25 Fab Places to Dine Outdoors in NYC This Spring

Photo: Babbo                                                                                              

Babbo (110 Waverly Place, NYC, 212-777-0303 , babbonyc.com)

Wind down in the West Village with a bowl of pasta and a quartino of wine in the "Giardino di Babbo". Two covered patios and additional curb-side seating provide 16 tables for dining outdoors.

Bonsaii at Concorde Hotel New York (127 E 55th St, NYC, concordehotelnewyork.com)

A cozy restaurant and tapas bar, Bonsaii, is located at the rear of the hotel’s lobby and offers guests and the public alike a unique breakfast and lunch menu before transitioning into a tapas wine bar at 5pm, pairing small dishes with a global wine list. Bonsaii has a charming outdoor courtyard that accommodates 26 guests. 

Carmine’s (Times Square: 200 West 44th St, 212-221-3800, UWS: 2450 Broadway, NYC, 212-362-2200, carminesnyc.com)

Family-style Italian restaurant Carmine's offers covered outdoor seating at both their iconic Times Square and original Upper West Side location. Enormous family-style servings of their signature dishes like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Penne Alla Vodka, and Lasagna are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it an ideal destination for groups.

The Clam (420 Hudson Street, NYC, 212-242-7420, theclamnyc.com)

A West Village neighborhood favorite, The Clam serves up market-driven seafood offerings. The covered patio and street cafe allows guests to indulge in fresh seafood fare while enjoying a meal al fresco.

Photo: Dagon                                                                                              

Dagon (2454 Broadway, NYC, 212-873-2466, dagonnyc.com)

Located on 91st Street and Broadway, Dagon provides a Mediterranean oasis to relax this springtime. Sidewalk seating and the covered cafe are decorated with a plethora of plants and twinkle lights.

Hortus NYC (271 5th Ave, NYC (646) 858-3784, hortusnyc.com)

Hortus NYC  is a stylish, modern Asian restaurant that emphasizes a design-forward atmosphere with a menu of carefully curated dishes that blend the flavors of Southeast Asia. The menu, designed by Executive Chef Lenny Moon takes diners on an eclectic culinary adventure as he infuses pan-Asian flavors with European techniques. The restaurant features a bi-level dining room and a removable glass-enclosed hidden garden with A/C to ensure customers can enjoy a meal in the picturesque space regardless of the weather. The garden seats up to 20 guests.   

Jaz (813 9th Ave, NYC, (917) 675-7440, jazindiancuisine.com)

Jaz offers homestyle, northern Indian cuisine in a hospitable atmosphere in Hell’s Kitchen, where owner Jaz Rupall greets every guest as though they are visiting her home. The restaurant has a great selection of seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes, all prepared with a homemade flair. Jaz also offers a selection of artisanal cocktails and a wine program that includes approachably priced selections by the glass and by the bottle. Jaz offers outdoor dining accommodating up to 20 guests.

Jungsik (2 Harrison St, NYC, (212) 219-0900, jungsik.com)

Jungsik is the internationally acclaimed, La Liste 2022 recipient, and two-starred Michelin restaurant that was first to introduce New Korean cuisine to New York. Jungsik highlights a seven-course signature menu and a five-course seasonal menu with supplemental options available as well as wine pairings and craft cocktails. For outdoor dining, the restaurant has designed five dining cabins for parties of up to six guests.  

Limani New York (45 Rockefeller Plaza, NYC, (212) 858-9200, limani.com)

Limani New York is the stunning Greek-Mediterranean dining destination located in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Helmed by Executive Chef-Partner M.J. Alam (Estiatorio Milos), Limani creates a truly exceptional experience for its guests, highlighting clean Mediterranean flavors spotlighting whole fish flown in daily from the Mediterranean. Outdoor dining can be enjoyed with a great view of Rockefeller Center. Seating available for up to 46 guests. 

Little Owl (90 Bedford Street, NYC, 212-741-4695, thelittleowlnyc.com)

The Greenwich Village corner gem (for over 15 years) is offering covered outdoor seating where guests can relish the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Photo: Lupa                                                                                                

Lupa (170 Thompson Street, NYC, 212-982-5089, luparestaurant.com)

Located in Greenwich Village, this popular Roman trattoria offers a gorgeous outdoor seating area which boasts the same Italian authenticity of the restaurant. Guests can sit next to vibrant green plants while twirling strands of pasta and sipping on an Aperol Spritz, making them feel as though they are on the streets of Rome if only for a brief moment.

Lucciola (621 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC, 347-536-1335, lucciolanyc.com)

Fine-dining Italian restaurant Lucciola has 12 Alvantor bubble tents, which are air conditioned, waterproof, and wind-resistant. They can comfortably seat up to eight guests for a cozy and comforting meal.

Marathi (200 Church Street, NYC, 212-227-5100, marathinyc.com)

Greek bistro Marathi offers an impressive outdoor seating thanks to its strategic location in Tribeca. The outdoor patio features five "cabanas" overlooking Church Street, which can comfortably hold six guests each and can also be connected to host larger groups. Facing Duane Street, guests can enjoy the sunny open-air curbside seating.

