Village institution.

Rosie’s

This vibrant restaurant has a lively, upbeat vibe that permeates the entire outdoor seating area. Their menu of fresh, authentic Mexican fare features favorites such as braised brisket tacos, shrimp tostadas and chicken enchiladas.

For those who haven't tried Mayan pumpkin seed dip, known as sikil pak, or Oaxacan-style grilled meats, this is the place to expand those culinary horizons.

Pilot

Pilot is more than just outdoor dining – it’s an experience. Tourists and native New Yorkers alike flock to this seasonal seafood and oyster bar to sit on this historic schooner and enjoy glorious views of Lower Manhattan. Enjoy refined fresh fish and bold flavors as the magical NYC cityscape twinkles in the distance.

The Waverly Inn

The Waverly Inn has been a key player on New York’s restaurant scene for years now, with a loyal celebrity following. Grab a seat in the stylish courtyard and see for yourself why The Waverly Inn continues to draw in the crowds.

Choose from an exquisite selection of comfort food dishes and American favorites in this trendy little hangout. The hand cut steak tartare is a classic rendition, while jumbo crab cakes never disappoint.

Gemma

A friendly neighborhood feel permeates Gemma, located in the swish Bowery Hotel. This popular brunch spot offers al fresco dining and a menu of Italian fare that includes polenta with eggs and exotic mushrooms, poached eggs on brioche with prosciutto and excellent pizzas and pastas.

Serra by Birreria at Eataly

The Italian food hall Eataly is usually packed, but visitors can escape to the rooftop, ensconce themselves in cabanas and enjoy a tantalizing variety of Italian dishes. This rooftop hotspot is always serving up a range of delicious Italian dishes, themed to match the season.

In the summer, this restaurant specializes in dishes inspired by coastal Italian cuisine, including pastas, antipasti and bruschetta, while its winter alter ego showcases the food of the Italian Alps, including raclette and sciatt – Piave cheese that's beer-battered and fried.

Serra by Birreria rounds off the ski lodge theme with a polenta bar, a retractable roof and heaters to keep visitors cozy during cooler months.

Ella Social

This Upper West Side restaurant specializes in small, shareable plates of Spanish tapas, such as empanadas, grilled octopus and shrimp ajillo. The menu's garden section features an excellent selection of salads and Ella's sidewalk café draws quite a crowd during the warmer months.

Which outdoor restaurants in New York City have you enjoyed in the past? Share them with us on Facebook.

Looking for more things to do in the Big Apple? Check out more of our New York travel inspiration on the Hertz blog.