Dining With a Vista

Restaurants with stunning views in New York City are bountiful. But not every outlook may appeal to you. Here’s a guide to finding the best view for you.
Dining With a Vista
The Riverpark patio, overlooking the East River. (Courtesy of Riverpark)
9/6/2013
Updated:
9/5/2013

Restaurants with stunning views in New York City are bountiful. But not every outlook may appeal to you.

The atmosphere varies from restaurant to restaurant and the trick is to find something that fits your personal comfort zone and budget.

Each selection below was carefully vetted based on customer reviews, dining magazine ratings, atmosphere, unique characteristics, and location. They are four very different choices, but there’s a little something for everyone.


Upstairs at the Kimberly
Cuisine type: The hotel’s penthouse-level bar and lounge is always good for cocktails, and also serves a daily weekday breakfast buffet and an a la carte weekend brunch menu. The sweet and savory lounge menu features a wide array of seafood delicacies, from lobster to yellowfin tuna, as well as non-seafood items like mini-burgers and stuffed mushrooms. The brunch menu has inventive takes on eggs and waffles, and imaginative salads. 
Average price for entree: $20
The view: The Kimberly’s rooftop makes for a dreamy Gotham night under starry skies in an intimate, classy setting that feels like you’ve discovered a secret hideaway. It’s just high enough to feel as though you’re floating amidst the cityscape, and includes a breathtaking view of the Chrysler Building.
Other unique features: Ivy-covered walls, cushioned seats, and lots of nooks and crannies to cozy up with a drink. It has three different indoor/outdoor atmospheres and heated floors for winter.

Upstairs at the Kimberly 
145 E 50th St., 31st Floor (btw Lexington Ave and 3rd Ave)
212-702-1600


Patroon
Cuisine type: Contemporary American cuisine, with a menu that features everything from veal to chicken to seaweed accents, and a highlight is the 35-day aged steak selections.
Average price for entree: $35
The view: Patroon’s outdoor dining area is more about smokes, drinks, and corporate schmoozing than an atmosphere to unwind and nestle into cushioned chairs. The outdoor bar and cocktail tables have business written all over them. Owned by restaurateur Ken Aretsky, Patroon is just finishing up an overhaul to their outdoor seating area.
Other unique features: Patroon has a humidor for cigar aficionados. 
Patroon
160 E. 46th St.
212-883-7373


Porter House New York
Cuisine type: Upscale American cuisine, including premium seafood and raw bar offerings, signature steakhouse salads and sides and the succulent steaks hand-cut on-site daily.
Average price for entree: $44
The view: A handsome atmosphere exudes luxury and warmth through the polished cherry wood bar at the entry and sweeping panoramic views of Central Park throughout the main dining room. 
Other unique features: Chef Lomonaco’s signature is Chili Rubbed Brandt Natural Rib Eye aged 45 days. All steaks can be accompanied by one of Chef Lomonaco’s house-made sauces.
Porter House New York
10 Columbus Circle, at 59th St., 4th floor of the Time Warner Center
212-823-9500

Upper Elm 
Cuisine type: Serves snacks and cocktails such as Pomegranate Russian Mule, made with Russian standard vodka, molasses and ginger. The mixologist is Johnny Swet from Jimmy, Cole’s, and Rogue & Canon. 
Price for cocktail: $10-$14
The view: Located on the 8th floor, this open air lounge (with retractable roof) offers serene views of the Manhattan skyline and overlooks McCarren Park. 
Other unique features: Includes a rotating series of local and international DJs under the stars. 
Upper Elm 
160 N. 12th St., Brooklyn
718-218-1088 


Riverpark 
Cuisine type: Modern American, reflecting Tom Colicchio’s sensibilities. Highlights farmers market ingredients.
Average price for entree: $32.
The view: Beautiful views of the East River. 
Other unique features: The Terrace offers a more casual outdoor experience, with picnic tables, while the patio offers a more refined setting. Both are outdoor spaces. The casual, family-friendly farm dinner menu changes daily depending on the farm harvest.
Riverpark
450 E 29th St.
212-729-9790

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