Marseille (630 Ninth Ave, NYC, 212-333-2323, marseillenyc.com)
Now in its 21st year, Hell's Kitchen favorite and French brasserie Marseille offers plentiful outdoor seating. Their 50-seat partitioned sidewalk cafe is outfitted with greenery, and curbside seating under a chic awning also lines the perimeter.

The Mary Lane (99 Bank Street, NYC, 212-597-9099, themarylanenyc.com)

West Village newcomer, The Mary Lane, features signature seasonal fare in a bright, airy dining room surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. For those who prefer to eat al fresco, The Mary Lane offers comfortable outdooring seating for guests to enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Market Table (54 Carmine Street, NYC, 212-255-2100, markettablenyc.com)

Located on the corner of Carmine and Bedford Streets, Market Table offers an optimal view of village life. The restaurant’s covered outdoor seating offers maximum comfort while guests enjoy seasonal American fare.

Photo: The Mermaid Inn                                                                          

The Mermaid Inn (UWS: 570 Amsterdam Ave, 212-799-7400, Greenwich Village: 89 MacDougal St, 212-260-0100, themermaidnyc.com)

Casual seafood restaurant The Mermaid Inn offers the perfect destination for everything from drinks and light bites, to a full meal of seafood favorites. Their Upper West Side restaurant offers extensive covered outdoor seating, and their Greenwich Village Oyster Bar offers both covered curbside and sidewalk seating.

Nice Matin (201 West 79th Street, NYC, 212-873-6423, nicematinnyc.com)

Nice Matin is an Upper West Side staple and has been around for 18 years – proving that it’s more than worth the trip. Two street-side cafes outside of the classic French bistro offer the perfect outdoor set-up to enjoy a leisurely meal.

Nina’s Great Burrito Bar (522 Columbus Ave, NYC, 212-724-5151, ninasgreatburritobar.com)

For almost 30 years, The Great Burrito was one of the most popular mom and pop restaurants on the Upper West Side. Its legions of fans spanned generations and people buzzed about Nina’s Mexican home cooking. Now Nina is in full swing at its new location, and once again upper west side residents are filling the seats. Outdoors houses 60 seats on the sidewalk and in a curbside shed.

noreetuh (128 1st Ave, NYC, (646) 892-3050 noreetuh.com)

noreetuh, the Michelin-recognized modern Hawaiian restaurant, with influences from Asia and the Pacific Rim. The menu was designed by Executive Chef-Partner Chung Chow (Per Se, Lincoln Restaurant), a native Hawaiian and does not include any of tiki kitsch. noreetuh’s outdoor seating area accommodates up to 20 guests.  

Oliva (3229 Broadway at 130th Street, NYC, 917-522-9830, olivatapas.com)

Chef Franklin Becker’s Spanish tapas bar Oliva showcases traditional favorites, fun spins on classic dishes, and premium-level products sourced from Spain. Located adjacent to Manhattanville Market within Columbia University’s Jerome L. Greene Science Center, a select number of small tables are offered for outdoor dining, providing the perfect destination for summer dining while enjoying a range of Spanish food and beverages that emulate the easygoing European lifestyle.

Photo: Portale                                                                                                  

Portale (126 West 18th Street, NYC, 917-781-0255, portalerestaurant.com)

Portale in Chelsea invites guests to enjoy a contemporary Italian meal in a relaxed and convivial setting, offering a covered patio outdoors. Exploring the many regions of Italy, their menu also takes inspiration from seasonally driven fare. Photos: Linked Here

Socarrat Paella Bar Chelsea (259 West 19th Street, 212-461-1000, socarratnyc.com/Chelsea/)

The popular Spanish food destination, Socarrat in Chelsea on 19th Street offers seating at their lovely backyard patio where they transport guests immediately to Spain. Open for dinners from 4 pm to 10 pm daily, and for brunches on Saturday and Sundays from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Chef Lolo Manso offers not only their signature paellas but an array of authentic tapas, desserts, and fan-favorite sangrias and Spanish cocktails which are perfect for the season.

Tasca (505 Columbus Ave, NYC, (212) 362-2211, tasca-nyc.com)

At Tasca, the focus is on the Iberian Peninsula in Spain, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, a melting pot of Spanish-Caribbean flavors, showcasing how the flavors from the related cultures can work together in new and interesting ways. The sprawling multi-level space provides two more dining rooms downstairs which includes a wine room for special events. For outdoor dining, Tasca’s outdoor dining accommodates up to 30 guests.  

Vineapple (71 Pineapple St, Brooklyn, (347) 799-1035 vineapple.cafe)

Vineapple Cafe, the Bohemian-Chic Neighborhood Café and Restaurant located in Brooklyn Heights is an all-day café infused with an enoteca-style restaurant by night. Vineapple fuses New-American and Italian-leaning cuisine, featuring seasonal, locally sourced, responsibly raised, and harvested ingredients. Vineapple has an outdoor garden which seats up to 18 guests. It features a neighborhood-centric mural revealing the restaurant’s ties to the family and its Brooklyn Heights home.