The Resy Guide to Outdoor Dining in New York

Beautiful Backyards

The Lower East Side’s worst-kept “secret” garden is not one to miss in your outdoor rotation. Antique furniture from wicker chairs to “wedding banquet” tables act as your charming backdrop while you tuck into the daily curry, or whatever Thai deliciousness Wayla has in reserve to brighten your day.

Because Cafe Spaghetti’s backyard is where you’re going to want to be. (The front patio is very nice, too.) Start with an extra-refreshing sfumato pineapple aperitivo, order the spiedini alla Romana (the Italians’ answer to grilled cheese), and go big on the pastas — if the ravioli’s on the menu, do not skip it.

Modeled after the tried-and-true Brauhäuser (brewery restaurants) of Cologne, Loreley Beer Garden delivers on its outdoors biergarten experience. Think beer from the oldest brewery in the world, boozy hot chocolate, frozen espresso martinis, giant pretzels, and a heated garden that feels like a proper oasis.

See also: Our guide to the best beer halls and breweries in New York.

Lush greenery, decorative birdcages, and hanging flower pots surround you when you step outside into the lovely backyard patio here, and it’s the perfect backdrop for FOB’s delicious Filipino fare, which hearkens back to chef Armando Litiatco’s family memories of Sunday barbecues, the kind where pork adobo is marinated overnight and shrimp gets cooked in 7-Up.

Because Faun’s extremely lovely garden patio may be Prospect Heights’ best-kept secret. Lush in the warmer days, heated when it’s cold, the patio is one cozy nook made even cozier by the Italian-leaning fare Faun deals in: taleggio and potato croquettes, hamachi crudo with black radish, and incredible seasonal pastas.

Magical — that’s the best way to describe a dinner under the stars in the lovely backyard garden at this Michelin-starred spot in Soho. The food coming out of the kitchen only enhances the experience, with exceptional fine dining from chefs Mary Frances Attea and Camari Mick. If and when reservations allow for you to book a table in the garden, don’t sleep on the opportunity.

Note: The garden at The Musket Room reopens in late April.

You’ll definitely want a seat on the brick-framed patio at this warm Williamsburg Italian restaurant, where housemade pasta from veteran chef Gary Tackett is a specialty. Don’t leave without the eponymous ammazzacaffè, or coffee-killer — a shot of amaro or something equally spirited to soften the caffeine effect.

Note: The uncovered garden at Popina will fully open on May 1.

Housemade labneh, halloumi skewers, and an excellent brick chicken are sometimes best shared and devoured in Miss Ada’s extra nice covered back garden. The modern Israeli food is always on point and there’s something about eating it al fresco that simply feels right, especially when there’s wine on the table (the list veers natural and is very fun).

Persian tapas, excellent cocktails, and a dance party presided over by a disco ball are but some of the things this gem of a late-night haunt has to offer. Luckily, Williamsburg’s Masquerade has an A+ patio, too — string lights, waterproof coverings, plants, and all — with room for 50 people should you want to celebrate in numbers.

Good news: This Brooklyn Heights all-day fixture has kept its perfect garden and roadside seating all season. And with Resys from 9 a.m. till late, you can drop by Pineapple Street whenever it best suits you: for breakfast burritos in the morning, freshly pressed paninis in the afternoon, or the full-fledged Italian menu at night.

Silvia Barban’s charming Italian restaurant right by Fort Greene Park has a variety of outdoor dining options, from a sturdy outdoor dining gazebo out front to a serene covered backyard garden. Don’t sleep on Barban’s signature smoked spaghetti aglio e olio, or the luscious agnolotti del plin, filled with braised beef and chicken, and accented with black lime and sage.

The backyard at Bar Vinazo is a big draw and idyllic backdrop for their menu of Spanish wines, conservas, and tapas.

We’d argue that The Modern’s Terrace, which is located in the MoMA’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, is one of the most serene backyards of any that you’ll find in the heart of midtown Manhattan. It’s also an ideal spot to try the a la carte Bar Room menu: think caviar hot dogs (yes, really), marinated octopus with brussels sprout salad, and lobster tagliolini. Don’t sleep on desserts, either, especially the coconut gelato with roasted pineapple.

Note: Gilligan’s reopens for the season on May 1.

Light(er) bites, refreshing cocktails, and wine on tap always make for a good meal, and that’s only enhanced by the lovely backyard space at Baba Cool’s Williamsburg location. In the warmer months, it’s not unusual to join in on a game of pétanque, and whether you do or not, be sure to order yourself some broccoli rabe toast and tahini brussels sprouts.

Bricolage boasts a lush backyard full of repurposed wood, plants, and vintage TVs; this is one of the most coveted patios around, but it only plays second to what’s coming out of the kitchen: Vivid Vietnamese fare from a team that came out of San Francisco’s notorious Slanted Door. Pro tip: The summer rolls are required eating, especially on the patio if you can swing it.

This cool-kid Gowanus hub for vegan plates and playful cocktails is also home to a lovely tree-lined garden that’s pitch perfect for outdoor dining. Do check out their sound room schedule for DJs and other artists galore, too.

The gorgeous modern Japanese design that you find inside Rule of Thirds also extends to its peaceful and serene outdoor patio space. While you’re there, do order skewers aplenty and some cocktails while you’re at it. If you happen to be there for brunch, the soufflé pancakes are a must.

Even in a summer downpour, the backyard at Falansai feels like an oasis, and the food coming out of the kitchen is well worth plenty of repeat visits. Falansai turns heads with an electric array of Vietnamese American dishes from former Blue Hill chef Eric Tran that highlight fermentation, house-made charcuterie, and local purveyors. This summer, the backyard is now known as the Bia Garden and it’s walk-ins only, making it a perfect stop to grab a drink or a bite to eat on your way to a show, or on your way home.

Cheese pull to your heart’s content in the great outdoors at the Chelsea location of Georgian restaurant Chama Mama. The Adjaruli khachapuri, a traditional kind of cheesy bread boat, is a huge draw, but the kebab and khinkali (Georgian-style dumplings) are just as worth a visit. Their backyard is both covered and heated, so you’re set no matter what mother nature decides to throw at you.

Eat your way through the ever-rotating menu of Chinese American bites at Silver Apricot. If it’s available, do know that the scallion puffs and scallop XO fried rice are required eating. For those feeling more adventurous, their “just trust us” menu ($88 per person) is also a superb way to spend an evening. Even better? Their cozy back garden is open year-round.

Idyllic Sidewalk Setups and Patios

A Chelsea fixture, Cookshop remains a go-to for lunch, brunch, and dinner, pulling the absolute best produce from the farmers market. Do book an enclosed and heated patio table, set right on 10th Avenue for your people-watching needs.

Ignacio Mattos’ elegant Italian-inspired caffé in Rockefeller Center boasts some very nice terrazzo seating, stunning dark chocolate croissants, fresh ricotta and mozzarella made in-house daily, and ice cream churned to order. Come for breakfast, dinner, and everything in between.

Snack on “cheap dates” (see what we did there?), fattoush, charred eggplant, and kibbeh in the sun at Huda’s patio. There’s plenty to love at this lovely, thoughtful Levantine restaurant, but the breezy cocktails are particularly worth the trip, especially when it’s nice out.

Note: Huda’s patio opens for the season on May 1.

At this sophisticated restaurant under the 59th Street Bridge, you’ll find New York-Italian classics from longtime restaurateur and chef Pino Luongo (Coco Pazzo Trattoria). Think housemade pastas like rigatoni buttera made with hot and sweet sausages, peas, and cream; and house specials like sole with capers and a generous Berkshire pork chop. The outdoor terrace is a lovely retreat.

The outdoor setup at Il Buco reflects the restaurant’s long-held position as the utmost master of rustic aesthetic and cuisine. Worn wooden tables and chairs and even still life paintings have been installed on the sidewalk to complement salumi plates, seasonal salads, and roasted meats.

Hotel Eventi’s Back Bar has a patio perfect for people watching. Sip your Yuzu 75 or your Desert Paloma while you indulge in their burger and a healthy serving of housemade gelato or sorbet. If they have it, the pistachio-orange marmalade is worth the brain freeze 10 times over.

Sip your French wines and snack on a niçoise salad and a lovely veal chop served with cabbage and beets at the lovely greenery-lined La Mercerie patio. Its prime location on Howard Street makes it ideal for watching the hustle and bustle of the city go by.

This Mediterranean gem has been a Fort Greene staple since 2005 for good reason. Its corner location of Lafayette and Adelphi makes for ample alfresco square footage in the warmer months to enjoy dips, soups, salads, patatas bravas, and all kinds of paella. Pro tip: Olea is especially friendly to vegans, so come one, come all.

If you’ve still had trouble getting into Ci Siamo, know you’re in luck: The restaurant has finally opened its second-floor patio for walk-ins for dinner, and limited reservations available for lunch daily. Now you can feast on their exceptional pastas and desserts to your heart’s delight, al fresco, of course.

Chef Alex Raij’s elegant Cobble Hill fisherie has covered alfresco seating, and you’re going to want to grab a Resy for a smattering of snacks (whipped mackerel pâté, head-on shrimp with yuzu mayo), chilled dishes like octopus with pipian verde and roasted tomatillo juice, and hot plates such as squid à la plancha and cod pot pie. Do not disregard the Spanish-leaning cocktails, sherry, and coastal European wines, too.

Wood-fired flatbreads topped with sautéed ackee and shrimp or braised oxtail, tropical-leaning cocktails, plus vegan items like whole roasted cauliflower with jerk sauce, are some of the hits this excellent Caribbean spot has to offer. A patio decked out for all seasons makes it all the more alluring.

One of the toughest tables to score in the entire city has a seasonal walk-in only outdoor dining patio that has 32 seats, a full bar, and access to the full menu.

It’s tough to emulate the cozy charm of Red Hook Tavern’s main dining room, but their outdoor dining setup certainly comes close, with beautifully appointed rugs, mood lighting, and plenty of fresh flora and fauna to surround you. With the nicer weather, who wouldn’t want to enjoy their esteemed burger and a glass of wine al fresco? P.S. Their new beef on weck is a mighty new addition to the menu, too.

Should you find yourself in Midtown and wanting to dine al fresco, Avra near Rockefeller Center is a solid choice. The sidewalk patio is very expansive by New York standards (more than 100 seats) and the Mediterranean fare at Avra is ideal for spring and summertime dining: fresh fish, grilled octopus, spritzes, and Greek wines included.

Across the way from Ci Siamo, you’ll find Chez Zou, which also has its own seasonal outdoor patio that’s the perfect setting for trying out their inventive lineup of cocktails. Pro tip: When it’s open, you can request to be seated on the patio when making your reservation on Resy.

The people watching alone is reason enough to come to Le Dive, but the compact menu of natural wines and French classics (steak frites or mushroom paté, anyone?) makes this a worthwhile spot to see and be seen. The sidewalk setup here will make you feel as though you’re back in Paris, and with the doors wide open you’ll feel like you’re outside, even when you’re sitting inside.

Jac’s on Bond takes full advantage of the idyllic cobblestoned Bond Street with a seasonal sidewalk setup that makes it easier than ever to check out one of the city’s buzziest cocktail spots.

Stellar views of the East River aside, Riverpark’s terrace feels about as close to eating in a public park as you can get— if public parks were about 10 times more luxurious. There’s greenery, plenty of room to spread out, and even picnic tables. Pro tip? Go during happy hour (weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m.) for their chicken wings and Champagne deal, which includes a half bottle of Pierre Moncuit and six wings for $50.

Waterfront and Rooftop Views

Laser Wolf lays claim to what might be, arguably, one of the most ideal outdoor dining setups in the city. It boasts epic views of the Manhattan skyline from its perch atop the Hoxton hotel in Williamsburg and, to top it all off, it’s got some stellar cooking from acclaimed chef Michael Solomonov, too. Here you’ll find a bounty of Israeli-style grilled meats and perfect salatim, ideal for sharing.

The views from this indoor/outdoor hotel rooftop bar couldn’t be nicer, and the food, from the same dynamic duo behind Chez Ma Tante and Le Crocodile, is pretty exceptional, too. Better yet, for the spring and summer season, Bar Blondeau is offering a Sunset Hour special Sundays through Thursdays from 5 pm until sunset, with discounted cocktails ($11) and a half dozen oysters served with a martini ($35).

See also: Our guide to the best rooftop bars and restaurants in New York.

Onboard this beautiful wooden sailboat the skyline views are pretty tough to beat at Tribeca’s favorite oyster bar. It’s one of the best spots for sunset drinks, ice-cold martinis, and bivalves on ice. Oh, and don’t sleep on the lobster rolls.

Note: Grand Banks reopens for the season on April 15.

Waterfront dining in the West Village is perfected at this outdoor dining venue with stunning views of the Hudson River. While you’ll certainly want to drift in (see what we did there) for the unbeatable views, do stay for the top-notch cocktails and the seafood-centric menu; we’re especially partial to the caviar hash brown or the fish tacos.

Note: Drift In reopens for the season on April 19.

Aboard this stunning racing boat from the 1920s you’ll find a crowd that ready to have fun, as well as plenty of oysters, killer cocktails, and buttery lobster rolls. The views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge Pier are unbeatable, too.

Note: Pilot reopens for the season on April 22.

With palm trees in the sand and the shade of a palapa, you might think you’re in Tulum, that is, until you spot the Manhattan skyline in the background. Welcome to this modern Mexican restaurant and lounge on Governor’s Island — which, as it happens, has three locations in the real Tulum as well.

Note: GITANO Island reopens for the season in May.